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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

DH has no friends and following me round the house

288 replies

DotDashDottyDashy · 11/10/2021 16:23

My husband dropped his friends years ago and he has nothing to do with his family. He now works at home since the pandemic and his employer has made this a permanent thing. I already worked at home because I freelance. He goes to a book club once a month, but apart from that I am literally never alone in the house. He doesn't count the book-club members as friends and he will never stay for a drink after they've discussed the book as the rest of them do. I have lots of friends and interests that take me out of the house, but sometimes I'd just like some time in the house on my own without hearing his ever-there presence - the TV, his stomping and sighing.

If I close a door behind me (e.g. if I'm reading in the snug or in the bath, I close the door so I can't hear the TV that he has on all the time, or if I'm in my office I keep the door closed so I can't hear him on his work calls), he will always, without fail, find a reason to come into the room, and then leave the door open on his way back out. If I ask him to close the door behind him, he always frowns and sighs very loudly and exaggeratedly. I find this so unpleasant that I've stopped asking him to close the door and I wait until he's gone, then quietly close it myself. He wants to watch TV every night, whereas I don't - sometimes I want to read or do some drawing or something, but if I say this, he always asks why can't I do it in the same room as him (the reason is because the TV is distracting, but also I just want some time on my own as well sometimes) or he'll pull a 'jokey' sulky pouty face and say sarcastically 'oh that's nice'. Or, he'll give it half an hour, then come and join me in whatever room I'm in, sit next to me, and scroll through his phone.

He cares very deeply about furniture, decor and clothes. He watches what I do in the house and corrects things I do. For example, if I put the box of teabags on the kitchen counter, he'll lift it up to put a protective mat under it. Or he'll pretend he's admiring the knife I'm using and come to look at it (when in reality I know it's because he wants to make sure none of the veg I'm chopping have fallen off the chopping board onto the worktop). If he thinks one of us might have damaged something, he goes nuts, even if he can't see any damage with his naked eye, so he'll do things like get a torch to inspect it. I never do things to his standards - I apparently do gardening wrong, cleaning wrong, bedmaking wrong, washing wrong.

He doesn't like us using things in case we damage them, so the kitchen worktops are covered in lots of protective mats (so we can hardly see any of the worktop now) and the settees are covered in protective throws. And he gets really tense when we have visitors in case they damage something.

If I try discussing anything with him, he either denies whatever I say (even stupid things that are obviously true - it's his default position to just deny anything I say. I could point out his grey hair and he'd deny it's grey), or he gets really defensive, or more often than not he just walks away and refuses to discuss anything with me, going completely silent on me. He literally never gets riled or worked up. He likes to ignore me when I ask something of him, and if I repeat myself, he'll just say really dismissively and calmly, "yeah I heard you", but then he won't comment any further. He also makes things up about me. For example, he was sorting out our important documents and I asked him to leave mine alone and I would sort them myself, and he told me that I had lost my driving licence once so I shouldn't do the sorting and should let him do it. I know for a fact that I've never lost my driving licence, but he was so adamant that I started believing him. He could tell me I'm spelling my name wrong and he'd be so believable that I'd doubt how my own name is spelt.

I'm 20 years into this marriage, and now I'm perimenopausal, and suddenly I'm just drained by it. We're currently not talking to each other at all after he was snappy with me on Saturday all day but wouldn't tell me what the issue was. He does that a lot - snapping and frowning at me, but if I ask him what's wrong he says "nothing" every single time. I really fucking hate the silent treatment - I think it's a pathetic game and really manipulative, but I can't be arsed trying to engage with him anymore, so I'm just not bothering. I know I'm in the wrong not talking to him, but I'm exhausted by him and actually it's quite nice not having to talk to him and listen to him go on about how his work colleagues have wronged him this week.

OP posts:
whatfreshheck · 11/10/2021 19:15

Does he have OCD? Maybe he needs some professional help?

nicecheesegromit · 11/10/2021 19:15

I think you will feel an enormous weight lift off your shoulders if you make a decision to leave. You can prep for that decision by doing as much work as you can in your finances and consulting a solicitor. But keep it very quiet until you have your plans in place

DotDashDottyDashy · 11/10/2021 19:16

If you are peri menopausal you might need HRT to give you back your va va vroom and the energy to leave as depleted hormones can make you feel a bit hopeless and lethargic and undesirable.

I think this is the crux of it at the moment. I've got this half-formed idea that I'll get on HRT, get some resilience and energy, and that no-fault divorce comes into law in April. I think at the moment I just can't see the wood for the trees and I feel really quite overwhelmed by the thought of something as huge as divorce, selling the house, finding somewhere to live, etc.

OP posts:
SpittinKitten · 11/10/2021 19:16

The answer to what you do at xmas/holidays etc if you split up is whatever you want to.

TillyTopper · 11/10/2021 19:20

Gosh OP that would drive me insane! Honestly I think you have to ask yourself whether you love him enough to work through this together - because surely he needs to change in some respects. For me he'd need to develop some actual friends for himself, not watch me to the nth degree and stop covering up the kitchen side to mention a few! Good luck in whatever you decide.

Cherrysoup · 11/10/2021 19:20

Lord above, you can definitely see if he is able to buy you out-seems like a good idea, he keeps his ‘perfect’ house, you get money to escape. Or you could stay for the next 30/40 years living under his horrible rules, stifled, slowly asphyxiating.

OhamIreally · 11/10/2021 19:20

Ugh I thought you must be my ex's second wife when you described him coming into the room and leaving the door open. That used to drive me MAD 😡. I would shout "close the door!" from bed or bath and he wouldn't so I would have to get up/out of the bath to close the door EVERY time.
My daughter brings me a cup of tea on a Saturday morning and closes the door behind her - I sigh with bliss every single time she does it.
It really does sound like a life half lived OP - all those fears you've expressed for the future don't sound half as bad as the next 40 years living like you do.

DotDashDottyDashy · 11/10/2021 19:21

@bigfelephantom

I normally lurk but so much of what you wrote resonated with me. I was with my ex-h for 16 years and spent much of that time focusing and dreaming of what life would be like when I left. He too was in the house constantly, followed me around, nothing was ever good enough, I walked on eggshells and never had an opinion of my own because he would wear me down until I saw that he was right. I retreated into myself and withdrew from everything except work. The thought of another 16 years of his abuse made me feel sick and depressed and so I told him to leave - he refused - in fact he went absolutely ballistic that I had the audacity to leave him when I had all the issues! To escape I had to leave with the DC and become officially homeless, whilst sleeping at a relative's house. We rented so I didn't have equity to start again. My point is that if you want to leave, you absolutely can and must begin to plan. It doesn't matter that he doesn't want you to have equity - he's not the law. See a solicitor and see where you stand. I'm a lot of years down the line, I could not be happier. I can put on lamps, light candles, buy and wear whatever clothes I want - which I wasn't allowed to do previously. Your life is really worth so much more than this. Big hug
Thank you so much for sharing your own story. It's good to read of someone on the other side of it.
OP posts:
DowntonCrabby · 11/10/2021 19:25

This genuinely sounds like the opening scenes of a physiological thriller OP, it’s creepy as fuck. There’s no way I could live like this/stay.

Flowers you deserve better

SueSaid · 11/10/2021 19:27

'He doesn't like us using things in case we damage them, so the kitchen worktops are covered in lots of protective mats (so we can hardly see any of the worktop now) and the settees are covered in protective throws. And he gets really tense when we have visitors in case they damage something.'

As a pp said it sounds like he made have an undiagnosed mh condition like OCD.

When you talk to him about how intolerable life is with him what does he say, offer to try and change his behaviour or denials?

I would give him some kind of ultimatum. Say he sees GP to try counselling to address his controlling, needy behaviour or you are leaving. Maybe he needs a short, sharp shock.

SameToo · 11/10/2021 19:27

Does he actually offer you love and support though @DotDashDottyDashy

RedBeetroot12 · 11/10/2021 19:28

Aw I feel he just wants companionship when he wants to be in the same room as you even when you’re doing different activities, that’s actually a really positive thing in my eyes, he enjoys the quiet company and just having you in the room obviously gives him a sense of well-being. I’m the same in my relationship, please don’t be unkind and move to somewhere different for space, spend a few evenings together in the same space doing different things, I feel he’s clearly very lonely to be focusing on making sure everything is pristine in the house… I truly feel for the poor guy. I bet he feels jealous and resentful of your ease at having and maintaining friendships though.

TatianaBis · 11/10/2021 19:29

I feel really quite overwhelmed by the thought of something as huge as divorce, selling the house, finding somewhere to live, etc.

It may feel but once you start on the road, it proceeds step by step. Two of my best friends have got divorced recently and it was all over relatively quickly despite arguments about money. Life has moved on already; both have a new house and one has a new partner already.

Thatsplentyjack · 11/10/2021 19:30

God that went from irritating, but maybe he's just insecure and a bit of an introvert, to a controlling mentally abusive twat pretty quickly. Ife is too short OP.

WanderingLost167 · 11/10/2021 19:31

It seems overwhelming, what got me through was the knowledge that staying wasn't an option and infinitely more painful

Justilou1 · 11/10/2021 19:31

@DotDashDottyDashy- I am also coming in to suggest HRT. A month or so with that on board and you should have the strength to realise that you don’t want to go through your life with that emotional vampire of a man. (Also has health benefits as you age, so I would recommend it anyway.) His behaviour is just so pathological, you can’t possibly continue. Thinking about Christmas Day (1 day out of 365) is no excuse. Just get out of your joyless marriage to Victor Meldrew and live!!!

Livelovebehappy · 11/10/2021 19:32

Sounds like you have a lot going on though without him? You mention lots of activities and friends, so I’m guessing you’re not with each other that often when not working, so maybe he just seeks out your company as he doesn’t feel you spend enough time together.?

youvegottenminuteslynn · 11/10/2021 19:32

@RedBeetroot12

Aw I feel he just wants companionship when he wants to be in the same room as you even when you’re doing different activities, that’s actually a really positive thing in my eyes, he enjoys the quiet company and just having you in the room obviously gives him a sense of well-being. I’m the same in my relationship, please don’t be unkind and move to somewhere different for space, spend a few evenings together in the same space doing different things, I feel he’s clearly very lonely to be focusing on making sure everything is pristine in the house… I truly feel for the poor guy. I bet he feels jealous and resentful of your ease at having and maintaining friendships though.
You haven't read OP's posts properly.

He'd rather lose money himself than see me get half of everything and I know he'd do everything he could to block selling the house/progressing a divorce etc. He hates feeling "wronged" even over really petty minor things (he always needs to be the victor) so being divorced would send him over the edge

Not a nice man. At all.

She also says she's tried to discuss this with him numerous times, he says 'right' then nothing changes.

He is suffocating, stifling and controlling.

youvegottenminuteslynn · 11/10/2021 19:35

@RedBeetroot12

Aw I feel he just wants companionship when he wants to be in the same room as you even when you’re doing different activities, that’s actually a really positive thing in my eyes, he enjoys the quiet company and just having you in the room obviously gives him a sense of well-being. I’m the same in my relationship, please don’t be unkind and move to somewhere different for space, spend a few evenings together in the same space doing different things, I feel he’s clearly very lonely to be focusing on making sure everything is pristine in the house… I truly feel for the poor guy. I bet he feels jealous and resentful of your ease at having and maintaining friendships though.
he enjoys the quiet company and just having you in the room obviously gives him a sense of well-being. I’m the same in my relationship, please don’t be unkind and move to somewhere different for space

It's not 'unkind' for women to want some time to themselves. It is not 'unkind' for women to prioritise their comfort over someone else's if that someone else is happily making that woman uncomfortable. It is not 'unkind' to voice discomfort at constantly being watched and critiqued in your own home.

He's conditioned her to the point she's scared to ask him to shut a door because he will sulk and / or guilt trip her. She waits for him to go then quietly closes the door secretly.

Your sympathy is misplaced. It's her you should feel sorry for!

Shinyflecks · 11/10/2021 19:36

Does he have Asperger’s?

Feedingthebirds1 · 11/10/2021 19:37

@RedBeetroot12

Aw I feel he just wants companionship when he wants to be in the same room as you even when you’re doing different activities, that’s actually a really positive thing in my eyes, he enjoys the quiet company and just having you in the room obviously gives him a sense of well-being. I’m the same in my relationship, please don’t be unkind and move to somewhere different for space, spend a few evenings together in the same space doing different things, I feel he’s clearly very lonely to be focusing on making sure everything is pristine in the house… I truly feel for the poor guy. I bet he feels jealous and resentful of your ease at having and maintaining friendships though.
You only read the first part of the OP didn't you Red.
DotDashDottyDashy · 11/10/2021 19:37

@Livelovebehappy

Sounds like you have a lot going on though without him? You mention lots of activities and friends, so I’m guessing you’re not with each other that often when not working, so maybe he just seeks out your company as he doesn’t feel you spend enough time together.?
A lot of my activities are early morning, so I'm actually at home most evenings. I go out with friends maybe twice a month in the evenings.

And there's nothing to stop him making some friends or getting some hobbies.

OP posts:
Lollyneenah · 11/10/2021 19:39

You sound like the quintessential boiled frog OP Flowers
It's not normal or okay or right.

I think your fears - which are very negative thoughts and slightly catastrophising (not sure on the spelling there sorry!) Probably wouldn't be things you would worry about, if you had a happy life.
This is who he is. You can't change him.

DotDashDottyDashy · 11/10/2021 19:41

Thank you so much to all of you who have replied - you don't know how much I appreciate it. I'm going to turn my phone off now and go for a bath (with the door shut!) and read before bed, otherwise my mind will be buzzing all night and I won't sleep. I'll come back to the thread in the morning.

Thanks everyone.

OP posts:
TatianaBis · 11/10/2021 19:42

Enjoy your bath.

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