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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

Fiancé stuff? Should I just live with it?

120 replies

MousyArtist · 29/06/2020 14:59

So, I feel a bit bad writing this but please don’t judge me. I’m just at the end of my tether a bit.

My partner and me have been together almost five years and we have two boys aged three and one.
I love him but he doesn’t do anything at all. Apart from going to work, sleeping and eating he hardly does anything and I’m tired.
I am grateful for the fact he goes to work and supports us this way but other than that...I don’t know.
He hardly ever cooks his own dinner and if he does he won’t stop talking about how he did it or using it as an excuse not to do something later on.
Never cleans up after himself, as in I will always pick up his uniform off the floor and put his boots and bag away etc.
As with the children I have to ask him to help when he’s around, if he can bath them or put them to bed. There’s normally an excuse not to do this such as saying he will clean the kitchen and then never does. He never get down on the floor and plays with them. Just won’t do it even if I ask, again there’s normally an excuse.
He always gets me to wash his uniform/clothes and put them up to dry, make his lunches etc.
He will ask me to do other things around the house during the day, as if I’ve got time on top of everything else.
Even though I’m not working and receive universal credit he has cancelled over the space of a year all direct debits and now asks me to pay for them. He might put a bit towards them occasionally, it varies.
He relishes telling anyone the me and him do things the old fashioned way and he goes to work while I do house and kids. I don’t know what to think really other than I just wish he’d do a bit more, and get off his damn phone. I’m just knackered. I don’t end up getting to bed until three in the morning because I’m trying to fit everything into the day.
I’m sorry if it sounds like I’m being whiny, maybe I am, but I don’t know what to do anymore. He’ll get snippy with me when I bring things like this up so I’m anxious to do that.
I just wondered what everyone thought and what I should do. Altogether I’m feeling pretty resentful towards him and not really feeling like I love him all as much as I did. Thanks in advance

OP posts:
MousyArtist · 03/07/2020 08:59

Hello everyone,

Sorry for the silence past few days. I had to go back to hospital for my lungs again and am still only trying to recover today at home. In fairness he was quite helpful during that time. He has gone back to work today and I’m going to my mums for some more help with the children today.

In regards to me smoking, unfortunately it’s something I’ve done since I was a teenager and no I’m not proud of that. I have never done drugs and don’t drink alcohol. It is, as I call it, my only vice in life. After I have my lung surgery, which I’m sure is certain now, I will be giving up completely because that’s a good enough incentive for me as well as my boys.

Unfortunately also at this time, against all you lovely comments and advice and help, I’m unsure whether I can leave him. He does help me when I’m really desperate, like the last few days. I am really grateful to all of your help though and I will remember it for maybe when I’m strong enough. Which I hate to say that I’m not right now because normally I put a brave face on to everyone.

I’m going to try and do some spreadsheets for finances and things with him and see if I can’t work it out that way. Plus I don’t think I could face his family either if I broke up with him. They can be quite terrifying on their own. If you can, I’m not sure if you can, look at my one other thread on here and you’ll see why. His mother forced me to have an abortion three years ago. There a lot of history and stuff with them and I don’t want to be hurt even worse if I break up with him. My main fear being social services and such.

I know I must sound stupid and naive to think I can make it change but in all honesty I’m too frightened of the consequences of breaking up with him. From him to his family to my family’s reaction. I just can’t do it.

As I say, thank you for all you help and especially to the ones who continued to post and try and help.

  • holrosea
  • Dery
  • ferntwist
  • NomoreDickheads
Just to name a few but I am truly grateful to all of you. I thought I was going to be shot down for my post and I’m so glad you all stuck up for me even though at the minute I’m too much of a coward to do anything.

You are all brilliant people 💖

OP posts:
holrosea · 04/07/2020 17:50

Hi OP.

You've been so brave to actually label what is bugging you and to seek advice and help. No one can tell you what to do because ultimately it is your life.

Many in here will be rolling their eyes at "he helps me when I'm desperate" because it is the bare minimum and you deserve far more.

I dread to think what his family is like (but think what it might be like to not have to see them).

Even if you are not ready to act yet, please still follow the advice. He doesn't sound like he's innocently bumbling along spending all your money without realizing it, and the sex sounds dehumanizing. Keep the diary, still set up a 2nd account & secret email, do talk to your mum & keep yourself informed on Entitled To, call Women's Aid. None of these things oblige you to act now, but all of them will help you gain strength and confidence to make your decision in your own time.

Good luck to you, and there'll always be someone to help you get your head straight on here. Xxx

Dery · 04/07/2020 21:18

Hi @MousyArtist

Thank you for the honourable mention Smile!

Sorry you've had to go back into hospital for your lungs. I hope you have your operation soon and get back on the road to recovery. I'm sure you'll give the smoking up in good time.

Please do not think you have to apologise or explain yourself to us. You said that when you posted you thought people were going to tell you to suck it up - that's how far you were from thinking you should leave your relationship. It's no wonder that you don't feel ready to leave yet - especially at a tricky moment with your health. It's your life - you must do what's right for you. And it's a good sign that your partner stepped up when you really needed him to. Yes - he should be doing that all the time. You know our views on that! But perhaps he can be re-educated. Doing spreadsheets sounds like a very good idea - perhaps if he sees the numbers written down, the penny will drop and he will realise he's got a huge amount to make up for. And perhaps he will manage to do that.

And you can change your mind. You've been given some new ideas here and seem to have really taken them on board - about your rights and entitlements in your relationship. I suspect you are probably already viewing your relationship through a different lens and will be that bit less inclined to put up with sh1t. Your partner may genuinely make a permanent change for the better - he's still young. Or he may not and in a few years' time you may decide you've had enough and need to go. Your health will be better, your children will be that bit older and you also will be that bit older and more confident. Including to stand up to your partner's nasty family. They may threaten social services but unless you are neglecting or abusing your children, social services won't be interested. At most, there will be a visit to check out your home and that will be it. It happens all the time and to more people than you know.

But that's all down the road. At the moment, be gentle on yourself. And you know what - give yourself a massive pat on the back. Lots of them. Big yourself up a bit. You're doing an amazing job. There is absolutely no way I would have had the maturity to be a mother at 23 and I think it's terrific that you're managing to raise small children, run a household, do all the household budgeting, you're overcoming some serious health issues and you're planning to study and get qualifications. I think you're really going places, OP! And we'll all be rooting for you.

Dery · 04/07/2020 21:20

Oh yes - and @holrosea's suggestions are excellent.

Cherrysoup · 04/07/2020 23:52

Change your password for the NatWest app.
You’ve checked how much you’re entitled to: you’d be fine.
Your ds is already repeating his dad’s poor attitude: do you want him to be a partner like his dad to his girlfriend in future years?
You’re leading a life of drudgery: how much longer do you want to be his maid?

Starksforthewin · 05/07/2020 02:32

You’re so young, OP.

Don’t give up your life to this man, he sounds fucking awful.

All of life is ahead of you. Help will be available to you. You will never regret leaving him once you’ve done it.

AnotherBoredOne · 05/07/2020 02:51

Leave the relationship now, you are getting nothing from it and nothing will change.
Do try counselling first but don't find yourself in the same situation in ten years time you will be miserable.

user1481840227 · 05/07/2020 04:04

I just don’t want to make the wrong decision.

There is absolutely no way that staying with him is the right decision.
A 0% chance.

cantsaynotocake · 05/07/2020 05:07

Hi lovely
Your the same age I was when I split with the father of my kids, your siltation sounds so similar, he won't change believe me, your worth so much more, life's too short to be walked all over and your babies will thank you for it in the long run. I really think you should confine in your mum, deep down I'm sure she suspects things aren't great but doesn't want to come across as interfering v it will just be there for you when you need her. My mum was the same! I'm now due to get married soon to a lovely, hardworking, caring and loyal man and wonder why I ever stuck around for so long with the previous one! X

cantsaynotocake · 05/07/2020 05:10

Ps
Please don't be afraid of becoming single and starting again, it's much better than being in a relationship like this you will be surprised how well you adapt and will realise that actually for a long time you were a shadow of your self!
Wishing you the best of luck xx

Dashel · 05/07/2020 07:47

Please talk to your mum x no one should be forced to have an abortion and you deserve much better than this and if nothing else think of history repeating itself as your sons get older and build similarly unhealthy and abusive relationships which their children will see and repeat.

seriousandloyal · 05/07/2020 08:31

I am so angry for you reading this! The way your partner has set up his life to exploit you is just so awful and disgusting. You will be so much better off without him both emotionally and financially. You need to find your anger at being treated like this and dump him, he will not change. You come across as a nice, kind person who is lacking in self-esteem and he has latched onto that and is bleeding you dry. Big hug.

MousyArtist · 08/07/2020 11:32

At Dery - my reasons for fearing social services is that’s we’ve had them involved before because there were concerns he was being domestically violent. He’s not. But I had some injuries that they weren’t happy with that were complete accidents. Two dislocated joints and they were probably my fault anyway. My eldest son got taken away and we had to go through the courts to get him back. He was only 1 at the time. When they couldn’t prove the DV then they said that my mental health wasn’t adequate enough to raise a child.

I’m only mentioning this because it made me hide my mental health and issues from professionals ever since because I’m terrified I’m going to be told I can’t look after my children. If professionals also know that I broke up with my partner it could give them more cause for concern. Only because they’ll probably doubt that I can do it on my own. Because of my mental health history. History to them but still ongoing for me, I just don’t tell them anymore.

I love my children - however challenging they can be - and my biggest fear is someone thinking I’m not good enough for them. If I put on a brave face for professionals then nothing can go wrong. Sounds stupid, or doesn’t make sense - that’s probably because it is. But I can’t have my children leave me again.

I’m hoping he will change. I apologise to those who are saying he won’t. You’re probably right. But I’m too nervous to accept that right now.

Hope all of you that answered are okay. Still thankful for your responses 💕

OP posts:
MrsTerryPratchett · 08/07/2020 14:57

Two dislocated joints and they were probably my fault anyway.

What were the circumstances of those injuries?

Dery · 08/07/2020 16:03

@MousyArtist OMG - okay complete understand why you fear social services involvement. That must have been terrifying and I'm so sorry you went through that, particularly since it's now left you in a position when you're scared of taking steps to protect yourself.

Nothing you've said suggests you're not equal to raising children so I am completely bamboozled at this.

Is there anyone who can support you in your discussions with him around finances?

MousyArtist · 09/07/2020 13:04

At MrsTerryPratchet - the circumstances were my shoulder was dislocated whilst I had a nightmare - my mental health includes Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I was having a nightmare and was a danger to myself I think and my partner restrained me and that dislocated my shoulder.

The second was when we were out and about and I was pushing the pram and he was trying to hold my hand and I didn’t want to and he kept trying to hold it and pulled my thumb back on itself which dislocated it and moved one of the metacarpals in my hand. This one wasn’t easier fixed and had three surgeries before it was resolved. The last surgery being reconstructive surgery.

I say they are my fault because if I hadn’t have done what I did, neither of those would have occurred. I have since then been diagnosed with joint hyper mobility syndrome too

OP posts:
NancyPickford · 16/07/2020 17:27

How are you today?

MousyArtist · 16/07/2020 18:54

NancyPickford - if you’re asking me, hope you are otherwise this answer will look awkward.

Stressed a bit as of late - stressful hospital appointment which has put me in a bad slump all week.

Also stressed because I know we are going to run out of money this month as I’ve had to get chest of drawers for the boys room - on my MIL nagging. I was managing fine with just a big box with all there clothes in but.. anyway so I paid for that and some other bits and still have council tax left to pay and possibly part of the rent.
We also didn’t get that much universal credit this month because of my partners earnings so. Financially it’s a big mess.

I’m that frightened to open my online banking because I just don’t want to know how little I have left. Partners pleading poverty too for some stupid reason. Even though he’s just been paid. And because his mum took me to my appointment at the hospital I had to pay for parking for her and buy her stuff from Mac Donald’s.
It’s just going to be a difficult month I think.

Thank you for asking 💕

OP posts:
NancyPickford · 17/07/2020 14:31

MousyArtist, yes I was wondering how you were getting on. I'm sorry you are still having so many problems.

holrosea · 20/07/2020 15:50

Afternoon - I've been away so apologies for not checking in, I did wonder how this played out. Get yourself a Brew because this turned into a long one.

The more you say OP, the clearer it is that your situation is complex but also that you are incredibly vulnerable and I am sorry to say it but it might even be that your partner targeted you because of this. If he knew about the PTSD and the lung problems, not to mention a lack of self esteem and probably a mistrust of your own mind at times, you are an ideal target for exploitation. I am sorry to put it like that because you are so much more than that and clearly stronger than you think, but I think he knew that he could manipulate you because you were so busy dealing with multiple issues that your defences were aready stretched thin.

I think you need to start giving yourself credit for just how much you are managing to take and how you still have the willpower and the mental clarity to know that this is not right.

His mum sounds like a fucking prize too. I'd guess that she actually knows that you pay everything and doesn't care, as long as her son is golden. She's happy to have you as some sort of family dogsbody and I say again, you are worth so much more, especially to your own mum and your children.

I stand by everything I said before: keep a diary, write it all down (past and present), talk to your mum, talk to Women's Aid, speak to your GP, the CAB if possible, and to the kid's school.

Read Why Does He Do That (free PDF version).

Set up the new (secret) gmail account don't use the gmail on your phone/shared laptop/tablet, he won't even know it exists.

As for the bank account, I read into the code of practice for protecting victims of financial abuse and there is good news! You can find a list of highstreet banks that are signed up to it here and the text is here. Essentially, you can disclose financial abuse to your advisor and they can take discreet steps to protect your from him. In your own private, secret account, you can use your mum's address, but if you inform your main bank (the app to which he hass access) they can do things like communicate with you separately from him, defer decision making, request separate signatures to documents so that if you are being led/pressured into a financial decision that you don't want, you can tell the advisor in privacy and they can create an admin SNAFU to block the decision.

All considered but with especially the finances in mind - DO NOT MARRY HIM. Use any excuse, Covid-19, your lungs, have your mum fake a fainting fit, whatever, to push the wedding back (and again, tell him she cannot afford to contribute but put anythig she can give ou into your secret bank account).

I have no experience of SS so I cannot pretend to know how that feels, but if you are taking all the other steps to spek to the GP, the school, separate finances, go on Entitled To, etc., surely these are all things that would demonstrate that you are compis mentis and able to care for your children? Others can advise on that experience but I honestly think that taking action and meeting those concerns head on might be for the best.

Also, those dislocations sound disturbing. Ok, you have hypermobility, but how bad was this nightmare and how hard was he holding you or were you thrashing to dislocate a shoulder?? Just the thought of that made me wince. You arethe only one able to truly judge that situation, but it does not sound good, even with a later diagnosis.

In order to end on a positive note, just remember that there are plenty of people here rooting for you, and hundreds of women on mumsnet who have left partners in terrible fanancial/physical/emotional states and still felt better for it and made better lives for themselves and their children.

You don't have to do everything today and you don't have to be out by next Tuesday, but please start takingthe baby steps that will build your confidence and your independence for the day that you truly decide you've had enough. xxxx

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