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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 has happened to my marriage?

111 replies

PrincessCalley · 19/07/2025 15:23

So both DH and myself turned 40 this year. We are married 14 years, together 20 and have 2 kids (12&9). We used to laugh a lot together, get on well and would have had a very touchy feely relationship at home. Said I love you every day. Had a very good sex life even when things weren't going great. But in the last month or 2 it's just stopped. Not sure what happened but I was quite busy with work and a couple of other things and somewhere along the line it's like we've turned into 2 housemates. Very little chat, no affection, he doesn't come to bed much any more as he'd rather sleep on the sofa. He came to bed last night and I know he wanted to do the deed but with very little foreplay so I shut it down. I don't find myself attracted to him anymore even though he is still very good looking. We don't really spend any time together without our kids, but that's his choice as any time I would say id like to go away even for a night he'd complain about money.

So I'm not sure whats going on? I tried to talk to him last week and he made a comment that told me he wasn't interested. He's never been very emotionally available but has gotten a lot worse in the last while. I'm just a bit sad and lonely to be honest. Anyone have advice?

OP posts:
PrincessCalley · 22/08/2026 15:56

Boomer55 · 22/08/2026 15:51

You've just drifted apart which happens. Talk about it with him and try to work out how to relight the fire.

Do you think I haven't tried. He doesn't want to be with me. I can't change how he feels. It's not me. I've been trying. He has checked out.

OP posts:
Worriednanof1 · 22/08/2026 16:00

Boomer55 · 22/08/2026 15:51

You've just drifted apart which happens. Talk about it with him and try to work out how to relight the fire.

Have you been reading the same thread as me? I think they are way past this advice.

Worriednanof1 · 22/08/2026 16:02

PrincessCalley · 22/08/2026 15:56

Do you think I haven't tried. He doesn't want to be with me. I can't change how he feels. It's not me. I've been trying. He has checked out.

Ignore, some people clearly don't read properly!!

PrincessCalley · 22/08/2026 16:03

Worriednanof1 · 22/08/2026 16:02

Ignore, some people clearly don't read properly!!

Clearly. That's the 3rd message like this I've gotten!

OP posts:
Worriednanof1 · 22/08/2026 16:05

PrincessCalley · 22/08/2026 16:03

Clearly. That's the 3rd message like this I've gotten!

Very annoying!!! Gives me the rage lol.

PrincessCalley · 22/08/2026 16:06

Worriednanof1 · 22/08/2026 16:05

Very annoying!!! Gives me the rage lol.

Im too sad for rage now..😪

OP posts:
Witchergeralt · 22/08/2026 16:21

I'm very sorry to hear of your predicament, I guess you've been completely blindsided.

He's at the age where a mid-life crisis seems to have reared its ugly head and instead of buying a motorbike he's decided to run away from responsibility.

I have known of several couples where this has happened, he's "run away", she's stayed with the kids and then when he realises he's given up the best thing that ever happened to him, he's come back, tail between his legs. I'm not saying this will happen but you know what OP, you sound like a woman who's got her head on straight. Let him go (kick him out), if he stays gone so be it, if he comes back you can then decide if you want him back.

Either way, I think you're strong enough to survive and thrive without him.... And get a good lawyer. ♥️

OnwardsUpwardsTowards · 22/08/2026 16:22

Sorry OP, most likely another woman at work.

j used to think my stbxH were so busy with work and life, and no routine change. Guess what, another woman at work.

PrincessCalley · 23/08/2026 18:02

Hi all, Just said id give a quick update today. Drank some prosecco last night and it helped me a bit. Woke up today in a good mood, had a lazy morning with the kids as he was out and then we went for a sea swim. He's here watching football. While we were out hes moved his stuff out of our room and into the spare room. He has his own bathroom and all so he'll be fine. But I'm actually looking at the positives. Leave him to it. Im going to make the best of it. Obviously I know all days wont be like this but life is for living so ill get on with it. He was miserable this morning but has perked up as the day has gone on.

OP posts:
Izzzzxxx · 24/08/2026 16:13

I am glad you had a good day and shifted your perspective. Him moving out of your bedroom is also significant. Have you decided to ask him to move out and do you have a timeframe? It can’t be great for the kids to see, hear and sense the tension even if there are no words uttered.

PrincessCalley · 24/08/2026 19:16

Izzzzxxx · 24/08/2026 16:13

I am glad you had a good day and shifted your perspective. Him moving out of your bedroom is also significant. Have you decided to ask him to move out and do you have a timeframe? It can’t be great for the kids to see, hear and sense the tension even if there are no words uttered.

No I haven't asked him for an exact time frame. We talked last night and there are some other issues at play that need to be dealt with so we will take it day by day. Kids will be fine in the sense that we dont see much of him anyway due to work etc. It's me that does 95% of the caring for them..and that wont change. We are communicating without too much tension for now. Obviously, long term big decisions have to be made but for now its just trying to get through the day. I do think he's depressed also and there is Talk of counselling

OP posts:
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