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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 controlling?

46 replies

Clearlycleary · 15/04/2021 07:59

I started a new job this week. Previously I worked PT, 3 days a week, school hours, but basically did everything re DC (2 - 6 and 4) and for the house Monday - Friday. He has never done the school run, for example. Food magically appears in the cupboards and fridge, his clothes go from dirty to hanging clean and ironed in his wardrobe, he puts the hoover round once a week and that is the grand total of the housework he does - I think he has had it easy, really - except-
DH is the main earner and has a stressful job (personally, I think he makes it more stressful than it needs to be).
He has said several times that he feels under pressure being the main earner and his pay dropped by 25% in the last year due to Covid which has caused him additional stress.

It was always my plan to increase my hours once my youngest was in reception - she started last September. I couldn't increase my hours at my old job (I was keen to leave anyway) and so I got a new FT ish (30 hours 9-3 mon -fri) job and I started on Monday.

My new job will be a mix of WFH and office based but for this week, to train, I have to go into the office. I think everyone would agree that this week is important to make the right impression.

DH was apprehensive because he has got used to being able to work when he likes and is happy with the status quo. He will book meetings for 7am or 7pm without any word to me - he doesn't even tell me if he will be eating with us even though he is working upstairs. He controls his own diary to a large extent.

Before I accepted the job we had a discussion about how things would have to change. He nodded along and agreed he would have to start considering us when booking meetings and that he would have to start doing some school runs - mornings especially and definitely during this first week.

Last week he decided he was going to return to his office this week. In central London. An hour away. He hasn't stepped foot in that office except for two days last September. Why this week? It isn't an order from above, it is his choice. As far as I am aware the rules are still work from home if you can. He has to leave home at 7.30am to get his train.

As part of our plans for a new routine he agreed to make DS's packed lunch. This morning he has run out the door and casually mentioned he hasn't done it and OH there is no bread Hmm the bins also needed to go out but he walked straight past them and then messaged me to say "he forgot". He managed 3 days of making the lunch.

Fortunately my new office is fairly local and so I can drop the DC off and get there for 9am but it is pretty tight.

Meanwhile, DH leaves extra time so he can casually saunter from the station to his office and perhaps pick up a coffee and croissant before sitting at his desk in plenty of time before his first meeting.

I am so angry. This is controlling behaviour, isn't it? If asked, he would deny that he is deliberately trying to make me fail/ make my life difficult. He made a huge fuss over me getting my new job - it is a big step up - a card, flowers, social media posts but in reality I feel like he is trying to assert his authority - trying to show that him and his job come first, remember that little woman! Know your place!

I feel so down this morning. I am finding my new job hard, I had been at my old one for 15 years and could do it in my sleep. I really have to concentrate. The house is a mess too - DH didn't even put his dinner plate in the dishwasher last night (he never does, I suppose that's another sign for me to know my place).

Sigh. Must stop moaning and get the DC to finish getting ready.

OP posts:
ForensicFlossy · 15/04/2021 08:12

I don't think he is controlling but he is used to you sorting the kids and house and he clearly doesn't want to contribute. He is hiding from the extra tasks he needs to take on. You need to make it clear that he has responsibilities at home that he needs to take on.

Accentor · 15/04/2021 08:14

Yeah, he's putting you in your place.

Tlollj · 15/04/2021 08:15

Well he can’t have it all ways can he? If he’s concerned about finances you need to work. If your at work he needs to buck up in the house and with dcs.
If he doesn’t want to then you can’t work full time. His choice. Put it to him like that.

Clearlycleary · 15/04/2021 17:17

I have been stewing on this all day.

How do I broach this? We need to have a proper discussion about it. He will deny that he has done anything on purpose and that he supports me working but he can't help me because his job is the more important one.

I feel I did make it clear that he needed to do more round the house and with DC if I took this job - we spoke at length about it. His actions just make me feel that he wants to set the tone for how we go forward - I.e. everything is still my responsibility and I shouldn't get any funny ideas.

I think he likes the idea in theory but in reality he just can't/ won't do it.

How do I get him to see it from my point of view? I think the way he works and acts Monday- Friday is so ingrained, even before DC I worked normal 9-5 hours and so would always leave the house after him and get home before him and so I ended up saddled with making dinner, tidying round and doing the washing. I don't think he has ever considered me. Even when eldest was young and I had been back at work a week after maternity leave he got up and went to work when DS was sick during the night and so couldn't go to nursery the next day- he didn't even think that he might have to be the one to stay home. To him it was obvious it would be me.

He always overpromises at work "oh yes, I can get that done by Friday".... and then has to pull an all nighter on Thursday to get it done Hmm I suppose he has done the same to me - over promised.

It's as though his working is enough (he does pull long hours) and that trumps everything - if he doesn't fancy helping with the DC bedtime he just says he needs to work (I have no idea if he does or not). I have no choice - I could have a mountain of work to do (like tonight, I have to read a load of policy documents for my new job) but I still have to sort dinner, bath DC and get them into bed first.

Feeling really fed up and regret changing jobs, I am overwhelmed and out of my depth.

OP posts:
Clearlycleary · 15/04/2021 17:18

Oh and as if by magic he won't be home until well after DC are in bed (he has just messaged).

Just enough time for me to have done all the chores so he can come in and put his feet up.

Do men hide at work to avoid responsibility? It feels that way.

OP posts:
Clearlycleary · 15/04/2021 17:24

I replied that after DC go to bed I will need to do some reading for a couple of hours and he has asked if I am being paid for it Angry

If I so much as work half an hour over my contracted hours he is on my case about my employer taking the piss and I should take it back in lieu etc - he often does 20hrs + unpaid overtime but that is fine and expected at his pay grade. It is expected at mine too but he cannot see that at all.

I am raging tonight.

OP posts:
Aquamarine1029 · 15/04/2021 17:30

I don't think you need to have a discussion, I think you need to make a proclamation. You will not continue to tolerate his selfishness, his uselessness, and his complete disrespect. He either gets his shit together, starts to support and prioritise you and your family, or the marriage will not be able to survive. You don't have a partner right now, you have just another burden to bear and contend with. He adds no value to your life.

Fuck that.

Wurrg · 15/04/2021 17:31

He sounds horrible. Unsupportive and lazy. Yes, he works long hours, but so do lots of people and they still pull their weight at home. I think he's a waste of space, sorry OP.

MayorGoodwaysChicken · 15/04/2021 17:33

I’m not surprised you’re raging. He’s sabotaging you. In his eyes you can’t win-if you don’t work you’re not contributing financially but if you work you’re not giving him the housewife experience he clearly wants but isn’t able or willing to pay for (and why should you be a housewife if you don’t want to be).

You need to put a rocket up him and show him in no uncertain terms that you won’t tolerate him behaving this way. Come down on him like an absolute ton of bricks and show him that making his children’s lunch is easier than dealing with the fallout if he doesn’t.

Megan2018 · 15/04/2021 17:36

You need to lose your shit.
Obviously the DC needs need to be met, but bin off everything else. No housework, no feeding him. Just crack on with what you need to do. The house can be a tip, it doesn’t matter. Feed the kids, eat out yourself if you need to. Sod him.

You need to make a good start at this job, (which you can and will succeed at by the way) -you might really need it in the future if he carries on like this.

Do not tolerate this. He’s trying to make you fail, whether it’s deliberate I couldn’t tell. But it’s very common.

BraveGoldie · 15/04/2021 17:37

Yeah I wouldn't necessarily use the 'controlling' label- but for sure exploitative, selfish, self-indulgent, unfair...... and needs a good perspective change/ kick up the arse.....

RaeRaeMama · 15/04/2021 17:40

I would leave that man. Or better yet, change the locks and chuck him out. What a selfish bastard

Aprilshowersandhail · 15/04/2021 17:40

Big mahoosive spreadsheet... Fill in every that happens/needs done for your family. 2 pens
What of his 50 %he won't commit tpl ask him what he intends to do to cover those things? He needs to find a childcare provider /shopping delivery slot etc.. Stand firm.

TimmyOnTheBrain · 15/04/2021 17:41

Do men hide at work to avoid responsibility? It feels that way. Well the ones I used to work with certainly did. I worked in a very male dominated industry and the men, with rare exception, would often stay on at the end of the day when there was absolutely no need. They were just hiding from their responsibilities at home. I'm sure they all went home expecting tea and sympathy for having such stressful big important jobs. The women on the other hand (including me), usually had to dash off to pick up kids, sort dinner etc. etc. etc.

You need to sit him down and draw up a rota. This needs nipping in the bud.

Outbutnotoutout · 15/04/2021 17:42

I would be up and out before his head raised from the pillow.

He is acting like a selfish dick

RaeRaeMama · 15/04/2021 17:43

@Outbutnotoutout

I would be up and out before his head raised from the pillow.

He is acting like a selfish dick

Yes. This. Am fuming on your behalf OP
Creepygnochi · 15/04/2021 17:43

It's not controlling, just change resistance. Keep at it, it will soon become the new status quo. Make him keep at the lunches, don't jump in to 'save' him. If the bins don't get emptied for a week, they don't get emptied for a week. He needs to learn the fairies don't do it. I don't even think it requires a discussion because you will just get denial. Just commit 'you are a big boy, figure it out' to memory and repeat it whenever he calls you.

Janaih · 15/04/2021 17:43

I think he's pulling that trick of being deliberately shit at "wife work" so you give up and do it yourself. Unacceptable, stand your ground here.
A period of adjustment and minor turbulence is to be expected, but as pp said he's actually being a hindrance.
Calmly explain once again that the job is important to you and the family, and if you are important to him then he needs to show support with actions, not just words. Shared online calendar with schedules, any extras to be discussed and put on calendar if agreed. Set a time limit for reasonable improvements, then review his progress and take necessary action.
Congratulations on the job BTW 👏

GoodbyePorpoiseSpit · 15/04/2021 17:44

This is how women fail at work. This is the pay gap. This is misogyny. It’s unfair and it’s awful.
He doesn’t have your back when it comes to your career. A big list is a good idea, make the selfish and entitled man commit in writing to a shared household.

harknesswitch · 15/04/2021 17:52

Blimey op, just reading your posts is giving me the rage.

He's not being supportive at all, he's being selfish and plain horrid.

I'd make it absolutely clear to him that he can no longer 'hide' at work and shirk his responsibility, he needs to step up now! Actually he needs to do everything for the next few weeks whilst you get used to your new job. If he's not happy with that I suggest you move in with either a friend or relative to take the pressure off yourself and so you can concentrate on work fully until you're happier. Let him sort the dc and house out

As for tonight, leave the housework and just feed yourself and dc. Do your reading and have an early night. Tell him you're going into work early tomorrow so he sorts the dc in the morning

Creepygnochi · 15/04/2021 17:54

He has no incentive to help you if he knows by ignoring it you will do it for him. Don't do it for him. It's going to suck, but if that means you live in squalor for a couple of weeks, you live in squalor for a couple of weeks. Provided he isn't a complete and total slob, he will get sick of it and wash a plate of his own volition.

JustSleepAlready · 15/04/2021 18:00

Not controlling , no. Selfish and self centred, yes. Manipulative, also yes. You need to talk and sort this ASAP. If it helps, write a list of all the things you do , and the things he doesnt do and say we need to manage all of this together as a family. How are we going to do that?

Dery · 15/04/2021 18:02

“It's not controlling, just change resistance. Keep at it, it will soon become the new status quo. Make him keep at the lunches, don't jump in to 'save' him. If the bins don't get emptied for a week, they don't get emptied for a week. He needs to learn the fairies don't do it. I don't even think it requires a discussion because you will just get denial. Just commit 'you are a big boy, figure it out' to memory and repeat it whenever he calls you

This. Your new job and hours sound great, btw. Congratulations on it!

JSL52 · 15/04/2021 18:04

@Aquamarine1029

I don't think you need to have a discussion, I think you need to make a proclamation. You will not continue to tolerate his selfishness, his uselessness, and his complete disrespect. He either gets his shit together, starts to support and prioritise you and your family, or the marriage will not be able to survive. You don't have a partner right now, you have just another burden to bear and contend with. He adds no value to your life.

Fuck that.

Well said 👏
Clearlycleary · 15/04/2021 18:14

Yes! This is exactly why women fail (and fail to get the job in the first place).

It is so very frustrating.

Ok, so tomorrow if lunch doesn't get made DS can have school dinner (Fridays are fish and chips which he will eat), I am not even going to say anything.

He can bring the bins in. It was raining when I got home with DC and their various bags and works of "art". He hates them being left on the pavement, so if he says anything I will have "forgotten".

I haven't cooked his dinner tonight (usually I leave him a plate to reheat ) but he said he would be late,right, and the cupboards are bare because I haven't had a chance to go shopping - I am not very organised and would often do small top up shops on my days off.

I don't think I could bear to delegate all the food shopping - I would want a say in what I had to eat, DH couldn't care less. Although he does casually mention he would like x or y and, like a fool, I make sure I get it in.
Not any more. I have sorted out an online shop for this weekend and just emailed him the log in details. If he wants to add anything he can do it himself.

He can cook at least one meal at the weekend - he always used to!- and make something for heating up midweek.
Not sure when the weekend cooking changed, he always did Saturday night dinner but recently that became a pizza in the oven, which became me putting a pizza in the oven and the past two weeks have been takeaways. I don't think he has cooked a meal since February (which is when I handed my notice in and accepted the new job Hmm).

I am also going to send him a calendar to sort out dividing up the summer holidays to cover childcare. Because I only worked 3 days before he would only take 6 days off to cover two weeks, whereas I had to take 2 weeks off to cover mine - the equivalent of 10 days of his leave (our mums usually cover a week each too, we usually have our holiday together at Easter because that works better for DH's work 🙄) so he always had more leave than me to use - in the past few years he has gone off for a few days fishing. He always declared that it was equal. He will be upset when he realises, won't he?

No more Mrs nice Cleary.

OP posts: