This marriage is a punishment

That’s what it feels like anyway. He’s always in a bad mood and can’t get over previous stuff that’s happened (me being rude to his mum 2 years ago, she deserved it she was taking liberties). today I nearly booked a holiday for us and kids - so glad I didn’t do it as he came home in a mood as usual and bought something up which happened a couple of weeks ago where he thought I was being rude to his friend and then he was like, “you were being rude to him like you were rude to my mum” I though t WTF???

What I feel like saying to him is I have had enough, you can’t get over past stuff and your always moody, I don’t want to live my life like this, I want you to move out!! also: I don’t even like you, we have nothing in common, your family take the p*ss.

But I’m too weak weak weak to do it and just keep ignoring the problem.

Any advice?

Re: This marriage is a punishment

Do you have kids together?

Re: This marriage is a punishment

Cant you go to your parents for a few weeks? Is it possible to talk to him about how you feel?
how long have u been together now?

I think a vacation would be a really good idea.. consider going somewhere relaxing. It seems like you guys just need to get back to spending time with each other and relaxing up a little.

Did you apologize to his mother for being rude? How is she with you now? I know that there are evil MILs and it's hard to control your emotions at times. But you can deal with problems by keeping your tone in check, defend yourself and not insult the other person... though it is difficult. You could have a talk with him about forgiveness, bring up religious views on it. Just like how you're saying you want him to move out, basically get out of your life... maybe he's thinking the same but doesn't want to address it directly, and is clinging onto the past to create problems?

Don't ignore the problem. Talk things out with him, work your marriage out. Figure out why he's being moody- is it you, his job, money, stress, etc. You have kids, they'll see how you two are behaving. Maybe he's stressed out and you two need a vacation.

Re: This marriage is a punishment

I think going to marriage counselor will help. I know most desi people think oh these "goras/ (fill in the blank with any other race) dont know about the pakistani/indian culture but you will be surprised. You need someone to get to the bottom of his bad moods...You should seek professional help BEFORE you consider leaving him or a separation... is he willing to go to a marriage counselor?

Re: This marriage is a punishment

^ :k:

Maybe start doing the same to him ? During random times....when he's least expecting it.......bring up his past mistakes. Do it deliberately enough times during the week.....so he gets the message. And who knows? Maybe he will. If not, you need to sit down and talk to him. Do you have children? If so, you'll have to factor their welfare into the situation as well.

But talk to him.....about how his actions make you feel. Maybe explain to him the concept of forgiveness/tolerance/humans being prone to making mistake from an Islamic **point of view.......that might make him wake up. Explain to him that we are encouraged to forgive others because we make mistakes ourselves.........and throwing past mistakes (those that took place two years ago) into someone's face over and over again is like VERBAL/EMOTIONAL/PSYCHOLOGICAL ABUSE. Yes, I think you should use the word **abuse. And tell him that human nature isn't perfect and expecting one to be perfect in speech, behavior, attitude, mannerisms.....is not only unreasonable but may indicate control issues. Let him know that it's hurtful to you......and to the marriage. Let him know that whenever he throws the past in your face............you won't listen to it anymore.

Maybe the reason why he keeps torturing you with the past is because you area always there to quietly listen to him.....or perhaps you keep displaying through your body language that you feel guilty/apologetic. This in turn gives him power. So, take the power away. Tell him that you've apologized and you've moved on from it. In the future.........IF.......he brings up the past.........simply walk away. Don't respond....walk away. He can't continue his whining....if you're not going to be around to listen to it.

^Maybe seek counseling if things are that bad. If you've tried the above suggestions/counseling, etc...........tell him that you need to take a vacation because this negative environment is taking a toll on you.....and that while you're away.......he can think about what he wants to do with this marriage. Then take a break.......give him a break to think about issues as well.

Or try rekindling the spark in the marriage again. Maybe display gestures that you care about him.........and that might help.

I dunno....I have zero marital experience and that's all I can come up with. While there are two sides to a story...........I feel that (based upon your post) that your husband has some control issues. Maybe the married members of GS can give some practical insight based upon their experience.

I think I saw it on Oprah once... but it was advised that when there is a problem between a married couple and you can't talk about it, then write a letter. But don't write in the letter what the spouse did (like YOU did this and that to me) instead say how you FEEL. It's suppose to be more effective because often we don't realize how hurt the other person is by our actions.

Agree with Soundi.

Were you in the wrong with this mother? If so, did you apologize to her? If your MIL is horrible toward you...........she's not going to change unless she decides to snap out if herself. If she's made up her mind to hate you...there's nothing you can do change her. Bottom line: You can't change her. And frequently stressing over someone who isn't going to change is only going to take its toll on YOU. And who knows? Maybe your MIL wants you to get upset....maybe she wants her comments/actions to get under your skin. Don't give her the satisfaction. You can't change her but you can change how you react to her. Simply....don't react to her. Kill her with kindness. When the offender sees that we're calm as a cucumber and happy as a clam......it burns them. I know it's easier said than done.....but if your MIL is the main source of contention here.....try not to let her get to you.

Yes, writing is an option besides talking. It's even suggested to start off with positive points about the individual before addressing the areas of concern....and that you're supposed to use "I" messages as opposed to those beginning with "You did this and that." There are so many suggestions.

I know that sometimes if we give a person a taste of their own medicine....it CAN (not a guarantee) help them see how foolish they're behaving. It's like presenting a mirror. I know teachers may imitate a student's negative behavior on purpose.....so the student can SEE/Hear/Feel what he or she looked or sounded like when they were crossing the line. Sometimes it sends the offender a jolt of realization where they think "Gosh....that's how immature I acted?" Yikes!"
For many situations, a variety of strategies can be used. And sometimes when one strategy has lost its effectiveness....you have to try something else.

Re: This marriage is a punishment

I jus feel very very trapped. i hate confrontation and the consequences of actually speaking your mind......so I just use avoidance. we spend weeks and weeks where we aren't really talking to each other. the children are too young to realise at the moment.

I don't know if MIL is evil or not but as i mentioned earlier she has taken major liberties with me that have caused loads of stress and bad feeling between me and my husband. But he doesn't see those things as taking liberties so doesn't understand my behaviour towards her. I have no respect for her and never will. I can see how this is upsetting for him as its his mother and as far as he's concerned she hasn't done anything wrong.

Re: This marriage is a punishment

what exaclty happened with the MIL....

And somethings are hard to get over...did you ever discuss this with him....

no matter what my mum or dad would say to my husband i would never tolerate him attacking back...same with him...i would never dream of saying ANYTHING no matter what his mum dad do, to them in an unappropriate manner..

but do tell us what she did so we can try putting this into perspective..

Seek a marriage counselor asap. Go to your masjid Imam even and talk it out in front of him.

MILs are nothing to deal with if and when the relationship between husband and wife is strong.

You have children that will soon grow up and see this. The negativity WILL transfer over into their lives.

One more thing: Marriage is not supposed to be lived as a punishment. Yes, sometimes there will be stages when "nibhana" is more important than anything else. However, the overall relationship is still healthy and able to conquer those periods of negativity. If you're married, living with someone 24/7, sharing a life with them, have kids with them, etc., you might as well find a way to make it work for you. You might as well find the source of his unhappiness and see if you can do anything about it to relieve the atmosphere in your home.

Good luck :)

Re: This marriage is a punishment

I agree. Get a third party, or just talk to him. I like the pointing out his mistakes but he'll prob take it the wrong way and get even madder.

Re: This marriage is a punishment

Give him a big bear hug... that works sometimes

What she means is to get a bear (grizzly) to "hug" him.

Re: This marriage is a punishment

go on vacations ..without him

I think you pretty much highlighted the issue, lack of communication is letting all this frustration and anger build inside the two of you. is it really all about the mother in law and that one incident or is that becoming just a convenient excuse to start a fight? you guys really need to talk it out.

Re: This marriage is a punishment

Is he bunning?