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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

DH acting weird after I went away on my own

257 replies

amberisola · 29/06/2023 16:16

I’ve just got back from a few days away at a yoga retreat. Absolute bliss and long saved up for. It’s the first time I’ve been away on my own apart from short work trips since before I got married, although I travelled and worked all over the world alone when I was younger. My self-confidence has taken a knock recently and I can feel it bouncing back.

DH was sulky about my work trips early in our marriage. He also got moody after I told him I was going on the yoga retreat, in a passive aggressive way (while insisting he was fine with it). I didn’t pay much attention because I had real problems to deal with - work has been very stressful, my dad has been seriously ill in hospital for weeks, I’ve been coming and going, exhausted, and had no bandwidth for dealing with nonsense. I was disappointed that he hasn’t been at all supportive about my dad, but I left it.

Anyway, DH picked me up today and all seemed fine. Until we got home and I found a complete bomb site, I was so disappointed that I couldn’t completely bite my tongue. He’s normally a bit of a clean freak so it was a shock. I didn’t go mad but asked him why there was mouldy bread and food lying around from 5 days ago, and why he hasn’t given the cat her medicine. Both cats seemed really upset and scared as well which is unusual. He said “they probably don’t recognise you” which seemed a bit nasty.

Later I noticed a prosecco bottle in the fridge with a bit left in the bottom, and two wine glasses in the dishwasher. I asked if he’d had someone round (fine, just unusual) and he said no, he drank it on his own. He hardly drinks and definitely not prosecco! He’ll have a little if I buy it (rarely) but we had none in the house when I left and I never buy that brand. I didn’t tell him I’d spotted the glasses. But it’s obvious he’s lying.

He got angry then and said I was “attacking” him, I’d “come back in a horrible mood” (no, I was really happy and relaxed until I saw the mess!) and I’ve clearly “got it in for him”.

I said neglecting the cat and drinking a bottle of prosecco alone was out of character and I felt like he wasn’t being completely honest with me, and he started going mad saying “what about you? You’re not being honest are you?!” I asked what that meant and he snapped at me “we’ll talk about that later” and stomped off out of the house.

Now I’m left here racking my brains as to what I could’ve done (or what he could think I’ve done). I’m coming up with nothing. I think he’s upset that I went away without him and is trying to make me feel bad - possibly to deflect from something he’s done? Maybe he just made a weird, cryptic comment to mess with my head. I don’t know.

It did mess with my head though, so I’m asking for the wisdom of MN. What do you think is going on, and how should I respond? Should I ignore, should I be worried about the lie, or could I really be in the wrong here?

OP posts:
readbooksdrinktea · 29/06/2023 18:42

OrbandSpectacle · 29/06/2023 17:46

Incidents like this are why so many women now choose to be single, and actually enjoy their lives.

So, so true.

ColonelOfTruth · 29/06/2023 18:45

Jewelanemone · 29/06/2023 16:23

I reckon the prosecco and glasses are a set-up. He wants to to think he's been up to something as he resents the fact that you've been away.

This was exactly my thought too. Bit pathetic really. This would give me the ick.

JeminaSunshine · 29/06/2023 18:46

He's either trying to make it look like he's had someone over, he's thick as shit, or he has checked out and doesn't care.

amberisola · 29/06/2023 18:48

Thanks to those who have left helpful comments.

I am of course rethinking the entire relationship, and yes I will be going away again by myself as soon as I can.

For now, of course I’m going to tidy up the house, or at least the kitchen, to the extent that I can use it. I will leave him the bathroom and bins and any other messy jobs for whenever he reappears. But I’m not going to sit in a tip and have nothing to eat! The idea of going to stay in a hotel because the house is messy sounds lovely but not very realistic for me - If PP really have a budget and lifestyle that allows them to do that, I’m envious.

The cats normally stay with my friends if we’re both away. It hadn’t crossed my mind that he wouldn’t sort out the medicine - he’s the one who bought it, he’s often the one taking them to the vets, he normally seems to care.

I am pleased for all of those PP who seem to either have perfect relationships or the wisdom to get out at the first sign of trouble. I feel like I’ve been blindsided and he’s suddenly turned into a person I don’t recognise. I certainly feel stupid now after reading all these comments!

OP posts:
GameOverBoys · 29/06/2023 18:48

I wonder if he thinks you’re cheating on him because that’s what he does given half a chance. Some men are so stupid/complacent/looking to get caught, they would leave evidence like the Prosecco bottle. Either was LTB

Arewehumanorarewecupboards · 29/06/2023 18:53

The fact that he’s not supporting you while your dad is so unwell and that he didn’t give the cat’s medicine would be the end for me, sod the tantrum. Maybe he’s trying to make you to be the one to end it? Or maybe he’s just a cunt?

doitwithlove · 29/06/2023 18:58

I would buy a mini bottle of prosecco when next shopping, give it to him and tell him you treated him as he enjoyed the bottle when you were away. 😁

Superdupes · 29/06/2023 18:58

I know a lot of people say the whole Prosecco and glasses is a set up - but I'm wondering if it's a different kind of set up, one where he wants you to realise he's having an affair.

I say this because you say 'He has been increasingly cold and distant lately' and nothing screams affair like someone suddenly becoming cold and distant. Him being angry with you going away might also be him justifying his affair to himself by blaming you for your 'unreasonable' behaviour.

I wouldn't write off him having an affair personally.

Iamnotworthy · 29/06/2023 18:58

As If two people would leave a bit of prosecco in the bottle...you'd just finish it off!

doitwithlove · 29/06/2023 18:59

And I would leave the tidying up for him to do. His mess, he can clear it

TimeToMoveIt · 29/06/2023 19:00

God what a twat he is, the glasses are because he wants you to think he's been up to something. If hrs a neat freak he wouldn't have some women round after he's turned the place into a shit hole

Hes punishing you for going away and enjoying yourself . The cats being scared and not having medication is unforgivable , he really doesn't want you going away again does he?

Not being supportive of you when your dad is ill is also a dick move

ThePoetsWife · 29/06/2023 19:00

He's making sure you don't go away again

notsofamous · 29/06/2023 19:02

How fucking dares he treat you like this, after your dad being ill. What he should have done is to have the house looking lovely for you, and the bottle of prosecco should have been ice cold (and unopened!) with two glasses waiting on the table.

If this is what he is like he has showed you his true colours. What a fucking mistake he just did.

JudgeAnderson · 29/06/2023 19:04

I certainly feel stupid now after reading all these comments!

Do not feel stupid. He clearly very carefully his this side of himself, it's just bad luck on your part, you're not psychic, you weren't to know he wasn't what it said on the tin.

JudgeAnderson · 29/06/2023 19:04

*hid

amberisola · 29/06/2023 19:05

Iamnotworthy · 29/06/2023 18:58

As If two people would leave a bit of prosecco in the bottle...you'd just finish it off!

😆

OP posts:
IhearyouClemFandango · 29/06/2023 19:07

Aquamarine1029 · 29/06/2023 17:11

The way your husband has treated you should be a total deal breaker. How fucking dare he be so disrespectful. I'm not convinced he isn't having an affair, either.

I would be leaving him. The vile prick.

This. How horrible.

Crikeyalmighty · 29/06/2023 19:08

By the way if you are suspicious OP- get one of these, switch it on before you go away, hide it in lounge or bedroom and it will record for 48 hours. It saves the file if you are away more than 48 hours- Not mumsnet advice I know- but sometimes you really do just need to know what's going on to clear things in your head. - if he can be an arse- so can you

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Activated-Dictaphone-JiGMO-Interviews-Microphone-Silver/dp/B01N0KAKB6/ref=ascdff_B01N0KAKB6/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=310144127249&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8037513173331970941&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006502&hvtargid=pla-429532645390&psc=1

Mulhollandmagoo · 29/06/2023 19:08

agree with others about him leaving the bottle/glasses to try and rattle you, I don't think he's had anyone over.

So sorry OP, really shitty that you'd had such a lovely time on your retreat and he has ruined it for you! An excuse to book another one I suppose 😏

MsRosley · 29/06/2023 19:08

angsty · 29/06/2023 17:15

The "increasingly cold and distant" bit does sound like an affair, though. I think now it may be both a set up and an affair. He did have a woman round. He then purposely didn't tidy up or bother to get rid of the evidence because he wants to punish you, and he specifically made sure that the two glasses were left out in a blatant bid to cause a fight which would then be your fault.

Yeah, this sounds credible.

Anxioys · 29/06/2023 19:10

Don't feel stupid. I imagine your husband to be super charming to everyone including you but slowly you will have got more and more of this behaviour.

Btw, I'd bet good money on his parents having a highly dysfunctional relationship based on your post. He learned this from someone.

amberisola · 29/06/2023 19:11

notsofamous · 29/06/2023 19:02

How fucking dares he treat you like this, after your dad being ill. What he should have done is to have the house looking lovely for you, and the bottle of prosecco should have been ice cold (and unopened!) with two glasses waiting on the table.

If this is what he is like he has showed you his true colours. What a fucking mistake he just did.

Thank you for being angry on my behalf! I’m just feeling baffled and anxious, getting ready to go visit my dad again in the morning, and can’t find the energy to be mad right now. But I probably should be.

I can only dream of such a welcome home. The worst thing is, that is the sort of thing he would have done once!

And yes, too right, it is a big mistake

As a PP said “wouldn’t it be nicer with just you and the cats?” - that sounds like heaven.

OP posts:
amberisola · 29/06/2023 19:12

Anxioys · 29/06/2023 19:10

Don't feel stupid. I imagine your husband to be super charming to everyone including you but slowly you will have got more and more of this behaviour.

Btw, I'd bet good money on his parents having a highly dysfunctional relationship based on your post. He learned this from someone.

Thank you.

Spot on, on both counts. I’d say it sounds like you’ve met him but I get the impression such men are ten a penny.

OP posts:
RandomMess · 29/06/2023 19:13

I'm angry on your behalf too, the lack of support over your Dad is awful.

I think it's one huge sulk and tantrum because he isn't centre stage. The irony of him going away without you fairly often too AngryAngryAngryAngryAngryAngry

Lastdanceagain · 29/06/2023 19:18

How unattractive. If you do stay with him at least put the cats in a cattery or similar rather than have them stay with someone who won't take care of them.

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