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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

Please read and tell how you'd feel

56 replies

itsjustmepb · 09/06/2020 08:06

Just as I had started to feel better about myself after last week, he did it. ‘Have you not eaten enough already?!’ He said smirking when I asked him to move his feet out of the way. What did my eating even had to do with this? Besides, not that I have to justify my eating to anyone, but since my fairly small pasta lunch at 12:30 earlier today, I had only eaten cucumber and bell pepper sticks with hot sauce. Nothing else.
‘What do you mean?’ I asked. ‘Well you had a big bowl of that hot sauce, didn’t you?’
I closed my laptop, holding back tears once again and said I would be going to bed now. It was only 8pm. ‘Go to bed! You’re so boring! Another night like this!’ He shouted after me. If only he knew how he’d hurt me last week. And how this silly little comment really hurt.

Not that he ever would, but I wish just for once he asked what the matter was. And I mean, genuinely asked, genuinely wanting to know, why I was sad. Why I was acting the way I did, almost every night. Although, I don’t think anything could actually fix it, because what had happened last week was the truth, and you can’t change the truth, can you?

Years ago I thought time would change it, but after 5 years it had been brought to my attention, once again. It had only been last week that I told my husband I was extremely happy and content with my life. I had also asked him the same question to which he answered ‘yeah, I guess I am, mostly at least’ and then he went onto say something about our house being bigger. But I he said he was happy, and I believed him.

I don’t anymore. Not for one moment.

The saddest part is, there is NOTHING I can do to change it. It needs to be her. Not me. Her, the girl in the pictures. A ghost from the past. A ghost he is still longing for.

Without realising it himself, he had jumped into something head first and then couldn’t get out anymore.

See, when we first got together, she was also in a new relationship. She was off the market, sort of speak. I had heard quite a lot about her though and seen a lot of photos and videos on his laptop I would have never wanted to see.

They did bump into each other at a company Christmas party that year. At which she tried to avoid him and him trying to talk to her.
At the time I though it would have just been an innocent catch up but now, 5 years later, I think differently. I know he would have got back with her in split second if she gave him the chance. And still would.

Let me explain, years ago he would tell me how he was annoyed that she had blocked him on Facebook as all of their memories (‘2 years of his life’) had disappeared from him.
Annoying? Yes. Was I jealous at the time? Yes I was. It hurt me. He wanted to look at photos of his ex even though he was with me now?
Never would I ever had thought, it would still be the case after 5,5 years in a relationship, 2 years married, mortgage and an almost 1 year old son. I would have NEVER guessed. And it wasn’t just that, wasn’t just once he mentioned her.

On Friday we had a date night at his mums house. Yes, mums house, we’re in lockdown so we did a house swap with his mum.
We made mojitos and we’re sitting in the hot tub talking. He was talking about his friends ex girlfriend being really strange and then out of subject he mentioned his ex having been very close friends with his Other friends ex girlfriend. Hmm ok, I didn’t think anything of it. I just said I really wished I was closer to his friends current girlfriend, as this way we would have double dates.
Not thinking much of this occasion, neither was I. All was good.

The following Sunday we went out for a walk down the Bay. We walked to and back the same way passing the same restaurants and other places. On the way back, he says ‘I’ve been to that restaurant and it’s a seafood restaurant. I’m still so angry about my ex girlfriends dad dragging us there since neither of us like seafood. I walked out!’
Even though it’s kind of a negative memory, it shouldn’t still cause anger or annoyance in him. It’s literally been YEARS.
Still, I let it go over my head. I just said he shouldn’t let it get to him anymore.

Now, my dear friends, we are going to get to the point that broke this camels back.

Are you ready?

We were driving home after work on Tuesday. My second day back after maternity leave. Almost on our home road, he
says ‘Remember years ago when I was annoyed that she (the ex) had blocked me and I lost all the memories....?’ I zoned out and still have no clue what he actual point was. I just said ‘I find it really weird you’d still wanna see those photos after all this time’ he then responds ‘Of course I would, it was 2 years of my life... Christmases and holidays, all gone!’
I said I’d find it a little bit disturbing if my dad for example wanted to look at photos of him and his ex girlfriend on holiday to which my husband said ‘we went to Turkey! I just think you’re a VERY JEALOUS PERSON!’

Would you be? Or would you at this point blatantly realise that you weren’t the one for him. You had almost 6 years of memories together now. What was so special about the 2 he had with her that he can’t let go of?

Oh, but I am boring. That just sums it up.

—// THE END //—

Another point to depress myself even more:

He used to take a lot of candid photos of her. I’ve asked him to take some one me and our children. I have none.

Not to forget the naked photos of her. Not that I’d want any taken of me, he hasn’t even tried.

Another point:

On our holiday together in Spain he told me that I’m much more approachable than his ex. What does that mean?

