How many couples divorce over elder care?

Maybe it's better ti assess your relationship outside of this availability problem, since you told us it could happen to you too quite soon. Is your husband grateful ? It could mean a lot. I remember having a teacher once who confided that he was particularly grateful to his wife because she had been a helping hand in caring for his late mother, and even taking her in their home for a while. It added strength to the couple. Maybe make your husband understand you would appreciate thanks, you appreciate he can be counted upon et you know he may have to help you soon with your own side of the family (believe me, doing it alone is no fun at all). But then if it isn't possible, maybe there are other issues in the relationship and counseling may be a way.

Time to make some new friends. Expand your horizons, take up a hobby, join a social group. Don't expect your husband to fulfill your need for interesting activity. You are responsible for that. I am not diminishing the effect that your husband's caregiving has had on you at all. And yes, seeing a therapist on your own (if he won't come) is beneficial. But no matter what, you need to feel emotionally and intellectually satisfied at the end of the day, and that is up to you. If you can create a social life that helps you feel stronger, that is a win-win. As far as your husband is concerned, have you tried to plan a one or two night trip to a spa retreat that the two of you can take? Make the plans on paper, and suggest it to him. Just a couple of days of complete respite. Shape it so that he thinks it is for him, to recharge. Nothing to do with any of your worries. The point is, he doesn't even know what he needs at this point. A short two or three day vacation from everything to do with caregiving might give him a little perspective. If he sees that the world kept turning while he was away and there was no ill effect, he might be open to another.

Old saying: A marriage and a bank account are alike in that both are good as long as the interest is kept up. I quit my job and cared for my father in law for 2 years, even after he made the choice to not get out of bed, ever! After 9 months of that my husband saw that I was exhausted, depressed and feeling overwhelmed. He insisted we look for a place for him. We were connected with a person who interviewed us about Dad, took us to your several private home care placed and assisted with getting him moved. It was close to my husband's work so he saw him regularly and I visited several times a week. He was there 3 years until he passed away this past November. I went back to work after a couple month of rest. My husband was grateful for the time I took care of his dad but also realized when my breaking point was near. You marry a person and acquire a family by default. But, your marriage should come first. It has to be tended and nourished in order to flourish-- with or without caregiving in the mix. Don't throw in the towel, try to participate, offer emotional support and a few words of appreciation for the way he is caring for his dad. It could lift his burden and open the door to a really good conversation.

You have stated that your feelings about neglect very well. I would encourage you to see a councilor for your own coping. I am currently reading 'The Kindness Challenge" by Shaunti Feldhahn which claims to change relationships in 30 days through consistent application of kindness. I have some difficult relationships with some family members that I am going to "experiment" on. Maybe it would help you too.

My wife and I went through care of our parents together for six years. My mother was the last one, and by far the hardest. She was extremely narcissistic and nasty. She was in facilities, but even then there were constant phone calls and issues. It definitely affected me. I was not the nicest person in the world, and I drank excessively. I really did not care if I lived. But still I went to see her and help her. My wife, somehow, remained supportive. Just a few encouraging words or sympathy from her meant a lot to me at the time. It was very difficult, but we somehow made it through. I did finally realize that you do not owe anyone your life, even your parents. But it is hard to act on that and loosen the strings.
In my case I also tried to hold on being a misguided martyr because deep down I knew mother was going to pass soon, and that I would be next.
Do not judge him too harshly, he is probably going through emotional torture. And many men do not want to waste time dealing with emotions, nor do we have the tools to do so. Most men I know hate the idea of therapy which we see as an intrusion. If he was a good husband before, he is probably dealing with some issues that are not only unfamiliar, but are also irritating and annoying to discuss.
For us the breaking point came when my wife tried to help and was verbally attacked by my mother. Repeatedly. That put things in perspective for me real quickly.

I don’t think you’re being selfish at all. I’ve been going through this with my wife for a long time. She cares for her mother, who will turn 101 in two months. She lives right next door to us and has dementia. My wife (and I) check in her about 5 times a day. My wife cooks for her, gives her medications, does laundry, etc. we both do her shopping and I have to take care of her house. I’m 61, retired, and want to enjoy life traveling but my wife has no interest- she’s committed to her mother first, I’m clearly #2. My wife won’t even consider putting her mother in assisted living, where she definitely belongs. We can’t take vacations or travel together (have t for years) so I just travel by myself- whenever and wherever I like. Her mother is in very good physical health so this situation could go on for years to come. As I often tell my wife, she’s made a choice for herself- to live her “golden years” caring for her mother into her 100’s. We’ve been taking care of her for 30+ years now and feel I’ve done more than many men would. I’ve had quite enough and I’m not going to sacrifice the rest of my life (however many good years I have left) taking care of her mother, who has led a very long and joyful life. I figure it’s my turn now- and it sounds like you might be ready to make a similar choice. With many of my friends my age dying of cancer and other terrible diseases, I’ve decided it could end at any time now and I’m gonna live as much as I can. I don’t think you’re being selfish at all. Let your husband do his thing while you do yours. Best of luck to you

No. No. And No.

You are NOT making too big an issue of this - I would have felt the same. My position was the opposite and it was me assisting my dad. I was fortunate that I was able to place my father in my front yard in a mobile home. I was fortunate that my DH had a garden in front of the mobile home and he would tell me to go over and visit with my father.

