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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

I NEED MARITAL ADVICE PLEASE

103 replies

vecie · 08/12/2024 06:04

I really need advice regarding my spouse, as we’ve been having constant and unresolved conflicts. I’ve tried my best to address these issues by talking to her, but nothing seems to work. I’ve suggested everything from counseling to involving family members, but she refuses.
She gets angry with me over the smallest things, and it feels like no matter what I do, it’s never right. What hurts the most is that she has started accusing me of things I would never do—things she knows deep down are not true. Whenever we have even the slightest disagreement over the phone, she hangs up on me. Most of the time, she won’t answer my calls or call me back. Even when I bring up this behavior, she flares up and denies any missed calls, despite the missed calls being clearly logged on her phone.
She always say she is busy when I call, even when she picks, there will be so much noise, cracking of utensils, and all those sorts. Each time I will tell her to call me anytime of the day that she is free, she usually says there is never a time that she is free, if I am not able to talk , I should hang up. If I call at night, she does not pick and never return my calla, if I call during she is always in hurry to drop the either, she wants to get some sleep , or there is always something that she needs to attend to.
I’ve reached out to her mom and uncle—who are the only family members that have access to her —but nothing has improved. This has been going on for years, and instead of getting better, it’s only becoming worse. I feel completely drained and unsure of what to do.
Any advice or guidance would be greatly appreciated.
Last week, I tried to have a talk with her and try to let her see how the marital disharmony is impacting negatively on everyone of us, including the kids. When I finished speaking, she simply did not utter a word. I waited and waited, and I tried to encourage her to say something. She later said if I had finished what I was saying, that she had other things to do and that she had a headache. And that was all

OP posts:
vecie · 18/12/2024 05:25

update
It will interest you all to know that, we have not communicated for these past 10 days or so. Each time I try to say anything she simply walks away or tell me to do what ever I like.
Her mum called me to also report her to me, and I told her mum that she already knows that I am also incapacitated.
I was forced again to ask her mum if there was something buried in her past, that I need to know.
Her aunt happens to be there and her aunt said she was not surprised that as young girl, my spouse was always on the trajectory of always having her ways, and her sister ( my spouse's mum) was always on my spouses defence any time any one tries to chastise my spouse

OP posts:
pilates · 18/12/2024 07:03

Your position is untenable. But only you can do something about it.

Semiramide · 18/12/2024 07:18

vecie · 18/12/2024 05:25

update
It will interest you all to know that, we have not communicated for these past 10 days or so. Each time I try to say anything she simply walks away or tell me to do what ever I like.
Her mum called me to also report her to me, and I told her mum that she already knows that I am also incapacitated.
I was forced again to ask her mum if there was something buried in her past, that I need to know.
Her aunt happens to be there and her aunt said she was not surprised that as young girl, my spouse was always on the trajectory of always having her ways, and her sister ( my spouse's mum) was always on my spouses defence any time any one tries to chastise my spouse

This, plus the overall (unusual) way you communicate, suggests that there are cultural issues involved. Does your wife have issues or concerns in this regard - does she feel hemmed in or trapped in some way?

gotmychristmasmiracle · 18/12/2024 11:14

She sounds pissed off with life, until she talks to you about what's going on you have no chance. Maybe she's waiting for you to leave so she doesn't have to have the conversation, this time of the year isn't really a good time to be having these conversations with kids being busy with lots of things on. I would just let her know that you still love her and you are here for if she would like to talk but your finding her ignoring you very upsetting.

maclen · 18/12/2024 11:23

Possibly perimenopause? But you say this has escalated over the years ...

Mmhmmn · 18/12/2024 11:43

This marriage has run its course I'm afraid. For whatever reason, she doesn't want to communicate with you (and it sounds like maybe with other people too).

It's hard to tell, she might just be very introverted amongst a family of more extroverted people and all the need for communication is doing her head in. Or you expect a huge amount of communication that is beyond normal. Or she maybe can't stand you any longer. Either way, it's clearly not working for you and you would be much happier out of the situation - potentially with someone else who enjoys a higher degree of communication.

