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Relationships

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Communicating with husband

59 replies

aneveningatthecricket · 13/06/2026 10:45

Can someone give me some advice on how I can get my partner (of 20 years) to listen to me?
Normal life feels like we’re pretending most of the time, I’ve never really been happy and have given my everything to raising our children.

I try to raise important issues with him but he shuts me down and blames me for “spoiling things” or being difficult or “going mental” during a discussion. I’m VERY careful to never shout (I don’t want to look like I’m unstable even when I feel it!) I’m always very careful and considered with what I say and how I say it, I don’t blame him for anything and if anything, take the blame myself for the problems we have (chaotic housework, inadequate financial security).

I want to create a position where I can explain how I’m feeling without him retreating or accusing me of spoiling things. We’ve got into a trap where after we’re intimate I see it as an opportunity to tell him how I’m feeling but he goes mad and can’t understand how we can be loving and intimate one minute, then later that day I’m telling him I’m not happy.

Can anyone suggest anything I can do to help things?

OP posts:
aneveningatthecricket · 13/06/2026 12:04

Ah sorry - I see the AI prompts now!

OP posts:
category12 · 13/06/2026 12:05

aneveningatthecricket · 13/06/2026 12:03

What AI prompts are people talking about? I’m confused now! (If I could find an exasperated emoji I’d add one here!)

Bonjour's reply to you contained AI suggestions.

UpDownAllAround1 · 13/06/2026 12:08

Delete

Wishimaywishimight · 13/06/2026 12:12

What you want is for an apple to turn into an orange. You can 'want' all you like but it's not going to happen.

You clearly do not want to leave so you just need to adjust your thinking to 'this is my life' and stop expecting change.

You should bear in mind though that he may make the decision somewhere down the line and seek happiness elsewhere.

outerspacepotato · 13/06/2026 12:24

What I want is for him to change- not massively just a bit so that he listens to me and cares for my wellbeing.

That's not going to happen. He doesn't even like you, much less care about your well being.

Your husband thinks you should sit back and shut up and that comes from a deep place of misogyny. He doesn't care about communicating with you He sees you as something like an appliance and he gets mad when you malfunction, that is, try to talk about why you're unhappy. He doesn't see the chaotic home and financial difficulties like you do and he won't address them.

You are married to the man he is, not what you want him to be.

I try to raise important issues with him but he shuts me down and blames me for “spoiling things” or being difficult or “going mental” during a discussion.

He doesn't want to hear it. You say your issues are chaotic housework and financial difficulties and that you're exhausted and stretched.

It sounds like you're financially and emotionally incompatible. Your marriage has already failed, you're just staying for social appearances and possibly finances. But you're modeling this kind of repressive relationship for your kids.

Beetrootsmoothie · 13/06/2026 12:56

The message from bonjourtristesse posted at 11.30 shows what AI suggests

gamerchick · 13/06/2026 13:14

aneveningatthecricket · 13/06/2026 11:01

My fear with this is that I will end up being very honest and admit that he doesn’t meet my needs and it needs to end. What I want is for him to change- not massively just a bit so that he listens to me and cares for my wellbeing.

Thats not going to happen OP.

The only thing you can do is delegate. Give him a chunk of your workload and it's now his job. If you don't want to split up

I literally can't think of anything else. If he pushes back, you'll know he'll never meet your needs because he doesn't care.

gamerchick · 13/06/2026 13:17

I swear the human race is going to dumb down with this AI crap. Every single little thing, fed into it.

whippersnapper55 · 13/06/2026 13:36

You sound like an intelligent woman OP so you must know deep down that after 20 years together, the chances of him actually changing are minimal. The way he gaslights you when you try and raise anything is particularly nasty. I don't know what the answer is if you want to stay with him but I do know he's not going to change so all you are in control is how you behave and respond to him.

SarBe · 13/06/2026 16:10

aneveningatthecricket · 13/06/2026 11:04

If I said nothing and just smiled he’d be delighted. I honestly think would be the ideal scenario for him. I don’t think he wants chit chat, opinion or definitely anything serious or important. If I was silent but smiley and affectionate he’d be very happy.

This is just wrong

AuntieLemonade · 13/06/2026 16:15

Via lawyers?… 👌

arethereanyleftatall · 13/06/2026 16:31

There isn’t any advice available op.

you seem to be asking what people would do but basing that on the husband being a decent person.

yours isn’t. He’s abusive and doesn’t like you.

when you listed your list of reasons, I can’t remember them all but ..
1, what other people think is irrelevant and a batshit reason to remain miserable

  1. being single at 50 is a billion times nicer than being in a relationship like this
  2. you have phrased it as ‘your kids stability’ but actually you’re all living a lie so that will do untold damage
  3. finances. I don’t know. I’d check that out.
  4. failure. Your relationship has already failed. That’s done. So it would be a success to leave it.
  5. you love him and like him. Well, that would be fine and a valid point if it was true. What as of today, do you like and love about him? And by that I mean actually him, not what you want him to be or what he used to be.
Boomer55 · 13/06/2026 16:38

I’m not sure he’s abusive, but he’s obviously bored and uninterested in your views.

Up to you what you do next.

mumofoneAloneandwell · 13/06/2026 16:39

Ltb x

Poppinjay · 13/06/2026 16:53

aneveningatthecricket · 13/06/2026 11:04

If I said nothing and just smiled he’d be delighted. I honestly think would be the ideal scenario for him. I don’t think he wants chit chat, opinion or definitely anything serious or important. If I was silent but smiley and affectionate he’d be very happy.

If he loved you, this wouldn't make him happy.

It seems like he just wants you to put your needs aside in favour of his wants. He isn't actually bothered about how you feel or he would listen.

You can't make someone want to listen. This isn't about you failing to communicate; it's about him being quite happy in a situation where you're unhappy. Presumably he will remain happy for as long as he keeps getting sex and you continue shouldering the mental (and possibly physical) load for the family.

Sandalsandbreadsticks · 13/06/2026 16:57

Read Zawn Liberating Motherhood on FB and Substack. It will help you understand that he is doing this on purpose to exploit you and the only option is to leave. I know everyone is saying that already but the way she delves into the issues really helps you see things clearly. She also has tips for women who are stuck in these situations and don't want to leave or aren't ready yet.

VoltaireMittyDream · 13/06/2026 17:26

He won’t change, OP. It’s on you to make a difference for yourself - either by leaving or by reorganizing your expectations emotionally to protect yourself.

I have an spouse (ND) who is clever and funny and we have incredibly interesting conversations (though only on his terms, about topics he’s particularly interested in, and when he has social bandwidth). I like him very much as a person, and he has very good intentions, but he is profoundly functionally impaired in ways that make his working life difficult and precarious, and mean he’s an obstacle rather than an equal partner in domestic matters.

And though he is loyal and well-meaning, he is fundamentally not able to be all that interested in other people’s experiences, or see others’ point of view. We can’t solve basic logistical household problems together as he becomes instantly defensive and angry and confused, and can’t engage with anything he finds anxiety-provoking, and can’t make decisions (even about something as basic as replacing a pair of his own shoes - he gets overhwelmed by choice and an internal pressure to make the one ‘right’ decision)

Separation would be a financial and logistical disaster, as I couldn’t count on him to sign the right papers or remember how to access his bank account, and I wouldn’t feel OK leaving our DC alone with him for any length of time as he can’t tell when anyone (including himself) might need medical attention, and can’t make decisions in a crisis (/at all).

He means well, but does not have the ability to be a partner, and needs as much support (if not more) than our autistic child. After about a decade of being made to feel that it was all my fault for not training him properly or making him ‘step up’ - and only after our child was diagnosed autistic - I have reorganised things in my mind by recognising I am essentially my husband’s caregiver, not his partner, and changing my expectations accordingly.

For me, this does kill the libido.

I cannot feel sexy about someone I am essentially parenting . I think this is probably healthy and appropriate - but I don’t know whether or not to be envious of people whose sex drive is independent of the state of their relationship, and can override chronic disappointment to achieve some form of closeness. But I’m not built that way, and it does make it all a bit clearer.

I hope you find a way through - but I’d advise you not to pin your hopes on any transformation or epiphany on your DH’s part. Good luck.

ETA: my husband would also be happy if I were silent, smiley, affectionate, never did anything unpredictable - like surprising him with a nice gesture - was never especially excited about anything, never shared with him desires or interests of my own. His main needs in a relationship are for inobtrusive daily support, calmness, and steady, undemanding predictability. He would say he loves me, and he would mean it - but it’s not love as most neurotypical people would understand it and that feels extremely lonely.

Comtesse · 13/06/2026 17:59

aneveningatthecricket · 13/06/2026 11:04

If I said nothing and just smiled he’d be delighted. I honestly think would be the ideal scenario for him. I don’t think he wants chit chat, opinion or definitely anything serious or important. If I was silent but smiley and affectionate he’d be very happy.

Well that’s not going to work is it? Time to make a new plan…

sunnybaros · 13/06/2026 18:25

I would suggest you go for therapy on your own. This is not a healthy relationship.

ChampagneCharley · 13/06/2026 18:41

Read Why does he do that? By Lundy Bancroft. I've put a link below, but not sure if it will work. It'll be tough reading but you'll start to see the techniques he's using
Also, look at dismissive avoidance in relationships and find yourself a counsellor who specialises in domestic abuse. Couples therapy isn't recommended when there's abuse going on. It's best to find support for yourself first.
https://dn790007.ca.archive.org/0/items/LundyWhyDoesHeDoThat/Lundy_Why-does-he-do-that.pdf

NavyTurtle · 13/06/2026 20:18

aneveningatthecricket · 13/06/2026 10:45

Can someone give me some advice on how I can get my partner (of 20 years) to listen to me?
Normal life feels like we’re pretending most of the time, I’ve never really been happy and have given my everything to raising our children.

I try to raise important issues with him but he shuts me down and blames me for “spoiling things” or being difficult or “going mental” during a discussion. I’m VERY careful to never shout (I don’t want to look like I’m unstable even when I feel it!) I’m always very careful and considered with what I say and how I say it, I don’t blame him for anything and if anything, take the blame myself for the problems we have (chaotic housework, inadequate financial security).

