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Discussing another child

14 replies

Notonthenewrug · 26/09/2021 09:51

Hi all,
First post but just feeling a bit insecure right now.

Partner and I been together 4.5 years. He is 51 and I am 34. Both have a child from previous relationship (14 and 12) and have a 3 year old together.
When we met, I did question whether or not he was too old for me. He assured me he wasn't etc but also said he wanted the same things as I did (stable relationship and another child). Although significantly older, we were at similar life stages.

Anyway, we were together 2 years and I fell pregnant, it was unplanned. We discussed what to do and he said although it wasn't the right time as we weren't living together, he did want another child and would want it with me, so was willing to support whatever I decided.

Anyway we moved in together, child now 3. We were having a discussion the other day about contraception, we had gone away and I forgot to bring my pill. He wasn't happy and we argued. A few days later I asked if he had considered a vasectomy, seen as he didn't want more kids and is in his fifties. I've had to have the coil removed due to chronic pelvic pain, had a traumatic retrieval. Also, I don't really want to take hormonal contraception but I'm doing so as options are limited. I want to make it clear I was not suggesting he has a vasectomy, or forcing. Just asking his thoughts. It's his choice.

He basically wasn't keen, said he was worried about chronic pain- which we discussed was very unlikely. He then said, what if in a few years when DS is older, he'd like another. He later said, he's from a big family and loves children and made a comment about liking more around if finances allowed. The conversation drifted as I had to go out but it got me thinking, as I wasn't really sure what his thoughts are.

I always assumed he doesn't want anymore but he seemed to have a little doubt. I think because our initial pregnancy was accidental, we never really had a talk about how many mor exhildren etc but I thought due to age, he'd never want more.

Anyway, he was away last night (nothing dodgy, visiting his elderly father with his DC). So I decided to text him because it's been on my mind. I know text was a stupid idea but I sometimes find it hard to start these types of conversations. We were just chatting about the day and I asked if he possibly wanted another child or if he is certain he is done. He replied to hours later "Why do you ask?". Am I right in thinking this is an odd comment?? I mean, why do I ask? Because I'm your long term partner who you say you want to stay with forever, so I kind of want to know your views on children.
I basically said "because I'm your long term partner and it's normal for us to discuss these things. Following our conversation about contraception the other day, you made a few comments of uncertainty. So I wanted to know how you feel. There is jonneed to be evasive, it's a straightforward question".

I'm still awaiting a reply. To make it clear, I don't really want another child. I'll always feel a little broody for the baby stage but we have 3 between us- that's enough. If he was certain he wanted another, I'd possibly discuss it but I'm happy if we don't have another.

OP posts:
BessieFinkNottle · 26/09/2021 10:02

He may have thought you were pregnant when he got that text.

Notonthenewrug · 26/09/2021 10:26

@BessieFinkNottle I hadn't thought about that. He knows I'm on the pill though.

His evasiveness is making me nervous.

OP posts:
premium77 · 26/09/2021 10:26

I think you were the evasive one!

If I randomly received that text I would probably respond the same way he did. It’s a strange thing to just randomly bring up, especially over text. I think he said ‘why do you ask’ because maybe he thinks you were inferring that you wanted another one or were pregnant.

tiggerwhocamefortea · 26/09/2021 10:29

I think you are making too much of this

You brought a serious conversation up out of the blue on text when he's away 🤷‍♀️

HestersSamplerofCarrots · 26/09/2021 10:37

“Why do you ask” or something similar is the FIRST thing I’d ask if I’d had that question by text.

You started the weirdness off by instigating a conversation about something like this over text while he’s away - he’s reacting to that.

toobusytothink · 26/09/2021 10:44

Yep agree with others. Texts are so difficult to gauge - guessing he thought you might be about to announce pregnancy. He probably doesn’t want to have this conversation over texts …

Notonthenewrug · 26/09/2021 10:44

Thank you for your thoughts. I agree it's a weird conversation by text. I'll be honest, I get something in my head and can't rest until it's discussed or resolved. I wanted to bring it up with him but felt awkward in doing so. Also, we don't always communicate effectively, he gets defensive, deflects and raises his voice and I end up frustrated and upset. I think I just needed to discus it and thought text would possibly be more effective. I worry that he doesn't want another child with me and is keeping his options open, however as soon as I mentioned vasectomy he said "before you ask, no I don't want a child with someone else, stop being insecure". Part of me believes him because he is quite snobby and appearance is everything, he already had 2 children with 2 mum's and he is 51.
He's said in the past he would have another if I did most of the work, because he's a traditional man. However, I think he realises I wouldn't be happy with this.

He's still not replied to me which makes me feel worse. He could just say, "this is a weird text conversation. I'll talk to you later".

OP posts:
Northeastsouthwest21 · 26/09/2021 10:47

@Notonthenewrug if you don’t really want another I’m not sure what the push is on this? Are you wanting him to make a decision so you can decide what to do about contraception?

Notonthenewrug · 26/09/2021 10:50

@Northeastsouthwest21 yes, that's one reason. I assumed he didn't want more but when we briefly discussed a vasectomy, he seemed to have doubts. We are both getting older and I just wanted to know. Firstly because I want to know if our thoughts are the same and secondly because of contraception. Obviously I wouldn't even discuss a vasectomy if he had doubts.

The other side of me is terribly insecure. I know this is Illogical but even though I don't want another, I somehow feel insecure that he doesn't want another with me and worry he will leave me.

OP posts:
GertietheGherkin · 26/09/2021 11:05

I think his reply to your text was quite normal in the circumstances. Recieving a random text about family planning, whilst away visiting an elderly parent with his child.

These back and forth discussions about having a baby sound very much like hard work. He's keeping his options open, you say you're not fussed either way it sounds never ending.

I think you need to pick the right time to broach this situation, and be brutally honest, say what's on your mind, and ask him to do the same. Tell him there's no reason to raise his voice, as you are two adults it's not a squabble.

I think from thereonin you need to sit and think what you want in life, and whether you are in the right relationship, and is it meeting your needs. It's not all about him, and to be honest if he's not capable of having discussion about more children, I don't think I'd be having anymore with him if I were you.

WashingMachineDrumFirePit · 26/09/2021 11:08

I also think he thought you were implying you were pregnant and wanted a straight answer before he gave his. He clearly didn't want to say anything that would inadvertently upset you give you'd asked at a random time.

You say you don't want to pressure him into having a vasectomy but, at the same time, see him not having one as a sign he's going to leave you and have a baby with someone else.

I also agree that he doesn't want the conversation by text due to the nature of it and how easily texts are misinterpreted. Which is exactly what has happened here.

I genuinely think this is something you have built up to have more significant meaning in your head than it needs.

HalzTangz · 26/09/2021 11:15

[quote Notonthenewrug]@BessieFinkNottle I hadn't thought about that. He knows I'm on the pill though.

His evasiveness is making me nervous.[/quote]
In your post you wrote you forgot to pack your pill, maybe he now thinks you also forget to take it too.
I also would think he assumed you were pregnant

IsabelBeck · 26/09/2021 15:57

He's said in the past he would have another if I did most of the work, because he's a traditional man

A traditional man? Lazy and sexist more like!

Guiltypleasures001 · 26/09/2021 19:00

I'm reading as he's an arse, nothing wrong with that text that's how my brain works

Raising his voice and deflecting? Yeah he's an arse and Ide re think your relationship op

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