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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

8 years in, is this normal?

95 replies

minesadecaf · 15/09/2019 19:53

Dh and I are 38 and 31 respectively. Both work full time and have two kids. Been together 8 years.

Is it normal for the relationship to become boring? Just blah. We seem to co-exist but not much more. No specific reason other than I think we've been together a longtime.

He goes to football regularly and sees mates. Doesn't bother me; I quite like the time alone. I on the other hand have no real hobbies or interests. I'm a homebod and fine with that. Interests wise, our only common ground is the kids really but hey, opposites attract etc.

In the past year we've been out once just the two of us. We went for a meal which was nice but neither seem fussed about doing anything alone more regularly. I'm a saver and don't see the need to go out and spend for the sake of it.

I'm rambling but I guess I just wanted to see if anyone else can normalise this. Or is everyone else riding unicorns together to the tune of Marvin Gaye still?

OP posts:
minesadecaf · 17/09/2019 16:55

Childcare is a genuine issue. The only people we have to have the kids how ever briefly are my parents but now that's not an option due to dads illness. So we can't just "pop to the pub" or go for a walk the two of us, can't go for dinner alone; there's always four of us.

It's his birthday on Sunday. He'll be 39. Currently I've bought him nothing. No idea! Literally no idea. Feel I've maxed out all of my ideas over the years. He gave me cash for my birthday so I'll probably do the same. Then the four of us will go for a meal.

Evenings are crap. I go to bed early, 8.30/9 as I'm up early. He goes to bed long after me.

I guess I feel the spark's gone. We kiss goodbye in the mornings, occasional hug, occasional sex.

OP posts:
category12 · 17/09/2019 17:03

Why do you work such long hours? What changes could you make? It doesn't sound like you have much of a life at all, if you're going to bed so early every night.

category12 · 17/09/2019 17:19

Actually, reading back, I leave home for work at about 7 in the morning and am back for 6. I'm getting up at 6am, but I usually go to bed later than you do. Why are you going to bed so early? Are you avoiding spending time with your DH? Are you still having broken nights with small dc?

BarbedBloom · 17/09/2019 17:25

I think part of it is having something to talk about, so when me and my husband go out we always chat about our individual hobbies, or things we've read about etc. We are comfortable but not bored with each other.

It sounds like the spark is gone here and you do sound more like room mates. Have you thought about staying up late one evening and watching a film together?

We once wrote bits of paper each, put them into a jar and picked one out a week and then we'd do that. Sounds a bit stupid, but it could be something random like trying painting together or playing a board game. Just breaking the monotonous every day habits we can all fall into.

I would however be expecting him to do a bit more round the house. It is the marital home so equally yours and he should be pulling his weight so you have more energy to do things

macem · 17/09/2019 17:44

8 years in with small children, I loved my husband more than ever. We never went out as a couple, we didn't have separate hobbies, we were just happy together.

But, and it's a big but, I didn't work, only part time occasionally. I wasn't knackered, my life was good. You sound ground down OP.

minesadecaf · 17/09/2019 19:19

I'm a full time teacher (yes aren't I lucky with the holidays blah blah) but I do 10-11 hour days at work followed by evening and weekend work. So my evening routine is home for 6.15, do dinner, bathtime, reading etc, kids in bed for 7.45. I then work until 8.30ish then go to bed. My youngest is still a hit and miss sleeper so I grab sleep whilst I can! She flat refuses daddy in the night. Weekends I spend helping my parents and I also have a brother who is disabled so help there where I can too.

Yes, in a nutshell, I'm worn out. I like listening to podcasts or the radio in the car to work. That's my me time.

I've never said I don't love my husband. I've said our relationship is tired.

OP posts:
Bigmango · 17/09/2019 20:27

We’ve been together 8 years. We are permanently knackered and I know he wishes there was more sex but I think we’ve still got a spark. We have a laugh, try to work in our relationship and do really enjoy the very rare time alone we have.

Why not take up a hobby together? Seems like you need a shared interest. Even if it’s just a monthly cinema trip.

Bigmango · 17/09/2019 20:32

Just read your update. I’m a teacher too, though on a child rearing hiatus. I am not sure how any teacher works full time with young kids. Even when child free I would collapse in bed by 9 every night. You are also caring at the weekend. It sounds like it’s not the relationship that needs sorting, it’s you. You need something more than your commute as me time. You’ve got to fill your bucket lady else you can’t fill anyone else’s. I’m pretty shit at realising when I am under pressure and I tend to put the issue on other things. I wonder if that is happening here.

olivetreelane · 17/09/2019 21:54

Have you spoken to him about this? You haven't mentioned his perspective?

I wonder what he thinks about it all and after you've gone to bed at 8:30pm every night what he thinks his life and relationship is like. And sex 10-12 times a year!

Personally I think some of the things you mentioned is interesting; about the house being yours - is it not his too? Do you refer to it as your house?

I don't think it matters how long you've been together op, this isn't a relationship. It's a co-living existence.

Livelovelearn1 · 17/09/2019 21:59

I think from an honest point of view youre finding yourself in a situation pretty much 98% of long term couples (who dont lie to themselves) find themselves in. Life is busy, work? Kids? Daily life... its all too much and u cant seem to find the time to rekindle that love u had.... i would hold on... its easy to say: well, try to appreciate him more or have more sex(i currently cant find anytime for that myself) . Sometimes ur schedules just really dont help. .. and ypu will get the people that want to sell u that their long term relationship is effortless...yeah right.... dont belive them. They wish. Im yet to know the perfect relationship. Relationships go stale and take so much work. Work at it until u feel uve exhausted every avenue. You know which love is worth fighting for and which is not.

justgivemewine · 17/09/2019 22:17

Sounds like the "7 tear itch", which is pretty normal i think. People get settles into a comfortable rut routine, take each other for granted etc

I seem to have one roughly every 7-8 years, when i seriously question my relationship with dh, then get over it and we move on, sometimes just a small change can reignite the relationship.

category12 · 17/09/2019 23:16

Tbh op, you're so over-stretched, I don't think it's possible to know if the relationship is basically OK underneath it all or not. I don't see how you can expect it to be anything other than "tired" when you yourself can't have much in the tank emotionally or physically.

It would probably help if your h did contribute more in household responsibilities and you didn't take on 70% of it. Would he be willing to, if you let go of it a bit (if that's what's happening)? Can you afford a cleaner or other help, if not? Could you just do one day with your parents and brother instead of the whole weekend?

Honestly, without some self-care, you're going to crack up.

IdblowJonSnow · 17/09/2019 23:35

I agree with bigmango, sounds like your whole situation is getting you down. You've got an awful lot on.
Is there someone you could talk to in real life? Maybe try your dh? Or a visit to your gp?
Sorry things are tough for you right now. Flowers

Graphista · 18/09/2019 00:26

A lot of people including op seem not to have heard of the 7 year itch!

Why 7 years? Because its at that point most couples are dealing with the multiple demands of a young family, ageing parents, demanding jobs and money worries.

Divorce rates peak around this point.

But it's generally considered to be a rut and can be recoverable WITH effort.

"Sex life is poor perhaps every 4/5 weeks but it has been since we first got together. That's me; always had very little interest. He knows no difference from me" there's a lot of support (and rightly so) on mn for women not to have sex if they don't fancy it BUT the fact is the difference between a friendship and a relationship is sex! It helps couples to bond and connect and is imo very important. Not necessarily every week but I'd say most weeks at least once at your and your h age certainly is closer to normal imo.

"My father is terribly ill and he's therefore my priority and the children obviously." I would say you were a little quick to dismiss suggestions of depression, particularly considering the stress you're currently under. Ignoring your MH And not prioritising your marriage are not good ideas long term. Investing in your marriage is also part of prioritising your children, fact is (and I speak as a single parent of 16 years) that children generally, where there's no abuse, do better in 2 parent families, lots of reasons for this.

"I do probably 70% of house stuff but it's my house (bought before we got together) so I feel that's only fair." But it's the FAMILY home and he lives there and makes the mess and your (joint) children make the mess. He needs to step up and make a fair contribution to your HOME and family.

Being responsible with money is one thing. Avoiding spending to the detriment of a healthy fulfilled life is not actually being responsible. And you don't need to spend a lot of money to enjoy yourself. There's a phrase I think you need to understand and accept

There's no pockets in a shroud!

Life is short too short so if you possibly can you should make it as rich as possible.

Babysitters - kids must be under 8 possibly younger. Could you look unto nursery workers or TA's they and you are familiar/comfortable with to hire as sitters? Or any friends with teens or friends who could sit and you return the favour? (This imo is what sleepovers are REALLY for) just read you're a teacher, you MUST know via that a TA or someone who could sit?

Re dh birthday, why not post on here for ideas? Say his age, interests, job and hopefully some mners will come up with ideas. I certainly do that for my difficult to gift people.

What help are you providing your brother and patents? Could someone else provide that help either via govt/charities or paid for? How are your parents finances? My parents are in their 70's and in poor health but are comfortably off and happy to "throw money" at certain issues to make them easier. You wouldn't necessarily need to spend less time with them, but could then spend that time relaxing with them rather than doing jobs.