I want to create a position where I can explain how I’m feeling without him retreating or accusing me of spoiling things. We’ve got into a trap where after we’re intimate I see it as an opportunity to tell him how I’m feeling but he goes mad and can’t understand how we can be loving and intimate one minute, then later that day I’m telling him I’m not happy.

Can anyone suggest anything I can do to help things?

He sounds like an utter cee u next Tuesday. Stop pandering to him and kick him into touch. A relationship should be loving and equal both ways.

Sunnydays60 · 13/06/2026 21:04

I'd agree with some points that have been made about working on yourself. If you don't want to leave because you think that keeping things the same would be preferable for you, then you probably would be best off trying to get things in hand yourself. Get a grip on your finances etc, see if there's wiggle room for change in terms of making life more enjoyable for you as someone else mentioned. If you can do all of this on your own at home without rocking the boat too much (as you seem to suggest husband would probably like it if you just smiled and got on with things) then the benefit of this might just be that you can figure out doing things on your own is achievable and you'll have a more realistic idea of what going truly solo might look like and whether actually going the whole hog might work out better for you.

If your husband is anything like an ex of mine, he'll not like talking about anything because he'll see everything as a criticism (and also, having to think about stuff is extra work he didn't want). I discovered that if I sorted stuff out he'd happily go along with it (as long as I framed it as "I'm not sure" and provided a "choice" for him, like you would a child). Obviously none of this is an ideal way to conduct a relationship but I'd aim to get your ducks in a row regardless of what tactics it takes.

Enough people have said (what you've implied) about him not really liking you and the fact that you're not going to suddenly make him care about your feelings. This was certainly true about my last relationship but what I did find was, the happier I could make myself, the easier life was (as he was happier and nicer to me). So I suppose, some could trundle on like that. I did for a while. The hardest thing was realising I had sole responsibility for my happiness and whereas some good came from that (ultimately you should be the responsible one), it's still nice to feel supported in life. So in the end I knew I had to leave (that and he actually went on self distruct and I decided that since he didn't want to waste time concerning himself with my happiness, I should probably match that energy). Made it all much easier.

Other than that, if you know your timing is the problem then change that (tbh that kind of timing would probably make me feel crap). Arrange a set time. Or write a bullet point list of what you want sorted (no emotional text/reasons, just what the thing is) so he can digest it and then have him start the discussion when he thinks is a reasonable time.

Hope you find a way forward and the responses on here don't make you feel too down. You definitely should be in a position where you feel you can make valid points and have them be heard. Sorry that's not happening for you. Just because this person doesn't want to hear them doesn't mean no one else will in the future. Don't write yourself off. Therapy for you wouldn't be a bad idea tbh like someone else mentioned.

Olive567 · 13/06/2026 21:31

This sounds a lot like my ex of 25 years OP. I tied myself in knots trying to gently explain my feelings about problematic issues in a way that he would understand. He was so incredibly defensive, when I look back now I don't know how I put up with it. I will never go back to that place of tip toeing around someone and shrinking myself to keep the peace. I was also in denial for many years while we raised DC, thinking i could solve it and that it would get better. But I did get my finances in order and left in my 50s. I see things v clearly now in my peaceful life - it was never going to get better, he was incapable of being any different.
It doesn't sound good OP. It sounds like he wants a peaceful life and for you to shut up. I mean, would you treat a friend lime that?
My ex found me so tiresome raising issues that he'd say, "I'll give you three minutes to talk" and he'd time me with his phone. Horrendous.
There is another world out there OP, good luck.

Lanaz20 · 13/06/2026 22:05

In my 50s also with three children and had similar and now single.
Is this relationship you want for your children? Because they learn based on what is role modeled to them. And will largely replicate unless they have the foresight to "do the work".

Your husband is happy with the status quo and wants this to stay the same. Please check out Zawn on FB. You're not the only one in this predicament.
This is your one precious life. You deserve more 💐❤️

DearDenimEagle · 13/06/2026 22:25

aneveningatthecricket · 13/06/2026 10:57

Stability for the children
Maintain Status quo
To not look ‘difficult’ to other people
Pride
Financially stuck to some extent
To not want to ‘fail’ at my relationship
Because I like him and love him
Because break ups are hard and I have a tough career to maintain and children to support
I’m in my 50s so will probably forever be single
To not want to spoil things

Oh , I recognise some of these..not wanting to fail, stability for children,

difficulties, esp financial…with leaving ..kept me in an abusive relationship for 20 yrs .
He is what he is. There’s no way you can win as long as you stay and I get why you stay.
My kids, adults now, tell me they wish I’d left when they were small. They hate him, and his parents . Our relationship, while ok to outsiders who thought we had the perfect marriage, ruined their childhoods, they tell me.
His way or the highway affected them too, and as they got older, he felt threatened in leadership. Sort of young bucks and old buck dominance competition. He got very abusive towards them, too, as they developed personalities and opinions different to his.