My husband and I have been married almost 3 years. We live with his aging father full time because he has had a stroke about 5 years ago and recently was told he's no longer able to drive. We do everything for him. He is still in his right mind most of the time, and can still do things for himself (when his lady friend doesn't come over and baby him and do everything for him). The deal is my father in laws daughter lives less than 1/2 a mile from here, we can't get her to help with him, or even take him for an hour so that we can get away, his lady friend comes once a week and we leave for a while so that is some help. I guess what my problem is, is my life is here taking care of my father in law, I do laundry, order meds, clean up after him, cook for him, take him to drs. appts. and on top of that listen to him ridicule me and order me around. He doesn't tell people i'm his daughter in law, he says i'm his maid or his driver. Yes it hurts my feelings, i am full of resentment that my husband can go take care of the cattle and not have to deal with him all day long, and his own daughter will not help out, I even scrub feces out of the carpet and clean pee sheets. Hubby refuses for us to go to counseling, get home health care or anything else that may help, I have had to cancel so many of my own dr appts. because his father would refuse to go with me. My husband also gives me guilt trips saying I act like its so much work to take care of everything here. My resentment grows....I feel I have no "out" my out is when I go shower I stay there and just cry. We had our little grand daughter here at Christmas for a week, she's my biological grand daughter and hubby's step grand daughter. I would get up to make her breakfast, but hubbys dad would want his first, so I would have to do everything for him FIRST. Never mind a hungry 3 year old. It's getting to the point my husband and I fight every day over his dad, when I get my feelings hurt over how his father talks to me, my husband tells me to get over it and quit crying like a child. I'm sorry everybody, I'm full of love to give, but I resent everything, his is not MY father, I don't feel I should have to put up with everything that I have to put up with and yet everybody else gets the praise and glory that THEY are the ones that do everything, I had counseling set up for myself, again I had to cancel it because nobody wants to sit here and be burdened with THEIR father. I'm ready to throw the towel in and tell them all to fend for themselves.
Here is a website and you probable have a local batter-emotional abuse women shelter near you if push comes to shove. Here is one website that may help you or at least be able to direct you in the right way.
We Need to teach our DAUGHTERS the difference between a man who FLATTERS HER and a man who COMPLIMENTS her. A man who SPENDS MONEY on her and a man who INVESTS in her. A man who views her as PROPERTY and a man who views her PROPERLY. A man who LUSTS after her and a man who LOVES her. A man who believes HE is GOD'S GIFT to women and a man who remembers A WOMAN was GOD'S GIFT to MAN. And then teach OUR SONS to be that kind of man.
I loved that !!! Hope you did. It's so well stated. What do ya think?
Continue to do and think the way that you are doing. We teach people how to treat us so continue to teach BOTH of them just the way YOU want to be treated. You have a good heart and attitude - never think that you are asking for 'too much' because it's apparent that it's in your nature to ask for too little. yeah !!! I'm happy for you. Your husband just showed you he 'can' take pop's with him so when you feel you need time, there's nothing wrong with you requesting that of him as well.
Maybe your sister-in-law doesn't come over to care for her father because he treats her badly too. It sounds like the male family members tend to think women are they to serve and don't deserve appropriate respect. Or maybe she thinks her brother is going to get everything that Dad owns so he can deal with it.
You say your FIL is in his right mind most of the time, but still he pees on the floor and you have to scrub crap out of the carpet. It that's his right mind then he is a disgusting pig. He needs adult diapers.
How long have you been single? I understand that you feel you love your husband and you may also feel that your age is against you in finding a happier relationship and unsure about being alone again. But, it sounds like you are very alone in this relationship. You may be thinking that it will all get better when Dad dies, but I think that could just be a justification you are holding onto. A hope for the future, much like you had when you married this man.
I'm not advising you to leave your husband, but if I was, I would agree that you should attempt to have some cash in your pocket and leave when your husband is gone. You can call him when you are far enough away and advise him to look out for his dad. Does your husband have a cell phone? Would his father call him the minute you left?
I don't think you are in a relationship that meets your needs. Relationships have to be good for both parties. What have your husband's past relationships been like. Has there ever been any violence or rumored violence? I don't want to jump the gun on that one, but you should have a sense of his potential and you have to answer that question honestly. If you find yourself making excuses for him, then the answer is yes.
If you are absolutely certain that your husband is not a violent man, then you should tell him that you will be gone between the hours of such and such and he will have to be with his dad, have his sister come over, his children come over, or dad can be on his own. You, however, will not be there. End of discussion. Don't cry or beg, just state the facts and then do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I say this with a little anxiety.
You do have to reclaim your life. You do have a lot of love to give, I can see that. Don't waste it on people who don't return it to you. You need to visit your children and your grandchildren. You need some freedom to enjoy your life. And you need to be in an environment where you receive kind treatment and respect.
Something in my gut says you really should leave. Put some distance between you and them. Don't let your heart keep you in a bad place. Be careful please.
I've asked you a lot of personal questions. I take what you are saying seriously and I care about you. I hope you get back to us.
Love to you.
I wouldn't argue with your husband anymore
Do not return to him. Do not listen to him beg you to return. Do not believe anything he says. He is only using you as a caregiver for his Father.
This is not love. You have been deceived into marrying him.
Just know that the longer you stay there, the harder it will be to leave.
RUN .... !
Thank you,
Rebecca
Accepting this kind of abuse is unhealthy, and I don't see your health improving while you are in this environment.
After you've been gone a while, get some counselling. Get on your feet. Stop crying in the shower. You are are worthy, unique, and valuable individual. You deserve respect, starting with self respect. Make it happen!
Your husband is taking advantage of you. Please see a councelor or someone who can give you some good advice. How do your children feel about this man? I am so sorry you feel you have to put up with this behavior.
And I agree with kathleenbrandl's comments.
He will use and abuse you as long as you allow it. Leave. Get your life back, stay with your daughter, reinvent yourself and beware: He will probably beg you back - but you must demand an entirely different situation or don't do it. Actions are louder than words, don't forget that. You must take your power back. He is very selfish and feeling entitled to your compassion. If he also feels that your lack of finances is trapping you into his little plan - Go and know that you can and will make a new beginning - enjoying yourself once again and the family you brought into this world.
Begin immediately standing up for yourself and your needs or you'll end up a convenience and not an equal partner. Give yourself time off and away - and let your husband make alternative arrangements for his father. He should be more than willing to do this for you.