Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

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

DH is a bit difficult and not sure I like him anymore

70 replies

Dontfeellikedancing · 20/08/2024 22:36

We've had a blow up today and I'm exhausted by how much of my time is taken making sure he has done what he said he's going to do.

When we moved into our house the sellers agreed to do some building work on the home before we exchanged. This was written in the contract and our solicitor was very clear that we should not exchange until the work was done. DH sets off one day to go and confirm that it's been done without me as I had a driving lesson. He comes back and says it's all good and to exchange. I arrive on the day of completion to find out nothing has been done and I asked DH why he said that it had and he told me that he wasn't sure what he was going there for. Even if this was true he didn't call or text me on the day or reread the emails to our solicitor and essentially drove 30 miles to have a chat with a man he didn't know then drove back.

He will regularly dump clean and freshly washed clothing back into a laundry basket that he can't be bothered to hang up or put away. I caught him this week as they were our son's school PE socks that I pair a specific way as DS finds it funny. When I asked him why he did that he just said he didn't know they were clean, but he had taken them from the wardrobe he had dumped them in.

We had a new bathroom installed after a flood and as it cost so much and we didn't trust that he would keep it clean (it's the nicest room in our horrible house) he suggested switching to me cleaning the bathroom and him the kitchen. We only have set rooms for cleaning as he doesn't do any cleaning and I was doing it all. I reiterated that kitchens get messy quickly and reminded him that the oven and and fridge are in the kitchen and will need cleaning. He said that it would be fine. Of course it's been three years and he's mopped the kitchen floor once and has never touched the oven. I do it all.

Last year he volunteered to host Christmas without telling me until early December. We have a December born son and I had taken a week off from work to potty train our youngest DS. By the time he let me know the slots for food were all gone and we ended up spending an unbelievable amount of money. We are the poor relations, we have the youngest children within his family and the smallest house. They were leaving literal grade listed mansions to come and sit in our shithole. There wasn't enough space around the dining table for everyone and then he ruined the Christmas meal (I can't tell this story as I will out myself) so I ended up with no meat so the guests could have some. His family are used to his behaviour and laughed it off but I've truly never been so embarrassed.

He also promised to do our DS's reading with him. I had done his school reading and homework for the first three years and needed a break as my youngest is breastfeeding and wakes hourly. He agreed. I went to parents evening last year and got absolutely torn apart by my son's teacher as his reading record was completely blank for the term and it was clear that DS hadn't been practicing at home. When I asked DH why he had lied to me he said 'Oh yeah, that's terrible'.

He cannot apologise properly, if I get upset at his inability to apologise or follow through then I'm the bad person for getting angry. He does not believe that anyone has a right to anger ever. If I have to ask him to do something 16 times that every single time should be as polite as the first time.

He also gets very strange about odd things. So, he does the food shop as he doesn't like me doing it (he would go into my online shop and change things). But he would regularly forget 10 to 15 items, so I made a master list of everything we every bought based on our cupboards and previous online shops. I gave him the list. He refused to use it, said he didn't like it. Went on and on about how terrible it was and how it wasn't fit for purpose.

I'm really struggling with being attracted to him. I can't keep thinking for another adult. Am I overreacting? He's a fantastic dad, works hard at his career and our children adore him and he's loving and caring with them. But I am tired.

OP posts:
ArseInTheCoOpWindow · 20/08/2024 22:45

Does he have ADHD?

Dontfeellikedancing · 20/08/2024 22:48

ArseInTheCoOpWindow · 20/08/2024 22:45

Does he have ADHD?

His mother had him tested in the 80s and apparently no signs of ADHD but I imagine the tests nowadays are perhaps a bit better? He is dyslexic.

OP posts:
MrsWhattery · 20/08/2024 22:48

Oh OP I can relate. In fact if I didn’t know he was single I would think you were married to my ex! It’s exhausting and demoralising and massively unfair. It’s disrespectful and means he get an easy ride and spare time that you don’t, and he just bumbles along not even bothering to understand. I went through all this. There were many (hugely supportive) MN threads. I tried so hard to get through to him. But in the end I couldn’t do it any more.

He still lives nearby, we co-parent and he’s still close to the kids. But his mess and cluelessness isn’t my problem and I don’t have to try to convince myself I’m attracted to him.

Sorry I don’t have any better solution but I wanted to say I know how you feel. And I do think I made the right decision. I’m much happier and although it was a big upheaval for them, the kids don’t have to be subjected to the constant stress and arguments - or see that inequality as a model for a relationship.

