We have been married 38years relocated to another area 8m ago DH now only works part time I’ve been at home since we moved . I job has come up local to me working full time, I’m in with a good chance of getting it ,I want a job to help me meet new people I was looking for part time ! The problem is my DH will only do the bare basic to help his only job at home is to cut lawn and put bins out He will still expect me to plate him up a meal when he gets home from work I wont be home til after him I know he wants me to get the job as he will have more opportunity to do nothing he’s not a pro active person . I’m so fed up I’ve tried asking him to help more round house garden but he says he does loads and when I ask him what he says I can’t think at the moment !!! We have a strained relationship atm I’m now sleeping in spare room have been for a few months as I really need space/time away from him I have told him how I feel but he just says I love you and goes off and hides in case I ask him to do anything What a mess we have got ourselves into I never imagined it would come down to me basically have a man/child at the age of 60 anyone else feel like this and what did you do ?
Before you do anything else...please sit down and talk. Don't throw away 38 years until you've exhausted all other avenues. I'm inclined also...to think he may be depressed. If he just doesn't want to do this, or you get nowhere, perhaps it is time to move on if you can. Otherwise it will still be you sorting everyone else to help you in the house, but the problem will still be there. Good luck
One thing is for sure, he will not change. If he is anything like my hubby he will not even discuss the sharing of jobs around the house. His reply is always well leave it if you don't want to do it, and then walks off. My hubby doesn't do anything he doesn't want to do full stop. I always liked working and did until I retired at 62, on full time. I worked part time when the children were small. The decision to leave is a difficult one because you may find that financially you are worse off and why should you be worse off in retirement after a long working life. You just can't win with some men so you need to come to terms with that. You need to do the maths taking some legal advice if necessary. Best of luck
Wel I have read and re read all your replies and thought of every option ,I have decided to take the position ,I start on Monday. No point in sitting down and having a long conversation with him as he will say his usual I will help but he doesn’t . I will have time away from the house and see/meet new people and see how life progresses Again thank you for your support
Good luck in your new job. You could ask him if he’d like a cleaner in while you’re out or would he rather do it himself? Get in a few ready meals. He might start helping if you’re not there, he might re asses your relationship and be willing to make efforts all round? Anyway, enjoy the job and try & make new friends so you’re not bored or resentful. Big decision to leave- try change first!
Congratulations on you new job I was going to suggest you take it and worry about the rest afterwards which is what you seem to have decided to do. All the best x
Re the husband, make sure you always have some good ready meals in the fridge or freezer, ask him to cook a couple of times a week when he's not at work and if he doesn't, do a ready meal just for yourself.
Give him a choice - would he like to take on the household cleaning OR would he like to pay for a cleaner? Make sure you get an answer from him - making it his decision worked for mine and we'd been married over 40yrs so never too late to change.
Our lovely cleaner is brilliant by the way! He always organises payment!!
Sounds like my first husband. I stood all that for 23 years and he left, not me - went back to his mother and stayed there! Don’t know how difficult it would be for OP to leave after 38 years. Personally I’d see about getting a cleaner and hold out for a part time job if she really wants one but it doesn’t guarantee making friends in the same way that joining clubs etc does. I don’t know how old OP is but full time work doesn’t get easier with the years and I wouldn’t rely on it as a means of making new friends. Colleagues might be younger and not wanting/having time to socialise. And of course you’re there to work not chat at the water cooler!