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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

Clutching at straws

11 replies

TheOpenDuck · 05/10/2024 08:22

Don't even know where to start really!!
Married 10 years with 3 kids. Husband told me 2 years ago he didn't love me, didn't find me attractive anymore since putting on weight.(I'm 12 stone) He told me he needed to be drunk anytime we were intimate, which explained the lack of usual bedroom activity.
I stupidly asked him not leave to as our son was transitioning to high school and I was afraid for how he would cope with it alongside the already massive change. He said he needed time to think so went to stay with a friend for around a week, but came back and agreed to stay/to try to make it work. I feel he probably used that time as a hall pass to do what he wanted, ?cheat, but that's not something he has or will ever admit to.
I went through absolute turmoil within my own head feeling not good enough, fat, ugly, you name it I felt it. I stopped finishing my meals as every time I lifted my fork I heard all the negative things he'd said about how I'd let myself go. I lost around 30lbs and felt good again for a time.
Things were "ok" for a wile and now everything has just slipped back into the same pattern. I'm feeling silly for not just letting him leave at the time as I'm sure he still doesn't love me. Prior to two years ago we used to tell each other we loved each other alot, he hasn't said it to me even once since and I've been afraid to ask as deep down I already know the answer.
He makes zero effort within our marriage. Complains from the second he wakes in the morning, moaning at the boys for stupid stuff instead of trying to start their day on a positive note.
There is zero day to day affection and I just feel lost. When I try to think logically about it all I get a massive wave of emotion like my stomach is dragging on the ground below.
I feel like I already know that this is doomed which hurts like hell. I just don't know how to move forward.

OP posts:
DustyLee123 · 05/10/2024 08:26

You end it, so you don’t feel every day the way he makes you feel. Free yourself.

AgentJohnson · 05/10/2024 08:36

You end it, an act of charity for your future self.

Scrollbreadroll · 05/10/2024 08:38

@TheOpenDuck unfortunately this is what happens when you force someone to be with you. I’m sure you hoped that his feelings would grow again but it sounds like they have just grown to resentment. He was honest with you 2 years ago, that he doesn’t love you anymore, you have tried but it’s now clear you both need to end it. Your self esteem must at rock bottom living this life and his resentment will only grow and grow. You said 2 years ago for him to stay for the sake of your son but now I think you both need to end it for the sake of your children. It’s much better to co-parent as friends than remain in a loveless, resentful marriage as it’s spilling into your children’s lives with him moaning at them and giving negativity. You know what you need to do.

Heavier · 05/10/2024 09:27

It’s hard but it doesn’t sound like saying together is making anyone happy.

Sugarysugar · 05/10/2024 09:33

Sorry OP but what he said to you 2 years ago about not loving you and not finding you attractive can't be unsaid. If he really stopped loving you because you put on a bit of weight he didn't love " you" as a person in the first place.

There is no future together and neither of you are happy. I think staying together for the sake of the children is a no win situation for every one involved, including the children.

If you make the break from him you will feel so much better about yourself: you can work on your self esteem. Find someone who really loves you, or, enjoy life being single. Much more preferable than being with someone who doesn't really want to be there.

category12 · 05/10/2024 09:33

It seems like he's chosen to stay for the home comforts and convenience. You deserve better.

I think one of your first steps should be to speak to a solicitor about divorce. You don't necessarily have to follow through but getting the information you need.

Inspireme2 · 05/10/2024 09:45

Yes why did he return and stay?
Convienant, easy or finanical.
So what of you put on some weight.
Do not go feeling bad for someone elses opnion of you even if it is your partner.
I have never understood why people tolerate this type of arrangement.
Get rid of him.

Blimey97 · 05/10/2024 09:46

You deserve so much better OP. Find someone who will love and appreciate you!

Seaoftroubles · 05/10/2024 10:33

So sorry OP but your relationship sounds unsalvageable. You are unhappy and l'm sure your childen are too if he is as miserable as you say.
You offered him the chance to stay for your children's sake but his resentment is now impacting on you and the family.
I doubt it was ever your weight that caused him to cheat, that wa just a cruel excuse. For your own sake and your kids l would end things now, it won't get any better.

Justsayit123 · 05/10/2024 10:35

There’s no relationship, it’s a situation which is convenient. Leave and start loving yourself and living. Congrats on weight loss too.

PaminaMozart · 05/10/2024 10:39

Get counseling
Check out Wikivorce
Collect all financial documentation
See an experienced family solicitor
And start your new (better) life.

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