Madamswearsalot · 20/08/2024 22:50

How is he at work? Is this strategic incompetence only at home or is he like this in every part of his life?

I absolutely see your exhaustion with the way your H behaves. It must be like having an extra child but actually much worse because at least children can’t do as much damage.

Have you had a very straight in-depth conversation with him about everything you’ve written here? I don’t mean the times you’ve complained to him after a specific mistake but a full on state of the union type discussion where you set out the pattern of behaviour, the impact it’s having on family life and what needs to change.

I think you need to work out what would need to happen for you to start to feel better about your relationship and if that’s likely. Then you might have a clearer idea of whether you feel you can salvage the relationship.

ArseInTheCoOpWindow · 20/08/2024 22:51

Hmmmthe ‘D’s’ tend to go together. D’s was tested dyslexic when he was 6. He just recently was assessed with adhd at 29.

Dh is ADHD and can be very like your husband. Not intentionally, but just similar. He does my head in, but he has lots of other redeeming qualities.

The anger thing is to do with being overwhelmed. Thats why he doesn’t like anger. The sorry thing is rejection sensitivity dysphoria.

MrsWhattery · 20/08/2024 22:52

I notice he can work hard at his career. Even if he did have ADHD that shouldn’t mean he can’t see that OP is busting a gut doing everything. I suspect deep down he thinks domestic/admin stuff is for women and not his area and he doesn’t care.

AnyThoughtsWelcome · 20/08/2024 22:53

Fuck whether he has ADHD or not. He sounds insufferable. How can you stand it a moment longer OP. You poor thing.

ArseInTheCoOpWindow · 20/08/2024 22:57

MrsWhattery · 20/08/2024 22:52

I notice he can work hard at his career. Even if he did have ADHD that shouldn’t mean he can’t see that OP is busting a gut doing everything. I suspect deep down he thinks domestic/admin stuff is for women and not his area and he doesn’t care.

Because they can only often hold one thing together. For example work. It falls apart after that.

Hiwever mine pulls his weight on house work and laundry. But he would hate the cupboard lists.

Pixiedust1234 · 20/08/2024 22:59

I have one of these. They just lie and bs their way through life. I'm divorcing him because 40 years later i am absolutely broken by him. Both my mental and physical health are shot.

You could try joint counselling especially for communication problems but if he's like mine he will promise the earth to the counsellor but to you it will be just another lie. Start planning to leave because he will never change - and why would he, you keep picking up the slack or covering for him.

Simbaonedaythiswillallbeyours · 20/08/2024 23:01

Don't know how anyone can find this weaponised incompetence attractive. I've been a single parent for six years and it is so much easier a) without having another persons mess to clear up, b) knowing I have to do everything myself rather than nagging or making lists for a grown adult and c) not living with the gut wrenching knowledge that you are just waiting for him to fuck up again.

The house issue is pure laziness and its impact on your family must have been awful. He has let your son down terribly with the reading, that is unforgivable. If he can manage his job, he can be a functioning parent, adult and part of the household.

The 'has he got ADHD' doesn't wash either I'm afraid. There are a multitude of medications and strategies than can be used by those with ADHD to reduce the impact on the lives of those around them. Being an arsehole is not a diagnosis, its a choice.

ShouldIEvenBother · 20/08/2024 23:01

It's completely fair enough that are struggling to be attracted to him, OP. I couldn't bear to have sex with a man like this. He sounds 12 years old.

What do you want to do - what does your ideal future look like and do you think he could possibly fit into that; is he capable of making the necessary changes do you think? 💐

MrsWhattery · 20/08/2024 23:06

I know a man who has adhd but he knows what he’s like and that it’s hard for his wife. He accepts that he’s disorganised and forgets stuff so he accepts he needs lists and reminders. He apologises if he’s messed up. And no I’m not saying everyone with adhd is the same, but you can have it and also not be passive aggressive, disrespectful or a thoughtless twat. And strategic incompetence is a thing.

OPs H doesn’t seem to care that he’s constantly leaving her in the lurch. The Christmas situation would have done for me. Why didn’t he care that it was so hard for her?

wrongthinker · 20/08/2024 23:09

Definitely ADHD.

Another Dickhead Husband - Divorce.

OttersAreMySpiritAnimal · 20/08/2024 23:10

I think a PP has it right. State of the union meeting. Lay out what you want and expect and what the outcome will be if he can't or doesn't want to change. Work it out together, assuming he'll cooperate. If not, then that's your answer and it's time to separate. It sounds exhausting for you. Best of luck.

