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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

Husband not happy with me

225 replies

Pyjamabanana16 · 03/04/2026 04:52

Hi everyone,

I’m new on here but I really would like to get some blunt and honest opinions. I’m kind of giving up on my relationship, I can’t see any way to fix things anymore. I don’t have many friends as I’m always busy with work, home and exhausted like all other mums. Any comments or home truths will be v appreciated. Thank you …

My husband has a very angry personality. He always has. He over reacts and makes a big deal out of what I think are small things. His whole demeanour and outlook (in my opinion) is very negative and lacks any kind of awareness that he also needs to put effort into his way of thinking if he wants to be happy or find happiness / things to be grateful for. I mean we can all decide to throw our hands in the air and bang on about how bad everything is. Or we can try to remind ourselves to be grateful for health, kids, house etc. that’s what I think anyway

Sorry for rambling. So I think he doesn’t want to be with me anymore. But he won’t go as I think he’s not 100 percent sure. He thinks I’m a horrible person and although he doesn’t say this when we have a small disagreement (I’m not sweet and perfect and always softly spoken but I calm down very quickly and explain why I reacted like I did/ and how I felt that made me react) he can go days acting like I’m the devil. For example the other day we argued about food, I said five words (angry and snappy yes) and it’s been five days now of listening to what’s wrong with me and “what my problem is”. Within five mins I came down, apologised for swearing, explaining I felt unappreciated. Hoping for some human ness from him to revive me and understand me. But his anger is self igniting, he spent all day being really really nasty even though I hardly spoke. Just coming to tell me what I am, how bad I am. He can just keep coming and verbally attacking me as though he just really hates me. I think he blames me for everything.

The other morning I was asking how work was and my “tone of voice” was wrong… I think not sweet enough as I had my walls up for how he’s spent last two days verbally running me into the ground, and he straight away said “you’re like a man. It’s like there’s a man inside you”. Which to me is like clear evidence he can’t stand me or anything I do and just hates me inside.

We both share kids with other people, and if I talk with my ex he’s on speaker, I’m just wandering around house being open with nothing to hide. I have no feelings for ex even though we speak on phone. When he used to speak to his kids mum, he goes outside and closes the door and speaks in garden with his daughter. Last night he brought up, “oh if I spoke with her as much as you speak with him… you couldn’t handle it” and my argument is all about openness. He says “oh if a partner told you not to ever touch his phone you couldn’t handle it”- well no I couldn’t and I couldn’t be with someone like that because I really value trust, openness, honesty, saying everything however good or bad. I always think telling the truth about everything is the biggest respect . And being secretive is the biggest disrespect.

He lied and he cheated at the beginning (with said ex) so already laid a foundation for mistrust. I was very pregnant so didn’t leave (and she lives abroad so they were playing happy families when he went there”. But he’s never been open when he’s done something wrong, never come to me to tell the truth, I’ve always had to be suspicious, feel like I’m nuts, gather evidence, and I’ve always had to pull it from him bit by bit. Which trust me I never enjoyed doing it’s just I think my gut feeling wouldn’t rest.

Even lying about smoking. It’s not the smoking that’s the issue, it’s the lying and hiding an mental deflection that breaks me down and then makes me mistrust him… because he’s shown he can’t be trusted so of course I can’t act towards him how he does towards me (who’s open always- maybe too much so sometimes).

He threw in my face the other day that he can’t meet friends or go out of the house as I’m super controlling. But never once has he said he wants to, and even won’t go to the shops with me as he works long hours and just wants to be home/ rest. But suddenly I’m being devil- ised for a scenario which has never even happen . He said “oh my work friend (male) asked me to go an eat and I had to say no because you’d go mad because you’re so controlling”. But i wouldn’t go mad. I wouldn’t care if I hadn’t made dinner for him. But id find it disrespectful if I’d made food for him. To me that’s normal. I just find the whole reaction to me weird . Like no matter what I do or don’t do, he just seems to put the blame on me for “how I am”.

I really want him to just find someone else who is sweet and kind and looks forward to him coming in from work and runs to greet him like an excited puppy. And doesn’t use the “tone” like me or be so unbearable as I apparently am.

I’m not perfect and I never really learnt how to do a perfect relationship. But I’m just me and I’m honest and open and I recognise why I react and explain it (if I snap or am rude for example). But none of that matters as he just seem to hate me and lay into me disproportionately.

He seem to have so much built up resentment for being “trapped”, and “controlled” but I didn’t trap him. I’ve always said just be honest and open and I’m not scared of the truth, like ever. It’s like he stays trapped just to justify releasing all his anger on me.

But always what will make me scared is feeling the other person is hiding something- it does make me insecure. And he’s shown he’s a hider , not open. And after him I don’t trust myself to be in another relationship. I have my amazing kids and I just can’t be with anyone else ever. I don’t have the trust to blindly give to another man. Both of my kids dads were married when I met them, both hid it, I found out about both when I was already heavily pregnant. Wow that sounds so disfunctional but yes the fact is I have a deep mistrust for men after this. Im not nuts, just any sign of none openness would set massive warnings off for me. Even once a therapist said to me “oh I don’t think you’ll ever trust a man after this” 😂 I think even she was shocked!!

Please help me, i love him which is how i think i see that he just needs to be with someone else. I’m not the one for him because i bring out the anger and hate. Maybe with someone else he’ll be a much lighter person, maybe even happy and relaxed and tbh I’d love to see him like that. I don’t think he’s bad inside, just broken. I’ve come to the realisation that he needs someone and something else in life, not me.

Even though my heart is honestly broken and I just keep crying for myself and the way my life has been pooped on by dishonest men. But hey ho, my kids are my favourite little people.

Thank you for your time and I’m sorry it’s been long. I just wrote this as sometimes it’s too much to keep in my head and it’s hard to see anything clearly. Lots of love Xx

OP posts:
moderate · 03/04/2026 05:08

He’s a coward who’ll cheat on you but won’t leave you.

You’re going to be so much happier single.

endofthelinefinally · 03/04/2026 05:14

I got one third down your post and was already thinking "run".

Pyjamabanana16 · 03/04/2026 05:15

moderate · 03/04/2026 05:08

He’s a coward who’ll cheat on you but won’t leave you.

You’re going to be so much happier single.

I felt as well sometimes that he’s a coward. Because I think the braver thing to do is be honest. Not sit quietly brewing with anger and then being like a bully. Thank you for your reply xx

OP posts:
MyGammyEye · 03/04/2026 05:17

He's a bully, he's gaslighting you, abusing you and has conditioned so much that you think this is love.

You want him to go because that's decision made, and you'll be happier without him. He won't allow that though. He doesn't want you to be happy. He wants to control you. And he is controlling you. He is not only dictating your life, but your emotions. So much so that you constantly doubt and blame yourself.

Please please call Women’s Aid when it is safe to do so. It doesn't have to mean you are packing up and leaving that minute, but they'll put you in touch with professionals who will help you.
There is future for you and it can be whatever you want. The support is there. And here of course xx

Pyjamabanana16 · 03/04/2026 05:17

endofthelinefinally · 03/04/2026 05:14

I got one third down your post and was already thinking "run".

As I was writing it I realised how dysfunctional it is… kind of embarrassing tbh. I’m not a stupid person in day to day life but I’ve go myself in this weird dynamic relationship

OP posts:
Wallywobbles · 03/04/2026 05:18

What on earth is keeping you there?

Pyjamabanana16 · 03/04/2026 05:22

MyGammyEye · 03/04/2026 05:17

He's a bully, he's gaslighting you, abusing you and has conditioned so much that you think this is love.

You want him to go because that's decision made, and you'll be happier without him. He won't allow that though. He doesn't want you to be happy. He wants to control you. And he is controlling you. He is not only dictating your life, but your emotions. So much so that you constantly doubt and blame yourself.

Please please call Women’s Aid when it is safe to do so. It doesn't have to mean you are packing up and leaving that minute, but they'll put you in touch with professionals who will help you.
There is future for you and it can be whatever you want. The support is there. And here of course xx

Thank you so much. I will try to calmly get him to leave. A lot of what you say I do think too. Including the gaslighting and him trying to get me doubting myself. I stay quiet about it but his inconsistencies and “over- running me down” seem like a distraction sometimes. Like he’s seeing if he can get me to take responsibility for every single litttle thing that happens. Like he wants to see me rock bottom and he’s angry because he just can’t break me yet. Sometimes I just stay quiet not to inflame things but I think all that inside.

I also think fundamentally he’s weak

House is in my name so it’s not as easy as me packing and going otherwise I would do that

OP posts:
Pyjamabanana16 · 03/04/2026 05:24

Wallywobbles · 03/04/2026 05:18

What on earth is keeping you there?

Less and leas tbh. It’s only taken a massive plunge over last eight weeks tbh. Where he’s gone absolutely full of hate and disdain for me. I was thinking maybe he’s met someone and is conflicted what he should do so taking it out on me.

OP posts:
Pyjamabanana16 · 03/04/2026 05:26

Having the house in my name makes it a bit harder, as with my previous relationship I was able to pack and walk. In this situation I rely on the other person packing and walking so i don’t have the same control

OP posts:
greengagejamandcrumpets · 03/04/2026 05:41

Pyjamabanana16 · 03/04/2026 05:26

Having the house in my name makes it a bit harder, as with my previous relationship I was able to pack and walk. In this situation I rely on the other person packing and walking so i don’t have the same control

So you see a solicitor and get advice about getting him out..

He is abusive.

Also, you could contact Womens' Aid for support.

https://womensaid.org.uk/

This is the 2nd thread in a couple of days here from women who have an abusive husband.

No-one needs to live like this.

Bristolandlazy · 03/04/2026 05:44

I've been in an abusive relationship and at the time I couldn't see it all for what it was. I wanted to hold onto that relationship and make it work. I thought we loved each other. Eventually he left, now I look back and think what the hell was I thinking. This man isn't worth your energy, he's not adding to your life. A quarter of the way through your post I was thinking leave him .

Pyjamabanana16 · 03/04/2026 05:46

Ok thank you, the more these outbursts happen i do start to see it more clearly

OP posts:
parietal · 03/04/2026 05:49

How many children and what ages? Are you married? Do you have a job? Do you have separate money that you can use to fund leaving?

it is time to make a plan to leave and get away from him. It may not be easy but you can do it.

has he ever been violent towards you?

Pyjamabanana16 · 03/04/2026 05:53

greengagejamandcrumpets · 03/04/2026 05:41

So you see a solicitor and get advice about getting him out..

He is abusive.

Also, you could contact Womens' Aid for support.

https://womensaid.org.uk/

This is the 2nd thread in a couple of days here from women who have an abusive husband.

No-one needs to live like this.

Thanks so much for everyone confirming what I was thinking. He twists my head and tries to make me think I am crazy. A few weeks ago he was going to leave and left a deposit on an another place for him to live. He then cancelled it as we talked and he decided he wanted to make things better (as in both of us to let go of past and try) but it lasted less than a week. And in two weeks we’ve now had two huge blow ups … the last one about food which has turned into a whole week of “ hating me”. I’m hoping he’ll go quietly if I speak to him and say im sure and it’s best for both of us. Thank you everyone xx

OP posts:
Pyjamabanana16 · 03/04/2026 05:57

Can I ask your opinions… is this just me bringing this side of him out? Is it possible it’s just with me he’s like this? Because with someone sweeter I don’t think he’ll be like this.

His ex was calm and lovely, he never had a single argument with her. I know because I spoke with her. But she did say he never really was happy with life in general. I seem to bring out this craziness in him because of how I am. But I always think I give respect honesty openness communication etc and kind of want the same level back otherwise it’s not fair :-(

OP posts:
SkipAd · 03/04/2026 05:59

This is horrible to read.
When you say that you love him, what do you love about him?
Which part of his behaviour makes you feel any kind of affection towards him?
I really just want you to think about that for a moment.
You can feel unreciprocated love for some members of your family (as in your children) but a ‘partner’ is a choice you make every day. You are choosing this.
You are better than this, you are worth more than this, in fact basically, he’s not good enough for you. You do not have to live a life where you are treated badly. You really don’t.
Find someone you trust to be with you when you tell him to leave.

Pyjamabanana16 · 03/04/2026 06:01

parietal · 03/04/2026 05:49

How many children and what ages? Are you married? Do you have a job? Do you have separate money that you can use to fund leaving?

it is time to make a plan to leave and get away from him. It may not be easy but you can do it.

has he ever been violent towards you?

I’m able to just get by financially without him. It won’t be easy but I do work full time and i have lots of things to be thankful for. Yday I did my calculations and I can just about pay expenses without him and I’m used to sorting kids and working full time long hours anyway while they go to childminder after school.

OP posts:
Pyjamabanana16 · 03/04/2026 06:04

Pyjamabanana16 · 03/04/2026 06:01

I’m able to just get by financially without him. It won’t be easy but I do work full time and i have lots of things to be thankful for. Yday I did my calculations and I can just about pay expenses without him and I’m used to sorting kids and working full time long hours anyway while they go to childminder after school.

Re the violence. A couple of times he’s gone to hit me but not. But with this level of hatred he seems to have for me recently I’m scared of things escalating as he just seem consumed by the anger he has towards me. And there’s me like clueless not really knowing what I’ve said wrong to cause this level of anger. He gets more angry whatever I do. If I speak, i get two words out and he talks over me. All because i said five words last weekend regarding food and was snappy and rude :-(

OP posts:
SkipAd · 03/04/2026 06:06

Pyjamabanana16 · 03/04/2026 05:57

Can I ask your opinions… is this just me bringing this side of him out? Is it possible it’s just with me he’s like this? Because with someone sweeter I don’t think he’ll be like this.

His ex was calm and lovely, he never had a single argument with her. I know because I spoke with her. But she did say he never really was happy with life in general. I seem to bring out this craziness in him because of how I am. But I always think I give respect honesty openness communication etc and kind of want the same level back otherwise it’s not fair :-(

Are You fucking kidding me? “If only I was sweeter? If only I was kinder? If only I fucking behaved myself like the proper little wifey he wants? I can make it better if I “behave” and never disagree, never have an opinion, never step out of line” Yep, he won’t lose his temper with you anymore but that’s not the life you choose is it?

Pyjamabanana16 · 03/04/2026 06:10

SkipAd · 03/04/2026 05:59

This is horrible to read.
When you say that you love him, what do you love about him?
Which part of his behaviour makes you feel any kind of affection towards him?
I really just want you to think about that for a moment.
You can feel unreciprocated love for some members of your family (as in your children) but a ‘partner’ is a choice you make every day. You are choosing this.
You are better than this, you are worth more than this, in fact basically, he’s not good enough for you. You do not have to live a life where you are treated badly. You really don’t.
Find someone you trust to be with you when you tell him to leave.

I just remember the nice times before and I think I’m so conditioned to being treated a bit badly by men I’m always back to normal way to soon after an argument and just wanting things calm and normal again. But of course these last few weeks has made my feelings reduce for him. Because if you can’t connect to someone or talk with them a they bully you, it’s not much to be attracted to. I guess I think things like when we went on holiday.

But I know I’ll be fine when he leaves although I’ll have moments of being down. Because the kids give me strength and I’ll just keep busy and I have lots to be grateful for I think. I think I’m at this crossroads now which is why I’ve come on number. For a final push to open my eyes. If that makes sense. Before I made excuses but after this last week, I don’t think there are any excuses to justify his behaviour. xx

OP posts:
Chicaontour · 03/04/2026 06:12

Stop trying to look at why its your fault . You dont bring the crazy out in him, no more than his last or next victim. All the gas lighting has customed you to believe his lies. Get a lawyer and get him out. Dont look back. You are worth more than this . Please stop shpwing your children that this is what a relationship should look like. Your life is too precious and short to waste it on such a horrible relationship

LondonMumo23 · 03/04/2026 06:14

Pyjamabanana16 · 03/04/2026 05:57

Can I ask your opinions… is this just me bringing this side of him out? Is it possible it’s just with me he’s like this? Because with someone sweeter I don’t think he’ll be like this.

His ex was calm and lovely, he never had a single argument with her. I know because I spoke with her. But she did say he never really was happy with life in general. I seem to bring out this craziness in him because of how I am. But I always think I give respect honesty openness communication etc and kind of want the same level back otherwise it’s not fair :-(

This is not how healthy relationships work - that you just don’t expresss how you feel because the other person reacts so strongly. I’m not surprised you snap but his behaviour warrants it and his reaction is extremely disproportionate. You deserve to be happy, and you are enough. Appreciate it’s easier said than done but get rid xx

Pyjamabanana16 · 03/04/2026 06:14

SkipAd · 03/04/2026 06:06

Are You fucking kidding me? “If only I was sweeter? If only I was kinder? If only I fucking behaved myself like the proper little wifey he wants? I can make it better if I “behave” and never disagree, never have an opinion, never step out of line” Yep, he won’t lose his temper with you anymore but that’s not the life you choose is it?

No even if I wanted to I can’t be like that. And I can’t ever be like that.

OP posts:
SkipAd · 03/04/2026 06:17

Pyjamabanana16 · 03/04/2026 06:14

No even if I wanted to I can’t be like that. And I can’t ever be like that.

I am so pleased about that.
Please don’t make yourself less than you are for a man who doesn’t appreciate you xxx

Pyjamabanana16 · 03/04/2026 06:20

LondonMumo23 · 03/04/2026 06:14

This is not how healthy relationships work - that you just don’t expresss how you feel because the other person reacts so strongly. I’m not surprised you snap but his behaviour warrants it and his reaction is extremely disproportionate. You deserve to be happy, and you are enough. Appreciate it’s easier said than done but get rid xx

Thank you so much 🙏 I needed to hear this. I never had a healthy balanced relationship because like I said both kids fathers were married with big secrets at the beginning and kept me blind from the truth. And both times I found out when heavily pregnant. So even if I was healthy and balanced going into the relationships, i never really stood a chance as they both destroyed my trust from day 1 they met me. So it’s not possible to erase that. That’s why I say definitely no further relationships for me as those two have broken my ability to trust! Xx

OP posts: