Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

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:
Cocopogo · 15/04/2021 23:16

OP I wouldn’t hang around and wait for him to rebuild his life with someone else and then leave you when it’s all in order. I would leave him now. You haven’t mentioned any redeeming qualities. Divorce is not a failure. It’s an every day part of people’s lives now. Kids aren’t screwed up from it because half their class has separated parents, it’s no big deal now. Your kids will be fine and so will you. In a few months you’ll look back and wonder why you gave this man half your life. Don’t waste another 15 years being miserable.

user1481840227 · 16/04/2021 00:55

He sounds like Kevin the teenager.
You deserve to be in a happy relationship with someone who actually likes you as well as loves you.

Freyaismyname · 16/04/2021 01:48

@Tal45

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.

This!
Mundayblues · 16/04/2021 01:54

‘ We have a comfortable life, 2 healthy kids, stable jobs, why isn’t that enough?! ‘

I find this statement of yours interesting (if I’ve read it correctly). That’s great, but isn’t enough for a happy, healthy relationship. From your posts, you both sound very unhappy. I can’t see how you can turn this around unless there is a 100% commitment from both sides to do so.

Mollymalone123 · 16/04/2021 01:56

Clearly he is not a mature enough person to think that he could be at fault in anyway for his own issues or your relationship- if he’s writing things like that in his journal he’s giving himself permission to have an affair or leave you.I honestly would be looking after my own interests from now on-I’m sorry but I couldn’t live with someone who took no responsibility for anything and blamed me for all his woes- you would be better off in your own 💐

QueenOfPain · 16/04/2021 02:12

What he’s written is so stereotypically base and “male” it’s like a caricature of a man. I suspect he’s written it expecting you to read it and get a reaction from you.

The only reaction I’d provide is to leave him and end the marriage. He’s manipulative.

Not to mention that whole thing about having to humour him and give him more responsibility so he feels more like a proper big boy. How is it that your fanny hasn’t sealed itself shut?

He doesn’t sound like a man who is acquainted with the concept of personal responsibility,

occa · 16/04/2021 02:58

I'm sorry OP, but this relationship is over. I just don't think there's any way forward for you together. You both sound miserable.

It'll be far better for your mental health if you do the right thing and walk away rather than hanging about waiting for him to cheat on you.

BadNomad · 16/04/2021 03:14

Well, he sounds charming.

I understand that feeling of failure you get when you're facing another broken family (but from the adult side). But you're not a failure. You're just realising that life isn't as black and white as it was when you were the child. Sometimes apart is the best option.

Honestly, if money isn't an issue I'd just take my kids and my flabby arse and move on with my life. Let one of those young, skinny, big-boobed girls deal with his shit if they dare.

RainingBatsAndFrogs · 16/04/2021 09:08

I don’t actually blame you for reading his journal.

Painful, because you were no doubt hoping for a shred of something re-assuring in the face of the constant criticism and blame that you face.

And he seems to find it convenient / expedient to quote what are usually confidential conversations between a therapist and client when it involves criticising and blaming you, so not sure why his written form if the same theme needs to be kept in privacy.

I bet his therapist didn’t say that anyway, and if she did, it would be in response to a wildly skewed account from him.

I know what the correct moral position is but I wonder how many of us, in RL, would desist when being blamed, gaslighted about reality, and wrong footed?

Well done for your brave reflections during your walk.

It was already a pretty toxic relationship, and you seemed to be working hard to try and save it.

But at what cost?

There are other ways to make sure that your children do not experience what you did. You could use your experience to facilitate a ‘good’ break up and a stable single life and their relationship with him.

It isn’t the best to stay in an unhealthy unhappy relationship.

I wish you well OP: time to look after yourself.

AmyLou100 · 16/04/2021 09:25

With all his other issues why would you even want to stay. He sounds absolutely draining as it is. And now you know what he thinks of you. I hope you see the light and leave.

TreeDeeDum · 16/04/2021 14:22

I'm really sorry OP. This sounds soo horrible and difficult for you. What a horrible thing to read.

It is a real shame that he is blaming you for everything. I think some men gravitate towards strong women whom they feel safe with, and then sort of hate them for it and feel emasculated and threatened (my parents...)

Leaving or staying is not an easy decision, and you have to do what's best for you. But it sounds like he's not being the source of support and joy that spouses should be. Maybe you can start mentally exploring the possibility of your lives parting way - which may be unbearably sad for you, but I can't tell you what joy and renewed confidence comes to most women when they leave relationships that are bringing them down. I've seen it happen to my mum, my sister, my friends.

Don't put pressure or rush upon yourself for any of this. Take your time. Think. Plan. Explore your own feelings and your own desires and wishes for your life and the values you want to live by. Put yourself at the centre of your considerations, then others. Your children need you happy and fulfilled. You are free, ultimately, and you only have a short life! Doesn't sound like you should be spending yours with this man.

Sending you clarity and strength Flowers

TreeDeeDum · 16/04/2021 14:24

I also want to add - DONT tell him you read his diary or tell him any of what you are thinking about any of this. Don't allude to it, try not to think about it when you're with him. I really strongly recommend this.

Bluedeblue · 16/04/2021 14:27

It's time to call it a day. He is blaming everyone else for anything "not right", he sounds like SUCH hard work. And now he's going to try to make a play for a colleague. Just pull the rug out from under him - ask him for a divorce.

BlueDahlia69 · 24/04/2021 00:09

How are you @Whaddyaknow2

DadJoke · 24/04/2021 00:24

It’s very hard to come back from a place where someone in a relationship holds the other in contempt. I don’t think it is salvageable, but if you want to try, then an open and honest conversation where you ask him “do you want to stay in this marriage” is a good start, followed by couples counselling.

Anonanonon · 24/04/2021 02:10

@RainingBatsAndFrogs

I don’t actually blame you for reading his journal.

Painful, because you were no doubt hoping for a shred of something re-assuring in the face of the constant criticism and blame that you face.

And he seems to find it convenient / expedient to quote what are usually confidential conversations between a therapist and client when it involves criticising and blaming you, so not sure why his written form if the same theme needs to be kept in privacy.

I bet his therapist didn’t say that anyway, and if she did, it would be in response to a wildly skewed account from him.

I know what the correct moral position is but I wonder how many of us, in RL, would desist when being blamed, gaslighted about reality, and wrong footed?

Well done for your brave reflections during your walk.

It was already a pretty toxic relationship, and you seemed to be working hard to try and save it.

But at what cost?

There are other ways to make sure that your children do not experience what you did. You could use your experience to facilitate a ‘good’ break up and a stable single life and their relationship with him.

It isn’t the best to stay in an unhealthy unhappy relationship.

I wish you well OP: time to look after yourself.

This. I've been there. What some posters need to appreciate is that emotional abuse (and this is emotional abuse) can break your mental health and act in ways you wouldn't normally. You said it yourself: he has driven you, quite literally, crazy. And it was when I started having a breakdown myself that I realised I had to end my marriage. My ex wasn't going to, because - like your husband - they were incapable of taking responsibility for anything and I see, in hindsight, they were pushing me to ends things or else just put up and shut up.

If you'll forgive the analogy, I visualised it like cutting off a gangrenous limb. Painful, yes, but the consequences of not doing so were much worse.

WishICouldThinkOfAGoodName · 24/04/2021 10:32

I couldn’t stay after reading that. No way.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page