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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

My DH doesn’t love me anymore

128 replies

needingpeace · 24/03/2022 21:23

We’ve been married for more than two decades. It hasn’t been easy. We get in great when we do but he’s a dominant character and we do clash because he wants his own way all the time. Lockdown made things tough and he’s not been happy since then. I don’t really know what to do. I’ve begged and said I’ll try harder but he says he wants out but won’t actually do anything about it. He says he’s not interested. He won’t touch me or say he loves me. He doesn’t seek me out. He’s polite but there’s nothing else coming from him. He does what’s required. Childcare etc but doesn’t call me if I’m not at home. No messages. No dates. No interest. It’s like he doesn’t care if I’m there or not. It’s like “meh”. So it’s me making all the moves. I’ve offered sex several times but he’s “not there yet”. I’ve said then why doesn’t he move out if he wants it over but he wants to stay married but not be married. He is prepared to just make do and that’s it. He offers no support. He doesn’t ask about my day and rarely looks me in the eye. It’s just excruciating. I’m a very touchy person but it’s a killer to be constantly rejected. I don’t know what to do. He won’t leave. He says he’s fine as he is and if I’m not happy then I have to be the one to leave. Can anyone advise please?

OP posts:
oakleaffy · 25/03/2022 01:36

@needingpeace

I don’t know how to get self respect back. I’m in a no win situation here. There’s no way for me to come out of this.
Oh yes there jolly well is! Get a divorce!

The cold, remote, loveless, sexless marriage to a stuffed dummy of a man must be torture for you.

Far better live by yourself with your children..and let Stuffed dummy go his own way.

You will be much happier!

That icy, remote behaviour must be intolerable to live with, and very passive aggressive.

What a nasty man he sounds.

Get free of him.

See a solicitor asap about a divorce.

needingpeace · 25/03/2022 01:36

It doesn’t help with the separation anxiety now though

OP posts:
kateandme · 25/03/2022 01:39

But opt out writing as if your losing something,but your writing because of how unhappy at what you've ALREADY LOST and how Unhappy you ALREAFY ARE. what if being all e u could actually be free.of waking up like this every day.you can still have a place,sit,tv on sofa.but you'll not have the dread and fears and rejection and sadness of the other stuff.
It's been 20 years but it has come to a place of misery,do u want 20 more like this or perhaps the next 20 to be Some thing u make great.or as it can be freed of the sadness your writing here because of.u came in here for a reason.if he won't or u can't fix it thete is an end to be had.amd for u to find it next year's.your new sofa tv time.u don't have to go out and be social or do anything different to now so what's the problem.because the only difference needs to be the one of sanctuary as u lift the misery this marriage has ultimately turned into.

oakleaffy · 25/03/2022 01:40

@needingpeace

It doesn’t help with the separation anxiety now though
Haha! Sorry, OP, had to laugh at this expression.{I think I have slight SA as well, as last night dog slept on sofa}

You will be fine.

Living alone {or with a nice dog} and one's DC that you say you have, if far FAR better than living with a cold stiff {in the wrong way} man.

You can do it!

JeanMarie · 25/03/2022 01:42

@needingpeace I'm a bit of a loner too and I hear you. I'm sorry you are hurting so much but surely having him prolonging the hurt is so much worse...it won't get better by putting your head in the sand. Surely you can still do those things with your kids. I've 3 sons, all adults now but they still talk about the "quilt parties" where we all huddled together on the sofa under a duvet to watch films. Money was scarce but we became an unbreakable little unit. Don't write yourself off at 60.....I'm 62 and finally I feel like this is my time.

kateandme · 25/03/2022 01:42

@needingpeace

It doesn’t help with the separation anxiety now though
But can this be better than that change. It's the change u fear,new,starting again but u won't need to.u take it a step at a time and realise things sadly have to end.id u don't this way of life is it forever.or until it kids move away.or he finds a new life.take control.live how you want just happy
Courtjobby · 25/03/2022 01:44

Your worried about losing something you've already lost. But you can gain something new if you change the situation. You can meet new people and make new friends once you are in a position to. Which is out of this demoralising relationship. You say you have seperation anxiety - from what - your already living seperately under one roof. Your kids aren't going to leave you, they will always love you and they will likely be delighted to see you have some strength and respect for yourself. I'm sure it makes them sad to see you treated like that and their dad probably doesn't treat them wonderfully either.b

KosherDill · 25/03/2022 01:47

@HeDidWhattt

I’d say 20 years was a good run. Time for the next exciting part of your life.
This.

Don't waste the next 10 years fighting the inevitable.

Bussinbussin · 25/03/2022 01:48

I’m nearly 60 and I feel like I’ve got nothing if I lose this marriage.

You have nothing if you stay in it!

But you have the opportunity to break free and create a new life for yourself. That life could be very similar to the one you have now, quiet and solitary, only without him in your space making you feel like shit every day. Or it could be something different, you may surprise yourself with new confidence and energy when he's not around to drain it out of you.

KosherDill · 25/03/2022 01:57

@needingpeace

All I’ve ever wanted is a family. I can’t bear to not see my kids every day. I’m not a confident, attractive person. I’m a lonely loner and I just want to be with my kids. I don’t have many friends. It’s not going to be easy to get a life. I’m nearly 60 and I feel like I’ve got nothing if I lose this marriage. I’m not one of those people who has a busy, interesting life. I’m a homebody who just wants to sit on the sofa with her kids and watch TV. I know other people might find that boring but I don’t want anything else other than that. Now I’m going to lose even that tiny little thing that I have in my life. I just want to rip my eyes out I’m so unhappy at the thought of this
I don't understand. You can have a more pleasant, quiet life without his contempt and meanness under the same roof.

I'm your age, single, have a nice little cottage, dog, gardens, job and no stress of some abusive arsehole around.

You can have that too.

Jomerr82 · 25/03/2022 02:00

This sounds very similar to my situation a few years.
My husband stopped taking an interest In me and became very oppositional at any point when I highlighted the fact that he hadn’t shown any interest. As time went on he stopped saying I love you at the end of telephone conversations at work which I questioned myself at them time but dismissed it.
I never thought in a million years that he could be having any kind of affair because he was always at work, gym or home.
I knew something was wrong not couldn’t put my finger on it and it drove me crazy.
After a while I looked through his phone and found loads of emails to a 21 year d girl who worked at his place saying that he loved her and she was the only person he called beautiful and meant it. It cut deep I can tell you.
If there’s one thing I’ve learnt it’s that if you think that something is wrong then it probably is and it’s probably what you least expect.
Trust your gut and surround yourself with friends and family that can support you and pull you through.
I hope you manage to get to the bottom of whatever it is that’s making him act this way but mostly that he sorts himself out and has the decency to tell you what the problem is.
X

Cocogreen · 25/03/2022 02:06

I'm so sorry for your situation OP.
He doesn't love you.

Stop doing anything at all for him.
Tell him you're selling the house and you're filing for divorce. Engage a solicitor who'll advise you if he's refusing to engage with you.
If you're under 60 you have hopefully 20-30 years or more of quiet happiness, being involved in your children's lives and living how you please.
Good luck.

1forAll74 · 25/03/2022 02:07

It's mental abuse, and it is tormenting you, this is why you should leave him , as it is no way to live now, and it seems that there won't be any chance that he will magically change now., You should definitely try and sort out things for yourself, by way of a solicitor regarding your home and finances etc. I would think that living without this person, would be a huge relief at the end of the day.

LaurenKelsey · 25/03/2022 02:28

Oh this is such a sad, miserable existence. Please seek counseling for yourself. You deserve so much more than this. What are you getting out of this marriage? I would rather (and do) live without a man. I say this after a long and unhappy marriage that I didn’t have the confidence or courage to leave for many years. If you do end the marriage, it will hurt but you’ll find that you’re much stronger than you know and your life will be much better. You’ll find strength and pride in your ability to build your own happy life without him.

2catsandhappy · 25/03/2022 02:29

He has you dangling on a string, not reeling you in and not throwing you away. He has all the benefits with none of the effort of a relationship. This cannot be pleasant for your dc. Make a new home for you and your dc where you will be happy together.

Insanelysilver · 25/03/2022 02:54

I’d make an appointment with a relationship therapist. Even if he won’t participate, it will really help you.
If you can’t afford a private one you could contact Relate. They will sometimes reduce the fees a bit if moneys an issue.

BadNomad · 25/03/2022 03:53

It's over. He has ended the marriage. He is showing you that. It doesn't matter who sorts out the practical stuff. Get your divorce, sell the house, get rid of him.

Turningpurple · 25/03/2022 04:02

He isn't fussed about leaving because, presumably, your future time wage makes his life a bit easier.

Unfortunately, your life can't be sat on the sofa with your kids.

How old are they? If you are nearly 60 they must be teens or entering teens. Surely at some point in their lives you contemplated life after they become independent?

If they are older than mid teens surely they don't spend every night sat on the sofa with you?

IamtheDevilsAvocado · 25/03/2022 04:07

@needingpeace

If I told him that *@Dillydollydingdong* he’d say “good for you. Off you go then”
Am sorry for the horrid situation you're in.Flowers

Several things occur to me:

As others have said, you can't make him love you. however much you may want him to, sadly he just doesn't care enough.

Say he finally acquiesced and had sex with you... So you think this would be sustainable? Would you be happy with a man whose only interaction with you, is to have sex?

You deserve to be happy... Not trying to get breadcrumbs from n this man who seems to have checked out months ago.

Re the 20 years... You've given him enough time to act as a decent human. You he won't /can't.

Can't you say to yourself... I've given it 20 years... Time for me to be happy.

Look up the sunk cost fallacy.

Plenty of people end relationships and get orders to sell marital assets such as a house. He won't lime it... But he's relying on you not doing anything... /not knowing the law.

Please get yourself lawyered up /speak to citizens advice... Look on divorce chat boards.

All sorts of things are possible.

Good luck...

Oh and please stop doing anything for him...no cooking /cleaning /washing /paying bills
At the moment he's got it ALL the way he wants it...

Treat him like the bad tempered flat mate that he treats you.

At the moment you're giving him even more reason to not move out... Make it awkward for him.
You never know... A war of attrition may speed things up

Strawberry33 · 25/03/2022 04:38

Go have an amazing affair. I’m serious xx

WouldBeGood · 25/03/2022 04:41

@needingpeace I’ve been in a similar situation with similar worries, it’s awful.

But I can honestly say that the time of limbo and dreading him leaving was by far the worst part. Amazingly, it genuinely felt like a relief when it happened. And I’ve managed fine, you can too 💐

LollyLol · 25/03/2022 04:50

Your DH seems to have got into a nasty place where he feels no guilt whatsoever when his behaviour causes you pain. He us giving you the cold shoulder, icing you out until you crack and flare up. Then telling you frankly horrid things and watching you twist yourself into knots. It is cruel, emotional abuse.

It is no way for you to live.

You can move on from this. I promise. But sadly in order to do so, you have to detach yourself. You have to accept that no, you can't come back from this and the marriage is truly over.

But then... there is big, wide, empty-looking future. That seems initially scary but imagine yourself in a very simple place. You are living in a nice home, working full time. You have some friends and social activities; the occasional lunch out, a summer evening at the pub, a walking group, volunteering once a week. Your kids have grown up and started their own lives; they video call or pop in to see you once a week and sometimes you take them both to dinner for a treat. You're just thinking about taking your first trip abroad without your DH, and planning a city break with a companion. You have started to go swimming and yoga once a week, you feel healthier than you have in years and everyone says your new haircut looks amazing. You are looking forward and looking forward to having dinner with that nice widower you met recently. You are content.

Well it could turn out that way. I would honestly make a big list of all the things that you could do in a future without your husband. And then start doing them (except the part where you find a gentleman suitor!). You can go on a weekend break alone. You can take your kids out to dinner without DH. You can find yourself again. You can treat yourself without guilt and ignore your DH's needs.

And then when you start to see how you could function minus a husband, you find that divorce solicitor, and you put the wheels in motion. And you end it.

I know it feels like giving up, but it really isnt. It is securing a path to your own self-contentment. Finding a place where your DH's barbs, stone-waling and goading can't reach you.

How will you find time for all this? Or money? Just pace yourself, and start small. You might splash out on a counsellor, just for you, because you will have emotions and sometimes you will feel conflicted. As you become less reliant on your DH, and less in need of his attention, you will probably start to look and feel better and seem younger in yourself. Your DH might lash out at you when he realises he is losing the power he had over you. Or he might even start to regret what he has done to you, and play a game of being nice and trying to make up. But the marriage is definitely over and you shouldn't let his reaction affect your plan to move on, and escape.

Do the old MN thing of asking yourself, would you want this marriage for your own child? What would your own mum say if she could see you in this state now?

You can live a better life than this. xx

Eviebeans · 25/03/2022 04:51

I haven't read all of your posts but wanted to comment on those I have read. Your husband is in a v comfortable place. You work full time, he doesn't although you don't say what his working life is like. I'm not sure how old the children are but guessing primary or older...
I think your husband is interested in what you do. He has got your full attention- which believe me after twenty years is good going.
He says he doesn't love you and you offer sex, he wants a divorce and you beg. He distresses you then walks away and you follow him.
Please stop and rethink what you are doing. What is in this relationship for you. What do you get out of it? What does he? If you rethink it you might find you can take back your power. And say goodbye to him.

MsDogLady · 25/03/2022 04:57

NP, you’ve written plenty about your H’s abusive behavior. In other threads you’ve called him a bully and misogynist, and have said, “his temper and moods dominate our lives.”

This narcissist gains validation by making you feel small. He enjoys degrading your dignity. You’ve even commented that he doesn’t seem to see you as a person. Whether he blanks you for a month or repeatedly belittles you, whenever you attempt to address his behavior or express your feelings, he shuts you down. There’s zero empathy. You’re doing yourself a great disservice by offering to change and doing the pick-me dance.

It’s a damaging dynamic that your children are observing. They are surely learning toxic lessons that will negatively affect their lives and future relationships.

NP, your only recourse is divorce. It’s the only way to restore your emotional health and equilibrium. Last month you actually asked how to go about leaving your marriage. Posters urged you to see a solicitor to learn your options. Have you done this? In your shoes, I would also access individual counseling to strengthen your self-esteem and formulate an exit plan. This contemptuous bully is not going to change, and if you don’t get away from him, I fear you will become diminished beyond recognition. Flowers

Sweepingeyelashes · 25/03/2022 05:03

You say you are nearly 60 and you can't bear not to see your children every day. Surely your children must be teenagers at least and will be off building their own lives and you should be encouraging them to do that.

Your marriage sounds dreadful. He doesn't have to spend time with you to make you desperate - he can do that just as well by ignoring you. I can't see why you'd want to save this marriage because your husband acts as if he doesn't even like you. What he does like is not having to divide up the assets and you running the house.

First step is you go to see a solicitor. I understand that you can be separated even if still in the same house as long as you have separate lives - no cooking together, meals together - or presenting yourself as a married couple. The house will have to be sold so unless he buys you out, he's going to have to move as well.