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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

How do you cope with extreme grumpy husband?

39 replies

Onedayillflyaway9 · 01/06/2024 21:05

I’m at my wits end with being married to a really grumpy man.
within seconds (I timed it yesterday, was 11 seconds) of him coming through the door after work he finds something to moan about. Yesterday it was some dirty washing (tea towels) that I had piled up after sorting my washing, waiting for the cycle on washing machine to finish current load then I was going to take out clean washing, put in tumble dryer then put the dirty greasy tea towels in on their own. But he started on me about this. I said do you always have to moan as soon as you get home? He told me to F off then stormed upstairs and went to bed in spare room, ignoring the lovely tea I had spent ages cooking for him. Every single night when he walks in my tummy is in knots checking nothing is out of place, for example no washing up in sink, make sure the sink doesn’t have a speck of dirty washing up water in it or a coffee splash. I sweep the floor but he still grabs the sweeper and starts to sweep imaginary dirt into it so I’ve stopped sweeping if that’s what he does as soon as he gets in anyway!
he moans about absolutely everything. Everything. We have recently had a new kitchen installed but myself and two children are so nervous when we cook incase we spill anything, god forbid grease were to get splashed up the wall! We are told where we can put our saucepans down incase we make a mark on the worktops etc but this isn’t normal cooking in a functioning family kitchen! He does not cook a thing; not even toast so he hasn’t a clue the mess that cooking can make (granted, I am messy but tidy as I go along) he moans if there’s a speck of dirt in the bath that hasn’t been cleaned out etc. and today he noticed that the slow cooker has splashed gravy (slow cooker does spit when boiling) onto the worktop and blew his top saying he wants a divorce! My son has had enough of his terminal bad moods and is looking to move in with his girlfriend. I actually think he hates his dad. The only time he’s happy is when he has had a drink, which is every night and then he’s as nice as pie, like a completely different person. I went out today after his vile mood outburst but on my return I could see he had had his 4 beers and was as happy as Larry!! I think it’s so sad (sad, pathetic) that he needs a drink to be nice and approachable. You can’t ask a simple question without being made to look an idiot for the questions you ask. He will make fun of some of the questions I ask him, often to do with stuff in the house. He tries to make me look stupid but I say I’m asking because I don’t know! Can you help me please. I’m far from thick, but don’t know a thing about DIY. I’m just wondering is this narcissistic behaviour? He’s constantly glued to his phone following all the latest conspiracy theories which he fully believes whereas I’m more of a “I will believe it when I see it” kind of person to which he loses his temper. I can’t put into words how he blows up but it’s the bright red face, veins bulging in his head and neck type anger if I challenge him on the latest conspiracy theory he’s read and believes. An example is that Donald Trump is gonna save the world! He’s right into all this Q conspiracy which may or may not be true. However, I would rather he concentrate on our family and not what Donald Trump is up to ffs! I’m just feeling very confused. I have thought in the past he has ADHD or bipolar and needs the alcohol to dumb him down and to be nice and approachable. I think it speaks volumes when me and my two children all feel the same. Sorry for such a long post but had to give as full a picture as I can. I can’t leave as I have nowhere to go. Rent in this area is eye watering expensive and could never afford anywhere just on my wage. I just need to be able to somehow create a life for myself while living here with him. I look at it a lot like I house share with someone who is an absolute nightmare to live with, like a uni housemate and just have to make the best of this situation. He’s always had a temper but now he’s just downright miserable and grumpy. I don’t even think he loves me. I’ve gained so much weight since menopause which will not shift, he often tells me how fat I am too but he’s no bloody oil painting himself! Thanks for listening.

OP posts:
GinandGingerBeer · 01/06/2024 22:17

That's not a grumpy husband, it's an abusive one and you and your children have been abused for years.
You can leave
It is possible
It might not be easy nor quick but if you're on a low wage you'll get UC to help pay your rent
You are married so assets will be split with 50/50 as the usual starting point including Pension.
It's either that or live with it until he's retired then you'll have the abusive bastard 24/7 and your kids won't want to visit. Think of the future.
One life OP.

GinandGingerBeer · 01/06/2024 22:25

Crossed post with the very same opening as dudesmummy
OP I think from your last post about wanting to be attractive you'd really benefit from some counselling.
You can't see a clear path, who could be treated like a maid and being constantly criticised?
I'm not surprised you're depressed/low/comfort eating.

You can't change him but posters on here will help you if you keep Posting.

Marghogeth · 01/06/2024 22:32

Ever seen Sleeping with the Enemy, OP? I hope you can find happiness xx

speakball · 01/06/2024 22:32

Unless you’re a double agent you shouldn’t have to be wanting to learn how to not be affected by psychological torture.

Grumpy stops being benign when it causes negative feelings in people. The word is bullying.

How can you start to have a lot less of him in your life?

somethingwickedlivesnextdoor · 01/06/2024 22:41

He's an abusive fucker. The fact that your son is moving out because of him shows you this.

You should not be on eggshells waiting for him to come home.

LTB.

fluffiphlox · 01/06/2024 22:44

I don’t often comment on these threads. He seems an utter arsehole and I would throw him out. He’s an alcoholic and abuser. Yuk.

CandyLeBonBon · 01/06/2024 22:48

He's an insufferable cock

Areyougonnagomyway · 01/06/2024 22:51

I have a friend who said “i can’t afford to leave” for years. But she has left now. It will be hard but you can make it work.

And at the end of it you will be free.

mathanxiety · 02/06/2024 05:11

The number for Women's Aid:
0808 2000 247

Angelsrose · 02/06/2024 05:20

Separating permanently from this man is the only option. Sounds an awful existence and not the way to live your one, precious life. Move on and be happy, I'm certain you can find a way to leave and live happily with your DC.

SleepQuest33 · 02/06/2024 07:43

So he’s been like this since the children were little? That is a long time to bear living with an ogre! Have he always been like this?

i think living in a studio flat with just a mattress be better than this!!

get advice, start getting your ducks in order. Then have a serious talk with him and either he goes to the GP to ask for help (sounds to me that he does need antidepressants) or you leave.

you poor woman!

Jk987 · 02/06/2024 08:57

The whole reason that Mumsnet insists marriage is crucial is to be protected in a divorce. I'd imagine you'd be entitled to 50/50 so I'm sure you'll be fine and mega relieved not live with that shit.

If you do one thing today, you should stop making his dinner and ask him to cook. If the answer is no, take your kids out to a restaurant.

CannotWaitToBeFree · 02/06/2024 09:07

Check out entitledto.co.uk and file for divorce

Sharptonguedwoman · 02/06/2024 11:07

Onedayillflyaway9 · 01/06/2024 21:36

Thank you all for your replies. He would NEVER see a doctor as he doesn’t trust them, seriously paranoid about doctors agendas. If I bring up his moods he says it’s my fault due to the house being such a mess but I work full time too! I have to cook tea every single night when I get in no matter how tired I am. I annoy leave because I cannot afford to live alone. My sage is a pittance, it would all be gone on rent with nothing left over such is the price of renting where I live. I think I was more looking for advice as how to cope living like this as I, like many women are financially trapped.

You could ask him to leave and go from there.

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