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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:
RandomMess · 15/04/2021 18:19

I am raging on your behalf.

His salary has gone down yet he is purposefully suddenly spending money to commute in to avoid doing his fair share.

I would tell him to at I was very disappointed in him and I'm not stupid and I know exactly why he is suddenly back in the office and your respect for him has disappeared.

Janaih · 15/04/2021 18:20

Sounds like a strong plan OP, good luck!

Poolbridge · 15/04/2021 18:27

I quite agree with @Aquamarine1029

Before children my ex used to arrive at home from work each day at 6:15pm. This was for 5+ years prior. The moment we had our DC - he was still in exactly the same job and role - suddenly he couldn’t get home till after 7pm which meant he had no responsibility for DC’s cleaning up dinner, bath or bedtime. This is just but one example.

It’s unacceptable and stinks and is exactly why he is my ex now.

Your DH wants all of the privileges of a family life and second income and none of the responsibilities. Misogyny at its best.

You need to have a long difficult confronting conversation with him. Good luck with this, given he has already established a position favourable to him which he won’t want to back down from. And please let us know how it goes.

Aquamarine1029 · 15/04/2021 18:32

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".

No, no, no! Do not say you forget, tell him you had to deal with every fucking other thing and didn't want to do it because he can. Stop letting him get away with this shit.

Dacquoise · 15/04/2021 18:36

I am getting the idea that your DH may be passive aggressive which is about control. You have had a detailed conversation about his participation in responsibilities as you return to full time work and he has failed to do what he agreed. Forgetting is a very poor excuse and classic passive aggressive behaviour. He's not stepping up because he just doesn't want to.

My ex husband was like this. His work was seen as more 'important ' which gave him a ready made get out of jail card. He didn't participate in anything he didn't want to, even avoided my coming home from hospital when our child was born because he had a 'meeting'.

If he is passive aggressive it's almost impossible to deal with because they always deny doing it and other people can't see it. You have to pull him up on everything he fails to do to confront the behaviour. It was easier for me to just walk away and let him be someone else's problem.

Horsemad · 15/04/2021 20:07

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.

Don't not say anything - REMIND him he needs to do DS's lunch. 🙄

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".

You didn't 'forget', you were busy doing the house/DC stuff.

Come on OP, don't make it easy for him to treat you like this.

namechange30455 · 15/04/2021 21:24

@Horsemad

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.

Don't not say anything - REMIND him he needs to do DS's lunch. 🙄

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".

You didn't 'forget', you were busy doing the house/DC stuff.

Come on OP, don't make it easy for him to treat you like this.

To be fair it's not the OP's job to remind him to make DS's lunch either.

OP I would go nuclear if my DP did this, are you planning to tell him how upset you are when he gets home?

BobCatBob · 15/04/2021 21:41

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Outbutnotoutout · 16/04/2021 15:29

How did it go today?

Clearlycleary · 16/04/2021 20:06

Today has been dreadful. I really, really regret leaving my old job. Maybe it is just first week nerves and feeling overwhelmed?

I have been invited to team drinks in a pub garden next Friday. Obviously, I have to ask permission/ organise meals/ childcare etc it just pisses me off that DH just wouldn't even think twice, he probably wouldn't even think to tell me until he was there or on his way home.

DH didn't get home until midnight last night, I was already asleep. This morning he kept asking if I was in a mood with him. I was acting breezy because the DC were there and getting into a row when he is about to leave for work is a hiding to nothing. He did do DS's lunch though.

Radio silence from him all day. No news about when I may expect him back tonight either. We are not big on messaging or calling each other during the day anyway but I find it rude that he doesn't tell me his plans. In a way I hope he pulls another late one.

Working late like this isn't unusual but it is normally one night and then he is back early the next day. I also usually know about it in advance, he didn't bother to let me know yesterday - I knew he was at work from location sharing on his phone. No message for DC both nights. Rude and disrespectful.

I realised last night that apart from Monday he has not asked me how I am doing in my new job.

I am not sure what he is trying to prove. It feels like a pissing contest.

Again, it annoys that working late isn't an option for me - I could perhaps work until 5pm, at a push, but then I would be dashing to get DC from after school club, cooking, bath and bed. How do single mothers do it all?

The kitchen looks like a bomb has hit it. I am just leaving it for tonight. I doubt we will speak until tomorrow now but I am sure he will make a comment about the state of the place which will just make me blow my fuse.

I am tired and just drained. I want a glass of wine, watch that stupid this is my house program and go to bed.

OP posts:
RandomMess · 16/04/2021 20:10

Ask for your old job back, divorce the dick, then rebuild your life.

I would tell him next Friday you are working late and straight out for drinks so it's all on him.

AngryAngryAngryAngryAngryAngry

Megan2018 · 16/04/2021 20:17

@Clearlycleary

Today has been dreadful. I really, really regret leaving my old job. Maybe it is just first week nerves and feeling overwhelmed?

I have been invited to team drinks in a pub garden next Friday. Obviously, I have to ask permission/ organise meals/ childcare etc it just pisses me off that DH just wouldn't even think twice, he probably wouldn't even think to tell me until he was there or on his way home.

DH didn't get home until midnight last night, I was already asleep. This morning he kept asking if I was in a mood with him. I was acting breezy because the DC were there and getting into a row when he is about to leave for work is a hiding to nothing. He did do DS's lunch though.

Radio silence from him all day. No news about when I may expect him back tonight either. We are not big on messaging or calling each other during the day anyway but I find it rude that he doesn't tell me his plans. In a way I hope he pulls another late one.

Working late like this isn't unusual but it is normally one night and then he is back early the next day. I also usually know about it in advance, he didn't bother to let me know yesterday - I knew he was at work from location sharing on his phone. No message for DC both nights. Rude and disrespectful.

I realised last night that apart from Monday he has not asked me how I am doing in my new job.

I am not sure what he is trying to prove. It feels like a pissing contest.

Again, it annoys that working late isn't an option for me - I could perhaps work until 5pm, at a push, but then I would be dashing to get DC from after school club, cooking, bath and bed. How do single mothers do it all?

The kitchen looks like a bomb has hit it. I am just leaving it for tonight. I doubt we will speak until tomorrow now but I am sure he will make a comment about the state of the place which will just make me blow my fuse.

I am tired and just drained. I want a glass of wine, watch that stupid this is my house program and go to bed.

First weeks are really tough for everyone- it’s normal to wobble! Give it a chance Now you know he hasn’t got your back so important to dig deep and forge on.

What a dickhead though. How disappointing for you.

MarshmallowAra · 16/04/2021 20:48

As others have said,my impression was not controlling but "extremely selfish".

Then someone made the point about passive aggression and I thought - yeah if is, and I suppose that is controlling in a way.

He wants you to shoulder the burden of household etc .. he doesn't want to take on more because you've got a new, more demanding job. He can't be arsed and presumably he thinks it's really women's work.

Quartz2208 · 16/04/2021 20:52

You are already thinking of going back though - so he is getting what he wants

And why shouldnt you go out next week - you dont need permission at all. You need to tell him you are (as he would) - I suspect he may decide not to come home though what are you going to do about that.

I think you need to tell him this is happening - life is changing and he needs to change with it so you become a proper partnership

And if he does make a comment about the kitchen you need to comment back make him take respoinsibility

Xztop · 17/04/2021 08:51

And this is exactly why I am no longer with my husband! He was EXACTLY the same and just reading your post has made me feel angry for you OP.
I can only reiterate what others have said. Particularly the losing your shit part...
I used to do that and he bucked his ideas up for a few weeks but then it was back to his old ways.
When he finally agreed to leave I didnt even notice he had gone apart from less mess and less money!

KittyKattyKate · 17/04/2021 10:06

Reading this has given me the rage, OP. Please don’t give up your job - now that your eyes have been opened you will come to need it. This man wants you to fail so he can feel good about himself. I hope your salary is going into a separate account.

Stop doing his laundry etc. He is a big boy.

updownroundandround · 17/04/2021 10:23

@Clearlycleary

You're really going to have to decide whether or not he's ever likely to really change and 'step up'. If he's not going to and you're just fighting and feeling angry for no good reason. it would be better for everyone if you just split up.

If you think he does have the capacity to change his behaviour, then by all means 'lose your shit' with him and leave him in no doubt that he is going to have to shoulder 50% of the house/kids/shopping/school hols/school pick up's etc etc.

Draw up a rota and tell him that any ''I have to work late'' or ''I have to go to the office'' spiels will NOT be tolerated. If he can't/won't agree to this, then there's no point in even trying, is there ? Because any time he ''can't be arsed'' to do his turns doing ''women's work'', then he'll always say ''I have to work'', won't he ?? Hmm

But you also need to realize that the more you struggle to do everything, the easier you're making it for him to not bother.

So when the kids are in bed, don't clean up/ do laundry/ housework/ put his plates in the dishwasher Hmm etc.
let your 'standards' slip, then tell him when he comes home (finally), that he still needs to do the laundry/ hoover/ clean kitchen/ put bins out, before he even sits his lazy arse down !!

harknesswitch · 17/04/2021 10:25

Go out on Friday with your new team, it'll help you with feeling more part of the team and help with the transition of moving jobs.

TELL your dh you're going out and he has to be back at x time to collect the dc. I wouldn't even go home otherwise it means he can be late and leave you sat there unable to go out. Tell the school/childminder that if there are any issues on Friday to call your dh and give them his number, that way, if he's late or 'forgets' they ring him.

gamerchick · 17/04/2021 10:31

Look, he isn't going to change. He's doing this deliberately so you find a way to make it work without his input.

I'd be telling him that both adults if kids working requires teamwork and if he didn't want to be a part of that team then he can leave so you can find someone else who does. Then you get CM and time off parenting on contact days.

timeisnotaline · 17/04/2021 10:35

I’d tell the fucker I hoped he liked his divorce, as what was the only fucking way he would get away with doing nothing around the home. I’d say maybe you’ll be a shitty divorced dad and never see his kids again, I wouldn’t be surprised right now given you are too special and important to do anything for them much less me, but you’ll have to cook your own dinner and the dishes cleaning laundry fairy won’t be there anymore and right now thinking about that makes me so happy. Either you have contact and my life is so much easier, or my work should be more understanding as the divorced ex of a shitty dad so I’m left with everything, much like now. Pull your fucking finger out, I’m going to a hotel next work night and you can work out picking the dc up and feeding them and leaving a tidy house and taking them to school in the morning - with lunch, and see if you like this new life.

SandyY2K · 17/04/2021 11:04

He's quite simply being selfish. His behaviour also seems sabotaging as well. He complained about the financial pressure of being the main earner and now you've got a full time job, he's being difficult and he knows it.

That's very very annoying and I feel your pain.

Years ago I was applying for a ft role. I went for the interview and told DH they would be done travelling involved and I needed him to be around for the kids. I said if when I needed to book a meeting in another city, I'd check that his work diary was clear first. He said fine, but something could come in his diary later and he couldn't guarantee his availability.

I told him I wasn't going any further in the process, as I didn't want to look unprofessional cancelling important meetings. I stuck to my pt 3 day a week job until the kids went to high school.

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