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being married to him is a daily shake of the dice wondering which personality he will have that day

Tagged as: Marriage problems<< Previous question   Next question >>
Question - (4 February 2012) 17 Answers - (Newest, 5 February 2012)
A female Canada age 51-59, anonymous writes:

Hi  my husband  goes through long periods of being nice sometimes even a couple months but he always starts that way and then one day boom he is yelling at me to clean the fridge or something the moment I get up. Then he is mad at me all day and then when I've been crying all day from his constant yelling at me as it escalates to comments like you are such a slob even though the house is fairly spotless, he then apologizes and gets mad at me for staying upset the next day. Tells me to snap out of it. He is over it and so should I. He has called me c*** or loser or crazy and told me he hates me. He has told me he is leaving me and let me pack my bags and go to a friends and then tells me he was joking. He regularly calls me fat ass and stupid to where now my child does also and  in front of strangers. He says he is joking and I take it too seriously.  But he also calls me beautiful daily too and when i point out the insults he reminds me he calls me beautiful all the time. He is a workoholic too and I hardly see him. If he is at the office because he mainly works from home he won't call all day or return my calls. He just shows up when he shows up. Calling just around the corner to ask what is for dinner. If I call him at work because our child is sick he won't return the call and will come home and say he was on meetings all day. But he has time for lunch out. He treated me like a queen when we dated but after we got married and had a child he changed (I got pregnant on the honeymoon). After that he started  getting angry so easily and often when our child was a baby. I had such post partum  depression because of it and only had one child because of it too. And I can never ask a favor from him or he gets mad. As long as I hang up his coat, throw out his garbage, make his meals , tidy the home and look after our kid he is happy aka not mad at me but virtually has nothing to do with me. After Christmas he promised to dedicate 2 nights a week with me but he picks a fight sometimes to get out of it. And if he does he expects sex as payment in kind and gets mad if I don't although in the last few months I don't which is making things worse but I don't feel I can. And any stress sends him into angry tirades. Even if it's that I'm sick then he is mad. God forbid i ask him for a favor although on a nice day he will help out but i'm so surprised when he does. I stay with him because I had to give up my career to help our special needs child and so although I owned my own home when I met him, I now have no job. And with our child it would be hard to find one as he only goes to school for a short day. Plus this is the first year he was able to go at all.  My husband makes a very good income too so we have a nice life financially. It would be a struggle on my own. Also our kid is super sensitive and would collapse if we split. He doesn't care about yelling in front of our kid too so if I asked for a divorce our child would be caught in the middle and really suffer. At least he is a good caring father the rest of the time and when he is nice has a good side and a good sense of humor. So being married to him is a daily shake of the dice wondering which personality he will have that day. He can be fun and happy and dance around the kitchen with us. Sometimes too he can be very needy after he has been cold for days and suddenly want all my attention. I just don't know what to do. I so want to do what is best for our kid and when my husband is nice he can be so nice.very generous and chatty and personable but he is often mean and cold. He is dr Jekyll and mr. Hyde. When he decides he wants to play happy families he does and then we are all happy for a time. During that period he will take me shopping, and to nice dinners out and treat me really well again. Wish I knew what to do...I am starting to have stress related health problems now after 12 years of this. .it's funny, when I was a kid I had a moody  father with a bad temper and i never knew what home would bring one day to the next and although my husband has never hit me ( I would leave if he did no question .) My question after all this is is this fixable? Should I leave or stay? 

View related questions: at work, christmas, divorce, period

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A reader, anonymous, writes (5 February 2012):

I'm glad you're going to get help, I hope you feel better and let us know what happens. Take care.

