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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

After 11 years of marriage my husband suddenly wants to practice polygamy

161 replies

Ladylibra21 · 04/12/2023 06:16

Before my husband and I got married and even for years after we both made it clear that we were only interested in a Monogamous union. We both agreed that we would never want to share what we have with with another party male nor female. I even asked him at one point if he ever had a threesome in his past and he said it was never something he ever wanted or was interested in trying. I know not all men have a fantasy of a threesome but some do so I was curious to know. He told me that he went to a strip club before but he didn’t see what the hype was about and was not interested in returning. We have had conversations about polygamy and my stance on it has never changed. It’s a lifestyle that just isn’t for me and I don’t like the idea of sharing my partner. It was always something we mutually agreed on.
However after over a decade together my husband all of a sudden wants me to be open to the idea of practicing polygamy, having threesomes, and going to strip clubs with him. I am completely in disbelief about this. He told me that people in marriages are allowed to change their minds about things and that the wife should just mold to whatever the husband wants and support him. He thinks me having a “sister wife” would be beneficial for me and that she could also help me around the house. In reality I believe he only wants to practice that lifestyle for his own selfish reasons and it has nothing to do with me. I told him that he knew I was monogamous before we even got married and that If he wanted to be polygamous he should have entered into a relationship with someone who shares his morals. I flat out said that if he wants to live that type of lifestyle then we need to divorce and he needs to find someone else compatible with this new person he claims to be.
I feel like I am in a bad dream. I understand people can change but he just completely did a whole 360 on me. If he was always like this why would he lie for this long and then flip the script on me like this. I don’t even know who he is anymore. I feel like he doesn’t care if I am miserable as long as he gets what he wants and is happy that is all that matters. I don’t have anything against anyone who wants to practice polygamy and have threesomes but you cannot lie about who you really are, get with someone who does not want to live a lifestyle like that, and then later on down the line try to force them to change to your beliefs. That is a horrible thing to do to someone. I feel sick, hurt, and very angry. I haven’t told anyone in my personal life because I just don’t have the courage to do so yet. He thinks I am overreacting and this is just a normal situation! I just wanted to get someone else’s opinion on this because he keeps trying to make me believe I am just acting crazy. I really don’t even know what to do at this point.

OP posts:
Soontobe60 · 04/12/2023 06:20

Tell him that yes, people are allowed to change their minds in marriages, and that you’ve changed your mind about wanting to be married to him.

Sunnyjac · 04/12/2023 06:29

If he is as inflexible as you say then it sounds like the end of your marriage sadly. Yes he can change his mind but he can’t force the consequences of that decision on you.

Leafysuburb · 04/12/2023 06:31

Yes, you've changed your mind and you want an upgrade.

Mummymummy89 · 04/12/2023 06:33

He thinks me having a “sister wife” would be beneficial for me

Oh, my god. You are not overreacting, op. He sounds completely vile.

Watchkeys · 04/12/2023 06:34

that the wife should just mold to whatever the husband wants and support him

This would mean divorce, for me, regardless of the polygamy thing. Who does he think he is? Your boss? Does this reflect his general attitude towards equality?

seenisambol · 04/12/2023 06:35

Two things that stand out about your post - the term "sister wife" (bleurgh!) and the fact he is trying to convince you you're crazy. I think you need to remove yourself from this relationship asap before he does anymore damage to your mental health. He sounds like a total misogynist.

Watchkeys · 04/12/2023 06:35

he keeps trying to make me believe I am just acting crazy

Nobody who loved or respected you would do this.

What's he usually like? Mr Kind-and-respectful?

LolaSmiles · 04/12/2023 06:43

Many years down the line I could understand someone raising something like opening the marriage to see if both people would be comfortable with it and how it might work in a mutually enjoyable way.

But his whole attitude is disrespectful. The "sister wife" comments are gross. It's very telling that the way he sees this working is he gets to have sex with another woman and you get some help around the house. Trying to insinuate you're irrational and unreasonable is a huge red flag too.

jeaux90 · 04/12/2023 06:48

Nope he's gross. Divorce.

TheWestIsTheBest · 04/12/2023 06:48

Are you actually FLDS Mormons? And even if you are, I'm pretty sure polygamy isn't legal in most countries. Or does he just mean swinging and generally shagging around. I wouldn't be happy with either, you don't have to accept this.

GreenwichOrTwicks · 04/12/2023 06:48

And does he imagine there will be women lining up to audition for the part of sister wife? Does he already have a person in mind? Affair partner?

SpringleDingle · 04/12/2023 06:50

Perhaps suggest to him that a brother husband might help him out? Threesomes are ok with you if it’s MMF. Strip clubs.. yay.. the Chippendales are on next Friday I’ll get us tickets.

Im quite sure he’d go off polygamy pretty quickly if it looked like that! However I agree with previous comments- in reality this is disrespectful and a marriage ender.

Fuckmyliferightnow · 04/12/2023 06:51

Why don't you suggest getting another man involved, that thought might not seem so attractive, doesn't it works both ways?

Your husband is a selfish c* who doesn't care about your marriage.

I would even guess he already has someone in mind but doesn't want to give up the convenience of having you as his wife.

Bolloxforsure · 04/12/2023 06:54

I can’t see there’s any way back from this regardless of what happens next. Who does he think he is? 🤢

ANightingale · 04/12/2023 06:56

Maybe see how he would feel about a 'brother husband'?

ThankYoufortheDay · 04/12/2023 06:57

Is he a Mormon? Where in the world are you?

Lilithlogic · 04/12/2023 06:59

Does his proposal include him having a brother husband? You do realise he is already cheating and now just wants his cake and to eat it. What a knobhead, I'd seriously just get rid on account of him being an embarrassment

Lampzade · 04/12/2023 07:01

Are you allowed to have a brother husband, who could help your husband with the DIY,
mowing the lawn?
Your dh sounds like a dickhead

CandyLeBonBon · 04/12/2023 07:01

Bin him off op. Absolute bellend.

Lampzade · 04/12/2023 07:01

Lilithlogic · 04/12/2023 06:59

Does his proposal include him having a brother husband? You do realise he is already cheating and now just wants his cake and to eat it. What a knobhead, I'd seriously just get rid on account of him being an embarrassment

Cross posts lol

Nicole1111 · 04/12/2023 07:01

It’s not your role to do as you’re told and make your husband happy. This is not normal for your relationship. Trust your gut. Don’t let him manipulate you in to thinking this is a good idea. Maintain your boundaries. Talk to your closest friends about this so you have as much support as possible.

Globules · 04/12/2023 07:03

Our society has an awful lot to do with this. You're seen to be missing out if you don't open your marriage, swing, do camming, have a threesome etc. So many of the threads on here have got a theme to them. When this type of lifestyle was less accessible pre internet, hardly anyone wanted it, let alone practiced it.

I agree with him, he's allowed to change his mind. I agree that you can keep your long held views too. If you can't reconcile the both views, then your marriage is over.

I'm sorry this is happening to you.

Lilithlogic · 04/12/2023 07:05

Lampzade · 04/12/2023 07:01

Cross posts lol

😁

MrsWhites · 04/12/2023 07:08

I feel like there is more to this, why would you have had so many conversations about polygamy in the past?

I’ve certainly never checked with my DH that he intends for us to always stay monogamous, it’s just assumed surely in most marriages.

Bucklands · 04/12/2023 07:08

I'm confused about why you've had all these conversations about it over the years if it wasn't something that may have been on the cards. My DH and I have been together the same amount of time as you and have never had this conversation 🤷‍♀️ we assumed when we got married we'd be monogamous. Regardless of that's what he wants and you don't I can't see a way forward as a couple, don't let yourself get talked into something you don't want 💐