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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:
Nicecow · 29/06/2023 22:10

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.

I think this too. He wants to punish you. He sounds like unhinged. Ltb.

IWasFunBeforeMum · 29/06/2023 22:17

I don't think many men would "set it up". I think your first instinct is probably right.

Mumof4plusbonus · 29/06/2023 22:17

The break has done you good if it means you can now see him for what he is. Awful behaviour whatever his intentions

Teenagehorrorbag · 29/06/2023 22:20

amberisola · 29/06/2023 19:56

Yes, I agree this is as low as you can go. The idea that they could have been frightened because of something he did breaks my heart. He has been nothing but kind and loving towards them in front of me, but as I say, I don’t recognise this behaviour of his. I will have to leave them with friends in future - it didn’t occur to me that he wouldn’t look after them properly 😰

If it's any consolation, I suspect only the worst of evil people would harm your pets to get back at you. I bet he did give her the medicine.

I let a boyfriend move into my house once - and after a while he turned into a violent control freak. Eventually I realised I had to get out as he wouldn't - and moved in with a friend. He spent months in my house with all bills paid and my two cats there - I was so worried he would hurt them to get back at me. He was a nasty piece of work certainly, but he liked to believe he was a nice person (i.e. it was him not me), and fortunately he didn't take it out on my pets. He did buy them food and probably enjoyed their company. (He did eventually get the message and move out, but it wasn't easy).

I hope that even though your DH clearly is a PA controlling pig, he wouldn't let the animals suffer. Good luck with leaving!

BanditsOnTheHorizon · 29/06/2023 22:24

Love your reply, well down. Sounds like he was spoiling for a fight and didn't get one, the same with his text, another poor attempt at pissing you off. Seems the only person arguing in all this is him.

As you said, save your energy for your Dad and I'm sorry you're having to deal with your arse wipe of a dh whilst your Dad is ill

Thepossibility · 29/06/2023 22:48

I don't think it matters if he's having an affair. He's not a loving, supportive partner. Quite the opposite.
How dare he try to punish you for going away? And to not support you through your tough time with your dad! Two very basic things you would expect from your DP.
Rotten little shithead. Bin.

Batalax · 29/06/2023 22:50

I wonder what he will say when he comes crawling back tomorrow.

Minfilia · 29/06/2023 22:51

So tell him you’re considering leaving him… then what will his reaction be?

Crocadoodledoo · 29/06/2023 22:52

He’ll probably try and sweep things under the carpet and come crawling back when he realises he’s gone a bit too far with his sulking and passive aggressive behaviour. Stand firm and don’t fall for it - he’ll revert to type soon enough.

amberisola · 29/06/2023 22:53

Mix56 · 29/06/2023 21:36

Please take pictures of the mess. He'll tell you it wasn't a mess at some point.
Your Grey Rock reply was perfect.
You could send a selfie of you & the Prosecco !Grin
Actually, You are in control, its perfect.
He was setting you up for a fight, you have popped his balloon!
Do not clear up his shit.
Go about your day, ignore it.
If he comes back accusing you of shagging your yoga teacher.
Just smile & say "I wish"

Good point. I’ll take pics of remaining mess although he’d probably try to say it’s always like that!

I’m very proud to have unwittingly executed a perfect Grey Rock response, especially after having risen to the bait plenty of times in the past. It does feel like I’ve got some control back - even if only because I can no longer be bothered with his rubbish!

Absolutely cracking up at the prosecco selfie (would need 2 glasses!) and the idea of him accusing me of shagging my yoga teacher. She is a gorgeous Spanish lady, but there’s no spark 😆

OP posts:
justasking111 · 29/06/2023 22:54

Mine pouts if I have lunch with the girls. I ignore him.

I'm happy on the other hand when he has fun with his friends.

Men are weird

Clymene · 29/06/2023 22:58

Umm this is a really terrible thing to say but I have to say it. I very much hope your dad isn't terminally ill but if you stand to inherit anything, you may want to talk to a solicitor if you're thinking of ending your marriage to this wanker.

NowItsLikeSnowAtTheBeach · 29/06/2023 23:02

He sounds miserable to live with. Glad you didn't rise to any of it. Now you have to figure out what you want and go from there.

Nellynoowhoareyou · 29/06/2023 23:04

This has probably already been suggested but maybe he drank the Prosecco over two sittings/evenings and both glasses are his?

MinimalistMe · 29/06/2023 23:05

Your husband sounds vile OP, but you sound absolutely wonderful. You deserve so much better 💕

Mmhmmn · 29/06/2023 23:07

I thought as well that he's just playing extremely silly buggers with those Prosecco glasses to make you jealous and start an argument.

He's trying to make sure you don't go away again. ie control.

It doesn't bode well for the future, OP.

2catsandhappy · 29/06/2023 23:08

I loved your reply to his text.
He must be really confused, you have not reacted how he planned or expected.

I wonder if The Script will show it's ugly face. Part of his planned chat.
He is simmering with resentment, not looking at his own behaviour and wanting an excuse to lash out at you.

Mmhmmn · 29/06/2023 23:10

HarrisJu · 29/06/2023 16:28

I wouldn’t live with a sulky man. Ick!

Uhhh. I live with an extremely sulky man and it is extremely bad for emotional health and well-being. All is well when not sulky then out of nowhere he can just turn and it is majorly fucking me off.

Mmhmmn · 29/06/2023 23:12

amberisola · 29/06/2023 16:35

Thank you all for making me feel less like I’m going mad. The idea he would leave a mess intentionally and set up a little scene to get at me is disturbing, I wouldn’t completely put it past him.

He’s definitely not stupid enough to leave evidence of something dodgy, so my first thought was maybe his sister had been round or something. His reaction was just so weird.

I forgot to say in my post that he also called me "controlling" before he stomped out. Which is so ridiculous and untrue I laughed in disbelief.

He's projecting and doesn't even know it

Mmhmmn · 29/06/2023 23:12

Gowlett · 29/06/2023 16:35

I really hate when I’m in good form & my DH says “you came home in a terrible mood”. No! The badness only happens when he starts up… Your DH is trying to take your lovely experience away from you.

Been there.

TiredCatLady · 29/06/2023 23:13

You’re handling this like a champion OP. Fuck the miserable so and so.

I’ve had an ex do similar to me. He flounced etc. tried to make everything my fault. But lo! There was another unsuspecting sucker waiting in the wings.

While you’ve the place to yourself and you’re feeling zen, get those ducks in a row quick sharp. And give the cats a snuggle.

samqueens · 29/06/2023 23:15

No need to rack your brain… read Lundy Bancroft book Why Does He Do That? (Download on kindle app and don’t tell your H about it)

look up DARVO online

take full control of contraception

seriously consider whether you want to spend your life feeling like this. You can’t control his behaviour - you can only control your response and your life choices.

amberisola · 29/06/2023 23:24

BanditsOnTheHorizon · 29/06/2023 22:24

Love your reply, well down. Sounds like he was spoiling for a fight and didn't get one, the same with his text, another poor attempt at pissing you off. Seems the only person arguing in all this is him.

As you said, save your energy for your Dad and I'm sorry you're having to deal with your arse wipe of a dh whilst your Dad is ill

Thank you, and I enjoy the mental image of him arguing on his own. I'll keep that in mind next time he starts...

OP posts:
NotmyRLname · 29/06/2023 23:31

I think he’s deliberately made it a mess so you‘lol be mad and then he can say “you’re being so mean and grumpy to me” nonsense..
either that or he’s a secret alcoholic who let it go while away and couldn’t be bothered to clear it up and left it to punish you

Thebirdhouse · 29/06/2023 23:38

Doggydarling · 29/06/2023 16:25

He's either been misbehaving (or attempting to) while you were away, probably to punish you or he's planted the bottle and glasses to rattle you and try ensure you don't go away again. Leaving the house in a state is just another way of trying to stop you, it's an attempt to make you think it's not worth the hassle. Have you got a family with him?

This.

Sulky behaviour will give you the ick sooner than later. I've been there! Don't have a family with this man. He will wear you down.

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