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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

Husband of 25 years hates me

40 replies

Babaghanoush · 02/08/2021 19:54

NCed. I don't know where to begin. I have been married 25 years. It's been up and down. Have two DC, 20 and 17. Have had immense stress in the past few years: death, illness, job loss, DH working away, mental illness: you name it, we have had it. Covid hasn't helped any.

In the last few years, it has been getting steadily worse. Sex life is almost zero. DH has put on lots of weight, is grumpy and tired all the time. I work far fewer hours in a much lower paying profession, so I do most of the housework and in the past, childcare. I don't mind doing it, but lately in lockdown have been feeling like a skivvy and completely unappreciated. Of course he feels the same because he does a very stressful job. Have got a cleaner recently to solve this.

At one point a few years ago I recognised we were sinking. We began to try to fix it, but at the time DD fell seriously ill and we have to focus on her. She has a chronic illness which is now better, but always there. During this time she was my sole focus. We had only just emerged from that when covid hit.

Today it all came to a head. He blew up, called me horrible names, said that I have made zero contribution to the marriage, called me lazy and a golddigger, frigid, and god knows what else. I don't think we are coming back from this. I feel like I have made sacrifices for years and he does not give a damn. I know I can't make him give a damn.

I know on MN the usual conclusion is that he is having an affair. I am certain he is not. He works from home now and is home all day except for an occ walk. He leaves his phone around and I have the password. He is not secretive. I think the catalyst for this is that DS will be leaving next year to go to uni. So perhaps he feels there is no point sticking around for the children.

I feel shattered. I can't believe I have devoted 25 years to someone who clearly hates and despises me, and thinks all my contributions are zero. I have my own family money and a house left to me by my mother, btw.

OP posts:
CagneyNYPD · 02/08/2021 20:04

I'm so sorry that you are in this horrible position @Babaghanoush. What he has done is terrible and there is no taking away his horrible words.

But now it is time to get practical. And sensible. Lawyer up, pronto. You must get legal advice very quickly. Especially in relation to your own money and your mother's house. After such a long marriage, the financial situation could be very tricky and he might have a claim.

So call solicitors tomorrow. And tonight, if you haven't done so already, start looking for all the important documents relating to the financials. Find them, stash them. If you can't stash them, copy them in some way. Even a photo on your phone would be useful.

He is an utter shit. And utter shits tend to play nasty in divorces. Be prepared.

GiveMeAUserName123 · 02/08/2021 20:09

It sounds like you both do a lot and have lost the appreciation that both of you put in.

It depends if you both want to work on it and stay together or decide now the kids are older to both go your separate ways.

What does he want? More intimacy?
What do you want? To do less around the house? Hire the cleaner for longer.

I don’t think he needs to be nasty with it, you both agree to stay or you both agree to leave.

litterbird · 02/08/2021 20:10

Now is the time to put you first. Absolutely no more sacrificing as it seems so many women do for the sake of marriage. This stops right now. You and your children first as from today. Get your ducks in a row, get the financial documents copied, lawyer up and get going out of this marriage. Be free and dont ever sacrifice as much as you have done again for anyone. Your children, although, fairly grown up will support you. Good luck.

RandomMess · 02/08/2021 20:39
Thanks

That's so hurtful, please be practical and get your ducks in a row.

Doesn't it just so how undervalued maintaining a home and raising a family especially through such horrific times is just not valued.

Babaghanoush · 02/08/2021 20:45

He has gone out for a walk to calm down, and I have begun copying all the financials. I actually have complete access to all of them because I am the one who makes all our investments. I am going to call a solicitor tomorrow.

It's true that neither of us feel appreciated but am not sure how to get that back after this kind of ugly outburst. I feel completely shattered and exhausted. I don't think it is one thing, more a series of events that has made me feel totally fed up ( prob he feels the same).

Honestly I find marriage so terribly hard, especially after this length of time. We both seem to constantly get on each other's nerves. Plus we are both carrying around so many resentments and mistakes that we now can't fix.

