I am really just ranting as this is a rhetorical question, but my goodness, why does ALL the work have to be mine? My ADHD husband is unemployed. His days are filled with nothing and anything he wants, typically staring at a computer screen. I continue to work, parent and run the household.
Our oven just broke and we need a new one. I had to do all the work for the shopping and now that we have chosen one, he also doesn't want to set up the installation. I don't even know what I am talking about with the gas hookup and the electrical, but if I don't do the legwork with the contractors, we'll have a brand new uninstalled stove sitting in our kitchen forever. I am just so frustrated. I think it is because jobs like these are not at all in my comfort zone and I know he would be much better suited to speak to these installers. Did I figure it all out? Yes. And I'm proud of that and realize that if I were on my own, I would have do these types of things. But I'm not on my own. Can he just never step in, even when I express calmly that I need him and I would like him to do so? No, he can't. Won't. We are also repainting the exterior of our home. Despite this being another job not at all in my wheelhouse, I got all the quotes, met with all the contractors and made all the decisions. I asked him to step outside to give me an opinion on colour one day and he blew... that was asking too much. I couldn't even believe it. While I know what I'm dealing with and can keep my reactions in check for the most part these days, I threw down the samples and went on a long walk when he couldn't even give me a few minutes of his precious online time to have an opinion on the colour of our family home. I was struggling to choose a colour myself so my sister-in-law drove 2 hours round trip to help give me a second opinion. She even stopped at some paint stores to get some extra shades for me to consider beyond what the consultant from the painting company had recommended. I have been living with someone who is willing to do so little for me that I can't even believe it when someone does something extra for me like she did. I am now in a place where the smallest generosity from others moves me to tears (holding a door, lifting something heavy into my car). That's sad. How, how, HOW can some individuals with ADHD not see their off-the-charts levels of selfishness and self-absorption? As much as I understand about ADHD, I will never understand. And he is so pleased with himself. He fancies himself so smart and capable and accomplished.
I am always low-level frustrated about the household imbalance, his indifference towards me and ADHD symptoms, etc. But sometimes it gets to me and I just want to blow. This is one of those times.
Thanks to all the understanding people on this forum who always listen. It is comforting to have a place to vent..
((((Hugs))))
Submitted by c ur self on
Your awesome!....Never profile men based on your husband....I had to catch myself (thoughts and words) when reading this....You need to be loved and cherished....People like him should have to do everything for himself for a while...If there is any hope for him, that may be it....
It's very difficult to not expect our spouses to help out in life issues and responsibilities...But we are the only one's who suffer when we do....I decided a while back to enjoy (be happy and be at peace) the life I've been blessed to have...That mean's not expecting her to be any different than what she has shown me for 12 years now...I hope you can do the same...After reading your post's for so long, it's obvious you have a good heart, and just wanted someone to love and to share in life with you....It's all many of us ever wanted....
Praying for you!
Blessings Friend...
c
Thanks, C!
Submitted by 1Melody1 on
I really appreciate this. Your words, hugs and understanding help so much.
I think about your situation often, too, and hope things progress for the best, whatever that should mean.
Thanks again for the kind words of support and advice.
It's a tiring trap....
Submitted by c ur self on
It's just such an unrelenting trap to be married to a person who's only love is themselves (based on their life styles)...It bother's me more for some of you sweet people than for myself....IF a person is so unconcerned about their vows and responsibilities, you would think they would get their **** and get.....But most of them don't even care enough to do that...They just hang around and use our strengths for their personal survival....I'm feeling much better about people who walk away from a spouse who never showed up to start with...
c
They use our strength for
Submitted by nefun76 on
They use our strength for their personal survival Is just so apt! Mine always complimented me I was brilliant and he made me support his 5 businesss
This post brought back
Submitted by PoisonIvy on
This post brought back memories from when I was married. I understand your frustration, 1Melody1.
I still don't like doing things such as hiring people to work on the house and making investment decisions, all of which my ex has greater knowledge about, but I accept that doing these things is part of being an adult.
Agreed
Submitted by 1Melody1 on
I agree. And this marriage has prepared me to handle it all (to varying degrees of comfort as you've mentioned) when I leave it behind. There is something about being with someone who should be shouldering some of the load, but isn't. I would rather be alone and know it's all on me. If that makes sense! I will one day be where you are, I hope, and I hope that I will handle it as well as you have, PI.