And yes get in help at home too! There are no awards for being a martyr, you're obviously intelligent, caring and thoughtful but you been to be more mindful of your MH (and physical to be honest) and of nurturing your relationship.

Sex has other benefits too, boosts mood, helps sleep quality and is good exercise.

I hope what I've said is taken in the manner intended which is genuinely wanting you to be happier with your life and relationship.

category12 · 18/09/2019 06:08

I've heard of the seven year itch, but I'm not sure what value it adds - it just seems dismissive and I'm not sure what people are supposed to do with it? Otoh, the rest of graphista's post seems solid gold. Smile

PrincessPain · 18/09/2019 06:52

Me and DH have been together 10 years, married for 6, and we have a 2yo and a 5mo together. (We're both 27).
I genuinely miss him when hes not here and clock watch for when he finishes work as I can't wait to see him.
He has a few hobbies, the gym and messing with mechanics being his main ones. I don't have any, I am a home body and don't get out very much, it's hard with 2 young kids too.
We still have sex 3 or 4 times a week. Might be as low as 2 if it's been a particularly hard week with sleep deprivation. We always, kiss, cuddle, hold hands, little touches here and there and tell each other we love each other.
I've never felt "blah" about our relationship, we've had times when stress nearly brought it to an end but we fought through it.
I'm not sure what the answer is, but just because you've been together a while, have 2 young children and have been together since you were young doesn't mean you should feel bored by the relationship or his company.

Livelovelearn1 · 18/09/2019 22:06

Ive just re read the thread. And still think the same i said eralier only that knowing ure a teacher too i relate so much more. Im a teacher . And i really relate to what you're saying 100%. I straight wanna go for coffee with u. 😂 he works in finances and atm is stressed out of his head . I dont know how we get out of this vicious cycle with the lifes we both live... add my 2 kids, and his. OP tell me ure in london so we can have a coffee... 🤦🏼‍♀️😅

minesadecaf · 19/09/2019 05:42

@Livelovelearn1 SW London Grin

OP posts:
cookingonwine · 19/09/2019 06:15

I think it's normal. But you have to ask yourself are you happy? Are you wanting more?

Beautiful3 · 19/09/2019 06:33

I've never said I don't love my husband. I've said our relationship is tired.

Snap, I'm in the same position. We've been together for 19 years. We've gone from having sex every day and going out every weekend to nothing! We have two small children. My husband is always grumpy and tired from working rotating shifts. We have no child care as his mum died and mine are disabled (I help out there too). Perhaps suggest you both take a day off work when the kids are in school and go out for a meal/cinema/bowling, and sex before pick up?!

TheNavigator · 19/09/2019 06:34

I think marriages can be pretty mundane in the tough child rearing years, then as the children start to get up a bit and be more independent, it moves to a new phase - which is either good or bad. My DH & I didn't do a lot together when the children were little because we were broke and tag teaming childcare. Now they are older (high school/University) we can have weekends away together and days out and it is lovely.

So don't despair, if you are in it for the long haul, but do make an effort to connect when you can. No pockets in a shroud as a poster said earlier and divorce is about the most expensive thing you can do as a couole, so maybe spend a few pennies on doing nice things together occasionally, if you can?

boredboredboredboredbored · 19/09/2019 06:42

Urgh this sounded just like my 16 year relationship with my exh. We had 2 dc within a year of each other. I worked crazy hours including a lot of evenings & weekends. Somewhere, somehow we just drifted. It became so evident once the dc reached the teenage years & weren't around as much to fill the gap. We divorced 3 years ago.

If you really love your dh you need to find ways of reconnecting, of nurturing the relationship. Otherwise you'll wake up one day and feel very little.

minesadecaf · 19/09/2019 06:59

@Beautiful3 I can't take days off in my job, I'm a teacher. Days off (very very rarely) are for illness of bereavement.

OP posts:
PaulHollywoodsSexGut · 19/09/2019 07:06

Have a quick look at some of the Ester Perel vids on YouTube.

She’s a relationship therapist and busts a few myths about sex and intimacy within long term relationships.

Sounds like you guys have zero intimacy - and that’s not sex, that’s cuddles and kisses, spending time together and having conversations. I go nutso if I’ve not had a convo with DH about anything “adult” (Brexit, Downton Abbey, favourite type of curry) over a couple of days and it’s easy done with children.

Intimacy is eroded by the grind of daily life. What is very VERY good about your posts is that you don’t sound resentful but tired. Resentment can kill relationships but tiredness and intimacy can be gotten past, just with a bit more emotional labour from both sides.

Seeing as your dad is ill you won’t have much of that to go round now and I’m sorry things are shit.

Beautiful3 · 19/09/2019 07:24

Ah I understand, I used to work in education for 10 years.

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