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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

I’ve just asked my partner to leave. Am I in the right?

54 replies

Sj325 · 17/01/2019 18:35

Background - I’ve been with my current partner 3 years and am 7 months pregnant with my 3rd, his 1st child. I have 2 DC’s from my previous relationship. He hasn’t moved into mine yet but stays over most of the week (between 5/6 nights) although, he’s in the process of moving all his things to mine to move in at the end of the month.

He got a new MacBook about a month ago and literally any spare time he has is spent on the laptop playing some football manager game. I’m not exaggerating when I say this. He has even “worked from home” all this week as apparently his skin is very sore (he suffers from eczema) and the air con in his office aggravates it. He’s worked in the same office since we met and it’s never been an issue before. I honestly think he’s using it as an excuse so he can sit and play this game all day.

Yesterday I asked him to pick up DC’s from after school care as I was running a bit late and also had to pick up a prescription from the doctors as the midwife had phoned me yesterday afternoon and said my bloods had come back and I was anaemic. He was at my place “working” anyway so I thought he may have offered to get the kids as the school is literally across the road from where I live.

Anyway, this morning my youngest saw that he was working from home again and asked him if he was picking them up again today from ASC. He asked if she wanted him to and she said no. I never hear this but he told me about it later on. They used to have such a good relationship but he’s barely paid her any attention this past month as he’s been so engaged in his laptop. This afternoon he sent me a text saying he was just going to stay at his own place tonight as he was “a bit miffed” at what the little one said to him this morning and wants to give her some space. I replied saying I didn’t think it was space she needed, but maybe some engagement from him e.g. instead of sitting on his laptop constantly and barely engaging in conversation with us, maybe we could have a games night or watch a movie together. I said I think she’s also disengaged with him as lately all she sees me running around like a blue arsed fly constantly and literally doing everything in the house while he just sits there on his laptop and she’s picking up on this. No reply.

When I got home me and the kids literally stepped foot in the door and he was there, with his jacket on, laptop in hand saying bye as that was him going. He had stayed till I got in as I didn’t take keys with me this morning then couldn’t get out the door quick enough. Just before he was about to go I told him not to bother coming back as he’s making me and now it seems, the kids miserable. Tbh this has been on the cards for weeks as I’ve seen how lazy and selfish he can be and it’s making me miserable. He didn’t even acknowledge what I said, just looked at me and left.

Last week I had to go for a liver scan as my liver function tests kept coming back abnormal. I went to the see the midwife on Monday for the results but he didn’t come with me. Turns out they found 2 x 2cm solid lesions on my liver so I phoned him after the appointment to tell him. He didn’t seem that fussed and even when I got him that night he never mentioned it and hasn’t since. I’ve tried to bring it up a couple of times but his face is stuck in the laptop and he’s more or less ignored me.

I’ve been feeling like shut and worried all week because of it and he seems totally uninterested. Then he decides that because there seems to be an issue with youngest DD, he’s just going to retreat to his bolt hole instead of trying to address it.

Was I wrong to tell him not to come back? I just feel like I’d be better off on my own.

OP posts:
Womanreadingletter · 18/01/2019 09:21

I think you've hit the nail on the head there op re:actions not words and think Qcng's reply is good.

You'd think he'd try harder for the sake of his baby-to-be.

What a shit time you are having and what a shit time for him to let you down. Sad Angry

magoria · 18/01/2019 09:23

Of course he loves you. He gets to sit and enjoy himself while you run yourself ragged doing everything.

I would love you if I lived with you too!

WhoKnewBeefStew · 18/01/2019 09:42

As bugger that... it’ll be a happier, calmer environment for you and the dc without him. There’s nothing worse than having someone who ‘should’ pull their weight, who doesn’t

Loughers · 18/01/2019 09:51

He's making you dump him so that he avoids the guilt of doing the action himself....

BarbarianMum · 18/01/2019 10:11

YANBU to make him leave but it doesnt sound like he's changed that much at all tbh. So I wouldnt put too much hope into him metamorphising into a great dad or partner once the bay is born.

BIWI · 18/01/2019 10:20

I think you were right to chuck him out.

But.

If I were you, I'd give him ONE chance. Tell him why you've don't it - not just the laptop (that's the 'icing' on the cake), but about his lack of engagement with you, your DC and equally importantly, his share of the household chores.

(I have to ask you why you were doing everything before though?!)

If he doesn't get it, then it's definitely over. And even if he does get it, I'd only carry on the relationship - assuming that you do of course - if he demonstrates the fact that he's realised it and prepared to change.

The only reason I'd say this, though, is because there's a baby on the way, and you will (presumably he wants to?) have him involved in your life for a long time now. This could just be the wake up call that he needs.

Gotthetshirt23 · 18/01/2019 10:34

So he got waited on hand and foot ...
Unlimited affection... food ... drink ... WiFi
Clean clothes ....
What does he contribute?

Clutterbugsmum · 18/01/2019 11:45

Sounds like he had to make his own dinner last night and suddenly realised his maid was no longer working for him.

I'd just text back "your belongings will be bagged up and outside the front door at X time. and ask him to return any of yours and your belongings which may be at his house and your house keys if he has them".

GreenFingersWouldBeHandy · 18/01/2019 11:51

When he’s here she sits in her bedroom most of the time.

This is all you need to say.

You've definitely done the right thing. She wants time with her Mum, not sharing time with some idiot with his face in a laptop all the time.

You are much better off doing this now before he moves in properly. Well rid!

PickledChutney · 18/01/2019 12:21

@Sj325 pretty sure I'm not the one being idiotic here tbh. Having read some more of the thread, you've admitted that he was a lazy man child before you got pregnant. Why would you then decide to have a child with him? Unfortunately your behaviour is not even unique in the current social climate.

glitterfarts · 18/01/2019 12:46

Yep, glad you have got rid, and I hope you put your kids first and keep him gone.

Sounds like your DD will flourish without him there. How sad that she felt she had to hide in her room.

Definitely don't have the man-child back or let him move in. You'd be his slave. So unattractive. Be wary - he'll promise the world, but hasn't delivered in the past and someone who thinks it's fine to behave this way won't be able to maintain any changes to his thinking.

Sj325 · 18/01/2019 13:08

@PickledChutney My behaviour? What exactly is my behaviour? Have you never heard of an unplanned pregnancy? Does this not happen in your perfect world, no? Or are you suggesting that even if it was an unplanned pregnancy, that I got rid of it because of HIS behaviour?

And for the record - I’m perfectly capable, and financially secure enough to bring up 3 children on my own. Are you suggesting that I and other single parents, aren’t?

OP posts:
NotTheFordType · 18/01/2019 15:12

Just ignore PickledChutney, she's hoicked up her judgey pants so much that she's given herself a wedgie.

Sounds like you and your DC will all be happier without this manchild. I wouldn't be optimistic about him becoming a decent parent. I think you need to assume you'll be operating on your own.

EKGEMS · 18/01/2019 15:23

Oh back off Pickledchutney do you have a time machine to go reverse the course of the universe? What's done is done! OP I'm sending you positive thoughts about your liver lesion. I was diagnosed with early stage 1a breast cancer just before my 43rd birthday and after surgery,radiation and hormone therapy I'm cancer free. Early detection with treatment means so very much now! My DH was there the entire time. He was t perfect and we had a blazing fight over his lack of even a cheap anniversary present during it but at least I could rely on him. You're going to need support and care during the birth and biopsy and results-do you have friends and support in real life? Best of luck

EKGEMS · 18/01/2019 15:23

Wasn't perfect

weleasewoderick22 · 18/01/2019 16:19

Just ignore PickledChutney, she's hoicked up her judgey pants so much that she's given herself a wedgie.

This made me chuckle Smile

weleasewoderick22 · 18/01/2019 16:25

Hit post too soon!

OP, you are amazing. You've seen the situation for what it is and taken action. Sometimes it's just easier on your own, I've been married ( and divorced) twice and I have never felt as lonely as when I was with them. You're very tuned in to your ds's needs and realise that the situation is having a detrimental effect on them.

Good luck with you liver problem and the baby

notapizzaeater · 18/01/2019 16:51

He's not bring8ng anything to the relationship, I bet you hardly miss him.

Knittedgnome · 18/01/2019 17:04

Give it a rest pickled.

Nunya · 18/01/2019 17:39

Why was he being waited on hand and foot to begin with? So he’s “a bit miffed” about what your dd said but didn’t bother to ask her why or have a conversation about it with her? Of course you feel like you’d be better off on your own, it doesn't sound like he is contributing at all. Your daughter’s actions are very telling also, OP and as you said actions speak louder than words. And you’re 7 months pregnant!? He needs to grow up now!

Bruisetooeasily · 18/01/2019 17:57

I'd an ex like this after dc nothing changed he even spent an entire wage once on a games console n games.
Spent all his time off playing on it surrounded by ashtrays and empty cups
never lifting a finger on chores or baby related care.
What really killed any love was watching him eat dinner I'd made and then get up from table leaving me to clear his place at table/ plate etc
I felt like a servant
I did manage to leave him after much begging and pleading from him not to
All he missed was his free maid

Catscakeandchocolate · 18/01/2019 18:46

Just reply to him that Love is a verb!

It is about action not words!

lifebegins50 · 18/01/2019 19:05

Op, he may think he loves you but probably doesnt know what it means.

It took illness for me to realise Ex was too self centred to love anyone but himself.
He loved me if I gave up my needs or I could only have needs if it suited his agenda. Once I understood that the honeymoon period was an act and the real him didn't love anyone it was easier to move on.
It's never easy though, especially when you are pregnant.
Sadly there are many people like him and they fool many of us. My guess is you are empathic and only "guilty" of trusting someone to act as you would. I never dreamt such exploitative people existed.

Doesn't surprise me that you are a capable woman, he will have been attracted to that.

PickAChew · 18/01/2019 19:09

I hope he a d his mac book will be very happy together. You'll definitely be happier without him.

Baileyswithice1 · 18/01/2019 19:18

I think @lifebegins50 has completely hit the nail on the head. Definitely some sound advice in that response.

@PickledChutney you sound like a snobby twat! What do you mean by OP’s behaviour isn’t unique in the current social climate? The fact she got pregnant to a man who’s not a fucking saint?

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