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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

Thinking about my other options but still in a relationship

11 replies

mammybird · 30/05/2024 00:15

I feel very stuck.

I am in a 10 year relationship with one toddler. Increasingly it has become apparent that I do 90% of the upholding of our lives. Everything from finances to making sure we don't just sit on our bums watching telly every weekend is somehow my responsibility.

Over the past 7 or 8 months I have been communicating my frustration with my partner, who is incredibly passive and while he says he does understands the disparity in our relationship and agrees he should do more.....he doesn't take any action to change things.

I've done everything, an itemised list of things I feel responsible for, and action plan done with him to identify specific ways to improve, shouting, crying, you name it I've done it. But nothing inspires change.

The thing is he's not an unkind man. He is patient and an excellent father. I used to say he was the kindest person I had ever met and I would gush about him to anyone who would listen. But I don't feel like this anymore.

More recently I have set a deadline. If X,Y, Z isn't done by August I want him to sleep elsewhere but remain present for our child. But setting this deadline has my head in a spin because now I'm assuming I'm about to be single and I'm wondering whose out there. This is most likely an avoidance thing because I genuinely am devastated about it all and I can't begin to think how I would manage as a single parent. But I can't stop thinking about it and have such an urge to download tinder to see what's out there. I won't do this as it would be incredibly hurtful in a situation where there is already so much hurt and sadness.

I just need to vent somewhere and wonder what others would do in my situation?

For info, I can't necessarily afford to be a single parent, not cam my partner....which makes it all the more difficult to figure out how we even could split.

OP posts:
Chatonette · 30/05/2024 00:22

Have you communicated this August deadline, or is it a mental note to yourself?

mammybird · 30/05/2024 00:26

Chatonette · 30/05/2024 00:22

Have you communicated this August deadline, or is it a mental note to yourself?

Yes! He is aware and I have given a clear list of a few things (I have shown this to some close friends and they agree they are reasonable requests) that I would like to see happen before then.

OP posts:
mammybird · 30/05/2024 00:27

mammybird · 30/05/2024 00:15

I feel very stuck.

I am in a 10 year relationship with one toddler. Increasingly it has become apparent that I do 90% of the upholding of our lives. Everything from finances to making sure we don't just sit on our bums watching telly every weekend is somehow my responsibility.

Over the past 7 or 8 months I have been communicating my frustration with my partner, who is incredibly passive and while he says he does understands the disparity in our relationship and agrees he should do more.....he doesn't take any action to change things.

I've done everything, an itemised list of things I feel responsible for, and action plan done with him to identify specific ways to improve, shouting, crying, you name it I've done it. But nothing inspires change.

The thing is he's not an unkind man. He is patient and an excellent father. I used to say he was the kindest person I had ever met and I would gush about him to anyone who would listen. But I don't feel like this anymore.

More recently I have set a deadline. If X,Y, Z isn't done by August I want him to sleep elsewhere but remain present for our child. But setting this deadline has my head in a spin because now I'm assuming I'm about to be single and I'm wondering whose out there. This is most likely an avoidance thing because I genuinely am devastated about it all and I can't begin to think how I would manage as a single parent. But I can't stop thinking about it and have such an urge to download tinder to see what's out there. I won't do this as it would be incredibly hurtful in a situation where there is already so much hurt and sadness.

I just need to vent somewhere and wonder what others would do in my situation?

For info, I can't necessarily afford to be a single parent, not cam my partner....which makes it all the more difficult to figure out how we even could split.

Edit: we are currently seeking couples counselling

OP posts:
Chatonette · 30/05/2024 00:32

mammybird · 30/05/2024 00:26

Yes! He is aware and I have given a clear list of a few things (I have shown this to some close friends and they agree they are reasonable requests) that I would like to see happen before then.

So how long has it been since the ultimatum was given? Has any attempt at progress been made in that time?

what does your therapist say?

mammybird · 30/05/2024 00:36

Chatonette · 30/05/2024 00:32

So how long has it been since the ultimatum was given? Has any attempt at progress been made in that time?

what does your therapist say?

It's been a few weeks and not much has changed that I can see. He barely speaks to me though so it's hard to even know. He is introverted and kind of retreats inside himself when things are hard. I'm the opposite and I want to talk about it....it consumes my thoughts.

We haven't started therapy yet but are looking for a counsellor who can see us asap.

OP posts:
Chatonette · 30/05/2024 00:43

I guess it’s best to wait until you can get input from the therapist. And see how cooperative DP is with her suggestions.

Finding out “what’s out there” may be dangerous, because explaining to your DP why you have a Tinder account (if you get caught) could be the final nail in the coffin.

Opentooffers · 30/05/2024 01:31

I'm looking at the above, and while you most likely have valid grievances, especially as you've coroberated your action request with others as being reasonable, your thoughts are jumping ahead at great pace. The stuff about tinder etc.
The problems you describe about him sound like personality traits, these don't tend to change, and it seems reasonable to assume they were always there. That shows your tolerance to how he always was, has been the change and lead to dissatisfaction. Maybe parenthood has shone a light on tendencies he had that you hadn't noticed.
You've always been very different, he's always been introverted, add a child in the mix and the gulf gets wider as differences are highlighted.
But given all that, you say he's a great father, but that doesn't fit with you doing 90% of everything, especially if you work too? In what way is he great? Are you really doing 90%, or does it just feel like it because you are worn out?
You say as a family you would have no plans for the weekend if you didn't sort something. While annoying to be the one initiating all the time, it does imply that he does come with you rather than leaving you to have to entertain your DC on your own. Not anyone's ideal but he's taking part, happy to be carried along so it's not the end of the world either.
You might have to accept that you're the driver in this dynamic. It can work if he's OK with that and comes along with your plans, it's kicking back and refusing that really spells the end.

MrsSlocombesCat · 30/05/2024 11:59

Don't whatever you do go straight into another relationship. VERY bad idea, if you want to split you need to have a talk about how you're going to manage on a practical level. Learn from my mistakes; I wanted to leave my husband in the early nineties and he played me like a ball. He knew I felt guilty, he threw me out of the house and wouldn't let me see the kids.i could have gone to a lawyer but he quick smart took the boys and moved to Scotland. His family lived there so I felt relieved he would have some help. And he assured me I could visit whenever I liked. And I think he meant it? Until I was in a new relationship and got pregnant then he really did a number on me and wrote to me telling me I couldn't, see t at what he had done to the boys. Anyway ffw 15 years and my youngest wanted to live with me.i drove the almost 400 miles to get him.aftér that he made a life for himself here, got married,two kids and of course his brothers are back in my life too!

sunflowrsngunpowdr · 30/05/2024 14:28

You sound like a bully. If x,y,z isn't done you sleep elsewhere... who do you think you are? Why don't you leave? You are the one who is unhappy. I know that's harsh and I don't mean it to be but you are coming across very harsh in your treatment of your husband who in your own words is a kind, patient father to your children. I wouldn't be so quick to leave a man like that. Perhaps you can try not being so forward and give him space to step up instead?

Epidote · 30/05/2024 14:40

It looks to me that your relationship is over OP.
The deadlines, he not speaking or doing anything, your rush to meet knew people.
If is over is over. Why wait till August, after August comes September and October and I don't think you will be happy always making deadlines etc.
I think you are trying to give a last chance to something that won't work.

MightyGoldBear · 30/05/2024 14:57

It sounds like you've grown and evolved over time and you dp hasn't. This is very common with lots of men. You shouldn't have to force someone to actively participate in a your relationship. Faced with any issues they should be on your team ready to tackle them together.

I'd seek some individual counselling as well as couples so you can have the space to explore what you really want. Friends whilst a great support aren't always the best for advice.

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