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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

Is this a normal relationship?

31 replies

TheAnonymum · 05/03/2021 09:38

Hey. Long time lurker, first time poster. So basically I’ve been with my DH for 10 years and married for 5. We’ve got two children. I’ve come to the conclusion he isn’t particularly nice to me. When we have good times they’re great and I’m happy but other times I feel so low and I’m daydreaming about leaving and wondering if I’d be able to do it financially on my own and looking at places to rent. Is it normal to be like this?

I have been keeping records of things he says and does. When I try to bring up that I think he’s a bit of a bully or emotionally abusive he turns it around so it’s me over reacting etc. Then I start to doubt myself and think are things really that bad. Should I be considering tearing the family apart over such small things. He’s great with the kids and they love him so much so I’d feel guilty ruining that.

Most recent event was last night. We had sex (kind of do this out of duty really) and then afterwards he made a stupid ‘joke’ comment about me being a cum dripping whore (I’m repulsed just writing this down). I said that’s not funny and he said ok you’re right it’s not. A while later I said I’ve told you not to call me a whore (he’s done it lots before) and he said alright it’s the first time I’ve done it in ages. I said I’m your wife and the mother of your kids and I don’t want you calling me names like that and he told me I was being dramatic and then started off on one (like he does any time I express unhappiness or criticise him). I just took out my hearing aid as I’m sick of hearing rants about how it’s not his fault in anyway anytime I’m upset. He always seems to turn it round and make it about him. I went up to bed and this morning he was ignoring me because I was rude taking my hearing aid out (lol). Honestly I know it was childish but I’m so fed up of it, I didn’t have the strength to listen to him going on at me again. Surely a normal response would be to apologise? I don’t understand how I’m in the wrong for not liking being called names.

Sometimes I feel so drained but there are some good times too so I just don’t know what to do. I guess I just wanted to know if other people’s relationships are similar. Am I being dramatic and over reacting? I don’t have anyone to talk to and with lockdown especially it’s hard.

OP posts:
SoulofanAggron · 05/03/2021 15:15

If you are looking to see whether the way somebody treats you is 'normal', you are approaching the situation as if there is an emotional rule-book, which tells us whether certain behaviours from other people, and our responses are ok. But there isn't one.

@Eckhart You said there was no such thing as a normal way for people to treat you, or a standard of behaviour which is objectively ok or not ok.

The 'friend' or decent bloke in guidelines such as Freedom is just the standard of decent behaviour that we should expect from a reasonable person.

'Not a saint that we are seeing- just a decent human being.'

Ilovelove · 05/03/2021 15:21

Look up DARVO

He is doing a classic narcissistic technique. Once you know about it would will go 'oh yeah...he did that then, and then and then'.

Eckhart · 05/03/2021 15:27

@SoulofanAggron

I'm suggesting that OP validate her own feelings, regardless of what anybody thinks normal is.

I'm not suggesting that there isn't a concensus about what poor behaviour is.

I said that looking for 'normal' isn't the best approach, not that 'normal' doesn't exist.

billy1966 · 05/03/2021 16:45

He is utterly vile.

He is NOT a good man, husband or father.

No decent father would speak to his wife like that.

Focus on your planning to divorce.

Reach out to family and friends for support.

He sounds utterly and completely repulsive.
Flowers

Anothernick · 05/03/2021 22:16

@billy1966

He is utterly vile.

He is NOT a good man, husband or father.

No decent father would speak to his wife like that.

Focus on your planning to divorce.

Reach out to family and friends for support.

He sounds utterly and completely repulsive.
Flowers

I would never call my DW a whore that is unspeakably horrible, any decent man would realise that.
SandyY2K · 05/03/2021 22:34

It's an abusive relationship..not normal to call your wife a whore. Please do your best to get out of the marriage.

I wouldn't be having sex with him because he's nasty.

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