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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

Feeling broken

6 replies

eeffoc · 22/04/2023 16:37

Just looking for advice and others opinions. So I've been with my partner for 12 years and we have kids together. We've had problems in the past when I've found out he'd had those naked women on Snapchat. Those women who wear next to nothing and basically tease men on there with messages and pics etc. I've told him in the past how much it's upset me, especially because this could be women who live near us etc. I find it diff to him watching porn, somehow I find it less personal. Yet I've still found him on there several times with deleted messages from them. He's always been furious and not spoken to me whenever I've found out. The last time I found out, I actually feel pathetic to say that I then made loads of effort to try spice things up, lingerie, doing things I don't like but he does, in the bedroom, just to try and make him happy. But weeks after I felt like I'd degraded myself and I felt like an idiot because none of it came from my heart, I was just trying to please him.

He's recently had the snip and was told he basically had to wank x amount of times. I tried to make it exciting by saying it's an excuse for us to do more things together. I've heard him doing it so many times in bed when he thinks I'm sleeping - for months and we haven't had a sex life and it's really upset me. I feel like he's still watching these women online and thinking of them and that I'm not good enough. I've put on a couple of stone since we've been together and in some ways I feel like I've let myself go, I've been working so much, looking after the kids, trying to do everything for everyone and always putting myself last. So although I do make an effort with my appearance, I guess I still feel insecure. I told him how I felt last night and he went in a big mood with me, said he was disappointed in me and I ended up going to bed at about 8pm feeling absolutely depressed. He said I could make an effort too but when I feel like he's watching the other women who have perfect bodies, prob kid and stress free, it really knocks my confidence massively.

We did have a very brief split up a few years ago and whilst I didn't get involved with anyone else, he did straight away. I never managed to get the truth out of him about that and he swore they never slept together but I did find out he'd lied when he said they were just friends. I found messages of him calling her sexy and he'd also been to her house. So I know that he's capable of lying and also moving on in an instant. Although I chose to forgive him and move on and try be happy for our family, it only adds to my insecurities. Years on... I now feel like we are more team partners in paying bills and raising kids than actually in a romantic/sexual relationship. We recently got our little one in their own room and I expected the excitement to suddenly be there but then I realised it's not. I don't feel confident with him because I feel he's comparing me to these other women so it makes me not want to initiate anything.

Does this mean it's over?

OP posts:
Catlover100 · 22/04/2023 17:35

I feel sad reading this post, op. I relate to those feelings of not feeling attractive to your partner anymore, of not being 'enough' for them. Been there and it's horrible.

But the thing I have learned since leaving a relationship that made me feel bad, inadequate, ugly, 'not enough' and looking around at the relationships my friends and family have with their partners is - a partner who loves you and cares for you and wants the best for you should never make you feel this way.

Yes, some of the demons may be in your own head but if someone loves you, truly loves you, they love you for who you are, they don't stop loving you because you put a bit of weight on, or are exhausted from doing your best by your kids or working hard or feeling a bit weighed down by life.

If your partner makes you feel crap then I think you need to have a long, hard look at your relationship and whether you need to end it.
A person who loves you should have your back and appreciate you for you. I'm not sure if your partner does.

Don't settle for being made to feel bad about yourself by the one person who should lift you up and make you feel good about yourself. I did that for years and I can tell you it was a bloody waste of my life.
Wishing you lots of luck and love x

MoonbeamsGlittering · 22/04/2023 18:38

I'm a man and I think we have an unfair advantage that we aren't the ones whose bodies are transformed by pregnancy. Being a mother looks really difficult and he should give you more credit and help you more. It sounds like it can be difficult to talk with him about anything. Do you think there's any chance he would agree to couples counselling?

eeffoc · 22/04/2023 21:48

Thank you so much for taking the time out to message me. Your message brought a tear to my eye because deep down I know youre right.I am going to screenshot your message and keep reading it in hope that it will give me the strength to do the right thing. To the outside world we look like such a nice family. It's heartbreaking for me to find the strength to put my own self worth first. Thank you so much.

OP posts:
eeffoc · 22/04/2023 21:56

Moonbeams you are so right and you show a deep level of understanding. We probably would benefit from counselling but financially were not in a position to consider that. But thank you for your suggestion.

OP posts:
piedbeauty · 22/04/2023 21:59

We've had problems in the past when I've found out he'd had those naked women on Snapchat. Those women who wear next to nothing and basically tease men on there with messages and pics etc. I've told him in the past how much it's upset me ... ImYet I've still found him on there several times with deleted messages from them. He has not spoken to me whenever I've found out.
I felt like an idiot because none of it came from my heart, I was just trying to please him.
I've heard him wanking so many times in bed when he thinks I'm sleeping - for months and we haven't had a sex life and it's really upset me. I feel like he's still watching these women online and thinking of them and that I'm not good enough...I've been working so much, looking after the kids, trying to do everything for everyone and always putting myself last. So although I do make an effort with my appearance, I guess I still feel insecure. I told him how I felt last night and he went in a big mood with me, said he was disappointed in me and I ended up going to bed at about 8pm feeling absolutely depressed. He said I could make an effort too ... it really knocks my confidence massively.
So I know that he's capable of lying and also moving on in an instant

He's a horror. Dump him. You deserve so much better.

flymeawaytothemilkyway22 · 22/04/2023 22:22

The Pervy prick is only annoyed and doesn't speak to you when you find out because he's emabressed . So disrespectful! Leave him

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