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A reader, anonymous, writes (5 February 2012):

This is verified as being by the original poster of the question

Thanks so much again for being so helpful and insightful. I think the anonymous reader had a point, it hit me last night that the times he is mean are when I'm vulnerable like when I'm sick and can't go out. But I also think there is a possibility that as well he is bi-polar. Miamine thanks so much for your candidness and honesty. My last boyfriend before my marriage was diagnosed bi polar and he really struggled. His father had it too. But he was so talented and passionate. And much more gentle and kind then my hubby.And you are right my husbands dad suffers from depression so I do see that genetic issue. I will talk to my doctor about it. But I am also going to see a therapist on Tuesday and start getting some help professionally to take care of myself because if I'm so unhappy I won't be any good as a mother if i don't get help.Miamine I believe what you say about people with bi polar having a good life, I just think you need to want to get help and I doubt my husband will agree. But we'll see. Thanks so much to all of you. You made me take a real good honest look at my life and marriage. Something I've not wanted to do but needed to. Cheers

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A female reader, Miamine United Kingdom +, writes (5 February 2012):

Miamine agony auntSince we are considering bi-polar, it's genetic.. so keep an eye on your kids.

And him being an workholic is making things worse.. stress, tiredness and overwork all make the condition worse.

And the idea that he knows exactly what he's doing... well you've been depressed, how much control did you have over your feelings and behaviour.

Get him to a doctor, then arrange to leave if you want to. But remember, you two have a child, he'll be in your life for a very long time. For your kids sake, it's important this man get treated. No you must not stay if your health is affected or if you've had enough. It's ok for you to leave him, mental illness is very hard on the other partner.

And yes, as you've guessed, I'm bi-polar.

Pity we did have another Bi-polar aunt here who wrote an wonderful article about it... her illness led her to hospitalization, drugs, and very negative things.. now her medication is sorted I can tell you that she's doing very well indeed.

It's an illness... unfortunately many people can't seem to understand.

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A reader, anonymous, writes (5 February 2012):

It's really up to you to decide what to do here and only you can do that and know the whole situation.

My opinion is that even if he is bipolar, this behavior is abusive and somewhat calculated because he waits until you're happy again and then he starts in with the nastiness. I don't think that follows a bipolar pattern really. I don't think the nasty part of his behavior will change even if some sort of medication helps him control his mood swings, but I could be wrong. So give it a shot and see if he is willing to address this in order not to lose his family.

Remember he became nasty quickly as soon as you became pregnant on your honeymoon, having a baby is also commonly what brings on abusive behavior for men.

Just consider that the longer you stay in this situation, the harder it will be to leave and the more you may end up giving up of your power, you've already given up your financial power. You could go another 5- 10 years hoping he will change, but there is a strong possibility he won't and you will be looking back wondering why did I waste that much more time being unhappy with him.

Good luck.

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A reader, anonymous, writes (4 February 2012):

This is verified as being by the original poster of the question

Yep I think you are right, I've had that feeling for years now at the back of my mind. 3 years ago I even got some books and it sounded like him. I did this quiz and it said he was. Guess I didn't want to admit it. Right now he is in the office frantically doing various jobs and he was going to pick up our takeaway food and he is 1/2 late because he is too busy to go. When i try to remind him he says "i'm busy!" loudly. Looks like I have to go get our cold food. Another relaxing saturday. :)

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A reader, anonymous, writes (4 February 2012):

This is verified as being by the original poster of the question

P.s. we've been through that routine tons of times.i have threatened to leave him so often he doesn't believe me anymore and he can be very charming when he is trying to win my hert back. And yes it is so wearing...:)

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A reader, anonymous, writes (4 February 2012):

This is verified as being by the original poster of the question

Thanks Natasha, this is why I need advice. I feel so torn, when he is nice he is seemingly the perfect husband. He makes my son laugh and laugh and he tries to please me as though he is making up for being so awful. He treats me to dinner, plans get togethers. And other than his anger problem we are a great team. We like the same decor, meals, books, movies..and we have the same financial goals and the same parenting wants of putting our child first. Today I told him I didn't understand why he is loving one day and cold the next. I told him I wish he could just be the same every day. He just laughed and said that would be boring. During this nice faze I can tell him anything and he promises to change and be better but then we end up right back here again. That is why I'm torn. And I know couples fight and are irritable but it's that he gets so mean and angry when he is. Dr Jekyll and mr Hyde is all I can say to describe it. I have often wondered if he is bipolar or something. He has a history of epilepsy from his youth so don't know if there is a connection. Anyway thanks that is why I put this up to hear different feedback and to figure out what to do. Cheers

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A female reader, Miamine United Kingdom +, writes (4 February 2012):

Miamine agony auntSorry... bi-polar can be controlled with medication, it may not be that you have to leave if he is treated and behaves better. Bi-polar can't be cured.

It is not true that he cannot change, (if he is bi-polar) and I know that for a fact... surprisingly, bi-polar people can have relationships, can control their symptoms and can get on with people.. (laugh)

But if you've had enough, contact the domestic abuse people and make arrangements to leave. But please, go to the doctor first and see if you can get this sick man some treatment.

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A female reader, Miamine United Kingdom +, writes (4 February 2012):

Miamine agony auntThis actually sounds like sickness, very few people act like this. Have you ever thought that he might be bi-polar? I suggest you go to your doctors and tell them how your husband behaves and ask their opinion about calling him in for a test.

So many things in his behaviour make me think that he's not well. It sounds like he's actually two different people, and add to that the workholic behaviour... yep, sounds like possible bi-polar, with the stress on the manic bit.

Go see a doctor and then think about what to do next.

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A female reader, natasia United Kingdom +, writes (4 February 2012):

natasia agony auntWell, I think that if he has 'long periods' (which I guess is probably weeks, if not months?' of showering you with gifts and being nice and not being bad at all, then he really can do it if he wants/needs to. So, given how badly you think your child would be affected by a split, I wonder whether it would be possible to cut some kind of deal with your husband.

Would he go to counselling?

Or, you (sounding pretty strong - well done, because this kind of life is unbelievably wearing) just tell him straight that either he cuts it out or you go. And then - importantly - if he starts again, you tell him straight away again that's it. I think there is possibly hope here.

Or, you say this is too exhausting and leave him. But as you say, that is easier than it sounds. Staying is easier than going. So maybe you have to make staying ok.

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A reader, anonymous, writes (4 February 2012):

This is verified as being by the original poster of the question

Thanks to both of you so much. I guess he knows I am seriously thinking about leaving as he is buying me flowers, showering me with compliments, telling me how much he loves me and pointing out all our happy times today, it makes it so hard. He promised he will never call me a name again in jest but I have to remember it is a pattern and when he thinks I'm happy again it all starts again. I'm sitting down with him again today and telling him what i want and need again. And this morning i called him downstairs to clean up all his garbage and he did it and said he just forgets so this one I won't let pass ever again. Anyway I really appreciate your advice and aunty Em no problem I re read it and realized I did sound insecure as i didn't put any reaction down except crying. I really appreciate you both taking the time to respond.

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A reader, anonymous, writes (4 February 2012):

I'm glad what I said helped. I do think the best thing is to leave asap. If you have family other than your father who can help or friends then stay with them.

If you're afraid of your husband's reaction to all of this then that means he could be more than just angry when you tell him you want out, so maybe it's best to just plan the whole after the fact. Just don't be around him during the transitional period when you are waiting for your home to sell etc. because as you say he may become a lot more angry and maybe violent, lets hope not, when he finds out.

This must be so hard with the situation with your child, but imo it really is best to get you and your child out of the situation, he may eventually start to direct anger towards your child also if he hasn't already.

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A female reader, AuntyEm United Kingdom +, writes (4 February 2012):

AuntyEm agony auntI apologise if I got you so wrong. Its really hard to get the big picture and we are just here to offer advice as we see it, so you have to forgive us if we dont nail it immediately. I am kinda glad you have good self esteem because that means when you really have had enough of the way your husband is behaving, you will act and let nothing stop you.

It's really hard when you have kids, especially ones with special needs and you must feel torn. It's a pity there is no perfect solution and you really do have a dilemma on your hands. I wish you lots of luck with the future and hope you find some peace and happiness for you and your child :-)

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A reader, anonymous, writes (4 February 2012):

This is verified as being by the original poster of the question

Ps. I should also say I immediately send my child to his room with no tv or computer when he calls me names and immediately tell my husband that it is unacceptable. Then he says "aw you know I'm joking. You know you are beautiful". I don't stand for it and say I will leave him if it continues so he promises me it will stop and he I'll change and for a long while it does and I think he's changed and then after he's showered me with gifts and nice nights out and affection, the whole pattern starts again. I am only now seeing that it is a pattern. Don't know why I didn't see it before...

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A reader, anonymous, writes (4 February 2012):

This is verified as being by the original poster of the question

Thanks the anonymous reader was a big help. As for aunty em she is wrong. I don't have low self esteem. I have already created the life she speaks of. I have a ton of supportive friends and hobbies and have created a seperate life for years. I am very attractive for my age and most people tell me I'm very strong and charismatic. For instance I never cleaned the fridge when he asked me yesterday and immediately left the room. I also go out sometimes but sometimes I can't because of my child. I also started my own business a couple yers ago and did empowerment classes for women. I stayed because as I said I had a special needs child who wasn't able to be in school until age 10. My child needed me and a divorce would have been too much of a setback. I gave up my business because we needed to be near a special school and had to move. I would never have stayed in this situation otherwise. I know I am a good catch as I am a caring parent, very nice, smart and attractive. It is very difficult when you are in a new small town with no job and need extra money for therapy for your child and feel trapped. Sorry I just had to clarify. I have let go of friends that were not good for me and even yesterday when my dad said something not nice to me as he's done my whole life I said "I am letting you go because this conversation is not working for me" and hung up. I just need help getting out of my marriage. I am most afraid of putting my child in a long bad situation while we wait to sell our one in a town where homes aren't moving,,,,my husband would then be very angry and I could permanently damage my child.

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A female reader, AuntyEm United Kingdom +, writes (4 February 2012):

AuntyEm agony auntI don't think your husband will change unless he knows beyond all doubt how unhappy and miserable you are. Saying that, some people never change, even if they face losing their family and I suspect he knows you are trapped (no job and looking after your little boy)so he has no reason to change.

Some women in this kind of situation make a life within a life. They find their own friends or a new hobby and find happiness through that. I know its hard because of your child but there are probably activities you could do with him to meet other people. You have low self esteem and its no surprise faced with living in that situation.

Perhaps get some self help books and read them when your husband is at work. They will help you gain some confidence so you can stand up to your husband or give you the courage to walk away from him when he is in a bad mood.

Millions of people, the world over are trapped in unsuitable marriages or face abuse and suffering on a daily basis. Many never manage to get away and just make the best of what they have. You need to focus on yourself for at least an hour a day. When your child is at school, take an exercise class (or do a fitness DVD at home)or do some yoga. Give yourself a mini make over and eat sensibly. Do things that will give you a boost and grow your confidence levels, then you won't feel like such a doormat and maybe your husband will see the changes in you and take notice.

We can't always tackle problems head on, sometimes we need to use our intuition and feminine whiles to get what we want. You need to change how you appear to your husband, show him how strong and determined you can be and show him that the tables are turning and that it is him who needs to be chasing you.

You sound like a very good wife and mother and if he lost you, he would regret it, so show him through your actions and the love and care of yourself that you are worth treating like a princess again.

Good Luck xxx

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A reader, anonymous, writes (4 February 2012):

I don't think you need me to tell you that your husband is abusive and suffers maybe from bipolar or something else. You should leave. He is not going to change and it will be worse for your child to grow up with this dr. jekyl behavior. Just leave and ask your family to help you until you get back on your feet again. You must have some finances from the sale of your home if you sold it after your marriage and you will get a financial settlement from your divorce and child support. Don't ever make yourself financially dependent on a man again, it is only one in a million where you can trust someone completely and if you have your own support it is much easier to leave a situation like this.

Life is too short to live in misery like this, it would be much better to be on your own without the stress of being constantly maltreated and threatened as you are. Good luck.

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