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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

Mental load row is going to end marriage

185 replies

LouKJ · 29/11/2023 11:24

We've been together 18 years, married for 15, two children. He works 12 hour shifts, I work weekdays 8.30-5.
I do the vast majority of the household load, including cooking, cleaning, washing, plus I do all of the kids activities and school stuff. He doesn't have any of the apps for school info, wouldn't even know how to book breakfast club or pay for a school lunch.
I've been away with work for a week. The day I got back we had a huge row where he told me that he'd enjoyed being at home alone (my parents had the kids Monday-Friday because of his shifts) because he wasn't "getting criticised permanently". He said he wanted the marriage to be over. We talked and he said that he feels that its my job to all of the household chores and kids activities because I don't work 12 hour shifts and his days off should be complete rest days where he doesn't have to do anything.
I admit, I criticise him for not pulling his weight but I get so frustrated that he can't see the demands of my job and everything I do in the house. He does not understand the concept of "the mental load" at all.
The day after the row I suggested marriage counselling, he said no. I wrote some statements on paper to explain how I feel and what I think I can do to help our marriage. He refused to do the same. He claims that he would be more productive in the house if he could move to day shifts, but that would be a drop in wages that we can't really afford. He blamed me for this because we want to do home improvements and he said they're my idea so its my fault we can't afford the drop in wages.
I don't really know where to go from here - it doesn't matter how I try to communicate or phrase it, what language I use - he doesn't seem to understand my feelings. Now I'm really worried that at any point he might just decide to walk out. I love him very much but part of me thinks that if I was on my own it would be easier - I'd still be doing all of the work but the frustration would be less.

OP posts:
AutumnFroglets · 01/12/2023 09:09

Redburnett · 30/11/2023 22:36

How would you manage financially if you separate/divorce? Would that be worse than the current situation? Just things to consider before ending your marriage.

What could be worse? How about her health imploding? It's well known that stress can cause long term physical illnesses (including auto immune), nevermind the mh issues and/or depression that are caused by bad marriages. Then she would be even more trapped.

There are ways and means to live within a reduced budget, but it's extremely difficult, if not virtually impossible, doing it all with bad health.

But again...he is not wanting to change. Which leaves OP with no real choices.

BeeCucumber · 01/12/2023 09:22

There is no marriage to save. He has already checked out and wants to divorce. He had an opportunity to be a husband to his wife and a father to his children when the OP was away - he chose to act like a single man because that’s what he wants.

ClawedButler · 01/12/2023 13:27

You can't row a boat with one oar. It doesn't matter how much or how little OP wants to fight for her marriage, if he's not on board, it won't work.

I fail to see what more she could do, short of becoming some sort of surrendered wife.

mssakaf · 03/12/2023 13:07

This reply has been deleted

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AutumnFroglets · 03/12/2023 13:17

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You should never offer to contact off these boards. You have no idea who the other person is. Will be reporting your post in the meantime.

HulaChick · 03/12/2023 15:17

Christ, just get divorced - best thing I ever did.

Pinky2121 · 03/12/2023 15:29

Time to say bye bye. Seems the only benefit you get from this relationship is his financial contribution. You would be no worse off on your own. Sounds like a lazy misogynistic man. As you do everything anyway the children would probably not even miss him.

PlanningMum · 03/12/2023 16:20

I would think twice, even more, before ending a relationship -- especially when children are involved.

You both sound angry, tired and overworked.

It's not an easy choice, but it seems, that it might be better to be a little poorer and less stressed.

You both work very long hours: is it really worth it with 3 kids on top of it?!

Wouldn't it be best to acknowledge how tired and stressed you both are, and try to find a solution?

Perhaps you could point out that both of you are at the end of your tether, and perhaps you could talk things over after the Xmas hols ( try to have a truly relaxing break. Maybe your parents could look after the kids for some time?)

I'd really try to slow down the pace of your madly hectic lives, and think things over carefully.

wherethewildtbingsgo · 03/12/2023 19:05

PlanningMum · 03/12/2023 16:20

I would think twice, even more, before ending a relationship -- especially when children are involved.

You both sound angry, tired and overworked.

It's not an easy choice, but it seems, that it might be better to be a little poorer and less stressed.

You both work very long hours: is it really worth it with 3 kids on top of it?!

Wouldn't it be best to acknowledge how tired and stressed you both are, and try to find a solution?

Perhaps you could point out that both of you are at the end of your tether, and perhaps you could talk things over after the Xmas hols ( try to have a truly relaxing break. Maybe your parents could look after the kids for some time?)

I'd really try to slow down the pace of your madly hectic lives, and think things over carefully.

Have you actually read this in the OP:

"The day I got back we had a huge row where he told me that he'd enjoyed being at home alone (my parents had the kids Monday-Friday because of his shifts) because he wasn't "getting criticised permanently". He said he wanted the marriage to be over. We talked and he said that he feels that its my job to all of the household chores and kids activities because I don't work 12 hour shifts and his days off should be complete rest days where he doesn't have to do anything. "

This is not a man who is just tired with raising children. It sounds like he actually does very little of that. He is mean, selfish, cruel and ungrateful and has actually asked for a divorce. It's not possible for the OP to find a unilateral solution if he won't meet her halfway with any of it.

Why are there so many DH apologists on this thread?

LeRougeEtLeNoir · 03/12/2023 20:07

Because the OP has admitted to ‘nagging’ bad ‘being angry’.
And apparently, that makes her much worse than her poor DH who clearly has been put off by her constant expectation of having a real partner rather than a grumpy teen ….

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