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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

What if the grass isn’t greener?

7 replies

Donewiththisshit · 05/07/2025 20:09

I have been with my husband for 30 odd years. There’s many good things about him, kind, good around the house, fun, says he adores me, great with the kids (who are almost grown now).
I fantasise about ending it but something always stops me.

Has anyone been where I am and regretted not leaving? Or been glad they stayed?

Here’s my situation-,
There’s much I am increasingly resentful about.
Repeated cycles of debt
Relies on me to be the breadwinner
lack of initiative, would never suggest a holiday or a meal out for example.
Different levels of ambition and drive (I have lots, he has very little)

I read something about intelligent women never give up and that’s why you often see them sticking with not so optimal relationships. I often wonder if that is happening to me. I am so resentful and miserable but can’t end the marriage.

Im not sure if it’s because I’m scared, I don’t have the energy or I’m worried it’s a huge mistake.
Relationship counselling would help but because it would only happen if I sorted it, it’s another thing for me to be resentful about.

Things are coming to a head as I have a big birthday next month and I have proactively arranged my own gifts and trips to mitigate the disappointment I know is coming when he does nothing.

Anyone else been here? Things aren't shit but they are not anmazing. I want an equal partner. Any advice to move forward? For a woman with a lot of drive I lack it completely when it comes to sorting my marriage.

OP posts:
Gymbunny2025 · 05/07/2025 20:22

For me those issues wouldn’t be insurmountable in an otherwise good marriage. I hope counselling helps.

Donewiththisshit · 05/07/2025 20:26

Thanks that’s helpful to hear. I do wonder if menopause is making it all feel worse than it is?

OP posts:
user9578 · 05/07/2025 20:30

Anyone else been here? Things aren't shit but they are not amazing.

Yes, I have been exactly there. Life was 'okay' but okay wasn't enough for me. I left my DH for someone else, and I never looked back. Even my (now) adult DC tell me they don't know why I was ever with their dad.

Gymbunny2025 · 05/07/2025 20:31

Obviously you are living it not me. But the qualities you describe- fun, loving, great around the home and with the kids are wonderful. Hopefully counselling allows you to address and/or accept some of the negatives in your relationship.

I plan all of our social life, holidays, birthdays, gifts etc. However DH is great in other ways.

splashandslicewithice · 05/07/2025 20:31

If you’re like me a big birthday can make me twitchy. Perhaps that’s what’s happening here.

HappydaysArehere · 05/07/2025 20:49

Beware what you wish for!
where are you going to find this improvement in mankind?
Okay, you might well be lucky and all will be wonderful.
Just be very careful. If you break trust you will never completely get it back again.
There are a lot of waste of spaces out there.
Lets face it there are men out there only too willing to spin a story in order to sponge off an independent woman. I know because my dd suffered in that way when she went on online dating. Once, after a lot of difficulty, she got rid of him when he found a similar victim. The last she heard he was pulling the wool over some other woman ‘s head. Have you thought you might be just bored? Or maybe menopause! Take care anyway and be happy. If you plan something is he willing to go? If so life is what you make it.

Donewiththisshit · 05/07/2025 20:53

HappydaysArehere · 05/07/2025 20:49

Beware what you wish for!
where are you going to find this improvement in mankind?
Okay, you might well be lucky and all will be wonderful.
Just be very careful. If you break trust you will never completely get it back again.
There are a lot of waste of spaces out there.
Lets face it there are men out there only too willing to spin a story in order to sponge off an independent woman. I know because my dd suffered in that way when she went on online dating. Once, after a lot of difficulty, she got rid of him when he found a similar victim. The last she heard he was pulling the wool over some other woman ‘s head. Have you thought you might be just bored? Or maybe menopause! Take care anyway and be happy. If you plan something is he willing to go? If so life is what you make it.

I’m definitely menopausal and everything you have written is exactly what stops me going - but I have this constant resentment and wonder if there’s more for me out there before I get too old. You may be right about me being bored too.

OP posts:
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