OP posts:
GingerBeverage · 09/06/2020 09:41

I can understand why you've written it like this as it allows you to have certain distance from the situation, however you probably need to acknowledge things head on rather than in an obtuse fashion.
I find writing a list helps to clarify my thoughts far more than focusing on emotions/reactions/interpretations.
That said, he sounds like a dick.

Flyg · 09/06/2020 09:45

The worrying comment was the one about how much you were eating, especially when you were dipping peppers and cucumber in sauce FFS.

I think you deserve to be someones number 1, if you feel he is still in love with her then you should discuss it with him. If he shuts you down but then carries on talking about her you should consider how happy you can be with him.

steppemum · 09/06/2020 10:19

You don't sound secure or happy or able to have a proper conversation with him. It is hard to tell if you are being over sensitive, or if there is a genuine problem, because we don't know you in rl.

He doesn't sound as if he is as serious about you as you want.

Unless there is some change, there is no future in this. You are going to second guess him forever, and if he deserves it, you need to leave, and if he doesn't deserve it, you need to work on the relationship/your own sefl esteem

Raidblunner · 09/06/2020 12:21

Time to bring this sham of a marriage to an end. To your husband your second best and by his selfish behaviour always will be. If your cool with that carry on being the mat he walks over everyday however I suspect not or you wouldn't be here discussing it. Sorry if it sounds harsh but it's the brutal truth. I mean what kind of selfish bastard keeps naked pictures of his ex on his computer? That would the first thing I would be taking a hammer to. He makes you suffer by consistently making reference to his ex in conversation. Find the strength from somewhere and leave him he's a complete selfish twat!

roxfox · 09/06/2020 13:24

TL/DR

Couldn't finish this bollocks

Oliversmumsarmy · 10/06/2020 09:11

Also to add to the story... this morning he guessed why I've been like this. 'Was it because I said about the photos?' And when I said yes he called me jealous and said he's not gonna talk about it anymore that I need to grow up. Phh

So you have never articulated anything to your dh but expect him to guess?

I have come across people who do this.
It gives me the rage

I think you need to look at your writing style and see the connection.

You are too wrapped up in how you feel, rather than saying what annoys you.

I mean if you discussed your grievances with your dh as they came up instead of him having to guess all the time maybe you wouldn’t be called jealous
If the only word you have said on the situation is yes what do you expect. No one is a mind reader.
I think you expect people to change through osmosis except they don’t see the need to change because they don’t see anything wrong and you aren’t saying there is something wrong.

Interested to know why you think this woman is suddenly going to run off with your dh. As far as I can see from what you have written this woman on meeting your dh couldn’t wait to get away.

You think that because he might want her she will just say yes despite not wanting the same thing and live her life simmering and seething hoping that one day he will suddenly realise she doesn’t want to be there and let her go.

Say what is bothering you and fix it.

Your dh does sound like he needs to be told that this woman has moved on if she couldn’t get away from him fast enough at the Christmas party.

BertiesLanding · 10/06/2020 09:24

I felt like I was reading a book, OP. And if it's not a creative writing piece, it means you are dissociated - you're writing it as if you are detached from it, and narrating it. That is not a healthy position to be in.

cheeseaddict420 · 10/06/2020 09:34

omg I got about 2/3 the way through and in summary - JUST DUMP HIM I have no idea why you are letting someone give you this much anxiety, he's not going to get better, he sounds awful.

Stop trying to prove whatever it is you need to prove yourself. And please don't bleat about being in love with him, if you feel in love then you can fall out of it.

EmotionalFlood · 10/06/2020 09:34

Why are you staying with him? Are you willing to look back in 15 years and have the same problems?? What are his good points? If there are none then you need to leave because this attitude and attraction won't change. You'll always be his second choice.

TorkTorkBam · 10/06/2020 09:39

Do you see your life as some romantic movie? Your way of writing about your life is odd. If you did it off the top of your head that shows you are thinking oddly. Like it isn't your life.

Your marriage is shit. You and he are not compatible. Stop all the romantic drama nonsense and see a good solid unromantic divorce solicitor.

incognitomum · 10/06/2020 09:49

*TorkTorkBam

Do you see your life as some romantic movie? Your way of writing about your life is odd. If you did it off the top of your head that shows you are thinking oddly. Like it isn't your life.

Your marriage is shit. You and he are not compatible. Stop all the romantic drama nonsense and see a good solid unromantic divorce solicitor.*

This^

TitianaTitsling · 10/06/2020 10:01

I gave up reading as like others thought was a 'wronged poor heroine' piece of writing. And the fact that you 'zone out' when he was talking to you? Re the seafood restaurant, it doesn't sound like he was being angry just something he brought up! Are you the poster from a few days ago that is unhappy with her DH sending work emails 'after working hours'?

Yeahnahmum · 10/06/2020 13:56

Ltb and also Ltb.
But mostly Ltb.
He doesn't fancy you and is hung up on his ex. Why on earth do you want to be with him....

DianaT1969 · 10/06/2020 14:12

OP, this is meant kindly. There's a reason it comes across as a creative writing exercise. You aren't in your life. You are outside of it looking at all the details like a script writer. If you weren't just a character in your own fictional story you would have left this 'relationship' long ago.

Wewearpinkonwednesdays · 10/06/2020 15:04

He comments on what you eat, and instead of asking him who the fuck he thinks he is to comment on what you put in your mouth all the time, you announce you are going to bed?
He brings up his ex constantly and instead of asking him why the fuck he goes on about her so much, you ignore it or tell him he shouldn't let it bother him anymore?
Are you too scared to point out what a knob he is being? He shouldn't need those things pointed out, but why not pin him on them when he says them?

Andwoooshtheyweregone · 10/06/2020 21:46

I assume you were drinking when you wrote this? If yes- lay off the booze OP it doesn’t help.

I don’t think anything he’s done is that bad, but he clearly makes you feel unloved- concentrate on that not his want to talk about his past.

Lemonlady22 · 11/06/2020 17:54

She dumped him because he is weird...you need to do the same...hes a prick

paisleydaisy · 11/06/2020 18:51

I closed my laptop, holding back tears once again and said I would be going to bed now. It was only 8pm. ....If only he knew how he’d hurt me last week I think it is unwise to assume he can read your mind and it would be better for you to tell him directly that you were upset and why. No one is perfect. His behaviour is pretty shoddy now but was it always like that and could it be related to the guessing games? Having said that it sounds as though things have gone too far now, and as though it is ending - but something to take with you is that it is ok and good to talk about how you feel and what you would like without making the other person guess. And also, that after that point it needs to be a discussion as he may have things to say too, which you would then take on board. If he responds positively in that he cares and wants to work on the relationship and wants commitment then that will be good. If he doesn't then you know it is over.

Photos and fb re ex - to be honest I think you are in the wrong here, you have no right to tell him whether or not he should be bothered about not having photos or tell him how to think or feel about anything at all. If you think it is because he isnt over her then that is legitimate on your part and you should act on it. It could be that he didn't take any photos during that time of anything at all - group outings, places they visited - and now he has lost them. I had an ex like this and I sent him some duplicate photos. Actually thinking about it he gave me some duplicate photos at the end of the relationship too, a time when he had a camera in egypt and I had forgotten mine. Me wanting the photos certainly didn't mean that I wanted the relationship to continue.

TheFoz · 11/06/2020 19:07

I don’t know if he’s still infatuated with the ex. I think he’s pissed beyond belief that she ended it with him and he’s holding on to the happy memories.
Until he acknowledges his failings here, whatever they may be, I don’t think you two are ever going to be happy. So I’d give him an ultimatum. Give him a chance to pull his socks up and see what he could potentially lose. Or you walk.

Dawninglory · 11/06/2020 20:30

He's definitely still infatuated with his Ex OP, weirdly so. Sounds like you will never be the one, as you said 6yrs together to their 2yrs and you have had his child. If this was my husband he would be my Ex. 🌷

RandomMess · 11/06/2020 20:42

Have you considered telling him
In plain English that the way he talks about his ex that she seems to be "the one that got away" and it comes across that you are very much a second choice?

You deserve it to yourself to tell him... what you don't deserve is settling for being someone's 2nd choice.

I wonder how much is him hankering for is younger childfree days and that he resents the responsibility and work that comes with having DC?

If he doesn't shape up and I would end it tbh.

sixthtimelucky · 11/06/2020 20:44

There's a lot of creative writing on MN, especially Relationships, at the moment for obvious reasons.

Ceriane · 11/06/2020 20:48

He sounds really insensitive. Not surprised you feel like that. You deserve better!!!

MashedSpud · 11/06/2020 20:54

I got a bit lost at the ghost part. I wasn’t sure if you were talking about yourself in the third person.

If you’re not happy in your relationship and he’s being a twat about food I’d leave.

Haffiana · 12/06/2020 00:16

If my partner sulked every time I mentioned a part of my life that had happened to me and that was important to me because it WAS MY LIFE BEFORE I met them, I would be pissed off at their jealousy as well.

Why are you taking his ancient history so much to heart? He is with you, not her. He has a life with you, not her. It is as if you are working yourself up about it because the character in your storyline in your head prefers woeful dramatics.

Also - a week ago you were "extremely happy and content" and you told him so. This week you are unhappy and playing passive aggressive going to bed early games. He has to 'guess' why you are upset.

FFS. Stop all the drama and sit down and talk to him. This needs putting under the cold light of day in a rational discussion, not rehashing in an endless pity-fest in your head at night.

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