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Relationships

Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

Husband's outburst after I refused to go to party.

31 replies

WishfulWanderer · 19/02/2018 17:36

My husband, with whom I have a terrible relationship, and planning a divorce. Told me we have been invited to a big (distant) family 70th party overseas. I have been quiet depressed lately, and not wanted to do anything. I said I don't want to go, he flew off the handle got very angry shouted at me a lot in front of children saying who do you think you are, I'll take the kids without you, how dare you, stop acting like your divorced sister and on. I asked him to please not shout, the children were upset, he then told me I am being a shit, and he's fed up of my behaviour. I said in a quiet voice, please don't be angry, I just don't feel like going, please can't you see it would be unreasonable to force me. He continued shouting then stormed out of the house, leaving the children standing and crying because he was due to take them out. He did come back to get them after my son called him and cried on the phone.
Just looking for people's thoughts am I being unreasonable? I would never expect him or anyone to go somewhere they didn't want to.
Thanks

OP posts:
mathanxiety · 21/02/2018 04:59

Do you have a solicitor, WishfulWanderer?

You need to have a chat with your sol about the plan to take the children out of the country. In many divorce cases, this can only be done with express written permission from the other parent.

If you have any problems from this man, you need to talk to your sol about an occupation order and possibly a non molestation order.

You can contact Women's Aid too, for help and support. The display of rage and the worrying anger mixed with denial would have me worried about my safety and the safety of the children.
www.womensaid.org.uk/the-survivors-handbook/getting-an-injunction/

If you don't have a solicitor, please get one. WA could help with a referral.

For future verbal exchanges where he rages at you, rehearse the phrase in a strong, low voice, "Do not shout at me. I will not respond to shouting." Repeat ad nauseum.

No more 'please don't be angry, I just don't feel like going, please can't you see it would be unreasonable to force me.' I know you are doing your best here, but you need to stonewall him and not engage with what he is saying at all when he rages.

Have you been to see your GP about the depression?
If not, please go and get ADs.
DO NOT tell your stbxh that you are going to see the GP or taking ADs if prescribed.

Continuing to live under the same roof while divorcing will seriously affect your mental health. I cannot over-emphasise how stressful this will be.

I really, really urge you to get an occupation order or to try to move out with the children, but you must talk to a solicitor before making this decision.

SavvyBlancBlonde · 21/02/2018 05:56

Mid-May in the half term or term time? although after that out burst, would you really want the children alone with him for the trip? Would they? Would you trust him to have complete care of them r do you think he would want to show off to his family and let the people you are worried about to care for them.

ApacheEchidna · 21/02/2018 06:19

He wants you to come to the party so that (a) he can pretend to the family that all is well and (b) so that you can cope with the practicalities of childcare and he can enjoy himself.

Of course you shouldn't agree to this.

GummyGoddess · 21/02/2018 11:14

@user1985 How is it normal behaviour to want your STBXW to come on a holiday abroad with you to a family party, and pretend that she is in love with you and everything is fine? It's totally bizarre and makes him look like a child who can't handle his problems.

He doesn't love her so that can't be the reason, if he did he wouldn't fly off the handle and have a tantrum with her for saying she was not going to spend time and money flying abroad with him to play happy families when they are divorcing.

The tantruming and abuse he hurled at her makes it obvious why she wouldn't want to stay with someone like that. He knew he didn't have a leg to stand on so he dragged in other situations, like her sister, so that he could continue his tirade at her and scare his own children.

bluebeau · 21/02/2018 13:21

OP,

how close to you all leaving to the party did you tell him you didn't want to go? it sounds like he was ready to go then you said you wasn't going so he flew of the handle?

He should not of shouted at you or made the kids cry like that. He come back because he felt bad and guilty but it sounds like he shouted because you cancelled last second?

I may be wrong? Hope you sort it out

MrsBertBibby · 21/02/2018 16:28

OP has already said. The party is in May.

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