We have been married nearly 20 years, we have children and I am seriously struggling to cope with my husband’s constant negativity and gloomy outlook in life. I’m close to divorce. Am I being unfair?
He suffers from mental health issues. He sees a psychologist. He had for years and years. He had not improved. I’ve done all the things you are supposed to when your loved one is depressed and supported them, made allowances, let things slide when days / events are ruined, gave them ample time they need for themselves, tried to be understanding, supportive, encouraging, forgiving….
but I am absolutely f*ing sick of it now. It’s exhausting! It’s draining the life and soul out of each and every day, each and every moment, the kids are affected by it, we all are! Years of putting up with this has really taken its toll and I’ve noticed how isolated it’s made us. He’s spoiled family events, weddings, work opportunities, relationships with friends.
We don’t have friends who come round, family keep their distance, the kids don’t bring friends round, we rarely do anything and if we do - we are all walking on eggshells. He’s just so depressing it leeches the fun out of everything and it’s been this way for the best part of ten years. I’m starting to feel utterly depressed myself!
I do not enjoy spending time with him, it really is a huge chore as I have to deal with the constant doom and gloom, trying to manage his moods, “just be a good wife and understand” - but it’s became abundantly clear, he’s affecting all of us in a really bad way.
In all honesty, he’s quite comfortable being Victor Meldrew and seems to relish being Mr Negative, but I am the TOTAL opposite and it’s so clear now that he’s been pulling me under water for so long and I’m exhausted because I’ve just been trying to stay afloat.
I know he has a mental illness and I know I am supposed to support him in sickness and in health, but at what cost? Do I really sacrifice the happiness of me and my children because he’s mentally unwell?
We rarely spend time together and when we do, I’m not enjoying myself. It’s whinge after whinge, complaining about the price of things and complaining about anything he possibly can. It’s actually embarrassing going out in public with him as he’s so rude and all he thinks about is himself. If I ever mention his moods, it’s my fault for saying he’s in a mood and now he is in a mood. He never recognises his destructive behaviours.
Today I snapped, I’ve been ill for the past few weeks and decided to go to the shop and get something nice for lunch, he came with me which I was disappointed with, it’s easier to go alone. He was so passive aggressive about everything. The price, why do we need that, oh you are getting more stuff?, I don’t want lunch anyway, it will just be you eating, it will go to waste, do you need all that? sighing and grumbling…. I just about turned and went to the car. I literally couldn’t stand it any longer and had lost all interest in something nice for lunch and the guilt that comes with it. I told him it’s absolutely exhausting dealing with his constant negativity and controlling behaviour.
We have came home and returned to our separate lives in the same house. He won’t apologise for being a moan and ruining what could have been a nice afternoon. He won’t even bring it up. I feel completely unseen. He seems to relish wallowing in his own self pity.
I’m seriously considering divorce. I’m spent. I’ve gave everything I have and I feel like I’ve had nothing in return. He never cares how I feel. I’ve always made excuses for him. Always tried to understand and support. My poor kids need to be able to enjoy life again. How did I manage almost 20 years of this?
What would you do?