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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

Talk sense to me. This is not ok, is it? How bad is it?

68 replies

Jonsey79 · 07/07/2018 14:15

I almost wish I had a referee overseoverseeing my relationship because once again dh and I have had a blazing row and now he's acting like nothing happened.

This sort of thing happens often but today was especially bad. I'm doubting myself now though. Please tell me, do I sound as unreasonable as he tells me I am? I'm starting to wonder if it's me.

I went into the garage to put a wash on (I do all the laundry and most of the housework). I couldn't get to the washing machine though because he'd dumped the spare car seat in front of it. It's normally in his car but is out at the moment and had been in front of his work bench which no one is allowed to put anything on or obstruct. It's the 4th time this week he's blocked the washing machine by piling stuff against the door because it's been left in the way of his workbench (which he never uses).

After moving it I went inside and said could he please not block the washing machine. I use it daily and it's really annoying. I was visibly irritated but not shouting and I was speaking politely and normally. He shouted. He said I was rude and aggressive and shouldn't have dumped the seat in front of his work bench. I said that the seat belonged in his car anyway and he said that I had no right to say what he should keep in his car, how dare I, etc. I walked away. He texted me some more insults (I was rude, aggressive and unbearable).

Half an hour later our 4yo fell over and cut her knee. She was very upset. As I was sorting her out our 2yo tried to cuddle her but she kicked hee leg out and he wobbled and fell. He wasn't hurt but crying from the shock. Dh was in the next room working out. Both dc sobbing on me at this point, one with a cut knee in need of a plaster. I called out that I needed some help. He didn't come (he was 6m away and could see us).

When the dc were calm and sorted I popped my head around the door and said "thanks for your help there". Yes i was a bit sarcastic. He went mental.

He shouted that he'd called out to ask if I needed help but I didn't answer (couldn't hear him I suppose over 2 crying dc on my lap). He said I'm unbearable, a sanctimonious , he threw a weight on the floor, he went on and on. I didn't reply. The dc were right there. All I kept saying as calmly as I could was "not in front of them, please, not in front of them". He didn't stop. I went to lead them both away just as he stormed out of the room. 4 yo tried to ask him a question and he slammed the door in her face. She burst into tears and ran to me for cuddles.

After a few mins I went in (kids busily occupied in a different room) and calmly told him that we weren't working, we were unhappy and I wanted a divorce. He didn't respond to that part - just began ranting again about how he does everything I want and I'm never happy, I'm unbearable, I'm impossible, etc. I walked away again.

Later on I was having lunch with the dc and he came in. He acted totally normally to them, chatting away as if nothing had happened. He blanked me.

After lunch our 2yo was unsettled. Dh decided he wanted to play outside but I knew he needed a nap. I said "come on, it's nap time" as dh put his shoes on. Dh said to himself "he's going in the garden you stupid fucking idiot" as he put shoes on dc.

I picked up dc and took him off for his nap. I'm in his room with him now and he's fast asleep.

I've already been to see a solicitor. I know what I need to do. But please tell me honestly whether I'm in any way overreacting. I am so upset and angry.

He's behaved like this towards me many times, but not in front of the children.

OP posts:
Jonsey79 · 07/07/2018 14:15

Sorry, didn't mean to write an essay.

OP posts:
AtrociousCircumstance · 07/07/2018 14:18

He’s a total wanker. Divorcing him is the only sensible option.

TigerBubbles · 07/07/2018 14:20

You know you're not overreacting, this relationship is not working. If it's escalated to the point where he is okay doing this in front of, and also involving, the dc then you need to get out for them as well as for you. Hope you're okay OP

bubbles108 · 07/07/2018 14:21

My god. Run. What a twat he is

Gruffalina72 · 07/07/2018 14:24

You are not overreacting. If anything, you are under-reacting. But that is understandable given his gaslighting etc.

I am very glad you've seen a solicitor already. What do you plan to do next about divorcing him given his responses?

He's abusive. You know that though, right?

LizzieSiddal · 07/07/2018 14:26

You are doing the right thing, you don’t want your dc growing up, witnessing him being so nasty. You have to protect yourself and your dc.

Do you think you will be ok today? Would he leave or could you go and stay somewhere for a few days?

HyenaHappy · 07/07/2018 14:27

Dh said to himself "he's going in the garden you stupid fucking idiot"

Honestly, I’ve been with my DH for 12 years and he’s never, not once, spoken to or about me like that.

