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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 refused request, feeling conflicted

467 replies

Igetolderbutneverwiser · 22/04/2024 01:08

I don’t know if this will sound childish or whether I have valid reasons for feeling how I do, but it’s driving me crazy questioning myself.

DH and I have been having ups and downs for a while. We previously discussed some things that we would like and need in the relationship to improve things.
One of the things that I said was that I’ve noticed that he doesn’t post things on social media anymore, and I find it strange that he just stopped. He said that he just doesn’t bother now. But even when it’s been something significant he hasn’t posted anything, which he would have done once upon a time, nor does he even acknowledge things that I post as I know he does with friends. I said it would be nice for him to do that again.

I mentioned it again when it was Valentine’s Day and he said he’s told me before that he doesn’t do it anymore. I reminded him that I had expressed that it would be nice to be acknowledged like he does his friends.

Now another occasion has passed, and on the day I said in a playful way “I guess you’ve just not had time to go on social media yet, but there’s still time”
He tried to fob me off at first, then I asked why he was ignoring me and he said quite firmly that he’s told me he doesn’t do it anymore. I asked why he couldn’t make an exception and reminded him of the discussion I’d had with him and how it would just be nice. He snapped at me saying that he’s not doing it and for me to drop it.
I asked why he is so against it and he said just because. I explained that it seems a bit extreme to have such a reaction if there’s no particular reason for not doing it and that it’s making me feel a bit insecure now. Rather than reassure me he just got his back up.

On the surface I do completely understand that it’s his choice and it is only social media; we aren’t kids, it’s not like our life revolves around it. And he has also stopped posting things about his DC. But I keep questioning why he suddenly stopped and why he’s so firm about not doing it. I just think if it was me, even if I wasn’t particularly interested in doing it, if it meant something to him I’d do it, if there was no reason not to.
And from another perspective, I’ve done things that have been a much bigger ask/sacrifice for him.

My mind is jumping, one minute feeling like he’s purposely “hiding” me (though as he’s not posting about his DC either then perhaps not?), the next that he’s just genuinely gone off using it and feels like he shouldn’t have to start up again just because I’ve said something.

It’s actually not about social media, I’m not overly active on it myself (cut down to barely anything since he stopped as it feels a bit weird), just that he’s so against it and reacted so badly towards me that it’s not sitting right with me.

OP posts:
Igetolderbutneverwiser · 22/04/2024 15:41

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If your partner expressed concern to you over something you would behave towards them the way you have me rather than with kindness and understanding (whether you agree or not)? Oh dear!

OP posts:
Igetolderbutneverwiser · 22/04/2024 15:43

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Wow, just wow. Respectfully move on to your own problems as you don’t want to add anything constructive to my thread

OP posts:
notedgy · 22/04/2024 15:46

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Wornoutlady · 22/04/2024 15:48

@Igetolderbutneverwiser Do you think this change is because he is having an affair or wanting to appear single? (Sorry I've not read all 12 pages of this thread to find out if this came up). I think any behavior which sets off an alarm in you is one worth listening to. That said, I don't think SM is that important to a lot of men. My DH has a private insta acct and once in a blue moon will check mine and like something from weeks ago. Like a dinosaur.

Bookworm20 · 22/04/2024 15:48

I understand what you are saying OP. His behaviour around this have changed and there are other elements in the mix. If everything was hunky dory and he just said he was stepping away from social media because he can't be bothered with it you wouldn't bat an eyelid.
But the fact you have had a few issues and are trying to reconnect, and this is something you've mentioned, yet he won't do anything about it is setting of a little alarm in your head.
I mean, if he really couldn't give a toss about social media, but he knows it would mean alot to you, its hardly going to kill him to spend 1 or 2 minutes and like a couple of posts every couple of months, is it? The fact he won't budge on it, despite you saying it would be a good thing for you within the relationship is unfortunately quite telling.
Plus add in that he still engages with his friends posts, so he DOES still use it.

I'm not sure what to advise. I would feel the same as you though. Feel like he is hiding me, because its really not a big deal. Especially if you are trying to reconnect and its something you have expressed to him would mean something to you. I, like you, wouldn't understand the reason of 'just because'. I'd want a concrete reason.
You're hardly asking him to climb mount everest.

And its not about social media and being all 'look at us'. Its about being present in each others lives and doing what you can to reconnect. Feeling seen with each other. And to you, this is one way he can do that which takes very little time and effort but would mean something to you.

What happens if you post something and tag him in? Would he untag it? If he does, then I think your little alarm may need listening to.

notedgy · 22/04/2024 15:48

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Igetolderbutneverwiser · 22/04/2024 15:49

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I did put it in my original post, but you’re too hellbent on being unkind and harassing me to notice that.

OP posts:
notedgy · 22/04/2024 15:50

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RandomForest · 22/04/2024 15:50

"He said that he just doesn’t bother now. But even when it’s been
something significant he hasn’t posted anything, which he would have
done once upon a time, nor does he even acknowledge things that I post
as I know he does with friends. I said it would be nice for him to do
that again."

That was on op's first post.

I think this states that he still likes friend's posts.

Bookworm20 · 22/04/2024 15:50

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Its in the original OP @notedgy

But even when it’s been something significant he hasn’t posted anything, which he would have done once upon a time, nor does he even acknowledge things that I post as I know he does with friends.

theworldie · 22/04/2024 15:51

Op - just ignore the posters who are being nasty and fixating on the SM aspect.

If you’d have said something like:

”DH and I have been going through a difficult patch for a while now. He used to post things on SM relating to me/our family and “like” things that I’d posted. He’s stopped doing this altogether and when I bring it up he gets cross and snaps at me. It isn’t that he now just doesn’t use SM either, as he still responds to other peoples posts on Facebook etc.
I feel he is trying to come across as a single guy on SM. Do you think it could be a sign that there’s something else going on?”…

…you’d have received much more sympathetic responses!

Has he changed his profile pic to one of him gurning in a tight t-shirt holding a dog? If so, then I’d be really worried!

You obviously think somethings amiss in your relationship op - I would keep your powder dry for now, don’t mention it to him again but keep your eyes and ears open.

Snackarooney · 22/04/2024 15:52

If he's still got a presence on sm it would annoy me if he absolutely never acknowledged me
If he doesn't do social media any more then he'd have deactivated any accounts, if he did do social media but failed to acknowledge me or my friends or family and didn't post many updates I'd feel maybe he was hiding something but tbh I'd just block him on it so he can't see things and ignore them and I can't see he's not acknowledging me but he is other people. If he's not interested why have him in your sm?

Part of me would be annoyed I think and part of me would just not care depends what mood I'm in I probably would bring it up but I wouldn't ask him to acknowledge me publicly just ask why he won't/ isn't xx

Igetolderbutneverwiser · 22/04/2024 15:53

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I’ve clearly said what my actual issue is, but you don’t want to consider that.

The fact that you’re like a dog with a bone suggests there’s stuff going on in your own life, so perhaps focus on that.

OP posts:
LenaLamont · 22/04/2024 15:54

OP, how can he engage with your concerns without belittling you?

"I don't post about our relationship on social media because I'm not a needy teenager seeking validation" isn't exactly going to pour oil on troubled waters, is it?

Most people who move on from social media - especially about their relationships - do so because they have outgrown it or because they believe a personal life remains personal. Addressing that (politely) with someone who wants external validation of their relationship is a challenge.

You need to find different ways of connecting. Social media is performative. If you want him to demonstrate to others that he values you, I think your priorities are askew.

C0NNIE · 22/04/2024 15:58

I get your concern OP. I’ve just come out of a long abusive marriage where I DIDNT trust my instinct and it worked out very badly for me.

If you were my friend I’d advise you to say nothing to your husband and start investigating.

RandomForest · 22/04/2024 15:58

Get him to change his whasapp profile pic to you and the children.

See if he agrees to that or goes nuclear.

chowsase · 22/04/2024 15:59

*Why do people do this, seriously?

The OP has been quite clear that it's the change in behaviour and the strength of his reaction that has her thinking something may be up, not the social media itself necessarily*

Then why does she keep on and on about social media? I can see why it's irritating him.

willWillSmithsmith · 22/04/2024 16:01

Why are people not understanding that OP’s concern is her DH’s reaction rather than the SM itself? She’s said she’s not obsessed with it, it’s just something they’ve normally done. It’s his reaction not the deed.

Igetolderbutneverwiser · 22/04/2024 16:01

theworldie · 22/04/2024 15:51

Op - just ignore the posters who are being nasty and fixating on the SM aspect.

If you’d have said something like:

”DH and I have been going through a difficult patch for a while now. He used to post things on SM relating to me/our family and “like” things that I’d posted. He’s stopped doing this altogether and when I bring it up he gets cross and snaps at me. It isn’t that he now just doesn’t use SM either, as he still responds to other peoples posts on Facebook etc.
I feel he is trying to come across as a single guy on SM. Do you think it could be a sign that there’s something else going on?”…

…you’d have received much more sympathetic responses!

Has he changed his profile pic to one of him gurning in a tight t-shirt holding a dog? If so, then I’d be really worried!

You obviously think somethings amiss in your relationship op - I would keep your powder dry for now, don’t mention it to him again but keep your eyes and ears open.

You’re absolutely right, I should have worded my OP differently. I had so many things running through my mind at the time.

I won’t be bringing it up with him again, I have reflected on the feedback and if it’s just a genuine change in preference then fair enough, if it’s something bad then probably keeping quiet while keeping an eye on things is the best move.

I have to say that your comment about the profile picture made me smile - much needed today 💐

OP posts:
theforeverPm · 22/04/2024 16:05

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Cantbelieveit888 · 22/04/2024 16:05

It has happened to me and a friend of mine. Where they were disengaged with social media and didn’t want to post when they once were so active……

It was because they were cheating!!

Hope it’s not happening in your case though.

AboutYouTalk · 22/04/2024 16:15

This really should be the least of your worries.

Igetolderbutneverwiser · 22/04/2024 16:43

@theforeverPm We have done a few things to try and improve our connection. He generally says he’s on board with things but doesn’t always follow through. Sometimes he does put a good effort in though

OP posts:
Despair1 · 22/04/2024 16:45

I think that you are overanalysing things. Social media has more negatives than positives ( I don't do it). Take a deep breath and let this go. If you genuinely think that your husband is cheating ( not sure that stopping posting on SM suggests this), then you need to consider addressing this with him another time. I would be careful about repeating your questioning re SM, this could get destructive.
Take care

Igetolderbutneverwiser · 22/04/2024 16:45

Cantbelieveit888 · 22/04/2024 16:05

It has happened to me and a friend of mine. Where they were disengaged with social media and didn’t want to post when they once were so active……

It was because they were cheating!!

Hope it’s not happening in your case though.

This is why I started to question, especially after his reaction, because I’ve heard of this happening a few times. And because we have had ups and downs, I know it can happen

OP posts: