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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

Partner doesn't discuss issues

11 replies

ProbablyBU88 · 10/03/2023 15:08

Been together 6 years and fear we may need to end it. I love him a lot and we are aligned in every other respect. But his communication is terrible. He doesn't talk about things, he doesn't complain, he just powers on through everything without talking about it e.g. if a parent has been taken to hospital, he'll tell me the next day once everything is ok or he's had time to process. If we are given a terrible room in a hotel, he doesn't complain, etc. (trying to thing of both serious and everyday examples). But it also means he comes across very unsympathetic when I have issues too or I feel it would be silly to complain. And he forgets everything I ever tell him. And it drives me crazy. I feel upset and unheard. 6 years down the line, I feel I can't express anything. So I bottle it up for weeks and end up breaking down or shouting at him over something minor. We then have a conversation where it turns out he has been listening and remembers stuff and is sad about it but would rather not talk about it.

So now I'm the horrible person in the relationship while he's the calm breezy one. I'm the problem and need to rein it in. He's now said he's not sure he can have children with me because of my temper. I'm so hurt and ashamed and lost. I do have a temper, he's right. I tried therapy but the therapy actually brought out how frustrating my relationship is and I stopped it because it was too painful to think about it.

I don't know how to act differently. I'm the kind to say something about an issue and resolve then and there (privately of course). I can't just smooth over things like that and never talk about it.

I need to end it. But I fear that maybe I am the problem and it's all my fault and I've ruined my relationship because I can't control my emotions. There's no good outcome here.

OP posts:
Aquamarine1029 · 10/03/2023 15:13

The relationship needs to end and you need to work on your anger issues. That's it. The sooner you do both, the better. Don't drag it out.

OrlandointheWilderness · 10/03/2023 15:20

You communicate completely differently. That can be a none issue if you recognise that just because he doesn't articulate things, does not mean he doesn't feel them. My DP is very stoic and gives nothing at all away, however he is always open to talk as he knows I am different. I know now if something really matters, I just need to ASK him.
Anger is not the solution and I think you need some help to deal with this. Have you discussed this issue with him?!

MrsTerryPratchett · 10/03/2023 15:21

I had an 'anger issue' in my first marriage. I didn't, I had a 'really unhappy' issue. Once we broke up, I wasn't angry at all.

spelunky · 10/03/2023 15:22

"therapy actually brought out how frustrating my relationship is and I stopped it because it was too painful to think about it."

Just read that sentence back a few times.

Is that how you should feel in a relationship?

Why are you living like this?

You know what you need to do.

Livinghappy · 10/03/2023 15:29

Anger isn't the issue, it's a natural emotion. Obviously shouting isn't brilliant but most people have a frustration threshold and I'm not reading you are abusive.

I think you have identified that his communication with you isn't compatible. Stoicism is a positive trait but not communicating isn't.

His parent in hospital, he should talk to you about it otherwise it feels as if it's lying by omission. Poor hotel room, why not ask nicely and see if it can be changed. No harm done.

Focus on the fact that this relationship isn't bringing out the best in you. It will be sad but honestly feels like the best. I genuinely don't think too many people would cope with a relationship where feelings aren't discussed as it feels transactional.

Imagine you having a baby and needing your partner to be an advocate for you.. it wouldn't happen so you would feel resentful and let down.

ProbablyBU88 · 10/03/2023 15:30

Resentful and let down is exactly how I feel.

OP posts:
cassiatwenty · 10/03/2023 15:34

Yeah, if you need someone to communicate with, then that's who you need. This is more of a Stoic type of a person yet you don't need to turn into someone you're not to make your relationship work.

If you need someone who is open and communicative, that's who you need.

Anger and resentment will pass once you're free of this.

cassiatwenty · 10/03/2023 15:35

Livinghappy · 10/03/2023 15:29

Anger isn't the issue, it's a natural emotion. Obviously shouting isn't brilliant but most people have a frustration threshold and I'm not reading you are abusive.

I think you have identified that his communication with you isn't compatible. Stoicism is a positive trait but not communicating isn't.

His parent in hospital, he should talk to you about it otherwise it feels as if it's lying by omission. Poor hotel room, why not ask nicely and see if it can be changed. No harm done.

Focus on the fact that this relationship isn't bringing out the best in you. It will be sad but honestly feels like the best. I genuinely don't think too many people would cope with a relationship where feelings aren't discussed as it feels transactional.

Imagine you having a baby and needing your partner to be an advocate for you.. it wouldn't happen so you would feel resentful and let down.

Good advice ✔

TwilightSkies · 10/03/2023 15:39

Anyone would get angry being in a relationship a man like yours.
Im sure your ‘anger issues’ will magically disappear when you dump him.

ProbablyBU88 · 10/03/2023 15:48

I think the biggest issue is that he doesn't leave scope to talk about our problems at all. For example, if I point out he needs to do more around the house, he shrugs. Until I have a meltdown under all the crushing responsibilities (everything house related is on me - other than cooking, even though I work much longer hours and pay for absolutely everything), he doesn't do anything about it. Then he'll finally do something (begrudgingly) and then I get a talking to about my anger. I can't win.

We went on an adventure trip and I was feeling nervous. I asked him to stick with me and wait for me as I was slower and injured. He sometimes did, sometimes didn't. On day 3, I yelled at him for not waiting and leaving me alone (publicly) and walked away. He was then wonderful and attentive for the rest of the trip. When we got home, he came out with how we can't have kids because of my temper.

I think I'm done.

OP posts:
MrsTerryPratchett · 10/03/2023 16:00

Then he'll finally do something (begrudgingly) and then I get a talking to about my anger. I can't win.

You can win. You can leave.

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