Mmhmmn · 18/12/2024 11:45

Her mum called me to also report her to me

Interesting turn of phrase.

vecie · 18/12/2024 15:34

Mmhmmn · 18/12/2024 11:45

Her mum called me to also report her to me

Interesting turn of phrase.

nothing unusual, it is just the normal circle of events, these has been going on for years. Her mum called, to also complained amongst other things that she is not picking her calls and just the regular talks

OP posts:
vecie · 18/12/2024 15:43

Semiramide · 18/12/2024 07:18

This, plus the overall (unusual) way you communicate, suggests that there are cultural issues involved. Does your wife have issues or concerns in this regard - does she feel hemmed in or trapped in some way?

No cultural connotations. Unusual way of communication ? remember English may not be everyone's mother tongue, and ,most of the things we write are direct translations from our dialect.

Feeling trapped ?, that is the least thing. We have zero cultural influence on our marital lives. She is even or never been accountable to any one, can leave home come back anytime she likes without having to tell any one where she went, this even started like many years ago, I tried to express my displeasure about it. Be that as it was then, when ever I am leaving home, I usually let her know. She walked up to me one day, I told me that, for the fact that I usually tell her about my activities, does not mean any way that she will also reciprocate the gesture. So I just allowed it be.

OP posts:
vecie · 22/12/2024 07:21

UPDATE
I want to kindly express my appreciation to you all for your kind contributions.
I have tried again to hold a conversation with her, still no iota of progress.
The kids have been asking about Christmas, she told them she does not care and she has better things to do with her time. They came back to me, and I have tried to let her know that for the sake of the kids and Christmas and the season, we ought to be able to have some communication and try to resolve things.
But when I finished talking she simply left.
I am in a utter dis array , the kids are all over me, they want some excitement for the Christmas

OP posts:
Interlaken · 22/12/2024 07:32

vecie · 22/12/2024 07:21

UPDATE
I want to kindly express my appreciation to you all for your kind contributions.
I have tried again to hold a conversation with her, still no iota of progress.
The kids have been asking about Christmas, she told them she does not care and she has better things to do with her time. They came back to me, and I have tried to let her know that for the sake of the kids and Christmas and the season, we ought to be able to have some communication and try to resolve things.
But when I finished talking she simply left.
I am in a utter dis array , the kids are all over me, they want some excitement for the Christmas

Edited

Why are you with her?

With Christmas, you need to take the attitude of ‘fuck her’ and do it yourself. She obviously has zero communication skills, and gets her way by shouting- so sideline her for the next few days and then divorce the miserable bitch in the new year.

You need to dig deep her. She sounds awful, and no one deserves to live like this.
Regardless of their sex, miserable fucks never change.
You will feel relief at the thought of a life without her poisoning it.

WomenInConstruction · 22/12/2024 08:08

Interlaken · 22/12/2024 07:32

Why are you with her?

With Christmas, you need to take the attitude of ‘fuck her’ and do it yourself. She obviously has zero communication skills, and gets her way by shouting- so sideline her for the next few days and then divorce the miserable bitch in the new year.

You need to dig deep her. She sounds awful, and no one deserves to live like this.
Regardless of their sex, miserable fucks never change.
You will feel relief at the thought of a life without her poisoning it.

Spot on.

ThatKhakiMoose · 22/12/2024 08:22

vecie · 22/12/2024 07:21

UPDATE
I want to kindly express my appreciation to you all for your kind contributions.
I have tried again to hold a conversation with her, still no iota of progress.
The kids have been asking about Christmas, she told them she does not care and she has better things to do with her time. They came back to me, and I have tried to let her know that for the sake of the kids and Christmas and the season, we ought to be able to have some communication and try to resolve things.
But when I finished talking she simply left.
I am in a utter dis array , the kids are all over me, they want some excitement for the Christmas

Edited

Do you think she might be suffering from depression? She sounds as if she doesn't care about anything. And also she's miserable and irritable and sounds totally devoid of any joy or positive emotion. This is not normal. I would have a talk with her and be very compassionate. Say that you noticed that she seems to be suffering and miserable, and you wonder if she might be in need of talking to a doctor about antidepressants. Say that it's not normal to have so many negative emotions the whole time and that if warranted, medication can really make a difference to mood regulation.

You might not get anywhere, but what's she going to do? Not talk to you? You won't be any worse off, and you might plant a seed. The relentless negativity that you describe isn't normal. Tell her that she seems really unhappy all the time and that she doesn't have to put up with feeling that way. The fact that she says she can't talk when you come home at 7pm also makes me think that she might feel overwhelmed, which can sometimes be linked to depression too.

Anyway, I would try to get her help with her mental health, whether by meds or therapy or both, before giving up on the marriage. My exh was a totally different person on antidepressants. Some people just have brain chemistry that needs help.

vecie · 24/12/2024 05:48

update

The children are still concerned about Christmas and the upcoming festivities. I made another attempt to speak with my spouse, hoping to ease their worries. I expressed my apologies and asked her to share whatever the problem may be, but if she couldn't, I hoped she would forgive me if there is anything I might have done advertently or inadvertently so we could move forward. However, she remained silent. I’ve decided to step back and concentrate on what I can do for the kids this Christmas.
I feel that divorce is inevitable, as I no longer have the strength to fight.

OP posts:
WomenInConstruction · 24/12/2024 07:43

Really sorry to hear that @vecie . It's a good idea to concentrate on the kids, I hope that you and they can have joyful moments together despite all this bigger worry. Tackle the rest next year.
Hope you have or can find some real life support. Wishing you peace, sometimes a decision is a form of peace.

Interlaken · 24/12/2024 08:07

Honestly, it will not feel like it today or tomorrow but you absolutely must get Christmas done, well, alone.

She is punishing you here for being, in her head, either incompetent or lazy, or both.
She will read your apologies as a half assed attempt to get her back into line so she functions for you on Christmas Day.
And it might be worth while thinking about whether you do take her for granted.

It’s already 9 am, and if you don’t have a clear plan for the next two days then now is the time to do it.
You need to think food (today and tomorrow)
Do you have guests coming.?
Presents to wrap?
Cleaning?
Last minute shopping?

If you are going to pull this off, people here will help you, but you should be open and honest about what you can and cannot do.

Starting with: How many people do you have to feed, and is there a turkey in the house/at the butchers to be collected.

gotmychristmasmiracle · 24/12/2024 09:08

Glad your taking control of the situation. Definitely time to focus on yourself and the children, now and for the new year. Kids will just be happy to have you present as it sounds like she takes a similar approach to them also. Have fun!

vecie · 24/12/2024 11:10

Another major problem is that for the past 7 years I usually buy her mother something very substantial every Christmas , but when ever she has problem with her mum, she always finds a way to bring in the gift and blame me for being too kind, or for not telling her the very first time, I started it the gift. And each time I always say I will stop, but I usually, some how put my anger under control. and go ahead and do same the next year. The problem now is that I have also been trying to ask her what we does she she want me to buy for her mum, she has not responded, today is the last day to do that, if I proceed to do it without her consent , it will be hell for me, and culturally, if I do not do anything for my mother in-law on Christmas day the action will speaks very ill and disrespectful of me.

OP posts:
Interlaken · 24/12/2024 14:39

vecie · 24/12/2024 11:10

Another major problem is that for the past 7 years I usually buy her mother something very substantial every Christmas , but when ever she has problem with her mum, she always finds a way to bring in the gift and blame me for being too kind, or for not telling her the very first time, I started it the gift. And each time I always say I will stop, but I usually, some how put my anger under control. and go ahead and do same the next year. The problem now is that I have also been trying to ask her what we does she she want me to buy for her mum, she has not responded, today is the last day to do that, if I proceed to do it without her consent , it will be hell for me, and culturally, if I do not do anything for my mother in-law on Christmas day the action will speaks very ill and disrespectful of me.

You are operating under the rules of “Fuck Her”

She has escalated to this state so can deal with whatever fall out happens. You are done with this nonsense!

Just tell your MIL the truth, you haven’t behaved in a way that needs to be kept secret. This is her family, they love her, and once they see you calling her behaviour they will definitely encourage her to stop taking the piss. Their feelings are Nit Your Problem.

Your wife seems shockingly immature, the upside of which is that once she realizes there are new rules to the game which include “not being pandered to” and “taking responsibility for one’s words and actions” she might actually grow the fuck up.

As one last attempt I might give her 15 minutes to make a choice. But otherwise, absolutely cast iron boundaries.
By the way, are you not massively getting the ick at her behaviour?

gotmychristmasmiracle · 24/12/2024 15:48

Yeah I wouldn't bother with a present, save the money for a solicitor. Hope tomorrow goes okay for you and your children.

Youvebeenframed · 24/12/2024 16:15

vecie · 24/12/2024 11:10

Another major problem is that for the past 7 years I usually buy her mother something very substantial every Christmas , but when ever she has problem with her mum, she always finds a way to bring in the gift and blame me for being too kind, or for not telling her the very first time, I started it the gift. And each time I always say I will stop, but I usually, some how put my anger under control. and go ahead and do same the next year. The problem now is that I have also been trying to ask her what we does she she want me to buy for her mum, she has not responded, today is the last day to do that, if I proceed to do it without her consent , it will be hell for me, and culturally, if I do not do anything for my mother in-law on Christmas day the action will speaks very ill and disrespectful of me.

Time to stop being nice and everybody’s doormat.
Be done with what she thinks, what her mum thinks, what anyone thinks.
Find your roar and do “you” for you and your kids from now on …

She is an arsehole and you are getting nada from this relationship
Good luck and merry Christmas to you and your kids 🎄

vecie · 25/12/2024 06:11

Youvebeenframed · 24/12/2024 16:15

Time to stop being nice and everybody’s doormat.
Be done with what she thinks, what her mum thinks, what anyone thinks.
Find your roar and do “you” for you and your kids from now on …

She is an arsehole and you are getting nada from this relationship
Good luck and merry Christmas to you and your kids 🎄

Thanks, merry christmas too

OP posts:
vecie · 25/12/2024 06:15

Interlaken · 24/12/2024 14:39

You are operating under the rules of “Fuck Her”

She has escalated to this state so can deal with whatever fall out happens. You are done with this nonsense!

Just tell your MIL the truth, you haven’t behaved in a way that needs to be kept secret. This is her family, they love her, and once they see you calling her behaviour they will definitely encourage her to stop taking the piss. Their feelings are Nit Your Problem.

Your wife seems shockingly immature, the upside of which is that once she realizes there are new rules to the game which include “not being pandered to” and “taking responsibility for one’s words and actions” she might actually grow the fuck up.

As one last attempt I might give her 15 minutes to make a choice. But otherwise, absolutely cast iron boundaries.
By the way, are you not massively getting the ick at her behaviour?

I am , but after ten years, it has become common place. I can leave those kids with her.

OP posts:
vecie · 25/12/2024 06:15

Youvebeenframed · 24/12/2024 16:15

Time to stop being nice and everybody’s doormat.
Be done with what she thinks, what her mum thinks, what anyone thinks.
Find your roar and do “you” for you and your kids from now on …

She is an arsehole and you are getting nada from this relationship
Good luck and merry Christmas to you and your kids 🎄

Thank you so much, merry xmas

OP posts:
Interlaken · 25/12/2024 06:19

Good Luck today OP. I assume you’re also fist deep in a turkey.

Sounds like you need a freedom playlist!

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