Relationships
Dear Community,

Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.

If you have questions about this, please email help@theknot.com.

Thank you.

Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.

I don't even know where to start with DH

I am so annoyed with my DH and nothing seems to be getting through to him. We have been together 6 years, married two, and have an 8 month old. We are currently moving and looking for a new daycare. To say that I am stressed is an understatement. DH has not tried to find one daycare, has not packed one box, and can't even unload the flippin dishwasher. Every time I say anything he thinks I am joking or just ignores me. I feel like I am being walked all over and he doesn't care. Today we had an appointment to visit a Kindercare at 12:30. I taught summer school in the am and then the plan was that he would be ready with the baby and I would pick him up. He wasn't ready (in fact he was giving the baby a bath) and said he lost track of time playing video games while our son napped. I am always ready, organized, and have things planned. For once I want him to do some of this, but no matter how many times/ ways I say it nothing changes. Sorry for the long vent. Any idea on how to approach this?
Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker Anniversary LilySlim Weight loss tickers

Re: I don't even know where to start with DH

  • Oh really. He thinks you are joking?

    Have somebody watch the kiddo for the afternoon on a Saturday -- and then have a nice long fireside chat with him.

    Tell him loud and clear you are worn to a frazzle and that from here on in he equal parents the child and equal partnerships the marriage. And that's no ifts ands or buts about it.

    Sounds like he's always been lazy and unattentive and you just noticed it now, in the midst of the clutter and rush you are in.

    I'm serious: he needs to get a grip and start being a husband and a father, not a lazy middleschooler on vacation between 7th and 8th grades.

  • My husband is the same way sometimes. He will do really well and help me with anything I need, then out of nowhere it's like he reverts back into child mode where he is lazy, unhelpful and just seems to ignore everything I say and act like it's not a big deal. I have found that the best way to approach the situation so far is to set aside a time, like the above person said, to sit down and talk with no distractions. Also, remain calm (even though I know that can be very difficult) and avoid any tone of voice that might put him into a defensive mode. It's really sad that we have to do this, because DH's should be grown up enough to handle being told what they are doing wrong, but I know my DH at times can't. Explain to him that you don't expect him to do all the work, but share it as equally as possible because you are so worn out. Also, try to find specific examples of both positive and negative things that he does. Don't just say "you never help", but instead bring up the example of when he lost track of time and didn't have the baby ready, and give him suggestions for improvement, like setting an alarm to remind him, etc. The more positively you can approach the situation, the better he will react. Men want to feel like they are the provider and that they are making you happy, and it might just be that since you've taken everything over (maybe without even realizing or meaning to), that he didn't know what else to do then sit back. Good luck!

    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker


    Pregnancy Ticker
  • I should also add that I complettely understand your frustration with trying everything and it not working. This approach works best for me, but since my DH is so stubborn, it only works some of the time. Just be patient and try it a few times, and if it doesn't stop, then he might need to be told more bluntly. Also, at least for my DH, he only responds to, and listens to, EXACT examples or instructions. For being the "logical" gender, they really are clueless at times! :P

    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker


    Pregnancy Ticker
  • I totally agree I need to have a sit down convo, now it is just a matter of making it happen. He just informed me over text that he agreed to work this weekend. I just can't even believe his thoughtlessness, but I guess I will be finishing packing on my own and watching the baby, awesome. I get pretty snarky which I'm sure doesn't help. I have to think pp was right and he has always been this way and I just noticed. He truly does act like a middle schooler.  I just hope he can change because this is not working....
    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker Anniversary LilySlim Weight loss tickers
  • imagemeganjoey0728:
    I totally agree I need to have a sit down convo, now it is just a matter of making it happen. He just informed me over text that he agreed to work this weekend. I just can't even believe his thoughtlessness, but I guess I will be finishing packing on my own and watching the baby, awesome. I get pretty snarky which I'm sure doesn't help. I have to think pp was right and he has always been this way and I just noticed. He truly does act like a middle schooler.  I just hope he can change because this is not working....


    Sis, some bad news:

    He will not be changing.

    What about Sunday? He very badly needs an ass-kicking of a lecture by you.

    If he won't get his act together, bad news -- this is also a character issue. Being a spouse also means making sure that your partner is 100% happy and satisfied. You are not happy and satisfied with this situation and he is doing nothing to ensure you are happy and satisfied.

    He is saying loud and clear "It's okay for my wife to pull the whole load because I don't care if she does. I'll do as I please."

     

     

  • Don't "back him in the corner" and unleash the "You this, you that, you, you , you!!!" Men HATE that and they get very defensive and honestly you will get nowhere.

    Sit down and have a serious talk and try using a different approach ("I feel____ because of ____"). Communication is key and if he thinks it is a joke he needs to wake up! Make sure he knows you are serious and keep calm no matter what. Do not get defensive either as that never goes well.

     

    TTC#2 with my hero, my inspiration, my United States Marine! Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker Image and video hosting by TinyPic
  • imageTarponMonoxide:

    imagemeganjoey0728:
    I totally agree I need to have a sit down convo, now it is just a matter of making it happen. He just informed me over text that he agreed to work this weekend. I just can't even believe his thoughtlessness, but I guess I will be finishing packing on my own and watching the baby, awesome. I get pretty snarky which I'm sure doesn't help. I have to think pp was right and he has always been this way and I just noticed. He truly does act like a middle schooler.  I just hope he can change because this is not working....


    Sis, some bad news:

    He will not be changing.

    What about Sunday? He very badly needs an ass-kicking of a lecture by you.

    If he won't get his act together, bad news -- this is also a character issue. Being a spouse also means making sure that your partner is 100% happy and satisfied. You are not happy and satisfied with this situation and he is doing nothing to ensure you are happy and satisfied.

    He is saying loud and clear "It's okay for my wife to pull the whole load because I don't care if she does. I'll do as I please."

     

     

    THIS!! He will NOT change! My ExH never changed and I felt like I was raising 2 kids! It is unhealthy for a marriage!  I completely agree with Tarpon on this one!!!

    TTC#2 with my hero, my inspiration, my United States Marine! Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker Image and video hosting by TinyPic
  • Maybe you should ask yourself, how can I serve my husband today? Then he might think more often about how he could be serving you in your marriage. I understand moving sucks but tearing him down will get you nowhere! Men have to be built up. The tongue has the power of life and death for your marriage, so use it with caution.
Sign In or Register to comment.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards