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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

Is it me who is being unfair here?

34 replies

Craye · 02/08/2022 10:58

I’ve been with DP for 2 years. I’m mid thirties and he’s 40 tomorrow. When we met we talked about kids straight away as I didn’t want to date unless someone had the same future in mind. He was very much of the view that yes wanted kids and marriages ‘of course, that’s what life is about.’ So we cracked on with our relationship. Fell in love. Adored the man actually. That said, I was his first relationship and it was quite hard at times to get him to open up into it, we went slowly. Sex after 7 months for example.

Anyway, a year ago we moved in and had a proper conversation about kids. To my surprise he said he wanted to be 45 when he started ttc. I said that would make me 38/39 and I didn’t want that. He said that all women panic and it’s usually not necessary (he works in medical field and dismissed my concerns). We argued, talked more, eventually settled on ttc in a year.

Strangely after that conversation he began to reference kids a lot. Said it would be absolutely amazing, he would be so happy if it ‘just happened.’ One morning he randomly said I’m almost hoping you’ll come to me and say you’re pregnant next week… to which each time I said we are using contraception so that’s unlikely!!

While on a weekend away we did get pregnant despite using a condom. I’m now 10 weeks and found out later on as obviously wasn’t looking for it and i don’t keep track of periods at all.

I told him the same day and he said it was great initially… and then for the last month or so become really withdrawn. Distant, very suspicious of me asking ‘what happened’ to mean I am pregnant…. It’s all floored me and upset me greatly. I’ve had moments where I’ve totally lost my cool with him and said he’s an absolute bastard for even saying that and said he should go and stay at a friends for a night if he’s going to put me through that questioning again. He will throw all this back in my face later on, saying how dare I have thrown him out all night and that I was out of order. Seemingly missing the point that it’s awful to be randomly and intermittently questioned about condoms that we both used.

I’ve had bouts of sickness and he’s been practically very nice, but the emotional side has disappeared. I can’t remember the last time he laughed with me and had a joke and he certainly doesn’t seem interested in the baby. He made one nice comment but other than that he’s said things like ‘I suppose we will have to find a bigger place if we’re apparently having a baby…’ I said what did he mean by apparently and he backtracked and said sorry you know what I mean.

He’s been so cold with me and quiet. He says he doesn’t want a termination and that he wouldn’t ask that of me but he’s not sure he knows how to be a dad or if he should be. This is NEVER something he’s so much as raised before and has always said he wanted a family more than anything. He’s began drinking more than his usual bottle a night and conversation has broke down.

im 14 weeks now and 35. Spent my entire 20s dating and my 30s and I’m so sick of 2/3 year relationships. I have considered termination but it’s not what I want.

one thing he did say was that I’ve changed since pregnancy and become stressed and snappy and demanding. I raised relocating after he started being off with me, as I wanted to be closer to family…he said he couldn’t do that and how could I ever suggest it etc etc. I’ve clearly made him stressed too but it was a momentary thing and we could have talked it over. He’s just made me feel like I don’t recognise him anymore.

I said to him this has happened basically 8 months earlier than our original plan so is it so bad and he said ‘that was a flexible plan.’ News to me! I’d been with him thinking we were on the same page.

not sure why im posting just feel utterly let down and I don’t feel happy with him at all. He’s right I’ve become cross and off with him but I don’t know what he expects when he’s treating me like this?! Is it me? Am I being unfair and don’t see it?

OP posts:
Coyoacan · 03/08/2022 03:35

OP. I just wanted to say that it is not that bad being a single mum. And, if that is how it turns out, you don't have to put him on the birth certificate, if you mistrust him.

Weatherwax13 · 03/08/2022 05:07

He was stringing you along saying all the right things just to keep you there and now it's backfired on him.
You obviously want the baby so start making plans. He can either grow up sharpish, apologise and be supportive or you can carry on and relocate without him and it's his loss.
You definitely don't want to spend the rest of your pregnancy in an angry, resentful atmosphere and then end up having to leave with a newborn. Put yourself first.

HuntingoftheSnark · 03/08/2022 06:38

I posted on your last thread. I was in a very similar situation - all the indications that he was keen to be a father, we'd been together many years, all seemed fine until the day the test was positive. Then the switch happened and he became someone I didn't recognise. His email password was "miscarry" and then "losethekid" which still hurts all these years on.

I spent far too long hoping that the switch back would happen, instead of getting on with it. My advice would be prepare for being a single parent which truthfully isn't bad. I was overseas so didn't have family but had great childcare, a good job, have zero regrets and DD is nearly 25 and utterly fantastic. We have a great relationship and her father has, entirely his choice, not been involved. In some ways it's easier I think, starting out from that position. She doesn't miss what she has never known.

Monty27 · 03/08/2022 06:43

LTB
But I hope he comes to his senses for the sake of the child.
On the other hand long term you'd probably be better off without the conflict of emotions.
Stay strong OP 👍🏻

RiverSkater · 03/08/2022 08:40

Keep the baby, it's what you want.

Start planning for you and the baby alone as you can trust this man.

Relocate to be with people who will cheer you as d be in your corner.

He's a future faking selfish man child, I doubt he'll ever step up to the plate.

Craye · 03/08/2022 09:11

@Weatherwax13 he just never seemed like someone who would string someone along

i actually thought him not having had a real relationship before was a sign he was definitely serious about us. I really believed he wanted the same things

OP posts:
Craye · 03/08/2022 09:32

Brigante9 · 02/08/2022 16:07

No relationship aged 40? That’s very unusual. I wonder what his parents’ relationship looked like? I think he has future faked you as a pp said and he had no intention of having children. Unless some revolution in his thinking occurs, I can’t see him being a willing parent/partner. You need to prepare a contingency plan, @Craye because I don’t see this lasting, sorry.

@Brigante9 his family is a bit dysfunctional but he always seemed to recognise that himself, so I assumed he didn’t want that for himself.

He talked about kids regularly that’s what I don’t understand.

One thing he did say that I found quite weird was that he was concerned what would happen if I died. I said anyone could think that way but it doesn’t usually stop people having a family.

I just didn’t expect these things to come out now. I think I also though at 40 (well he’s 40 today) that he was genuine. Otherwise why say it.

His attitude is making me so upset.

OP posts:
Idontknowwhattothink · 03/08/2022 10:42

Find a good relationship counsellor and get there fast. There is loads of things unsaid. You both need to start being honest. If you bring a baby into a situation with such wobby foundations the whole building will come crashing down.

Hear what he has to say then make your decisions.

SlouchingTowardsBethlehemAgain · 03/08/2022 13:59

Get rid of him OP. Have your baby on your own. This man is not fit to be a father.

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