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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

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AIBU to just want to give up on my marriage? I'm just burnt out on his crap.

134 replies

TriJo · 31/08/2019 13:24

Mid-30s, 8 years with DH, 4 years married and two DCs (3.5 and 19 months).

I'm exhausted.

We both work full time in office based STEM jobs, but after that he does almost nothing at home. I do all the cooking, most of the cleaning, all the laundry, most of the childcare for two very active little boys, take on all the mental load around the house and end up having to facilitate his time consuming hobby. He literally would sit around doing nothing while I'm working my arse off and it's unbelievably annoying.

I've suffered from postnatal depression since the birth of my second child, he literally won't listen when I tell him something is wrong. I've been told "you're ruining my holiday" and had the car radio turned up at me when I told him I was at a low point and he's trying to convince me to come off my meds ever since I commented on side effects. They're actually working, fatigue is a side effect.

He deliberately does things that provoke my anxiety too and tries to blame me afterwards, it's very frustrating. A couple of weeks ago he said we were going for a drive and absolutely refused to tell me where we were going, then started having a go at me for not being prepared for a longer day out than anticipated when we ran out of nappies.

He has also been sexually coercive - there have been quite a few times where he makes me feel like I can't say no. After the birth of our first child he pushed and pushed until I gave in to sex 24 days after the birth, it hurt but he didn't seem to care. He also won't wear condoms or get the snip, I can't do hormonal contraception as it has serious mental health implications for me so I have a copper IUD despite the fact that I bleed to a ridiculous degree with it (I'm veggie and prone to low iron so this causes me issues every month!). When I was breastfeeding our second baby he got a massive breastfeeding fetish and would not stop grabbing my boobs and trying to suck on them and squirt milk on himself even when I clearly said no and asked him to stop. I gave up after 5 months as it was becoming incredibly triggering every time my son latched on.

It just feels like everything in my life is about him and his needs, he's even called me out for "giving the kids too much attention"! He makes financial decisions without asking me and seems to think that "better to beg forgiveness than ask permission" is a life motto. He even threw a shoe at me a couple of weeks ago after I asked him to do a simple thing he didn't want to do, then got into the car and drove off with one of the children and a backpack which had my phone and house keys in it.

I went to visit family with the children last weekend and he was on his best behaviour all week, even talking about house buying at the end of the week. I'm not signing for anything with him but I think he wants to lock me in.

I think I want out but I have no idea where to go from here. None of my family live in the UK and I'm only a year in this city.

OP posts:
Lockheart · 31/08/2019 13:28

So he's emotionally, financially, and physically abusive, and a rapist (coercive sex is rape).

You need to leave. If not for yourself, then your children. You cannot let your children grow up in this environment.

madeyemoodysmum · 31/08/2019 13:31

Crikey. My dh has is faults but reading this he seems a positive angel!

If this is all true as would have to say ltb

You have time to settle again with a man that does value you. Your only young Dont do another 20 year regret!!

Bluewavescrashing · 31/08/2019 13:32

You need to get away from him. Can you stay with a friend for a few days? He sounds grotesque.

Zoidbergonthehalfshell · 31/08/2019 13:32

Oh, love...you are DEFINITELY NOT being unreasonable. He's being horrible, and treating you like an object, there for his entertainment.

I don't have anything constructive to add, although I believe Women's Aid might be a good starting place, but I'm sure somebody will post soon with more useful information.

Flowers
flouncyfanny · 31/08/2019 13:32

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Message withdrawn at poster's request.

flouncyfanny · 31/08/2019 13:33

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madcatladyforever · 31/08/2019 13:34

Bloody hell you need to get rid of him asap, go and see a solicitor as soon as possible. Can you imagine a lifetime with this absolute arsehole.

AmIRightOrAMeringue · 31/08/2019 13:36

Hi OP

YANBU to want to leave. YWBU to stay in that environment though. I'm assuming he has got worse since you had kids as most people wouldn't have kids with someone that abusive. I think you may find your anxiety and depression improve if you leave.

Start making plans. When your kids are young is a great time to start afresh and meet new people etc. and they arent yet in school so isn't that disruptive to them. You are already in a better position than a lot of people as you have a full time job. Start making plans quietly as it may escalate if you tell him you're leaving

Sparklesocks · 31/08/2019 13:36

He sounds awful and is giving you no support or comfort, I think you’d be right to leave him.

Kplpandd · 31/08/2019 13:37

You are not being unreasonable! He has raped/ assaulted/ abused you. You dont want your sons to be brought up in this environment. Do you have any family?

dollydaydream114 · 31/08/2019 13:39

You absolutely must get out of this marriage. He is abusive and his behaviour is making you physically and mentally unwell. Your account of his behaviour made me shudder.

I think it would help to speak to Women’s Aid to find out what your options are. You mention you work full-time - could you afford to rent somewhere for you and the DCs on your salary alone, at least for the time being? I know you don’t have family here, but I promise you, being alone in a new city is infinitely better than being in a marriage with this man. He’s a monster.

AmIRightOrAMeringue · 31/08/2019 13:39

*sorry just realised that comment about having kids with someone that abusive was stupid, I realise lots of abusive men take away that choice.

GiveMeHope103 · 31/08/2019 13:39

Yanbu op. Theres not a single thing that you've posted that sounds like this could be salvaged. You will be free from it all if you leave him. He sounds very abusive.

june2007 · 31/08/2019 13:39

Have you told him how unhappy you are? Have you tried contacting relate? If you want out start planning look at your finances and your options. I won't make judgements on your comments as their are two sides to every story but you sound grossly unhappy. But also need to talk about things with him.

Treesinaforest · 31/08/2019 13:40

Please contact women's aid and tell them what you've said here.
You need a plan and they will help you to formulate one.
Maybe book a days annual leave without telling him and go to a solicitor

You are taking the first steps to a better life.Flowers

OneSliceIsNeverEnough · 31/08/2019 13:41

I feel like you've written out a rational list of his unreasonable behaviour. I'm not telling you what to do, particularly as you have little ones, but you've just prepared your legal grounds for divorce.

What would life be like if you parted? Could you unwind financially? Could you continue to work? Do you have support of family living nearby?
Do you think a split would be amicable? Prepare yourself for what might happen. Can your mum take the kids for a while? Can you refuge at her house if things turn nasty?

Before all this, think deeply. Is he overwhelmed by the changes of parenthood? Does he need a reality check? Would he benefit from a calm, child free chat? Would he be receptive to you explaining your qualms in as blameless language as you can, suggesting ways you need him to help rather than focussing on the bad.

You married him for a reason. Is there any of that reason left? If he changed, would you be satisfied? Have you talked to your closest family members? Would he respond to couple's counselling?

At the moment however it sounds awful. Something definitely has to give.

Best of luck xx

Daffodil2018 · 31/08/2019 13:42

I am appalled on your behalf. He sounds an absolute arsehole and in your shoes I'd be leaving too.

I don't have much (any) practical advice but I wish you all the best Thanks

MonnieMoo · 31/08/2019 13:45

This made me actually feel sick to read. I’m so sorry you feel you’re stuck in this situation, but you’re not. I left my awful first long term relationship with our kids, two toddlers and a baby. I had no job, no money and nowhere to go but it came to the point where it I had to choose between getting out or giving up on my life. Don’t let it get to that point. Leaving was hard, the year or so after was hard, but it was ultimately so so worth it. Everything is so different now my memories feel like a film of someone else’s life, and in a way I suppose they are!

Do what you need to do, and you know what that is. Good luck x

Zakana · 31/08/2019 13:45

Just wow....and I thought my DP is a complete lazy, feckless twat! This looks like it will only go one way if allowed to, please seek some help from someone, the fact that he can behave himself in front of other people and then start being a complete arsehole to you, switching it on and off when he wants to is worrying. Hugs to you and the kids.

GabriellaMontez · 31/08/2019 13:47

Make plans to leave. Confide in someone in real life.

You poor thing you sound ground down. You'll look back on this one day and breathe a sigh of relief.

I disagree about talking to him or relate. I wouldn't have counselling with a rapist.

billy1966 · 31/08/2019 13:47

That sounds horrific OP.

You poor woman.
No wonder you got PND living with such a pig.

It's actually hard to read, what must it be like to live it.

Please tell your family and make plans to get away from this disgusting person.

Go to where you have support.
Wishing you strength.

TriJo · 31/08/2019 13:51

What would life be like if you parted? A bit more peaceful and I'd be able to enjoy life with my kids more.

Could you unwind financially? We've never had a joint account. We also don't own any property, which helps. He has about 20k in savings which he mostly built up doing overtime during my maternity leaves.

Could you continue to work? Most likely yes. I do have a relatively good salary and could just about afford to pay nursery fees for two plus rent and bills on a 2 bed in this city by myself.

Do you have support of family living nearby? Nope, they are all in Ireland.
Do you think a split would be amicable?
Don't think so. He works hard to cultivate an image of himself as a family man to the outside world.
Can your mum take the kids for a while? Can you refuge at her house if things turn nasty?* She would love to have us, but there are already 5 people living in a 3 bed (My bro, sis and niece live there too) so it would get very overcrowded. More importantly, it would be taking the kids across an international border against the wishes of one parent so could cause me legal problems.

OP posts:
InterestingView · 31/08/2019 13:58

You're all set sweetie - you've done the research and can afford it so you need to find somewhere to rent now behind his back and move with some help whilst he is at work. Speak to the police first so he doesn't try saying you're kidnapping the children. Leave him a note to say you're all safe but you've left him and can make arrangements to see the children via a solicitor. Get rid OP.

Aprillygirl · 31/08/2019 14:00

Your husband is treating you like an inanimate object and a maid instead of an equal partner with feelings. He has abused you mentally, sexually and now, with the shoe throwing, physically. He will only get worse so get out now before he destroys your self esteem to the point of no return (if he's not done so already). You deserve so much more than this OP, good luck Flowers

OneSliceIsNeverEnough · 31/08/2019 14:00

Can your mum come and stay on your rented place for a few weeks until you get settled? It's good that you're thinking through everything rationally xxx

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