OP posts:
Babaghanoush · 02/08/2021 20:49

By the way the decision for me to work fewer hours and earn less money was entirely mutual. His job is such long hours that I had to do all the childcare and a lot of other stuff as well.

OP posts:
Leafyhouse · 02/08/2021 21:02

25 years and one outburst, and you're calling lawyers? Do you know what the dating world is like out there? I really wouldn't rush to divorce as some kind of nirvana at this stage. Christ, how I hate that the Mumsnet default is 'leave the bastard'.

The thing is, you got into this cul-de-sac slowly, and you'll only back out slowly. I'd say your DH needs to make one major change, and that looks like his job. Then you need to make a major change in return (ask him what his biggest issue is, don't choose it yourself). Then he makes another change, then you reciprocate. And that is how you back out of this situation and find the things that initially brought you together, surely?

25 years is an achievement, and you obviously work, at some level. Treasure that, please!

GiveMeAUserName123 · 02/08/2021 21:28

I agree it’s weird, all that time and effort you both put in, now both at the final hurdle (son leaving next year) and your calling it quits.....just when the fun times start and you finally reap the rewards of a long term relationship.

Your both mad. If it was me I’d be planning all the holidays, outings and new things we were going to do, not finding a lawyer. No way would I have the best bit to come taken away from me! He wouldn’t have a choice, he wouldn’t be allowed to leave me 😂 we’d be too busy having a life finally for him to do that!

MrsMaizel · 02/08/2021 21:35

When a man talks like this he has been thinking about ending the marriage for a while - for whatever reason . He has to blame you as he doesn't have the guts or emotional maturity to discuss it with you and he will go back YEARS to pull things up . Let him go and find a new life !

MrsMaizel · 02/08/2021 21:37

@GiveMeAUserName123

I agree it’s weird, all that time and effort you both put in, now both at the final hurdle (son leaving next year) and your calling it quits.....just when the fun times start and you finally reap the rewards of a long term relationship.

Your both mad. If it was me I’d be planning all the holidays, outings and new things we were going to do, not finding a lawyer. No way would I have the best bit to come taken away from me! He wouldn’t have a choice, he wouldn’t be allowed to leave me 😂 we’d be too busy having a life finally for him to do that!

The best bit ? Planning things to do with a man like this ? It's exactly the time that counts - so many relationships founder at this stage . It's obvious you have never been on the receiving end of this . Yes I would be having holidays etc but with half of the equity and pensions and not him !
bookishtartlet · 02/08/2021 21:46

Don't usually comment on these, but I am aghast at the previous posters telling you to stay with this vile man.

My marriage was much shorter, but ended in a similar way. Horrible, horrible man who wanted to hurt me with his words and actions.

Sort out your housing, finances and definitely have my first LTB.

N4ish · 02/08/2021 21:57

Not sure there could possibly be any best bits in the future with a man who lashed out in such a hurtful way. Doesn’t seem like there’s much left that’s worth working for.

Crikeyalmighty · 02/08/2021 22:10

It doesn’t matter if its25 years (I’ve been married 25 too) or 7 years. If someone is saying such horrible things then clearly those things are in his head . People saying what the dating world is like out there— This May be the last thing on OPs mind - a great many women who have been married a long time and completed their families are more than happy to just have their family and friends- they aren’t all desparate to rush and find another middle aged arse

YRGAM · 02/08/2021 22:16

Talk when he comes back, properly. He will likely apologise. Find out what the biggest issues are for both of you and see if you can work on them.

thenewduchessofhastings · 02/08/2021 22:18

@Babaghanoush

There is a couple of fantastic threads on here (they are linked) from a brave woman who's husband left her after 37 years of marriage;he was a cliche and left her for another woman but I think she's an inspiration;she was absolutely bereft at first but is doing so well now and it's been hilarious to hear about her ex being shocked at having to be an actual adult and do stuff like clean or wait in for a delivery.

bigbaggyeyes · 02/08/2021 22:19

Your marriage might be broken, it might not be working but there is no excuse for him being so cruel! He's a mean, horrid individual. Rather than taking responsibility for his own actions he's chosen to lash out and blame you

Glad to hear you're taking some control and looking into the legal side of things

TheSquashyHatOfMrGnosspelius · 02/08/2021 22:38

I would not consider sending any more time with a man that spoke to me the way he has. Especially after so much time together.

The best bit? Fuck off is it. Just more of the same shit more like!

He's being a twat so you make the moves to separate. More classic shite from a bag of shite. It matters not. Get lawyered up and get separated. Then life begins without a ball and chain around each leg and each arm.

See what he has said to you as constructive and a springboard.

Cocogreen · 02/08/2021 22:43

Have an absolutely straight conversation with him: how long have you been feeling like this? Can we fix this?
If it's not fixable and he doesn't want to, time to separate.

Runnerduck34 · 02/08/2021 23:15

So sorry , what a kick in the stomach. What do you want to do? Do you want to end it?
Its sounds like there will be enough marital assets for you both to get out and Iive decently, thank god for your inheritance- thats something at least.
If this is how he feels summon your self respect and ask him for a divorce.
Its bloody typical that after taking so much he now tells you this, as you said it was a joint decision your career took a step back and he would have reaped the benefits of you being at home when DC were small and DD chronically ill and now as that time is ending and he has taken so much he has decided he doesn't need you and your contribution was zero.
What triggered it? Was it a particular incident? Has he blown up like this before?
Marriage is hard work and everyone's life has ups and downs , its easy to fall into a rut and resentment to build. Your view sounds very balanced but dont think about it as wasted years, you have beautiful DC and there would have been some good times too, start to think about what you want in the future. Dont take his insults, you have contributed loads and tell him so in no uncertain terms! Plan your future and get all financial records you can get your hands on. Can you phone a friend and talk to someone IRL? 💐

ThreeLocusts · 02/08/2021 23:27

So sorry OP.

Sounds to me like you have definitely come to the end of something, whether of the marriage as such or of the way it has worked (or not worked) in recent years is for you to decide.

And it may take some time to determine. Then again it may not - you do sound like you are done with your husband at the end of your post.

Two things: it sounds like you have been through a lot and you deserve better. I hope you get there, by whatever route.

That said, I don't think us posters can be sure from what you have written that going into trench warfare mode is the best way forward. There is your daughter's health to consider, and there is at least a chance that your husband remembers his better self. Take care.

DrBlackbird · 03/08/2021 00:12

Flowers Just wanted to add that a dear friend experienced similar after 30 years of marriage. They did divorce and initially she was gutted but went on to do more and enjoy life and travel with friends and family than she ever did or would’ve had she stayed with the exH. A good, more satisfying life is possible especially as your DC are getting more independent.

Onthedunes · 03/08/2021 00:29

He's an ungrateful bastard.

facelessworrier · 03/08/2021 07:43

@Leafyhouse why does it matter what the dating world is like? Men aren't the be all and end all, it's perfectly possible to have a happy, fulfilled, stress-free life without one!

Guineapigbridge · 03/08/2021 07:53

What would be worse,
Getting older and not having someone to talk to
Or
Getting older and being stuck with him to talk to

Choose the least worst.

Theredjellybean · 03/08/2021 08:27

It seems that neither of you have felt appreciated or happy for some time and now there has been a huge row.
But honestly do you want to end your marriage?
I am always puzzled by mn views.
You say you work few hours a week, while dh works long hours. You now have a cleaner, your dc arw adults, so you are no longer in thick of raising children.
I can see his side, that maybe he feels he is still having to work long hours in stressful job while on the fade of it your life is easier.
I am not saying it is easier, just saying he maybe sees it that way.
He said dome hurtful things in anger... People do.
Did you not say anything that he maybe thinks was unfair , unjustified or hurtful.

Can you both have a calmer discussion, were you can both air your feelings. You can try telling him that you feel your contribution over the years has been running the house and raising the family. But you need to acknowledge his contribution as well.
On mn people are very quick to say how sahm or women working pt must make their partners understand how they have a really hard time, there is less empathy for the person at work.
You sound like you have both worked hard and perhaps a discussion acknowledging this might result in common understanding and common ground.
If you want to stay together that is.

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