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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

Gut feeling husband is going to leave me soon.

622 replies

Blackcat88 · 31/03/2021 01:36

I feel somewhat silly for writing this as I’m genuinely not sure what to think and haven’t been in this situation with him before. For some months I’ve noticed my DH has distanced himself from me quite a bit and has missed big events (in our relationship) like valentines, Mother’s Day etc. I feel like he’s been avoiding me and not making any effort anymore. He’s locked down his social media too, as I called out the fact he had randomly started following A number of women on SM which generally wasn’t a problem but the amount in a short space of time was. I have the gut feeling it’s someone from work as he has stopped texting me on breaks etc (which he always did before) and I found pictures of me in his recently deleted folder in his phone so there are no pictures of me in there anymore.

I’ve found he’s blowing up over the silliest things. He makes minimal eye contact and often comes home from his night shift and instead of getting into bed for a cuddle like he used to (before the kids get me up) he’ll stay downstairs, and go up when we’re up and often be up there for some time awake etc. It feels almost like resentment.

He’s working an increasing amount of overtime and seems to have no time for me anymore.

OP posts:
Candyfloss99 · 31/03/2021 09:52

@Cowbells

I'd sit him down when he gets home from work tonight. Maybe, if you can, get family to care for DC, and say to him: Something very serious has happened. We need to talk. That will get his attention.

Then ask if he really wants to be one of the cliched statistic of marriages that collapse shortly after the second baby is born because temporarily the wife is distracted and has baby weight, and domestic life is temporarily tough.

Is he really that weak person who puts his willy before his children? Because you know he's checked out of the marriage and you are giving him one chance to check back in, because you believe he is better than that. You believe he is not so weak or selfish or stupid that he'd chuck away everything during the well-known most difficult year in all marriages - the year the second child is born.

If he starts blustering, just look him in the eye and say: I know what's going on. If he tries to question you, just repeat calmly, I know what's going on. Are you sure you want to put your aching balls before your newborn baby?

I might even hand him the baby and say: Look at this person. You made them. They are your responsibility and you have One Chance to step up, be a man and take proper responsibility. We love each other, we might have lost sight of that because I'm covered in baby puke and baby fat for now, but I thought you were man enough to see beyond that, to know that's a very short period of time. You can be strong or spineless. You can choose your penis or your children. But don't lie and muck about. We both know that is the choice. You choose tonight. Which has priority - the young children you brought into the world or the aching balls that want to sink into some woman at work who currently doesn't have baby fat and baby puke all over her, both of which are products of you bringing a child into the world.

Pre-empt him saying he's fallen in love, by telling him it's a cliche that men run off in the year the second child is born with the first woman who pays them attention. She seems so desirable in contrast with the domestic harridan looking after his children. But in reality it's just an escape route because any woman not covered in baby puke and looking sleep deprived is more attractive. But if he actually makes an effort to connect with his children, to love them and raise them and be a proper dad, and to love you and have fun and adventures along the way in his marriage to you, he will have a far happier more rewarding life than if he just focuses on scratching his current itch.

One chance: babies or balls. Choose tonight.

And don't give him a second chance.

I so despise men who think their willies are more valid than their children.

Sorry for this essay but I truly think too many men are allowed to scuttle off at this tough point in a marriage these days. We have become so morally spineless and I think whatever he chooses to do he should do it from a point of absolute clarity. If he does scuttle off it's because he loves his willy more than he loves his kids. He should acknowledge this. Don't make it easy by just silently gathering the children and coping with the pain. Make it as uncomfortably honest as you can.

This is silly advice. It sounds like he doesn't love her anymore. He would be leaving her not his kids, same way she needs to leave him not her kids. Why would you want a man to stay for his children and not for you? That would just be an awful relationship full of resentment.
WouldBeGood · 31/03/2021 09:53

It’s really weird how they all follow The Script. This is textbook.

Cowbells · 31/03/2021 09:55

@WallaceinAnderland

One chance: babies or balls.

I don't think that will work. He will choose balls because that's what he wants, sorry.

Anyway, if he's cheating why would you be giving him choices. Don't let him have all that control. Tell him he's a shit and he should leave.

I agree, he probably will. But it will haunt him at some point in his life. It stops him from living the lie that he just fell in love and that his relationship with OP just wasn't the same any more. It shows a man up for the selfish immature coward he is.
CovergirlPutthebassinyourwalk · 31/03/2021 09:55

Leave the prick. You deserve so much better and there is better out there. The way he's treating you is disgusting and cruel. Please, leave him today, it will be so much better when you do.

Purplecatshopaholic · 31/03/2021 09:55

Changes of passwords, more overtime than usual with no extra money, not wanting a mortgage with you anymore, changes in attitude and routine. I’m sorry op but it’s clear what’s going on here, he’s checked out of your relationship and into one with someone else. Please don’t wait for him to make a move. You need to take control here - get legal advice ASAP. Sorry you are going through this - been there, it’s shit.

MadeForThis · 31/03/2021 09:58

It sounds like he's told the OW you live separate lives/he's just there for the kids. Usual lies. Deleting your photos proves this to her.

Don't do the pick me dance.
Don't let on that you suspect.

Get all paperwork together. Especially wage slips, bank statements, pension details.

Make sure you have the kids important documents as well as your marriage certificate.

Can you afford to stay in your current home alone?

You need real life support too.

All his actions are pretty suspicious individually but together its obvious your suspicion is correct.

Expect him to blame you. He may even try to get you to end the relationship so he can say you kicked him out and he didn't walk away from his kids.

Do this in your own terms. And in your own time.

Remember you don't need proof to end your relationship. You just need to be unhappy. And he is making you unhappy.

EwwwCoffee · 31/03/2021 09:59

Yes, sadly I agree with PP - this is The Script and he is almost certainly having an affair, and is definitely about to leave. Take control of as much of this process as you can, and absolutely do not do the pick me dance. It’s the main thing I regret from when I went through pretty much this exact scenario. Best of luck to you OP Flowers

MissLucyEyelesbarrow · 31/03/2021 10:00

Really sorry, OP but your marriage is over. I know that, ideally, you would have time to process this, but you need to act swiftly to protect yourself and your children. Please speak to a solicitor today Flowers

CombatBarbie · 31/03/2021 10:02

You are right to trust your instincts. I gather you are renting at the moment, can you afford this on your own (have you done the benefits calculator). I would take control of this make the break as it will put you in a better position overall and although you are doing the breakup, you will be better emotionally.

Jennylou88 · 31/03/2021 10:24

Really sorry that you're going through this OP! I can imagine your head is all over the place and you've got your little one who will need looking after too. Do you have anyone that could come and give you some support? Xx

RowanAlong · 31/03/2021 10:24

He deleted all pictures of you? Love to see him explain that one away. So sorry OP, but you’ve got good instincts and glad you have family around you. Good luck

Devlesko · 31/03/2021 10:28

pack his bags and leave them in the garden. He'll soon start squarking.

AryaStarkWolf · 31/03/2021 10:30

@Blackcat88

I feel like I have this pit in my stomach, it feels horrible. We have children and have been together for 7 years, married for 2. He started his new job last year and since then things had been different but in the last few weeks they’ve took a massive turn.
Sounds like maybe he's met someone at work. I'm so sorry OP such a shitty thing to go through especially when he's trying to pretend you're imagining things. You need to take some control back from him though. Like others have said make sure you lean on your friends and family
pam290358 · 31/03/2021 10:37

@Cowbells. I wondered whether the relationship was salvageable too, but it sounds as though he’s already planning his escape, so talking it out probably wouldn’t help - besides, I don’t think playing the ‘pick me’ game is ever a good idea - puts him in a position of power.

For a start you’d never be able to trust him again and if he’s done it once, in all likelihood he’ll do it again. I’m not one for hasty decisions and ending a marriage without exploring solutions but I don’t think there is one here. Trust is a massive issue here. He’s changed his online passwords - why would your partner want to keep you out of his phone unless he was up to no good ? He wants a mortgage by himself - why would another income on the application damage his chances ? More likely he’s planning for life as a bachelor, or worse, planning to move in with the other woman.

He‘ s obviously not in the least bit self aware - if he was, he would know that his behaviour is setting off alarm bells all over the place. He sounds a real piece of work, with the usual ‘me first’ attitude - instead of coming clean, he’s planning his escape route first. She’s better off getting out now.

BlackMarauder · 31/03/2021 10:40

All the signs are there. He's preparing to abandon you and your children. So sorry but you've got to seek legal advice and find out what you're owed financially.

pam290358 · 31/03/2021 10:42

@Devlesko

pack his bags and leave them in the garden. He'll soon start squarking.
This. He’ll get the message the instant he gets home - a good way to let him know you’re not stupid And you’ve figured out his little game.
TheFiend · 31/03/2021 10:43

Sorry op I was in an almost identical situation with exh. He also worked nights and I, like you, let a lot of things slide. Looking back now, the signs were all there. Overtime which wasn’t reflected in his pay, changing passwords, deleting browsing history, late night/early morning messages, picking fights all the time for no reason, distancing himself from family life. Found out he’d been on hook-up sights our whole relationship and had cheated on me with at least 20 different women. The last one, who he left me for, was a 19 year old work colleague (he was 38).

Start getting all your finances, passports, paperwork etc in order. I’d also start looking for your own place to live, especially as he’s trying to get a mortgage in his own name.

Don’t ignore the signs and end up in the shit.

raincamepouringdown · 31/03/2021 10:44

He's cheating or trying to.
He's also distancing himself deliberately from you.

Get your ducks in a row. Seek legal advice.
I'd be tempted to remind him he's welcome to put the mortgage in his name alone, but you're married and you're going on the deeds. his reaction will be very telling.

WallaceinAnderland · 31/03/2021 10:44

OP I hope you are at least reading these replies.

How are you feeling. Is it a shock that most people are confirming your suspicions?

Ninibest · 31/03/2021 10:44

You need to sit down with him and ask him what you can do together to improve your relationship. If there is something that is bothering him he has to tell you. Hope you can solve this situation

AryaStarkWolf · 31/03/2021 10:50

@EwwwCoffee

Yes, sadly I agree with PP - this is The Script and he is almost certainly having an affair, and is definitely about to leave. Take control of as much of this process as you can, and absolutely do not do the pick me dance. It’s the main thing I regret from when I went through pretty much this exact scenario. Best of luck to you OP Flowers
It's must be so hard not to though when you feel like you're losing you whole life. I really admire the women who can be that strong not to do it.
Magnificentmug12 · 31/03/2021 10:51

If his gearing up to leave then gear up to be without him.

Save, save, save!

Whilst your together still I would mention your going back to work when ML ends, how does he suppose you manage the childcare between you both and split the child care costs? I’d throw it out there straight away that he is required to do 50% of the childcare when you go back to work

TaraR2020 · 31/03/2021 10:54

Op you've had some brilliant advice here's I don't feel the need to add to it, i just wanted to say how sorry I am that you're going through this. You sound really strong and you'll come through it better than before Flowers

Blackcat88 · 31/03/2021 10:55

I thought maybe I was being a bit silly to be honest, but I think it’s obvious he’s hiding something and clearly wants to exit the marriage.

It feels like I can’t talk to him anymore IYSWIM. He’s different and he’s definitely changed a lot of his personality, there was an incident a couple of weeks back where he kept picking at things and trying to argue so i had left with the children to go to my mums for a couple of nights as I didn’t want to animosity around the kids. Strangely he had said he invited one of his friends around for pizza and a coupe of beers but he had said I think three times if you are coming back let me know so Barry (NC) will be gone before you got back. I wasn’t necessarily too suspicious at that point until I got home and had seen my Netflix had been used to watch Friends and Outnumbered. He has never watched these before and has often said these shows are a lot of shit lol. I said well who’s watched this? He said his friend put it on for background noise ( usually would be music) and I was shocked that him and his ‘friend’ would watch these types of shows together.

OP posts:
Newbie96 · 31/03/2021 10:55

Didn't wants to read and dash. I think as others have said, he is preparing to leave and it does sound as though he's having an affair with someone. Fuck him. It really sounds like he thinks he is pulling the wool over your eyes right now but please give him a huge reality check. You deserve better, kick him to the curb and watch his world crumble around him. Sending you strength. Flowers

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