NCManager · 20/08/2024 23:11

Fuck this guy, I don’t care what he has. He must know he’s taking the absolute piss.

AskZoltar · 20/08/2024 23:11

The lack of reading with your DS is unforgivable and for that alone I'd be leaving him.

outdamnedspots · 20/08/2024 23:12

He's not a fantastic dad. He doesn't read with his son, doesn't clean your joint house, lies about reasons... There are loads of ottomans in your relationship.

outdamnedspots · 20/08/2024 23:12

MrsWhattery · 20/08/2024 22:48

Oh OP I can relate. In fact if I didn’t know he was single I would think you were married to my ex! It’s exhausting and demoralising and massively unfair. It’s disrespectful and means he get an easy ride and spare time that you don’t, and he just bumbles along not even bothering to understand. I went through all this. There were many (hugely supportive) MN threads. I tried so hard to get through to him. But in the end I couldn’t do it any more.

He still lives nearby, we co-parent and he’s still close to the kids. But his mess and cluelessness isn’t my problem and I don’t have to try to convince myself I’m attracted to him.

Sorry I don’t have any better solution but I wanted to say I know how you feel. And I do think I made the right decision. I’m much happier and although it was a big upheaval for them, the kids don’t have to be subjected to the constant stress and arguments - or see that inequality as a model for a relationship.

This. Great response.

MrsWhattery · 20/08/2024 23:15

The lack of reading with your DS is unforgivable and for that alone I'd be leaving him.

My ex did similar and it was definitely a big factor in me losing all respect for him.

Pantaloons99 · 20/08/2024 23:25

This honestly sounds like ADHD. ADHD also very often comes with Autism and it may not be obvious before you think ' no way'. I recognise these behaviours in ADHD/autistic people close to me.

Whomever said ' fuck ADHD' yeah I kind of agree 🤷‍♀️. It doesn't really matter I guess because it's insufferable for you.

The only possible option other than bailing out or just putting up is to sit down and make it clear that this dynamic can't continue. If you have any desire to go on with the relationship I would very kindly but firmly say I absolutely want an assessment for ADHD carried out as a priority. You can even get one online with a professional for a few hundred quid. He probably will be diagnosed based on all you've said ( or they might suggest something else). Then I'd want him to look at how he can find ways to work with this ( medication for ADHD can help many with focus). Utilising tools to help remember things and organise life.

This all may feel like too much for you which is understandable. I don't think it's unreasonable to set out the above expectations tbh. His response may be telling. A blatant refusal or denial would really annoy me and that will tell you he isn't changing.

catsnore · 20/08/2024 23:26

I feel exhausted on your behalf just reading this. To not read with his son for an entire term?!?!? To entirely overlook undone building work? You could understand the odd missed day/misunderstanding but that is something else.

It would be a full state of the union discussion for me.

You are allowed to be angry and stressed by this.

Either he changes/seeks help or diagnosis or you leave him. You cannot keep parenting a fully grown man and your actual children. You will spend your whole life exhausting yourself and always battling/being annoyed. Your own health will suffer.

Gettingbysomehow · 20/08/2024 23:44

Leave him for God's sake, it doesn't matter what neurodiversity he has he's ruining your life.
You don't need to live like this.
I learnt that the hard way.

Adelaff · 20/08/2024 23:52

AskZoltar · 20/08/2024 23:11

The lack of reading with your DS is unforgivable and for that alone I'd be leaving him.

Agree with this a hundred times over. This was the point of no return for me.

OP - I'm not in the least bit surprised you aren't attracted to him anymore. He sounds awful. If you're reluctant to separate then go for the state of the union discussion a wise PP mentioned, but be very clear on expected improvements and timescales, and follow through if (when) he fucks up.

I'm tired for you just reading about him. You deserve better than this wilful incompetence.

Doingmybest12 · 21/08/2024 00:00

Sorry OP, but I am going to ask why on earth you had another baby with this man if he is so useless and unsupportive to live with. I am not sure what the solution is as you've chosen to bring another child into this situation adding to your work load. He's unlikely to change his approach to life.

Aquamarine1029 · 21/08/2024 00:11

How can a man be a "fantastic dad" when he chronically treats the mother of his kids like absolute shit, shows her no respect or consideration, and couldn't care less how useless he is? Doesn't make you feel better to pretend he's a great dad? He's not. He's shit. Your life would be so much happier without him.

Swipe left for the next trending thread