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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

Parenting my husband

420 replies

Kindtomyself · 29/11/2021 08:12

Hi. I’m in a really challenging marriage and have come to the realisation that I have taken on the role of mother and my husband has taken on the role of child in our marriage. I am exhausted, unhappy and need to take some action to resolve it.

An example (there’s usually 5 or more situations per day). ‘d’h says he’ll go to the supermarket and do the weekly shop. Firstly he goes 1 hour before I need the car to go somewhere so is tight for time, secondly I am expected to write the list, ok I write the list, plan the meals for the week which I write at the top of the list and off he goes (not taking carrier bags again so has to buy more despite us having approximately 40 carrier bags shoved in a drawer because he forgets to take them and then buys more and just shoves them in the drawer when he returns). He does the shop. Me: did you get everything? ‘D’h yes…..
Next day comes and I can’t find the melon. Me: where’s the melon? ‘D’h: they didn’t have any. Me: but you said you got everything. ‘D’h: I didn’t get melon Hmm. Me: but you got everything else? ‘D’h: yes. Ok, I think and wander back to the kitchen. I then notice there’s no strawberries….and the same conversation ensues. This literally happens four times.

Does anyone have any experience and/or advice on this? I’m at my wits end

OP posts:
WinterSunglasses · 29/11/2021 11:46

Don't waste anymore of your precious time OP on trying to persuade him to go to counselling. You can see from his track record what will happen. Either he will just refuse again, or he'll say yes but as with other things, he'll never actually do it. Really don't bother. Just do your research on the finances, see a solicitor, work out the practical side of it for you, and then tell him you've had enough. You probably will have to pack his bags and arrange a van to get him to move out, but at least it'll then be the last thing you have to do for him.

coodawoodashooda · 29/11/2021 12:09

@IknowwhatIneed

This helps to train your dc (who might be getting messages from dh that they can play incompetent and not have to help around the house) and might get your dh to up his game.

This is really important, my STBX was in hospital for a week and I realised how much easier it was to run the house, and support the kids to take some responsibility, when he’s not here. I can say as much as I like but when they watch him not picking up after himself, living like a child they simply followed his lead and left it all to me.

While it’ll be more work living on my own with the kids, it’ll be easier because I won’t have him to pick up after or have him undermining me with his behaviour.

It's not really more work. The burden of the growing anger is a heavy load to carry. Someone taking you for a mug is horrible.
Nanny0gg · 29/11/2021 12:12

[quote Kindtomyself]@pickingdaisies I stopped doing his laundry about 6 months ago. He didn’t say anything. He just washes his clothes every couple of months when he’s run out. I saw him get a pair of jeans out of the washing basket the other day and put them on. He must have run out of clothes so just put dirty ones back on. He doesn’t wear underwear. He used to but eventually ran out when they fell apart and didn’t bother to buy anymore Confused[/quote]
Envy not envy

I assume you don't find him remotely attractive anymore?
Does that not bother him?

Bumpsadaisie · 29/11/2021 12:18

[quote 19Bears]@Kindtomyself Oh god, are we married to the same man??? I haven't read the whole thread, but have got an idea of what you're going through and the advice you're being given. Funnily enough, I'm sitting here at work with a piece of paper on which I'm writing a list of things dh has annoyed me with this weekend alone. I usually just let things go and get on with it, but I can't keep going on like this forever. I feel silly making a list, but he's oblivious to the fact he's anything less than the perfect husband and father, so I have got to the point where I'm going to have to prove to him why I have pretty much given up after years and years of being treated like a mum to him. Even more so than the kids!

This weekend he has -

left it to me to repair a massive gap in the conservatory roof where the panel had blown off in the storms. Me up on the step ladders trying to hammer some plastic sheeting across the gap to keep the sleet and snow out until someone can come and fix it. He was prepared to just leave it wide open. And then he has the cheek to pop his head round the door and say, "having fun?"

left washing on the kitchen floor. I decided this weekend not to wash any of his clothes and see if he would take the initiative. No. His gym gear from a week ago is still in four co-op bags in front of the washing machine.

continued to park the car too close to the hedge so the side of it gets scratched every time I try to reverse off the drive. He has not learned not to do this after several years. I got someone to cut the hedge (for which I paid out £200 of my own money) so that it was easier to get on and off the drive, only for him to park the car even closer.

gone in the shower this morning at the exact time I need to go in. I need to shower between getting my eldest out the door for school and getting the youngest up for school so we can be ready on time to be out for school and work. He works from home and has never got the kids up or made their packed lunches. Ever.

continued to not wash his hands properly, or brush his teeth more than once a week.

taken the last packet of crisps of the ones I take to work for my packed lunch. I can't get out of the office to go and get anything, whereas he is literally in the house with a full fridge and cupboards, filled by me who does the weekly shopping.

made his own (microwave) meals while I stand at the cooker making proper food. I make enough for two, and sometimes he will ask if there's some for him, but generally sorts himself out. I never have that option to ask if there is anything for me. He hasn't cooked for me once in 15 years.

I feel like I might explode, but I just don't. I keep the rage inside. I have got to let him know how much this is affecting me. No doubt though he will think he is the hero today as I have had to keep my youngest off school and he is there with him, so I will have to be grateful for that....

Added to all of this, no sex in 11 years, and having checked my medical records to see when I was last on the pill - 2006 - not much at all in 15 years......

The answer is the most blinding obvious thing since the discovery of obvious things. Why can't I do it then??????!!

OP, you have my sympathy x Flowers[/quote]

I am not surprised there is no sex. I wouldn't sleep with a man who left jobs like fixing the conservatory roof in the snow to me. Still less with a man who only brushes his teeth once a week. What is wrong with him?

Nanny0gg · 29/11/2021 12:19

I also think you need some couples counseling so you can both understand where the other one is coming from a bit better

She knows exactly where he's coming from - his bed usually.

I can't see the point of couple's counselling. He knows exactly what he's doing (or isn't in this case)
Maybe counselling for the OP to give her support in her next move.

Bumpsadaisie · 29/11/2021 12:21

In all marriages there are annoyances and irritations and resentments about whether things are fair.

But some of the men on here - not wearing underwear? Wearing jeans from the washing basket?

Minceandonions · 29/11/2021 12:22

OP I've gone through this with my DH. We're now in a good place.
We split chores and he has a series of recurring alarms on his phone telling him what to do. Ie a weekly one for each of the bins, recycling, mowing the lawn, cleaning the windows and hoovering the house. He dared to cancel an alarm (and then forget to do the chore) ONCE and I went so totally ape shit, I terrified him. Thankfully he's always done the food shop and likes to cook so has always done the bulk of our meals.
I've accepted that I will always bear the mental load, but if I say "that tap needs fixing" he'll get it done.
I let anything slide that won't affect me. Ie, he forgot father's day this year and I didn't remind him, while I posted a card to my own dad.
Hes a great guy and we have a fantastic life together, and I think I'm in a position where I can now live with this.

Bumpsadaisie · 29/11/2021 12:23

Not brushing teeth nor showering?

I mean these are things that we ask about in mental health assessments, has someone got a hold of the basics.

These men seem to have deep problems to me. It's deeper than just the ordinary difficulties of parenting in partnership.

Nanny0gg · 29/11/2021 12:23

@19Bears

Well now you've come on here and told us about him, does it help you that all of us know and would be behind you getting rid?

Does it really show you what you're putting up with?
(Bet the kids wouldn't miss him either)

IncompleteSenten · 29/11/2021 12:24

He does loads does he?
I would get a piece of paper, write a list of absolutely everything that is done. I mean every task whether it's daily, weekly, monthly, annually. Everything.
Then I'd give it to him, with the pen and say ok Mr does loads. Tick off everything that you actually take care of.

Does lots indeed. 🙄

Nanny0gg · 29/11/2021 12:25

@Bumpsadaisie

Not brushing teeth nor showering?

I mean these are things that we ask about in mental health assessments, has someone got a hold of the basics.

These men seem to have deep problems to me. It's deeper than just the ordinary difficulties of parenting in partnership.

Problems?

Or: Laziness? Selfishness? Inconsiderate? Self-entitlement?

AttilaTheMeerkat · 29/11/2021 12:25

19Bears

You have written about this individual before and at length. You have a choice re this man, your children do not.

JSL52 · 29/11/2021 12:35

@19Bears WHY are you still with him ?????

19Bears · 29/11/2021 12:47

I know I know I know @AttilaTheMeerkat and @JSL52 and @Nanny0gg and @Bumpsadaisie

It's like a mental and physical block that I cannot get past. Someone even offered me a way out, and I let him go, all out of misguided loyalty to a man who doesn't look twice at me or make any contribution to the running of the house, or my happiness. What am I doing????

Sad
RubyTuesday70 · 29/11/2021 12:51

Dear God, do an online food shop instead of letting a man child go out for you. And stop parenting him. Let him suffer the consequences for not remembering/doing things.

No prizes for being a martyr.

Motupatalu · 29/11/2021 12:52

This reply has been deleted

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BornInAThunderstorm · 29/11/2021 12:52

This may interest you Op

www.huffpost.com/entry/she-divorced-me-i-left-dishes-by-the-sink_b_9055288/amp

Eddielzzard · 29/11/2021 13:04

Training works with men who want the marriage to work. You've got a classic responsibility-dodger on your hands. He really doesn't give a shit as long as he doesn't have to do anything or make any effort. If he wants the marriage to work, he'll try.

What worked with us was very clear boundaries as to who's responsible for what. If something that's DH's responsibility isn't done, I completely ignore it even if it causes problems. Even better if it causes problems, because there's a clear reason he needs to sort it pronto. This strategy would only work with someone who actually wants a loving family life tho and not just sit on his arse all day.

Nanny0gg · 29/11/2021 13:04

@19Bears

I know I know I know *@AttilaTheMeerkat and @JSL52 and @Nanny0gg and @Bumpsadaisie*

It's like a mental and physical block that I cannot get past. Someone even offered me a way out, and I let him go, all out of misguided loyalty to a man who doesn't look twice at me or make any contribution to the running of the house, or my happiness. What am I doing????

Sad

Are you seeing a counsellor?

If not, get to one.
If you are and they can't help you see you have to leave, find another one.

Kindtomyself · 29/11/2021 13:27

@Nanny0gg nope I don’t find him attractive at all. It was our anniversary recently and he kept making hints about sex and I said ‘there’s no way I am interested in having sex with you when you ignore me when I ask you to do things to help our life tick over’ he rolled his eyes again

OP posts:
StaplesCorner · 29/11/2021 13:34

I’m ashamed to say that this has been my life for over 18 years. I’ve experienced every single thing mentioned here from the taking the car just before it’s needed to the no pants. It’s a theme - strategic incompetence. I’m nearly 60 and put my kids through this toxic environment all their lives; I’m desperate to get out but of course wish I’d done it earlier. Keep a diary Op it’ll help inform your decision. You’re wise to it now so maybe get some advice and have a long think. Although not as long as my “think” 🙁

Sab8768 · 29/11/2021 13:35

My husband winds me up with stuff like this as I do feel like he deliberately does certain stuff really really badly so that I don’t ask him / do it myself! He’s an intelligent bloke but can be totally incompetent when it comes to basic household things ...however I’ve found certain things he does do well (he’s in charge of bins..I don’t even know what day they go out!) ...but if you ask him to hoover or clean anything it looks like he’s done absolutely nothing and he without fail will put dishes in the sink not the dishwasher etc. So I try remind myself of what he does do...he probably does less in volume but does a lot of the jobs I’d rather not do like empty nappy bins etc.

If you feel like it’s totally uneven though maybe have a chat and agree together what jobs you will each be responsible for. If he’s useless at getting the weekly shop (my husband is) why don’t you switch to click and collect? If you have to write the list anyway why not do it yourself online in the same amount of time, then he collects it and puts everything away?

NorthSouthcatlady · 29/11/2021 13:35

@Kindtomyself sounds like my ex husband with the tutting, huffing, puffing, eye rolling, “l forgot”, “why didn’t you remind me” etc etc. Super high functioning at work, got promoted a fair few times. Zero motivation and drive at home though. Suggested l give up work to be a housewife Hmm. We had no children but l think he thought l would do 100%, instead of 85% of everything at home. Weirdly enough he was super keen for me to pay over 50% of our mortgage, bills, food etc.
Luckily l declined that offer, as within 5 years he had affair with a friend of ours and then tried to not give me what l was owed financially for our joint house etc

MiddleAgedLurker · 29/11/2021 13:37

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the OP's request.

Kindtomyself · 29/11/2021 13:39

@RubyTuesday70 yep you’re right. I’m going to do an online shop. I’ve been saying for years I’m going to do this but husband always says he doesn’t want to because ‘they ie supermarket always give us the crap veg/fruit when doing online shopping’. I’m now thinking wtf am I doing? At least I know what they’ve delivered or not delivered

OP posts: