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Relationships

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Husband constantly distracted

11 replies

Stanandhilda · 13/08/2023 21:48

We've been married for 26 years and have two DSs aged 22 and 21. Since the boys were born DH has always been looking for something else to do. When they were babies he bought a motor bike, joined a bike group and went riding often at weekends. He plays guitar and during the week he was out at least a couple of nights jamming or going to see a band. Then he joined a fitness group and went out with them regularly including a couple of holidays. Now that the boys are older he still seems to be looking to fill his time outside of family. He started his own band a couple of years ago so they're playing and rehearsing. He's also a scout leader so spending at least one evening a week and quite a few weekends away, looking after other people's children. Now he's started running a jam night which takes a lot of his time. I'm honestly happy to see him doing what he wants but a side effect is that I feel and have felt for some time quite worthless. When he is at home he is planning the above activities on his phone. Over the years he's been using online porn which I found by accident and subsequently felt a range of emotions (won't go into this - already very long post). We've talked about all the above many times and he agrees but things never change. We've been seeing a counselor and again he seems to see my viewpoint but nothing changes. I think he should be single, but he says he doesn't want to separate. I don't want to separate either, partly because I don't want to hurt our boys but also because I do actually want to be with him. I would like him to just spend a bit more time with us. More than that I would like him to want to spend time with us. I do have my own work, hobbies and interests but am not as absorbed in them as he is. All of the above has been going on for decades. I'm not sure what advice I want, but if anyone has come through a similar situation it would be good to hear.

OP posts:
DustyLee123 · 13/08/2023 21:51

He’s not going to change, you don’t want to separate, so carry on as you are.

CheshireCat1 · 13/08/2023 21:57

You’re invested in your marriage, it doesn’t look as though he is and never has been. As he ever explained the reasoning behind his behaviour? It’s up to you if you’re happy to accept the situation.

CheshireCat1 · 13/08/2023 21:58

Has

k1233 · 13/08/2023 21:59

Why would he want to be single when he has a live in cook and cleaner?

Purplecatshopaholic · 13/08/2023 22:02

DustyLee123 · 13/08/2023 21:51

He’s not going to change, you don’t want to separate, so carry on as you are.

This, I’m afraid. Why would he change - he’s happy. Why would he want to separate when he’s got what he wants. It sounds pretty miserable, but if you won’t leave, you’ll be putting up with it then…

Onelifeonly · 13/08/2023 22:10

If you own your place, sell up and buy two smaller properties. Live apart and only meet up when you both want to. Maybe some romance will be sparked?

I know this may not be feasible but it's kind of what friends of mine did. They kept the family home but inherited some money they used to buy a flat nearby. The idea was to let it out but the husband moved in instead. They didn't separate, just lived apart. The wife was committed to her career (and still had older kids at home plus her mother living with her). The husband worked but on his own terms and also had a band, so did his own thing - he is a bit of a hippy type, wife very different. The wife was happy not to be irritated by her husband. This was many years ago (kids now in 30s) and they are still together.

Avabarth · 13/08/2023 22:19

I can totally relate to your post. My ex had a range of hobbies, not just one or two and he was always nominating himself to go away with work on school trips. If it wasn't motorsports which took away full weekends, it was golf or football or tennis or pool nights, or running, or curry club or work promotions and more work, or cycling, or helping this friend and that friend and volunteering to help with school shows.

Anything to get him out of the house and being some sort of social hero in the eyes of everyone but us.

I felt worthless too and he really didn't seem to care about me in the end. He also saw my side in relationship counselling but nothing ever changed. I wasn't married as long as you've been but we have two children together and in the end, I did leave. I got sick and tired of playing second fiddle. Family life just wasn't for him I don't think, although now he has to parent alone when he has the children which I imagine he struggles with 🙃.

It's amazing how great everyone in their social groups thinks they are too. Mine is a real Mr Helpful, will do anything for anyone, just couldn't be there for his own family.

Sending hugs.

Stanandhilda · 16/08/2023 22:26

Thanks for your thoughts and suggestions. Much appreciated and gave me food for thought.

OP posts:
determinedtomakethiswork · 16/08/2023 22:52

I think the only thing to remember is that if someone makes you feel worthless then you should avoid spending time with them. I'm not really sure why you want to stay married. Your children are older now and you have the chance of a new life. Your husband won't satisfy you. He has no intention of even trying. I do really feel for you, but I think I would try to see this as an opportunity for you to change your life. .

Peakypolly · 16/08/2023 23:07

Do you holiday together? Have 'couple' friends who you socialise with? Does he do his fair share around the house and garden? Does he support your DS's when they need it?
It's one thing to have lots of separate interests, but for a relationship to be successful I think you most have some shared experiences.
Personally the porn would upset me if it was not something we both were ok with.
It sounds like your morals are not aligned, and neither are your long term relationship goals. I think it may be time to consider a split.

Mmhmmn · 16/08/2023 23:28

It sounds like he takes you for granted.

Please don't derive your sense of worth from his lack of interest or care. Yoire worth so much more than the carelessness of one selfish man. Look after yourself.

Could you see yourself taking a holiday somewhere, either solo or with friends? UK/abroad... See some places, do some interesting or just nice things that are just for you?

The reason he doesn't want to be single even though he acts as if he is - is that he has a very comfortable set up, no doubt with you doing the bulk of, if not all, domestic chores - cooking, cleaning?

What are you getting out of this relationship?

Your boys are young men now. They're old enough that you don't need to protect them from the - shock horror - thought that mum isn't as happy as she should be able to be. You don't need to protect everyone else at the expense of your own soul.

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