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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 husband must be cheating to act like this?

140 replies

Hopingforbettertimesoon · 01/04/2023 21:43

I am so nervous never posted before. My husband is doing everything that suggests he is seeing someone else. He has lost lots of weigh, goes to the gym all the time, started wearing deodorant and after shave. He has moved into the spare bedroom and refuses to even touch me. He listens to lots of pop music which he never did before and Is planning to go to Turkey to do a facelift!

I have tried to talk to him but he just gets angry and says I have caused him to act like this. He says I am a monster who has caused him untold emotional damage. He says I have rejected him too often. We used to have sex about twice week but he says I did not do enough. In my defence I work full time, do everything in the house and look after our kids. Also up until recently he often smelt of bo and had bad breath. I used to ask him nicely to wear deodorant but he refused saying it caused cancer.

He has changed so much. He refuses to eat food I cooked although in the past he said I was a good cook. Then he started to criticise saying it tasted terrible. He used to say plastic surgery was wrong now he is getting it.

I know I am not perfect but I am not the monster he thinks. But when he keeps saying it I begin to wonder if I am.

he shouts at the kids and spends hardly any time with them. I do everything. He started to change after our eldest son as born. But there was still some good periods. It has however got steadily worse.

I guess I just need to ask if this is all my fault. I have said to him we both have faults but he says no it is all me. If anyone heard what he says about me and how I have treated him I would be the worst person but deep down I don’t think I am. Not perfect but decent enough.

I think I need a bit of a hand hold or maybe to be told if I am wrong and I am a mistake monster. Please don’t be too hard though and say it nicely if you can.

OP posts:
Newyearnewhome · 01/04/2023 23:49

Dotcheck · 01/04/2023 22:34

Brilliant- someone else can take him off your hands

Totally agree!

it may not feel like it now, but this is a real stroke of luck for you. He won’t change in a new relationship, so you’ll see him do the same to her eventually.

also don’t worry about what your kids will think. Even if he has another woman, you are always your kids mum. And is she’s nice, that will be good for you and your kids.

it’s not you. So many men can’t face their own feelings. He’s pathetic.

wishing you all the best

monsteramunch · 02/04/2023 00:00

Just really worry about my kids. I am so scared of doing the wrong thing by them

Gently OP, continuing to raise them in an unhealthy, unhappy and abusive home where they are shouted at (and experience additional horrible things like being threatened with being abandoned on holiday) and where they witness their mum being treated like shit on an ongoing basis isn't a healthy option is it?

ClairDeLaLune · 02/04/2023 00:14

Ah I’m very sorry OP, this is typical behaviour of a man having an affair. So that he can justify it to himself and everyone, he’s blaming you for the problems in your marriage. He’s too much of a coward to blame himself. He’s a nasty gas-lighting emotionally abusive bastard. He’s affecting your kids too with his nastiness. Please tell him to leave. OW is welcome to him.

Mari9999 · 02/04/2023 00:17

OP, this man sounds awful. Why would you care if he were to be having an affair? That might be an impetus for him to leave. If you wish for whatever reason to remain with him, why question his new behavior. The fact that he is finally addressing his hygiene should make being around him somewhat more tolerable.

In your case, I would be asking myself why did I tolerate his behavior for so long? I certainly would also question my willingness to let such a person define me.

He is changing, perhaps you can use their time to change as well. Find the part of you that is confident and start planning your life on your terms. If you terms involve staying with him, then you must come to terms with his behavior and stop questioning those things that do not impact you directly.

Groovychick91 · 02/04/2023 07:57

Eww was he not wearing deodorant before?!

Coffeeonmynind · 02/04/2023 09:13

It could be he is either having an affair or wants out of the marriage but is too much of a coward to do anything about it and wants you to do it.
Even though he sounds like a complete shit who doesn't care, it's probably guilt driving his abusive behaviour. He is pushing enough for you to end the marriage to make him feel better and less of the bad guy.
You have to do it though, you shouldn't have to put up with this kind of crap from someone who is supposed to love you. This is not what love looks like
You deserve way better than this.
I wish you lots of love and strength. Xxx

perfectcolourfound · 02/04/2023 09:23

Putting the potential for an affair to one side (and yes, it looks as though he is having one), ask yourself why you're with a man who:

  • is vile to his children
  • is vile to his wife
  • smells
  • doesn't pull his weight at home or with parenting, ie
  • thinks that's 'women's work' or is just plain lazy
  • and selfish
  • and thinks despite all this he's entitled to attention and more sex
?????

You deserve so much better.

Your children deserve better, and only you can get them out of this awful situation.

Katieandthekids · 02/04/2023 13:57

Sex twice a week when you have children? Bloody hell I can just about manage to be arsed once a month!!

It sounds like he is a very unpleasant presence in your house for you and your children. I would ask him to leave.

category12 · 02/04/2023 14:08

Give him the boot.

In a few months he'll probably be desperate to get you back (at which point, hopefully, you'll not want him and tell him to fuck off), but while you let him treat you like dogshit, he'll just grow and grow his levels of contempt.

End things, tell him to fuck off and get his facelift.

Crutcher · 02/04/2023 14:18

Katieandthekids · 02/04/2023 13:57

Sex twice a week when you have children? Bloody hell I can just about manage to be arsed once a month!!

It sounds like he is a very unpleasant presence in your house for you and your children. I would ask him to leave.

Why is he still keeping you?

BHRK · 02/04/2023 14:18

What a horrible man - crap husband and crap father.
you must leave him.
he will be horrible so make sure you get a good solicitor

Katieandthekids · 02/04/2023 14:55

@Crutcher keeping me? Like a pet?

Crutcher · 02/04/2023 14:58

I'm not sure but it doesn't sound that you like him. Using language like 'being arsed' to describe having sex with your spouse, would be an LTB from me.

Mari9999 · 02/04/2023 15:16

@Katieandthekids
Actually the language does sound a bit like that generation that referred to sex as " doing your wifely duty" as opposed to a mutually enjoyable act that parties engage in for their pleasure and mutual enjoyment.

Katieandthekids · 02/04/2023 15:36

Mari9999 · 02/04/2023 15:16

@Katieandthekids
Actually the language does sound a bit like that generation that referred to sex as " doing your wifely duty" as opposed to a mutually enjoyable act that parties engage in for their pleasure and mutual enjoyment.

Sorry 'we', 'we' can be arsed about once a month.

Three small children. It's just not our priority at the moment.

But also not really here to defend my own happy marriage so...

Katieandthekids · 02/04/2023 15:39

OP he might be having an affair but it's weird that it's a complete change in personality. Do you think he might be depressed? You say the changes started after your first kid?

Obviously you have a choice to see if that is the case or to ask him to leave. I said I would ask him to leave but I've just read your message again and maybe it could be repaired with counselling if he admits his behaviour is not ok x

Celeriacsoup · 02/04/2023 15:40

Mari9999 · 02/04/2023 15:16

@Katieandthekids
Actually the language does sound a bit like that generation that referred to sex as " doing your wifely duty" as opposed to a mutually enjoyable act that parties engage in for their pleasure and mutual enjoyment.

A dh who does his fair share of chores without being told is a powerful aphrodisiac.

massivenamechnage · 02/04/2023 16:01

Could he be gay?
Is he from a religious family?

Mabelface · 02/04/2023 16:12

He's an awful, awful man and there's nothing wrong with you. You and the kids would have a much calmer and more peaceful life without him around. Try and picture what that would look like, a house where no one is walking on egg shells, you can all relax properly because there's no shouty, angry man there. This can be your future.

With a bit of luck, he is having an affair and will fuck off soon. This will be easier for you than trying to kick him out yourself.

Hopingforbettertimesoon · 02/04/2023 17:37

I am feeling much calmer this afternoon. Been a tough day getting through work without crying and very tired as not sleeping well.

i have read all the comments and they have all made me think and helped me with perspective.

OP posts:
BlueHeartMelody · 02/04/2023 17:47

He does not deserve you. You deserve so much more than this. He sounds hurtful and neglectful. You’re better off without him. You’re too good for him.

Hopingforbettertimesoon · 02/04/2023 17:55

Katieandthekids · 02/04/2023 15:39

OP he might be having an affair but it's weird that it's a complete change in personality. Do you think he might be depressed? You say the changes started after your first kid?

Obviously you have a choice to see if that is the case or to ask him to leave. I said I would ask him to leave but I've just read your message again and maybe it could be repaired with counselling if he admits his behaviour is not ok x

I have wondered this too and have tried to talk to him and suggest counselling either as a couple or just for him. But he refuses. I tried again today suggesting he go to the doctor and gets an overall check up and tell the doctor how he feels.

he replied it’s all screwed up inside him and but he does not need counselling or to see a doctor. He just said his focus is on himself and on saving money for the kids. He told me there is no future to discuss beyond this.

However he has been getting meaner and angrier for a long time. Eg throwing a cd at me just after dc 1 born. Giving me silent treatment when ever I upset him or did something he considered wrong.

so whilst he is very unhappy I kind of feel he has brought this on himself. That sounds harsh but it is how I am feeling now I am getting some perspective. Don’t get me wrong I still have love for him and want to help him feel happier but everything I try doesn’t seem to help.

he is still blaming me for everything even though I have said it cannot all be me. He is saying he will get this facelift and a nose job! I did wonder about an eating disorder. But again he won’t see anything wrong with how he is acting. And ther is nothing wrong with it Alaric surgery but he was totally against it in the past!

I don’t know how else to help. I am being kind and trying to listen. But at the same time he has been very controlling and manipulative in the past and I feel suspiciously this is all just another way to blame me. But then I feel like a bad person for thinking this.

some poster said to look after myself and I realise I do need to start doing this. So my focus is going to be looking after my kids and I.

OP posts:
Hopingforbettertimesoon · 02/04/2023 18:04

massivenamechnage · 02/04/2023 16:01

Could he be gay?
Is he from a religious family?

I have wondered too. Yes to the very religion family. He went through a stage of being very homophobic which I found very hard as I have gay friends and family members. When I first met him he was fine with it and had gay friends, worked for a lesbian couple he had nothing but praise for. Then after the kids were born he changed stared going on how wrong it was. It used to cause arguments as I would not say there was anything wrong and supported my friends and family.

I would actually support him if he came out. I would even be willing to act to his family so they did not find out. But the sad thing is he would never accept himself.

but I don’t know if he is gay. Sometimes I jump between so many things to excuse his behaviour and I wish he would open up to me and let me help him. But then I think how can any thing make it okay to mentally abuse me. I had anti natal depression so I do understand. But again it is no excuse.

OP posts:
Katieandthekids · 02/04/2023 18:20

Thanks for the reply to me. Yes I think you are totally right. You've done what you can. He's told you his priority is him so you make your priority you and the kids xx

category12 · 02/04/2023 18:24

However he has been getting meaner and angrier for a long time. Eg throwing a cd at me just after dc 1 born. Giving me silent treatment when ever I upset him or did something he considered wrong.
Have you considered that he's just plain old abusive, and has been for a long time?

Instead of working so hard to excuse his behaviour and find reasons for it, isn't it time he was held accountable for his actions and suffered some consequences for it - such as losing his marriage. Why be an emotional punchbag for a man for years on end?