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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

how can i get DH to treat DC and me with respect and love?

559 replies

frustratedwineaholic · 08/01/2019 13:10

Hi, I am felling really stuck in my relationship. I want to end out marriage but I can't. He will not leave our house and I have been advised by a solicitor not to leave as then I will be unlikely to ever get back into our home or receive any equity from it. This is why I am asking for advice on how to change my husband. I know you can't really change people, they themselves have to want to change but I'm so desperate.

we have 4 dc, only the younger 2 are dh's. they are 12, 10, 6 and 4. DH is usually grumpy and always finds a way to suck the fun out of everything involving the dc. when we have a rare night off he is different, but mostly only if we are with friends. He hates being wrong and can never apologise. he tells the dc not to shout but then shouts at them, he never listens to them, just jumps to conclusions and unfairly punishes them by sending them to bed early, when when i attempt to calmly explain why they did whatever it was and he knows he has over reacted he will not back down, he just becomes angry and starts shouting at me. a few recent examples,
DS2 is like Jeckyl and Hyde, one minute he is the ost loving, cuddly little 6 yr old and he next he just seems to get this look in his eye and he is horrible, he spits, throws things, kicks and hits me and dc, tries to run away all because of the slightest thing like time to close he pet cage. This morning he got up early, he shares a room with DS1, DS1 is in the top bunk and DS2 the bottom, he took his pull up off (diagnosed over active bladder) and threw it at DS1 face then spat at him for no reason. I had an operation yesterday so still under affects of general anaesthetic and was call DS2 to stop, DS1 was shouting Mummy help, I got out of bed, held onto the wall for dizzyness and held DS2 hand puling him away, DH came out o the kitchen and sent both DS to time out, I got cross as DH is always picking on DS1 in my eyes and told him DS1 is not going to time out and DH shouted at me that he was shouting so people down the road could hear, I said he was calling for help as DS2 was throwing a wet nappy at him and spitting at him and DH starting shouting at me for having a go at him and threatened to go to work and leave me to it, it was 6am and DH was going to work late to enable him to do the school run following my operation. I just backed down as I know him well enough to know he would go off and leave me. I had aa major operation 2 years ago and couldn't walk easily or lift anything, he stormed off the following day after an argument and left me unable to eve have a cup of tea. Anyway, he as then in an awful mood, storming about, telling everyone off for the slightest thing, made my DD1 cry as he refused to get her a toilet roll from the cupboard as she should have go it herself before sitting down. in the middle of all this chaos DS2 is still being a total nightmare, he poured salt into the last of the milk so my DS1 lost his temper with DS2 and picked him up from the breakfast bar stool and roughly put him on the floor, DH went mad and DS1 bravely told him he has had enough of being blamed for everything, he said he wont be here later, DH told him he is going to bed early for his mouth.

I can't take anymore, I called a local counselling service to enquire about family counselling but I can't afford it.

Any advice gratefully received.

OP posts:
category12 · 08/02/2019 06:44

I don't think anyone is berating the op. I understand why op offered it, but it's important that she establish boundaries and it's so recent a split that he is extremely likely to kick off if he visited.

Anytime she gives him opportunity to grab a bit of control, he does. Like his reaction to her telling him about leaving.

This is a man who has driven her dd to expressing suicidal thoughts; this is a man she has left before, only to go back. How can she demonstrate her home is now safe and she won't go back to him to the dc, if he's invited back in at the first opportunity? And if he acted out as he's perfectly capable of, it would just be more of the same in a different house, for them.

another20 · 08/02/2019 06:59

I hope that your DS has a lovely birthday today.

category12 · 08/02/2019 08:10

But yes, that too, op. Hope it's a lovely day for your ds.

Weenurse · 08/02/2019 08:22

Congratulations, so proud of you getting your children out of that house.
Love the new sofa safe place.
🍾💐 enjoy

frustratedwineaholic · 08/02/2019 10:01

Thanks for all the continued support.

