Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

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

Everyone envies my "perfect" life..

46 replies

rainbowsprinkler · 25/11/2022 20:48

I'm married with 2 children, we also have 2 adult children at home from my husbands previous marriage. We look successful. I have a good job, we have a decent shared income, not well off but we aren't scrimping. Nice house, car etc. but I'm utterly miserable most the time.. whenever I speak to people in real life I just get told how good I have it and how lucky I am.

But my life isn't easy, my husband isn't all he seems. He's moody and difficult to live with.. life and soul to everyone else, but drains me. When things are ok we do get on well but mostly because I keep the peace and get on with it despite the strain, it's built resentment in me.

Life is shit right now, DH got a puppy, against my wishes.. his argument was he knew I wanted one and missed our dog who died a year ago just after our second child was born. I'd love a dog but knew I didn't have capacity to take on the care of a dog with 2 under 2! Husband and his adult son said they'd be responsible for the dog. Now we have this dog and I can't take to it, he's grown huge, isn't trained over excited and boisterous. Yesterday I sat down with DH and the adult children and said I can't do this. Someone sorts out training the dog or he needs to be rehomed. It was all turned on me being selfish and expecting everyone else to care for the dog.

I do everything, DH will help but he has to be directed, he cannot do anything off his own back. I do the entire mental and physical load. He 'helps with the kids' while I'm doing everything else and I should appreciate this.

Talking about the dog turned into a huge row where he shouted, swore and called me names infront of the kids. I walked off.

He had to have today off to look after the kids. I get home and he's moody. He said he's been home doing everything all day and I've done nothing. I said I've been to work, when you go to work you don't do anything at home because you've been at work but I still have to come home and cook, clean, prep for the next day. He just doesn't see the difference.

Today he made my toddlers cry because he shouted and told me to fuck off and it scared them. This isn't a one off. I'd asked if our son had taken his medication, he's been on this medication for a long time, but apparently DH didn't know he needed it, I said how can you not know he needs his medication why should I have to tell you that, and he responded with the shouting and swearing at me.

I know I need to leave. I know it's not ok and I know it won't get better. But until the renovations are finished I'm stuck. And a part of me worries about leaving because then I'm not around when the kids are in his care.

No point to this really, think I just need some validation as I'm doubting if this is my fault. I know he's gaslighting, I can see this for what it is. But he still makes me doubt myself.

OP posts:
rainbowsprinkler · 26/11/2022 00:04

We've been together 10 years.

His kids don't do much, they wash their own clothes and one does keep his room really tidy. They'll cook if I ask but with an attitude so I don't. Much like their dad, they think they help out a lot. If there's a sink full of pots they'll wash some, but leave some too which is pointless. They'll clear up after dinner but again, only half a job. They are copies of their dad. And thats a huge issue for me. I don't want my kids thinking it's ok. I have boys and I don't want them to grow up and be like them. I want them to be equal to their partners and not take them for granted. I'd be horrified if I ever saw this in them as adults.

OP posts:
rainbowsprinkler · 26/11/2022 00:09

Whoever asked how he was with his ex, funnily enough.. exactly like this. They'd get on well and then something wouldn't go his way and he'd be vile to her. At the time I thought she behaved irrationally and was equally to blame but actually, looking back she was most likely pushed to behave the way she did!

Tonight is a perfect example to his gaslighting. An elderly neighbour knocked on the door at 10.30 saying something was beeping in her house. He went to help, we're not really speaking, he came back and made a point of telling me how she'd commented on what a lovely man he is and it's obviously only me who thinks different. I didn't even bother trying to point out all the issues with this because he's had validation that it's not him so it would be a complete waste of effort.

OP posts:
Watchthesunrise · 26/11/2022 00:10

Well you've identified it, OP. There's always a reason they were divorced the first time. Always.

Mirabai · 26/11/2022 00:15

His kids made it to adulthood so I’m sure your kids will be fine with him. Don’t make that an excuse for not leaving. You’ve really got to get out.

Mirabai · 26/11/2022 00:16

Also - your friends and family are either not very perceptive or they’ve got very low expectations of men.

JJ8765 · 26/11/2022 00:33

He doesn’t enjoy parenting. Maybe he never did but he certainly sounds done now. My ex was same began to resent time dc took up. Always wanting to be off doing hobbies and not doing share at home - he didn’t earn well either. I left for all same reasons moody, selfish, lazy, delusional husband and impact on dc of living with someone who was constantly moody (and who risked turning into him). You can do it as you are financially ok, will get maintenance (he’s unlikely want dc that much). Check out the financial side. Could your job be flexible or would family help out more if you needed them to? It’s easier to leave when they are older but by then a lot of damage of having a crappy male role model has happened. I waited too long really. It’s still the same physical work as a single parent but mentally so much easier. And you don’t have to have sex with someone you resent and who is awful to you all day and then expects you to be able to flick a switch and see him as attractive when he’s anything but.

AnnieSnap · 26/11/2022 00:39

Have you told him that you are seriously considering leaving him, or even planning to do so? If not, how do you think he’d react?

HangerLaneGyratorySystem · 26/11/2022 00:44

Who owns the house OP? Are you legally married? You can start divorce proceedings and live together whilst the house sale goes through - what could you do/afford on your own? Could you buy a shared ownership property or live with family for a while? Start thinking it through. I lived with a man like this for 30+ years and when I finally told him it was over he said he had no idea there was any problem. Told the counsellor I was controlling. Funnily enough we had the elderly neighbour thing too - its like they clone these men and turn them out. I stayed too long and am now waiting to put the house up for sale, I've already filed for divorce.

Its much easier starting again when the kids are so young, I can now live with my regret into my imminent old age; you have a chance to put this right. Grab it with both hands.

MetellaInHortoEst · 26/11/2022 00:57

You know you have to go, so if the renovation is the hold up, put a timescale in it all and start privately making plans and lists so that you can feel some kind of inner progress. Your mum is being unhelpful so ignore her. You need to be single minded.

What will you do about housing and contact? Start making calculations and daydreaming. You need to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Graphista · 26/11/2022 04:23

There's always a reason they were divorced the first time. Always.

It astounds me how many 2nd/3rd/4th wives/partners think "he'll change" why would he? What he's doing works for him the majority of the time.

But you are where you are.

He does sound a right dick! And yes abusive so counselling is pointless and actually potentially dangerous.

As pps have said you need to make a clear and practical plan to leave, be aware the abuse will very likely ramp up. Most domestic abuse victims return because they haven't made a plan or a good one and get stuck due to finances etc.

Regarding others' perceptions of him have you ever heard the saying "street angel house devil"? It's a known phenomenon even by older generations like your mum, I'm probably closer to her age than yours, I had an abusive father who was beloved outside the house "pillar of the community" and all that bullshit

Behind closed doors he was a nasty bastard, inc the "surprise" dog which, yes, my mum ended up being the one taking most care of.

Fuck knows what possesses them, love of the grand gesture I suppose, dad was good at them but on a day to day basis...

Please get out op, mum put up with it almost her whole life, nobody deserves that, life's too short. And if you think your kids aren't affected/picking up on this, I'm so sorry but they will be, lots of research on this unfortunately.

tolerable · 26/11/2022 05:14

you get one life

cestlavielife · 26/11/2022 05:19

Today he made my toddlers cry because he shouted and told me to fuck off and it scared them. This isn't a one off.

Time to go
For the dc
Rennovations or not
You have a job
Leave
Divorce
See a lawyer
See a tgerapist for you on your own

caroleanboneparte · 26/11/2022 10:51

Take voice recordings of him shouting and swearing at you in front of the dcs. Use this as evidence if he tries to get unsupervised contact with them post split.

He's abusing you. Exposing the dcs to this abuse is child abuse.

Get the evidence and leave.

layladomino · 26/11/2022 16:42

Don't worry about what other people think - it's irrelevant. YOU know the truth. That's all that matters. Your wellbeing, and your children's, should be your priority, not other peoples' feelings.

Anyone who cares for you wouldn't want you to be unhappy. Anyone who thinks you should accept the status quo and be unhappy doesn't care for you and therefore is irrelevant.

This man is selfish, lazy, unkind, uncaring, moody, difficult, shouts and insults you (in front of the children too), puts his time in front of yours, is willing to grind you in to the ground so he can have an easier life..... this is not a good marriage. It will grind you down and alter who you are. Please leave, for your sake and for your children's sake.

And don't worry about how the children will cope when in his care.... it sounds like he wouldn't cope with them for very long and you'll end up with them most of the time. At least he'll have to learn all you've been doing all these years as well.

There is always a choice. It might not be an easy ride, but it is SO worth it.

Soothsayer1 · 27/11/2022 12:22

I think the dog is part of his strategy to keep you on the back foot so he has all the power and that's why he was so triggered when it was mentioned.
You and the children deserve a much better life than this 0P🦋

Toomanysleepycats · 27/11/2022 13:11

I am married to an entitled bully like this. I was told so many times that I was the problem, I even started believing it myself.

The very best thing I ever did was find a therapist. My first session she said it was my husband was the problem and not me. She also believes he has narcissistic traits. She is a chartered clinical psychologist with years of experience in the NHS before going private. I went to her with my husbands blessing, he thought she’d sort me out!

Once you know it’s not you, everything becomes so much more simple.

Use this time waiting for the renovations to sort yourself out. Talk to a solicitor, know exactly your financial situation etc etc. Learn to grey rock. Quietly let go of doing his responsibilities. If they run out of dog food, learn not to get bothered. Let them sort it out. Don’t expect life to be fair and for him to see reason.

I started keeping a journal and writing downs arguments. That way when he conveniently changed his memory of past events, I could look at the written record to reassure myself.

NerrSnerr · 27/11/2022 13:15

It is not ok that he shouted at you and made your toddlers cry.

The only person who can ensure your small children have a stable household is you, by leaving him. You need to show them that his behaviour is not acceptable or they'll grow up thinking it's normal and the cycle will start over again.

EggsHamChips · 27/11/2022 13:34

Abusive men are always nice to everyone else. It’s to keep you in your place and so when you leave no one can understand how you left his lovely man. It’s all a manipulation tactic.

You have to leave, as you said yourself you have boys and they don’t need to grow up seeing this as normal.

Who cares what other people think. You don’t have to justify your life to anyone else. You’re the one living it, as are your children. You need an exit plan.

Soothsayer1 · 27/11/2022 13:38

Abusive men are always nice to everyone else. It’s to keep you in your place and so when you leave no one can understand how you left his lovely man. It’s all a manipulation tactic
THIS^
Or to put it another way, people who are so out of control that they just rage at everyone don't get a chance to control and manipulate.... because no one will go near them!

Miss03852 · 27/11/2022 13:51

He sounds like a narcissist, if you can afford it I’d definitely leave.

I’d recommended Dr Ramanis YouTube channel, she has great advice on dealing with narcissists.

TabithaTittlemouse · 27/11/2022 16:00

Why do you have to wait until the renovations are finished?

Have you considered therapy? I found it really helpful to remind me of who I am and that my xh faults weren’t mine.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread