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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:
Pyjamabanana16 · 03/04/2026 10:51

ScribblingPixie · 03/04/2026 10:48

Me too. It reads like, after you split up, you'll wonder why the heck you stayed so long.

I think so tbh xx

OP posts:
Pyjamabanana16 · 03/04/2026 10:52

AttilaTheMeerkat · 03/04/2026 10:12

It is not your fault he is like this and you did not make him that way.

Your boundaries here, already skewed by previous poor relationships, are being further eroded by this man now.

What did you learn about relationships when you were growing up?. What were your mum and dad like towards each other?. Therapy and the Freedom Programme for you to enrol on in the future are must do's for you.

He may well refuse to leave however. Such abusive men often refuse as a further way of "punishing" their chosen target, in this case you. Your children are also being affected by this man's presence in their lives. If he refuses to leave employ legal means and the police to get him out.

I just remembered something…. He says to me I lied to him at the start as I don’t show him what kind of person I am! I hid my true self. As a way to justify his lying and hiding the other woman from day 1!

OP posts:
AutumnFroglets · 03/04/2026 10:52

@Pyjamabanana16 you have stated that he is your husband which means he owns half your house but you've also stated he was previously married so did he divorce his previous wife before marrying you? Can you clarify?

And yes, he has been systemically abusing you. It's not you, it's him.

Maia77 · 03/04/2026 10:57

He's emotionally immature at best, and likely emotionally abusive. He's going to erode your sense of self-trust and self-worth.

Purplecatshopaholic · 03/04/2026 11:11

Get the hell out op. Seriously you’ll be more and more a shadow of yourself the longer you stay. The atmosphere can’t be great for your kids either. Stop damaging them, and yourself. You’ll be so much happier and healthier. See a lawyer.

WeekendFreedom · 03/04/2026 11:12

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 :-(

He sounds intolerable but I also think you sound as bad

DreamyJade · 03/04/2026 11:13

Pyjamabanana16 · 03/04/2026 10:52

I just remembered something…. He says to me I lied to him at the start as I don’t show him what kind of person I am! I hid my true self. As a way to justify his lying and hiding the other woman from day 1!

That’s very common with cheating men. They accuse you of doing the very thing that they are doing, just to try and deflect from themselves.

They also constantly criticise you and pull you to pieces. In their minds, they want you to be a bad person so they can console themselves that they’re justified in their cheating.

HereForTheFreeLunch · 03/04/2026 11:18

OP, your thread is titled Husband not happy with me - it should be the other way round - you should not be happy with him!

He is absolutely terrible... a cheating, lying, gaslighting, DARVOing bastard.

Please don't subject your kids to him!

Teenthree · 03/04/2026 11:30

He’s cheating. 100%

Liveshives · 03/04/2026 11:30

This is a horrific read.
You poor woman.
He is a vile weak bully.
And a liar.

Life will be so much better when you get him out.
Don't hesitate to involve the police.
Your poor children in that environment.
He is a house terrorist.
He absolute hates you.
Remember that.

Life will be so much better when he is gone.
Please reach out for help.

regista · 03/04/2026 11:32

It sounds as though the scales have fallen from your eyes OP. There is not one person on here that thinks you are the issue. If I were you I wouldn’t just go at it impulsively and raise it with him this evening. Have a good think about what you want to say and what outcome you’d like. I don’t think you can improve this relationship and you likely need to call it a day but you need to know that for yourself. Be sure. He’s likely to kick off big time if you tell him to leave. So it will be very uncomfortable for you to be in the same house. I would be inclined to tell that it’s over and have bags packed and a place to go for a couple of nights - e.g. your mums or a hotel. And I’d tell him he’s moving out and has two days to sort it. When I came back to the home I wouldn’t do it alone and I would change the locks right away. It’s brutal to approach it like this but I suspect he will punish then play you and make peace and then the cycle starts again.

ThatBlackCat · 03/04/2026 11:42

If he's always been a very angry person then why would you even want to be with him? Why didn't you leave him long ago? Or make him get therapy and anger management?

This is domestic violence and he is an abuser. He is garbage. Why would you even want to be with that? Leave, throw him in the gutter where he belongs, you deserve better. Life is far too short to be with a sad, miserable, pathetic, angry man who is an abuser.

Merseymum1980 · 03/04/2026 11:42

Ive recently come out of a relationship very simmilar to this. He constanly threatned to leave, kept calling me controlling, seemed to dislike and not be atttacted to me. Kept telling me he was unhappy. He had cheated at one point too.
At long last i ended and im soo much happier.
He seems completly confused why i ended it as "even though he said those things he never actually ended the relationship" go figure!
I have realised he isnt happy with himself as he has his freedom etc now and telling his whole family he is devastated.
He is dragging you down and purposefully affecting yourself esteem

Merseymum1980 · 03/04/2026 11:46

WeekendFreedom · 03/04/2026 11:12

He sounds intolerable but I also think you sound as bad

Why?

Pyjamabanana16 · 03/04/2026 11:48

AutumnFroglets · 03/04/2026 10:52

@Pyjamabanana16 you have stated that he is your husband which means he owns half your house but you've also stated he was previously married so did he divorce his previous wife before marrying you? Can you clarify?

And yes, he has been systemically abusing you. It's not you, it's him.

It was abroad so not legal over here

OP posts:
Pyjamabanana16 · 03/04/2026 11:52

WeekendFreedom · 03/04/2026 11:12

He sounds intolerable but I also think you sound as bad

Maybe but I don’t verbally lay into him or anyone else in life for hours on end just being nasty. I never cheated or lied. I’m not perfect and I don’t think I’m good at relationships hence I won’t be in another one

OP posts:
WeekendFreedom · 03/04/2026 11:55

Merseymum1980 · 03/04/2026 11:46

Why?

OP also openly shouts and swears as well

Merseymum1980 · 03/04/2026 11:57

WeekendFreedom · 03/04/2026 11:55

OP also openly shouts and swears as well

Ok i missed that part.
It needs to end. He is trying to destroy op

TheSquareMile · 03/04/2026 11:58

Make an appointment to see a solicitor after Easter, OP.

You don't have to stay in such a miserable situation.

https://solicitors.lawsociety.org.uk/

Pyjamabanana16 · 03/04/2026 12:00

regista · 03/04/2026 11:32

It sounds as though the scales have fallen from your eyes OP. There is not one person on here that thinks you are the issue. If I were you I wouldn’t just go at it impulsively and raise it with him this evening. Have a good think about what you want to say and what outcome you’d like. I don’t think you can improve this relationship and you likely need to call it a day but you need to know that for yourself. Be sure. He’s likely to kick off big time if you tell him to leave. So it will be very uncomfortable for you to be in the same house. I would be inclined to tell that it’s over and have bags packed and a place to go for a couple of nights - e.g. your mums or a hotel. And I’d tell him he’s moving out and has two days to sort it. When I came back to the home I wouldn’t do it alone and I would change the locks right away. It’s brutal to approach it like this but I suspect he will punish then play you and make peace and then the cycle starts again.

This would be perfect but apart from a hotel I don’t have anyone or anywhere to go. No family and tbh I can’t really afford a hotel now. I’ll see how he is this evening. It won’t be like it’s coming out of the blue as last few weeks have been very bad. I’ll just say I’ve been doing some thinking and I think I’m clear that this is what is best for us both and our daughter

OP posts:
Pyjamabanana16 · 03/04/2026 12:03

Merseymum1980 · 03/04/2026 11:57

Ok i missed that part.
It needs to end. He is trying to destroy op

I don’t actually shout . I said I snap . When he’s rude I snap and I might swear. But I don’t shout. And five minutes later I calm down and say “sorry but I reacted like that because I felt like what you said is really ungrateful and rude”. After I’ve been punished 6 days now because I said five words- one of which was the “f” word. But AFTER he was rude to me

OP posts:
Merseymum1980 · 03/04/2026 12:06

Pyjamabanana16 · 03/04/2026 12:03

I don’t actually shout . I said I snap . When he’s rude I snap and I might swear. But I don’t shout. And five minutes later I calm down and say “sorry but I reacted like that because I felt like what you said is really ungrateful and rude”. After I’ve been punished 6 days now because I said five words- one of which was the “f” word. But AFTER he was rude to me

Reactive abuse. Get rid.
Is house rented or mortgage. Do you live in England(dont know about Scottish laws etc im afraid)

Pyjamabanana16 · 03/04/2026 12:07

that’s what happened the last incident. And I said to him for my five words you’ve basically run me down for five days. When immediately after I took responsibility for it. I Said sorry for swearing. And said because his comment seemed really ungrateful for everything I’ve done last eight years and I reacted because I was hurt. Then he just started yelling and running me down all day. And I just listened and didn’t say much because I didn’t want to aggravate it

OP posts:
Pyjamabanana16 · 03/04/2026 12:10

I think this incident was the final straw which is why I’m at this stage now. As it’s just made it so obvious. I didn’t feed the fire at all, it’s all self igniting and self burning

OP posts:
Beachtastic · 03/04/2026 12:12

Pyjamabanana16 · 03/04/2026 12:07

that’s what happened the last incident. And I said to him for my five words you’ve basically run me down for five days. When immediately after I took responsibility for it. I Said sorry for swearing. And said because his comment seemed really ungrateful for everything I’ve done last eight years and I reacted because I was hurt. Then he just started yelling and running me down all day. And I just listened and didn’t say much because I didn’t want to aggravate it

Does he ever apologise for anything, OP? I'm guessing not...

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