I bought DS a new bike for his birthday. I have agreed for DH to collect him from school but DS wants to go to the bmx track so DS ride his bike to school then I said I would make sure daddy had it for after school. Anyway, I made the mistake of going back into our old house. I was going to drop the bike off for him and to be honest I wanted to have a nose. Now I feel crap, DH’s wedding ring is placed in the middle of the breakfast bar in the kitchen. It really upset me. I know it’s stupid but I’m still wearing mine, I’m not ready to take it off yet. I left him for the DC, not because I don’t love him. I miss him terribly.

I know I need to dust myself off and get in with it. I just wish I could keep him for myself when the DC aren’t around! I just want to cuddle him. Sad

OP posts:
CocoKoko123 · 08/02/2019 10:18

OP I am concerned with your train of thoughts that you may end up back with him. Remember all the bad things and that the times he was nice/that you believe you still love him are not enough for you to go back.he is an abuser and not only for your dc’s sakes but for your own sakes you are best not being together.you have made the big break now - you just have to see it through. And I agree with others that you shouldn’t let him know where you live let alone come to the house and I would keep away from the marital home also.take your ring off - being decisive and having a clean break is better than holding on to these little things and will help you to move forwards.its common for people to become attached to their abusers-can’t remember the proper term for this but you have just taken a massive leap forwards, don’t start taking steps backwards. Wishing you all the best

user1494670108 · 08/02/2019 11:01

I know it's difficult with your son's birthday and you're trying to do the right thing by everybody but for all of your sakes go for as little contact as possible as soon as possible.
The ring was put there to show you, if I took my ring off I'd put it away somewhere not for n the middle of a surface "on display"

Lifeisnotsimple · 08/02/2019 11:55

Oh op, im afraid he knows just how to play you like a fiddle. The wedding ring was just placed in the kitchen, he knew you would go back to see the house at some point and you fell directly into his trap. Hes such a guilt tripper and manipulating man. Poor old him and there you are back to the start feeling sorry for his ass. I dont understand why you are not angry at him instead of feeling sorry for him, he has driven your daughter to want to kill herself. That is horrific. You,ve done a fab job off getting out, leave it at that, its too early to be playing happy families. In his eyes he controls the show not you, hes game playing and the kids are collateral damage. Set clear strict bounderies, you are now in control and stop second guessing yourself. You can do this!

Fairenuff · 08/02/2019 11:59

It's ok to still love him. It's not ok to have him in your life.

You really need to show your dd that you love her more than him not by everything you say but by everything you do.

At the moment she does not trust you. She thinks you will go back to him or allow him into her life. She is scared of him and she needs you to keep him away from her. If you don't prove to her that you mean it this time, you will cause her a lifetime of damage.

So you really need to decide who is more important. Her or him.

It's hard, no-one is denying that. But you have an amazing dd who needs you to do this now. For her, if you can't do it for yourself.

category12 · 08/02/2019 18:24

Traumatic bonding, I think, is the psychological effect you're thinking of, Coco.

AcrossthePond55 · 08/02/2019 19:03

It would be nice we we could just keep the 'nice him', wouldn't it? But we all know it's just not possible.

Your decision as to let him in the house or not. But you may want to give DD the option of not being there if she's not ready to see him yet.

Just do be aware that he will have been advised by his mates (and possibly his solicitor) to play 'Mr Nice and Sweet' to get you off your guard. It's all along with the 'more flies with honey than vinegar' trap. You will get Mr N&S who will be sooo sad and contrite for a bit to woo you round, then will come an unreasonable or an unfavourable (to you) request whilst playing on your new-found hope that he's changed. If you haven't been sucked in, you will refuse. Then Mr N&S will turn into Mr Mean & Nasty in a nanosecond. So just keep your guard up and regard everything he says and does with a healthy dose of skepticism

Sistersofmercy101 · 08/02/2019 20:37

Because you're a caring decent empathetic person he'll play the victim card to use your emotions to get the power over you that he wants.
This new home is dc1&2s safe space an escape from their emotional abuser - him. Please reconsider letting him into their new home. I know you want to be amicable and avoid conflict but you run the risk of placing yourself and your children at the mercy of a person who threatened to burn down a house rather than let you have it. You have the best of intentions OP but you must maintain your boundaries because your dealing with a controlling emotional abuser! Best wishes to you and your family, you've done amazing and been so brave and strong!!

Weenurse · 08/02/2019 21:34

If you are having a wobble, please go back and read the full thread.
You need to protect your children and keep them safe.
He is still manipulating you.
Stay strong

Eatmycheese · 08/02/2019 21:49

The ring is quite deliberate.
Don’t falter.
Everything happens for a reason.

💐

Zwischenwasser · 09/02/2019 10:22

He’s like the finest lead crystal isn’t he?

You can see right through him.

The ring was so dramatic and obvious. Next time there’ll be a bottle of whiskey and 7 packs of paracetamol for you to ‚‘find‘

He’s jerking your chain and you’re dancing.

And I agree with all the others, DO NOTlet him in your new house. If he wasn’t abusive then yes, but here all bets are off. This wasn’t a normal relationship. He will use it as an excuse to get at you again. Don’t kid yourself that you can be friends with someone who threatens to burn their own house down to get their own way. More to the point why the fuck would you want to be friends with that kind of deadly dangerous loony.

You will get a ton of great advice on here at keeping adequate communications with him for the sake of the children, from some real experts. But always remember — you are not his friend. And he is not your friend.

If you wobble read this thread. Again and again.

thegreylady · 10/02/2019 09:44

I think I would have left my ring beside his to be honest. What a crap hound he is.

Zofloramummy · 10/02/2019 15:07

Is anyone else worried that the OP hasn’t been back?

AcrossthePond55 · 10/02/2019 16:51

Not yet, Zoflora. Weekends can be busy plus it's DS' birthday weekend.

Atalune · 10/02/2019 17:27

Wanted to delurk and just offer my support. You’ve done so so well, it’s incredible. I am in awe.

Undoubtably there will be many more hard days to come. But you have done the right thing.

People don’t change. He will say he will. He won’t.

frustratedwineaholic · 11/02/2019 13:19

Today is one of those hard days.

I’ve been really weak and stupid. As DC 1&2 were away this weekend I let him in for DS2 birthday tea. He ended up staying the night, we had sex, I had to take the morning after pill on Saturday which he went and bought as I was too embarrassed. Saturday evening he came over, ended up having a disagreement about money as I told him I had bought the sofa new, I asked him to leave and he did. He came over again yesterday and stayed last night, we had sex again. I just love him and wanted to find a way to maintain some kind of relationship when DC 1&2 are not around. I know I shouldn’t, I know he has done some horrible things, I’m just really weak.

Just found out I failed my last uni essay. I’m already so far behind, I have decided to quit.

No one should be in awe of me. I’m a walking disaster zone

OP posts:
IDoN0tCare · 11/02/2019 13:27

Your poor children. Seriously OP, I really thought you were going to put them first. My mother repeatedly put my father first and I had to walk away, for my own sanity. It’s you that will reap what you sow, OP, because it looks like he can do whatever the fuck he likes and make your children feel like shit, but so long as you both get what you want, that’s ok. I’m out. The more patient posters can support you from here on in.

Fairenuff · 11/02/2019 13:42

Oh, ok.

So you are putting what you want and what he wants above what your daughter needs then Sad

That's disappointing.

And shocking if I'm going to be honest. Your own daughter wants to kill herself and you just want to have sex with the man that makes her feel like that.

Well, let's face it, you are just as bad as him. Neither of you care about her.

I have no words.

SandyY2K · 11/02/2019 13:49

Don't quit your course. Can you take a break and start next year when things are more settled?

That qualification is for your future. I'm sure if you speak to student services and yell them everything, they'll be able to help.

I'm not going to comment on you sleeping with him. Just ensure you have permanent contraception.

IDoN0tCare · 11/02/2019 13:53

Actually OP, this really is my last comment, but I hope to god you checked that the pill you took was actually the morning after pill and he didn’t hand it to you.

frustratedwineaholic · 11/02/2019 13:59

yes IDoN0tCare, he handed me the box, i had to have a telephone conversation with the chemist.

i know this has been a huge mistake and i'm not planning on continuing it. I understand why you are all so upset with me, but i'm angrier with myself. i lost focus, with dd1 and ds1 not being here. i need to regain my strength and have no contact with him. whoever said it was like an addiction was right.

OP posts:
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