Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

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

Pregnant and thinking of leaving DH.

105 replies

CantSleep88 · 13/12/2021 05:16

I'm so sorry I fear this is going to be long. Will try and be as concise as possible.

Background: I am 13 weeks pregnant, been with DH for 16 years. DS almost 2. Have had doubts about his behaviour in past and even spoke with Women's Aid back in the summer, but then reverted back to burying my head in the sand, I guess.

Waking up to the fact DH is selfish and a bit of a narcissist, maybe, and interested to know what people think or if it's just pregnancy hormones skewing my perspective before I throw away a long marriage.

DH doesn't like if I stick up for myself, always says "don't argue with me", says I use the wrong tone of voice or facial expression. I have taken to putting on a fake cheery voice to try and avoid upsetting him but even that doesn't work sometimes. I feel like I am treading on eggshells a lot. Things I do around house are wrong, such as where I put things, the attachment I use for the hoover. He snaps and raises voice and then says it's offensive and rude that I cower because it implies he shouts at me. Very sarcastic and if I don't hear him or answer straight away he snaps "hello?" at me. Never apologises, except sarcastically such as yesterday he said an Amazon order with some face masks wasn't coming till next week so I said no problem, I had better grab some from shop for now. He says "well sorry! It's not my fault!" even though I was being perfectly friendly. Makes me feel rushed all the time, I end up getting so nervous and flustered I drop things and my heart races. Is very patronising and if he wants things done a certain way will sigh and say "we need to do this this way" even though it's something only I do around the house.

Trying to think of some recent examples. He didn't speak to me for a day and a half because he said I slammed car door. I didn't, I was carrying a rucksack and another bag and had got DS out of car and used foot to close door but he got very angry saying I slammed the door and I know I did and stormed off. He snaps at me for things I do with DS - DS got hold of one of my old mascaras and started painting a mirror with it. I started cleaning it up and his hands but DH came along and said what on earth was I doing letting him do that, did I think that was wise, he did not want "his" son having mascara on their face (he didn't but DH seems very concerned about DS appearance, has said before he is to wear brand names and play football at school, doesn't want him growing up to be a snowflake). When out for a walk there was a cat being sick which DS thought was funny, DH snapped at me why was I letting "his" son see that, shaking his head at me. He will speak to DS but be making a dig at me such as yesterday saying "that box shouldn't have been left there for you to trip over, should it" even though it wasn't in way at all. Last Christmas he said we spent too long at my mum's although were there less than an hour, and said this year we are only to spend 20 minutes there. He has since retracted this but I am dreading the aftermath already, knowing he is going to moan about how long we take opening presents. When I found out I was pregnant this time round I really struggled initially to get my head around it and how I would cope. I went downstairs after DS asleep and burst into tears, was hyperventilating saying to DH I don't think I could cope with the pregnancy (at time was being sick multiple times a day and DS not sleeping at all) and he didn't even hug me, just said "for gods sake I was hungry and wanted to have my dinner, couldn't this have waited" before unplugging chip fryer so hard it moved down the worktop. He is not physically abusive but does slam things around now and again. Lots more examples but just a few off top of my head.

I have not had a lie in since before DS was born. DH wakes when he wants. He is and always has been a terrible sleeper, still waking multiple times a night. I am suffering with sickness and PGP this pregnancy and do not get any respite, I cosleep with DS to try and get a break and am up every couple of hours while DH is in bed from 10pm-7am. On his days off when he gets up he will say I should have woke him. If he ever does take DS to park etc he is back home within 20 minutes. However I am a SAHM (gave up work after DS born when no childcare due to covid) so do expect to do lion's share. Equally housework I do most of, he does wash up (badly) some nights but that is it, for example last night went up to bed leaving bins overflowing and dirty worktops etc for me to sort although has two days off. Lots to be done around house including putting a side gate back up, hedge cutting, tip runs etc but he will moan about state of house / gardens but not do anything to rectify. He never ever cooks. Last time he did was when DS was two days old and he made such a big song and dance about it. Has a takeaway addiction and moans about having no money. Last week spent £90 on new earphones while I was struggling to pay for food shopping and nappies. He finishes work at 4 most days and will come home, sit down and play on phone and make himself a coffee which he gets to drink hot, rarely offers me a drink. If I try and bring anything up he gets very offended and storms off even if I try and mention something in a joking way, so I just don't bother anymore.

He is permanently glued to phone. I mean he never puts it down, when interacting with DS, meal times, day trips etc. When I get up throughout night I can see the glow from his mobile phone as he sits up all night playing on it. He is obsessed with crypto / bitcoin so spends all his time on phone doing things relating to that. I do sometimes wonder if he's talking to other women but no way to prove or disprove. I feel like he is a teenager, his room has clothes all over floor, empty alcohol bottles, vaping stuff. He only eats beige food (yesterday said he is going to start eating better before having biscuits and crisps for dinner). He also vapes in bedroom and in pantry where food is kept but I've asked him not to, or to at least open door/window, as smell makes me feel sick and gets on everything, but he doesn't.

I wouldn't say he's a terrible dad but he is quite impatient, sighs a lot and gets moody and snappy. Recently I had a driving lesson in middle of day and when I came back I asked DH what DS had had for lunch and he said he hadn't given him anything as he didn't know what he eats, but had made himself something. Equally if I ask if he's had a snack or a drink he will say he forgot. Will take him out without a coat or change bag etc. Plonks DS in front of TV all the time (I am not anti-TV by any means and rely on it to get cooking done etc, but it irks me when he just puts it on so he can sit on sofa playing on phone).

I feel like I may be crucified for having children with this man, but I feel like I've just been so blinded to it and after growing up with an abusive father I think I just sought refuge with him and stayed there and unfortunately I'm only now waking up to it. I have always had anxiety and been a people pleaser so think I have just put up with things, but want my child(ren) to be happy and safe. I feel very vulnerable as I'm pregnant, not well and not working so financially vulnerable also. I don't have many friends at all. He has said before that I would not cope without him, and now I'm struggling with pregnancy I worry he will use it against me. Everyone thinks he's wonderful, his family and friends think he's a brilliant hands on dad and I guess that puts me off leaving even more. For some reason I go blank if I try and think of examples etc, so if someone were to ask what he does wrong I would struggle. I am just finding this existence treading on eggshells and wondering what I'll have said or done wrong really exhausting. I'm not sure what I want from this post really, just wondering if anyone has been in a similar situation and can offer any advice. Thank you.

OP posts:
wishymore · 13/12/2021 08:20

I didn’t even read all of your post. I got a quarter through and that was enough. This is no life. You don’t have to and shouldn’t live like this. Pregnancy hormones are giving you the courage to realise it’s not right. You know it’s not right. You know your dad is abusive and you’ve sought out a similar man. It’s not your fault but there’s a thing called “breaking the cycle”. It’s hard and uncomfortable but if you want you and your kids to not grow up in an abusive home you will have to do it. You know you’d be happy without this. He still gets to be a dad but you don’t have to live with his snappiness and moods. You get to decide what mood you are in today. You CAN do this. What do you need in order to be able to leave? Have you got access to money to be able to rent somewhere else?

MartyHart · 13/12/2021 08:40

The midwife can help, that's why they ask.
Please please confide in her and get you and your children safe.
Your husband is a horrible man.

pog100 · 13/12/2021 09:05

This is very sad. Not just the absolutely clear continuous abuse but the fact you are questioning whether it is. Anyway you are now obviously recognising that it is, you are articulate and intelligent, you have a supportive mother and the help of MN. You must now make concrete plans, there's help around, lean on everyone you can. Make the rest of your life great!

Justcallmebebes · 13/12/2021 11:31

I wouldn't say he's a terrible dad but he is quite impatient, sighs a lot and gets moody and snappy. Recently I had a driving lesson in middle of day and when I came back I asked DH what DS had had for lunch and he said he hadn't given him anything as he didn't know what he eats, but had made himself something. Equally if I ask if he's had a snack or a drink he will say he forgot. Will take him out without a coat or change bag etc. Plonks DS in front of TV all the time (I am not anti-TV by any means and rely on it to get cooking done etc, but it irks me when he just puts it on so he can sit on sofa playing on phone).

Sorry OP but I beg to differ. He's a really shit, dead beat dad and a really shit partner too. Do yourself and your kids a big favour and get rid of him. He brings absolutely nothing to the table whatsoever

oklets · 13/12/2021 11:52

I'm so sorry OP that you're in this situation. I think as others have said and as you know yourself, you need to get out. You don't sound in the slightest bit dramatic or hormonal. This isn't him being a bit difficult and moody, it's emotional abuse.
I think you need to start making a practical plan and reach out to women's aid, the midwife, your mum, anyone you can to find out what financial and practical support is available.
It certainly won't be easy, but it will be infinitely healthier and happier for you and your DC.

CantSleep88 · 17/12/2021 08:00

Thank you so much everyone for your kind replies, they have really been so helpful. I am not going to rock the boat just now as obviously it's Christmas next week, and DS' birthday, and I'd like DS to enjoy them.

I feel like now I'm seeing DH for who he is, I am becoming more aware of how selfish and narcissistic he really is. For example, yesterday when we were talking about money as we are running low on funds, he said he wanted to get a takeaway. When I said we have a baby on the way and DS needs new shoes, he said "I deserve a takeaway". I also notice how much he tries to coach me, for example saying "make sure you say thank you / smile", or telling me I'm embarrassing him in public when I'm behaving totally normally. I worry as well that he will emotionally manipulate DS, he seems to be fun and jovial with him when DS is in a good mood but impatient and unkind when DS is having a tantrum or upset, for example saying to him "are you my friend today?" before DS then took hold of my hand and then DH said "fine whatever, I guess not", or "daddy's not in the mood for this today, daddy has a headache". Just little things that are adding up.

I have a midwife appointment in the new year, so I suppose I could try and open up to her then and see where to go from there. Something that's putting me off is that when we came close to splitting up in the summer, DH said I couldn't cope without him and hinted at suicide, so I retreated.

OP posts:
Blue4YOU · 17/12/2021 08:42

He is vile.
Would it help to say that he doesn’t love you?
He’s absolutely the last person a child needs to grow up with

ElleGettingBetter · 17/12/2021 09:25

Hinting at suicide is another way of controlling and abusing you.

If he repeats that, tell him you will call the police as you are concerned for his safety. He will soon back track and if he doesn’t? That’s not your fault, or your responsibility.

You sound so lovely, you really do deserve so much more than this x

Illstartexercisingtomorrow · 17/12/2021 10:37

Find the strength to get out OP.

My mum still hasn’t. Can you imagine living like this for another 30years?

Having been the child in this situation - I can tell you 100% your DS is better off with you alone and living happily.

Colourmeclear · 17/12/2021 19:01

Hes really a textbook dickhead, isn't he?

I can tell from your posts that you are a lovely, thoughtful person who deserves much better than he can offer you.

Please open up to your midwife and those who really care for you.

Jenhen89 · 17/12/2021 19:19

You poor thing, he sounds absolutely awful. Please, please find the strength to leave him next year, one way or another.

Sugarandshine · 17/12/2021 19:46

Oh bless you op, I’ve got no advice but I hope you are ok and are able to get some support Flowers

kelseypops · 17/12/2021 19:50

I have just left my narcissist H, it's not easy and certainly won't be when pregnant but you need to put yourself and your dcs first.

You will manage for a start. It will be tough but you will get through it. Try get a good circle of people around you who you trust and know will be supportive.

I don't think there ever is the right time to leave a relationship like this. Because the abuse isn't physical, it's very cleverly done and it always leaves you with the hope that it will get better. Because sometimes they can be nice! That's all part of the abuse. But it won't get better.

My advice would also be to make a plan, especially because your pregnant and mentally prepare yourself for what's to come and not to fall for it.

My H has done all sorts. He's cried, apologised, said he will change then blamed me, tried to get at me through calling my mum, threatened suicide, told me he's going on tinder, taken important paperwork that I needed for separation, told me I must have someone else and that's the reason our marriage over. Told me it's all my fault and I've turned him into the nasty person he is. Also uses DS as a way to speak to me. It's a rollercoaster. And maybe not the best one to be on while your pregnant but I would say do it now.

Think about life with a newborn. It's always going to be hard op. But let's face it....you are going to be doing all the work anyway as he does bare minimum now. The sleepless nights and the emotions and tiredness you are going to feel as a new mum will not be met with support from him.

I'd rather be a single mum to 2 young dcs and over doing it with a abusing narcissist any day.

Keep posting on here, there will be lots of advice.

I also second womens aid - they were fab.

Xxx

BlueMoon23 · 17/12/2021 20:00

He is emotionally abusing you and your son. He will do the same to the baby too. Please get advice from women's aid and when you are ready, leave. You do not have to live like this.

CurryandSnuggle · 17/12/2021 20:07

Wow, he didn’t feed DS while he ate himself. That’s all you need to know.

Bouledepetanque · 17/12/2021 21:01

OP,
You sound lovely and he sounds like an absolute horror. Get out of there and come back here anytime for support!

Christmascakecakecheese · 17/12/2021 23:08

It's so sad that after sll that horrible treatment you still think it could be your pregnancy hormones. It's not. You are married to a nasty abusive bully. Definitely contact Women's Aid and look up local groups. Please get yourself and your child out of this as soon as you can.

AntiHop · 17/12/2021 23:17

Oh op I wish I could give you a hug. It was really difficult reading your posts. He is a nasty bully. You and your children deserve so much better. Please talk to your midwife. Do you have a good relationship with your mum? Can you confide in her?

junebirthdaygirl · 18/12/2021 04:59

@Lazydaisydaydream

Wanting to leave is reason enough. You do not need to produce a list of reasons to family and friends to persuade them it was ok for you to leave.
This. You just need to get one/two sentences and use them again and again eg. Dh has been treating me and ds very badly. I cannot cope any longer. And that's it. Its not their business. But midwife will believe you, don't worry. They are very familiar with this type of man so will know his pattern of behaviour as soon as you begin to ask for support. He is a very nasty bully with not one redeeming feature. He brings nothing to your life except pain and suffering. The threatening suicide is his big ace card but that is very common so just say every time I hope for ds sake you don't do that. He won't, its just all talk to get his own way. And ultimately he is responsible for himself and none of us make someone kill themselves. It's a very common tool used by manipulative people to force someone to do their bidding. And not related to genuine people who feel suicidal due to serious depression. You sound very articulate and a very caring mother so don't let this man steal any more of your life. You won't know yourself when you get free. And in case it's not clear: he is a horrible abuser and you are not imagining it.
Cocogreen · 18/12/2021 05:27

OP, your post broke my heart.
If you can, get out today, tomorrow, as soon as possible. You can celebrate your little one's birthday and Christmas away from this uncaring monster.
I wish you all the best, your life will be so much better away from this pig.

JennyForeigner · 18/12/2021 05:42

He sounds like a complete prick.

Leave OP. Leave and be happy with your children, the weight will fall from your shoulders and he will change and grow up or he won't, but you will already have moved on and will never regret it. And keep this post so you remember why you had to through the hard first few weeks.

CantSleep88 · 20/12/2021 01:58

Thank you everyone. I will get through Christmas and then explore my options after. I have put up with him for so many years that another week is neither here nor there really. I am also being held back by not wanting to be separated from DS. I have worked in family law for years and know how convincing bad parents can be. Everyone thinks he's brilliant, when he is around others he is Disney dad and people say to him what a brilliant dad he is and how lucky I am.

He was horrid yesterday. He had been saying for ages and ages he would cut our hedge as it was overgrown to the point that getting in and out of the garden with pushchair was difficult for me, but he just never did it. So despite having had 40 minutes sleep the night before and having morning sickness, I got the hedge strimmer out and cut the hedge. Not after a medal but when he noticed he of course commented on bits I'd missed, leaves left on the ground. I said I'd been planning to finish it on Sunday, his day off. He said no I can finish it on his next day off after that, because it's not fair he "never gets to relax" as if I cut the hedge then DS would want to watch me from the window and that's not fair on DH as he wouldn't be able to sit down.

He said that after lunch we would go to park with DS. When I was finishing up sweeping in garden he put DS in car, so I said to DS excitedly "are you going to the park?" and DH got very stroppy, saying why was I rushing him, he never gets to relax, he was not planning on going out for at least two hours. I pointed out that he'd put DS in car and he said that was because DS wanted to sit in the car. Anyway, then his mum rang him and asked what he was up to, and he replied saying he was gardening. I could have screamed. His family think he's a brilliant doting family man who does all sorts around the house etc.

A little while later, DS was having a tantrum - he was very over tired and shoved DH's legs. DH said to DS "you have anger problems!" and then said to me how concerned he is about his behaviour, and that I don't tell him off enough (I do, when warranted). In my opinion DS is just a normal toddler but I think DH expects him to be in a cheerful mood to placate him.

Later on I was making dinner and washing up whilst supervising DS who was playing in kitchen. DH sat on floor in living room playing on his phone and disappearing to go and vape every now and again, before coming in the kitchen and making himself a coffee without offering me a drink.

Sorry for my rambling. I am so exhausted from pregnancy and sleep deprivation. I am just posting to hold myself accountable really, because I know when he next goes through a nice phase I will waiver again.

OP posts:
kelseypops · 20/12/2021 08:49

@CantSleep88

Thank you everyone. I will get through Christmas and then explore my options after. I have put up with him for so many years that another week is neither here nor there really. I am also being held back by not wanting to be separated from DS. I have worked in family law for years and know how convincing bad parents can be. Everyone thinks he's brilliant, when he is around others he is Disney dad and people say to him what a brilliant dad he is and how lucky I am.

He was horrid yesterday. He had been saying for ages and ages he would cut our hedge as it was overgrown to the point that getting in and out of the garden with pushchair was difficult for me, but he just never did it. So despite having had 40 minutes sleep the night before and having morning sickness, I got the hedge strimmer out and cut the hedge. Not after a medal but when he noticed he of course commented on bits I'd missed, leaves left on the ground. I said I'd been planning to finish it on Sunday, his day off. He said no I can finish it on his next day off after that, because it's not fair he "never gets to relax" as if I cut the hedge then DS would want to watch me from the window and that's not fair on DH as he wouldn't be able to sit down.

He said that after lunch we would go to park with DS. When I was finishing up sweeping in garden he put DS in car, so I said to DS excitedly "are you going to the park?" and DH got very stroppy, saying why was I rushing him, he never gets to relax, he was not planning on going out for at least two hours. I pointed out that he'd put DS in car and he said that was because DS wanted to sit in the car. Anyway, then his mum rang him and asked what he was up to, and he replied saying he was gardening. I could have screamed. His family think he's a brilliant doting family man who does all sorts around the house etc.

A little while later, DS was having a tantrum - he was very over tired and shoved DH's legs. DH said to DS "you have anger problems!" and then said to me how concerned he is about his behaviour, and that I don't tell him off enough (I do, when warranted). In my opinion DS is just a normal toddler but I think DH expects him to be in a cheerful mood to placate him.

Later on I was making dinner and washing up whilst supervising DS who was playing in kitchen. DH sat on floor in living room playing on his phone and disappearing to go and vape every now and again, before coming in the kitchen and making himself a coffee without offering me a drink.

Sorry for my rambling. I am so exhausted from pregnancy and sleep deprivation. I am just posting to hold myself accountable really, because I know when he next goes through a nice phase I will waiver again.

I agree to get Christmas out of the way as long as you feel safe.

He sounds very similar to my H. He would call a then 2 year old DS a 'horrible child' because he was having a tantrum which was only down to over tiredness. He would lock DS in his room. Just awful.

Be firm in your head that you have to leave. Things won't get any better and it's just wasted time waiting tor it.

Keep posting on here op, you will get so much advice

Whydidimarryhim · 20/12/2021 09:13

Gosh what a waste of space he is - yes it will be best to separate - he is not a healthy man - no advice really but you are right - it’s him not you.

newplanneeded · 20/12/2021 11:27

OP, the whole hedge trimming situation is insane.

that he is happily watching you doing the job AND complaining on top of it is the perfect example of how entitled he is.
but it also demonstrates how toxic he feels he can be in the relationship - for for him to behave like this and for you to not immediately leave, that shows years and years of manipulation, gaslighting. you have been trained by him to accept his outrageous behaviour.

I really hope you will be able to LTB, I am sure your life will be lighter and enjoyable without him.