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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

Read his journal, what do I do?

117 replies

Whaddyaknow2 · 15/04/2021 12:02

DH diagnosed with depression in 2019, on Antidepressants and had some CBT (pre-COVID, completely gone since March 2020), got into using meditation, feeling stronger, more confident, all in all that aspect is going well.

But our relationship has suffered immensely. We weren’t in a good place before his diagnosis (2 small kids, full time jobs, neglected ourselves as a couple for a few years) but since the CBT and counseling he’s come to blame me a lot for his depression, and generally everything. As and when it suits him though. Sometimes it’s ‘all my fault’ and sometimes it’s from his childhood, depending on his mood. His counsellor also told him that I was emotionally abusive and he leant on that a lot afterwards (blaming me). Then 2020 hit and we’ve generally been in the shitter. He has managed to keep up his meditation which has included keeping a journal on his iPad which is meant to be about focusing on positives and all that.

He’s said he only thinks about me in a negative way now, we argue a lot and I think there’s very little trust left. But he changes his mind depending on his mood and after a particularly crap day I ended up reading his journal because I wanted to see where his head actually was.

His last entry yesterday was about how horrible I am and If we broke up I’d have no chance of finding someone now because I’m fat and flabby but that some new starts have joined his team and he’s Facebook stalked 2 of them and they are young and hot and one in particular is ‘just his type, slim with big boobs’ and if he gets the chance he might try ‘making a play’.

As you can imagine this has thrown me completely. I wish I hadn’t read it but now that I have... what do I do? Is this just some kind of fantasy thing he’s written down? Should I tell him I read it and get into that world of losing any shred of trust that might be there? He knows I know his password and he leaves the iPad out so it’s not like he’s being particularly careful in keeping it secret. I know I shouldn’t have broken that trust that I wouldn’t read it but I’m pretty much at a loss of how to understand him anymore.

We had a heart to heart last night (before he wrote the journal) and It came to light that because I’ve ‘taken the lead’ in our relationship and life (for which he calls me a control freak) because he’s always been reserved and introverted and not had a whole lot of ‘life experience’ (like practical stuff, we met in uni but he’d had very a very hands on mother who did everything for him) that he now feels stronger and more confident and wants to be ‘in charge’ of more (but couldn’t tell me what those things would be), but he’s angry at me that I didn’t just know that’s what he wanted and why I’ve been not letting him. Anyway I came out of that conversation with a better understanding of his frustrations and I thought he had a better understanding of how I saw things and why the relationship is how it is in terms of division of responsibility. But then he went and wrote that. I feel completely betrayed and I’m wondering if this is likely to be something that turns into a reality...? This is going to sound really cliche but I never thought he would even consider cheating on me and ruining our family. My own father did that and he knows how much it has fucked me up-for him to even contemplate doing that to his own kids makes me feel sick Sad

What should I do? I don’t want to walk away but I deserve better than to be in a loveless relationship where I’m at fear of him following his dick and screwing up our life. Is he likely to follow through with this??

OP posts:
Sicario · 15/04/2021 13:40

Blaming you (and others) for all his woes is the easiest way for him to deal with this. It absolves him of all responsibility.

I got into a similar situation years ago and found it intolerable so I divorced him. Best decision I ever made.

Marriage and child-rearing is hard. It takes huge teamwork and commitment to make a success of it. If he's not prepared to step up and be that person, then you're probably on a hiding to nothing.

everydaysablessing · 15/04/2021 13:40

That must have been hard to read, sorry OP.

I'd say put yourself first for a bit, sounds like your family has been structured around his depression.

He sounds weak and horrible.

I'd suggest getting your own counsellor or coach and make a plan to separate. I can only think you'd be happier without him.

icdtap · 15/04/2021 13:41

He’s said he only thinks about me in a negative way now, we argue a lot and I think there’s very little trust left.

This relationship was over long before you read his diary.
He only thinks of you negatively and you say there is very little trust left.

You should walk away now. Why wait to see whether he cheats or not?
He wrote horrible things about you. It's over.

DeciduousPerennial · 15/04/2021 13:44

Christ alive, he’s a pain in the arse (and I don’t mean because he’s got depression - I mean because he blames you for everything shit in his life).

Why on Earth would you want to pour any more time or energy into feeding his giant, sucking, festering pit of self-centred misery?

WellIWasInTheNeighbourhoo · 15/04/2021 13:44

He sounds trapped at age 14, and combined with blaming everyone else for everything that goes wrong in his life Id say you've got yourself a bona fide narcissist.

babbaloushka · 15/04/2021 13:45

What are your finances like? This is my first, official LTB!

DoingItMyself · 15/04/2021 13:47

What should I do?

You should stop caring what this shithead thinks. He's your husband but he's not your friend. He has no respect or love for you.

You should not feel bad about having read his journal. Don't tell him, and read it again whenever you like. And his phone. You are living with the enemy.

Do not believe what he says about you being too unattractive to find a partner. You're way more attractive than he is! No-one wants a nasty, disloyal creep.

So, now what? Shake yourself, start making plans that don't include him. Be brave. As they say on mumsnet, 'He's shown you who he is. Believe him.'

grapewine · 15/04/2021 13:48

@Sstrongtn

Are you controlling and emotionally abusive? Why did the counsellor say that?

Reading his journal was absolutely and totally not ok and There are warning flags all over your post to me, it’s written in an odd way as if you have decided the division of labour and things.

Either way, what he wrote isn’t ok either, the relationship is dead and gone. Try to end it and co-parent as effectively as possible.

All of this. Why read his journal? Really not OK.

Just walk away. That would be best for everyone involved, it seems.

Dashel · 15/04/2021 13:53

I wouldn’t tell him that you have read it, but if I were you I would get my ducks in a row as they say and sort out my exit strategy, talk to a solicitor, use entitled to website, finances, documents etc.

Really there are 4 options, the first leave him, but get yourself organised before you tell him.

Second option talk to him, tell him you read it, have an argument and roll those dice, it maybe possible with therapy to improve things

Third option say nothing and carry on as normal

Fourth option, you take on board what was written and said and you loose weight and let him be in charge, but this is a stupid idea as there will always be something you are doing wrong as he is a victim and if he is in charge and makes a bad decision it will be your fault or if you question the stupid decision you will be being controlling.

He sounds like an arse and it doesn’t sound like this is worth saving. If you can try to rebuild the friendship a bit it might make the divorce easier but the longer you leave it the nastier things will get.

KilljoysDutch · 15/04/2021 13:54

Orgasmagorical I keep my journal on my desk, my husband knows what it is and where it is. I don't want him to read it. I trust him so I don't feel the need to hide it away.

Fluffycloudland77 · 15/04/2021 13:54

He probably thinks if it wasn’t for you and the kids he’d be shagging a different big boobed slim girl every night but unless he’s stunningly attractive this is unlikely.

He’ll be renting a flat & giving you child support.

sunnyzweibrucken · 15/04/2021 14:00

Even if you hadn't read the journal he sounds like a prick who really doesn't like you much anymore. This relationship is dead in the water. You shouldn't want to try and make this work, but I understand it's tough to leave when you have been with someone for a long time. I think you should go to counseling to find out WHY you would want to stay with or make a relationship work with a person like him.

harknesswitch · 15/04/2021 14:06

Curiosity really does kill the cat. It I think in this scenario he's done you a favour. Time to make your exit plan and leave him. He has no respect for you and it also sounds like he doesn't like you at all.

Time to go and make a lovely life for yourself

BigusBumus · 15/04/2021 14:08

I don't think you can blame your husband for everything. It usually takes blame on both sides to end up in a mess like this.

I would be making plans to split to be honest. I can see that there is much that's salvageable.

Whaddyaknow2 · 15/04/2021 14:46

Thank you everyone for taking the time to read and reply. I took myself for a long walk over lunch to process many of the responses. Reading my original post back to myself was actually a bit difficult.

Separating has absolutely been on the cards for a while. Why do I stay? I’m not entirely sure. I suppose I see divorce as failure, having been a child of a very very acrimonious divorce. We’ve been part of each other’s lives for 15 years which is nearly half our total lives. Moving away from our life seems scary, difficult. Obviously the small kids also keep us tied together but I don’t want to screw them up. Single parent life seems tough, huge upheaval for the kids. Financially I will be fine but we would have to sell our house. We have a comfortable life, 2 healthy kids, stable jobs, why isn’t that enough?!

Why does he stay? I’ve come to the conclusion he’s doing it out of convenience? Until a situation presents itself (or herself now I believe?) to go

It’s interesting what someone said about how he is using the journal, I think you’re right he’s using it to justify that I am awful and it’s all my doing. He’s telling himself that and he is believing it. I’m pretty sure it’s not how it’s meant to be used?

Thank you to those who have shared their own similar experiences. It is eye opening.

Some of the feedback he’s told me from his therapist has been wholly unfair and I am surprised she was making these statements. I don’t know if he was exaggerating or if she actually said it. We have both said hurtful things during arguments through the years and he holds most of those against me. He is most definitely ‘the victim’. I think I do exert some control over him, over the relationship, I don’t think it’s a conscious thing though? It’s sort of developed over the years from me taking the lead. I once asked him what he wanted from life and he said he didn’t know, he’s never really been driven to do anything-whether that was part of the depression I suppose it was, so in that respect I’ve tended to drive where we go and what we’ve done.

And yes I know I shouldn’t have read the journal. I honestly wish I hadn’t now. I don’t feel myself at the moment, it feels like everything’s coming to a head, I’m finding it hard to concentrate on work, not sleeping well, feeling panicky, not eating well properly. The walk really was helpful to try and calm down (and have a quiet cry).

OP posts:
Tal45 · 15/04/2021 14:51

I wouldn't tell him you've read his journal - it will just be another stick to beat you with - but I would seriously consider leaving.

He sounds pretty much like a vulnerable narcissist to me - nothing is ever his fault, all the ways he failed aren't because he's insular, introverted and depressive it's because you've held him back or because of his family. He thinks he deserves/is entitled to young hot trophy women with the perfect figure whom he stalks on SM that he'd like to parade around to impress others and up his woeful self esteem. He changes his mind about how he feels about you depending on his mood because he doesn't want to push you too far, he fears rejection more than anything and would not want you to leave him despite the contempt he feels for you. He is a weak, pitiful pathetic creature IMO.

Whaddyaknow2 · 15/04/2021 15:11

I’ve never heard of ‘vulnerable narcissist’ before but it seems fairly spot on...

OP posts:
Fluffycloudland77 · 15/04/2021 15:52

I imagine it’d be easier on your self esteem if you leave him, I know two women who’ve battled on only to be left.

Aquamarine1029 · 15/04/2021 15:54

And yes I know I shouldn’t have read the journal. I honestly wish I hadn’t now.

You shouldn't have read it, but I actually think it's the best thing you could have done. Your marriage is a farce, your husband is a manipulative prick, and it's about time you accept it.

As for your children, them growing up with a happy mother is what's best for them. Growing up in the midst of such a toxic, unhappy marriage will do irreparable harm to them.

End your marriage with dignity and move on.

randomer · 15/04/2021 16:12

I wouldn't be chucking in a marriage on the say so of some bored strangers on Mumsnet.

Have you ever thought nasty things about your partner, or written nasty things? I know I have.
Have you ever fancied somebody else? I know I have.

It is not down to a registered therapist to say a spouse is controlling. I wonder as to this persons professional credentials.

2020Diary · 15/04/2021 16:41

My post went missing so I will try again. You know you shouldn't have read his journal BUT you did and can't un read it so what to do?
He wants more control of his life but doesn't know how or what. You could suggest a 'trial ' separation ostensibly to give him control of his life so he can work out what he wants. This gives you breathing space to work out what you want and get your ducks in a row. He might want to return or he might not but you will be in charge of your future. He moves out of course.
Good Luck Flowers

Mix56 · 15/04/2021 17:03

Sounds like he has zero gratitude, respect or love for you.
You are worth more than this.
Just tell him its over.
He should be relieved right ?

Wherearemymarbles · 15/04/2021 20:16

Some people get together and just bring out the worst in each other.

Maybe he is frustrated with himself so has to blame others rather than deal with it himself

Perhaps he feels stifled. Maybe you do stifle him. The bad robot doesn't know he’s a bad robot.

Or maybe you two are just a bad fit but whatever it is there is no love there on either side it seems.

MsJinks · 15/04/2021 20:33

I’m surprised at the journal contents - when alongside meditation they’re often to practice gratitude, or write about feelings - your partner’s was pretty descriptive- not just I’m fancying a girl at work and not the Mrs but added childlike physical descriptors. I see some posters comment on them being there for your innermost thoughts - if these are innermost thoughts then really, it’s difficult to find words, at best he’s not really working on it as well as he might. From the wording you give I think he wanted you to read it to be honest.
Re the counselling- they help you identify what’s wrong - they don’t tell you - so I think that’s what he’s told them. Although he may genuinely believe it especially if he’s told himself this story so often.
End of the day none of it really matters as seems you’re in a dire marriage and need to consider separating to get some perspective and start feeling better about yourself - at best he must be draining the life out of you. Be kind to yourself OP.

goody2shooz · 15/04/2021 20:34

Surely it’s far more of a ‘failure’ to STAY in a marriage that makes you miserable? Divorce doesn’t have to be acrimonious, and your children will be happier if you are happier. You say financially you will be fine, so maybe book yourself a good therapist (and a lawyer if only to clarify your position if you decide to divorce), and talk things through with a neutral third party?

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