Absolutely revolting behaviour.

ltk · 07/07/2018 14:30

Get out now. You will be so much happier for it!

Taffeta · 07/07/2018 14:31

Dh said to himself "he's going in the garden you stupid fucking idiot"

Honestly, I’ve been with my DH for 12 years and he’s never, not once, spoken to or about me like that.

^^ This

LTB

Shoxfordian · 07/07/2018 14:32

He's horrible and you're not overreacting
Ltb

Desmondo2016 · 07/07/2018 14:33

Another vote of confidence to do what you already know you need to do

pisces7268 · 07/07/2018 14:33

Sounds like it's argument after argument that's no way to live 😞

Jonsey79 · 07/07/2018 14:33

Thank you for all the replies. The truth is that I'm not ok, but I will put on a convincing show of pretending I am in front of my children.

Unfortunately there's no way he'll go today or any time soon. We relocated here for his work about 12 years ago and my parents are actually coming to stay here tomorrow to look after the children for a few days while our childminder is on holiday.

I feel really trapped and very pissed off with myself for getting myself into this situation. Believe it or not I have quite a senior job (currently working part time but I could go full time again easily). I'm really confident and decisive at work and take no shit, and now here I am skulking in my son's bedroom to avoid dh. I can hear him chatting away to our 4yo. I think they're playing with the lego. What a perfect father he sounds.

OP posts:
0ccamsRazor · 07/07/2018 14:37

Don't doubt yourself Op, he is a cunt.

cordeliavorkosigan · 07/07/2018 14:38

Me too , 15 years and never been spoken to like that. Dh would never ignore hurt children because he was working out , or block something I needed (a washer! Not like your harpsichord.. I'm guessing he likes clean clothes too!)
You are most definitely NOT overreacting
You should leave him. What a twat.

Jonsey79 · 07/07/2018 14:40

I think I need to put it in writing to him that we're splitting up, so he can't dismiss it or deny it.

I'm seeing a different solicitor this week (2 30 min sessions for free!) to get a 2nd opinion and then will go from there.

OP posts:
TellsEveryoneRealFacts · 07/07/2018 14:46

He sounds like he is deliberately baiting you. Yes you do need this to end.

Wellfuckmeinbothears · 07/07/2018 14:49

He’s a dick but honestly I think you’re as as bad as each other. You should break up as your marriage isn’t working on either side.

Gruffalina72 · 07/07/2018 14:50

Good luck with the solicitor. Make sure you are clear with them how extreme his behaviour is - it's coercive control.

If you want to talk to somebody who gets it in the meantime, you can always call Women's Aid (0808 2000 247). Just because he hasn't hit you, doesn't mean he isn't abusing you.

They may also be able to give you some advice on how to get him out, so you'll be armed with information for your solicitor appointment and can hopefully maximise the time.

Btw, I bet he didn't call out to ask if you needed his help. He's just gaslighting you again.

timeisnotaline · 07/07/2018 14:53

I disagree strongly with wellfuckme. He’s a dick. The op is looking after the house, parenting and trying to hold it together. If anything you’re minimising it op and you are right that it’s not working . You will have a little happy moment in your new life every time you go to put the washing on!

Iloveacurry · 07/07/2018 14:58

He’s a dick. You’re doing the right thing. Good luck.

charlestonchaplin · 07/07/2018 15:03

His behaviour is bad but you are not blameless. You are clearly being antagonistic at times and then you appear surprised to get a reaction. Whilst the reaction is uncalled for, you should have expected some sort of reaction, especially considering the state of your marriage.

arranfan · 07/07/2018 15:07

You know this isn't working for either you or your DH and it's emphatically not the environment in which to bring up children.

I'm assuming you've both had individual counselling? If not, have you done Women's Aid Freedom Programme - it can give some people a very useful perspective on the dynamics of their relationship.

Freedom Programme

HyacinthsBucket70 · 07/07/2018 15:07

Keep a diary of all of these incidents. It will show what you're having to live with and kept all texts etc.

And talk to your parents when they're with you. Let them support you through this.

Amshook · 07/07/2018 15:09

You aren’t over reacting in any way. You and the DC will be so much better off not living with the abuse, conflict and provocation he dishes out.

I really recommend getting together a list of bullet pointed info to go through when you see the solicitor. There time is your money and the more to the point you can be the better. When there are any opportunities, also get together important documents and start working on your exit. You can do this. It’s fucking hard but will be so worth it. This is no way to live and you deserve so much more.