Occasionally I would remind my DH that anything I was willing to do for my father, I would do even more for him. When my father said he was surprised at how my DH was willing to share me with him, I just said I am wherever I am needed. My father said he understood that DH came first and I stopped dead in my tracks and said, "No. Whoever needs me more will always come first."

If your husband will not listen to reason, than you will have to decide what to do - even if it means divorce. I don't like divorce, but I am not stupid and I know that sometimes it IS the answer. You deserve to be happy.

YOU Deserve to be Happy!

Five years ago my husband moved his parents from their home several states away, to the house next door to us when his mother got progressively worse with Parkinson's disease. At the time my siblings and I were also contending with my father who was going down the slippery slope of dementia. It was a lot. Both my husband and I were working, and taking full care of his parents, and my father (I had help with sisters and brothers, and my dad was in a facility). My husband was with his parents most of every day. When he wasn't with them, he was worried about how they were doing.
They are all gone now.
I look back on the dedicated work we did with all three. I feel a great satisfaction having done our best by all of them, and nothing can contend with this feeling. Everyone had to sacrifice, on this journey. I spent much time alone in my house, and actively sought ways to keep myself busy. I also contributed to my in-laws' care, because, as one woman commented here, I saw my marriage as marrying not just my husband, but his family as well. His parents were always good to me and my children, and for that I am grateful.
I did feel neglected at times. I did feel sometimes resentful. But now I am glad that I overlooked the feelings of neglect, and pushed on, overcoming my self-absorption. It is what I hope for from my kids and their spouses, in my hour of need.
One thing I kept in mind was that 'this will not last forever." It didn't. Everyone has since passed on, and my marriage has been enhanced.
Trying to live the below prayer helped:

Litany of Humility (1880)

O Jesus, meek and humble of heart!
Jesus, hear me.
From the desire of being esteemed, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being loved, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being sought, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being honored, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being praised, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being preferred, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being consulted, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being approved, Deliver me, Jesus,
From the desire of being considered, Deliver me, Jesus,
From the fear of being humbled, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being despised, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being rebuffed, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being calumniated, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being forgotten, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being ridiculed, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being wronged, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being suspected, Deliver me, Jesus.
That others may be loved more than I, Jesus, grant me the grace to wish.
That others may be esteemed more than I, Jesus, grant me the grace to wish.
That others may grow in the opinion of the world and I diminish, Jesus, grant me the grace to wish.
That others may be employed and I set aside, Jesus, grant me the grace to wish.
That others may be praised and I forgotten, Jesus, grant me the grace to wish.
That others may be preferred before me in everything, Jesus, grant me the grace to wish.
That others may be more holy than I, provided I am as holy as I can be, Jesus, grant me the grace to wish.

God bless you in your efforts.

I think your father-in-law should move in with you all if he requires a lot of time and care because an occasional visit just is not going to cut the cake. Either you put up with it as in "for better or worse," or get a divorce because aging parents requiring care are just a part of the life experience. I took care of my mom for over 15 years due to Alzheimer's disease and pretty much sacrificed my entire life for mum until she died age 90 because I love her dearly. Mom lived a very good comfortable life. She really did even though she was total care. I had to PEG tube feed her, do daily dressing changes for her tube (it never had a single complication), give her insulin and do accuchecks, turn her, clean her up, even induce bowel movements several times a week, because her Alzheimer's was so severe she could not even do that. Every single day I used a Hoyer lift and put her in the living room chair and daily breathing treatments, because she liked it there, then back to bed hours later. I changed her diapers at least 5 times a day. , and let me tell you this--if I had to choose between my mom and marriage my MOM COMES FIRST. Period. Does that answer your question well enough?

Married the entire time I did all the care because I could never expect my spouse to do that level of care and I was used to it. He watched her so I could work sometimes--he was a life saver.

My husband was very supportive and helped me care for mom the entire time, and mum became like his mum too. My opinion either you share the care as your FIL is part of your family or get divorced and move on with someone else who has no living parents left. If you still have your parents you may have to care for them and if your next husband leaves you because of your parents what goes around comes around...except you will know how it feels like to be abandoned by your spouse because of your own invalid parent(s).

I'm not trying to do a guilt trip but family is family and sharing the burden and responsibilities is all part of the family unit.

Other people have posted something along these lines but this is my two cents worth. I went through this with my husband (now ex) when he was taking care of an uncle that no one would look after. It started out okay, but got to be more difficult so he placed his uncle in an assisted living facility. The intake nurse was a clever cookie and quickly assessed my husbands level of stress and the fact the uncle was well off financially. Long story short she started an affair with my husband that lasted 5 years. I had no clue because even though I would go to help out occasionally (I also worked) she was just one of the nurses assumed. He eventually divorced me after 38 years of marriage thinking that nurse would marry him. BTW the nurse was a year younger than his oldest daughter! But no she stayed with her husband and two children. We ended up losing everything, marriage, money, love, one child who refuses to talk to either one of us.
My advice is to dig deep into what he is doing. Check all the care givers and trust no one. I know that sounds harsh but if I could go back in time that is just what I would do. Good luck to you.

I have read both good and bad advice here. I understand your pain and feelings of being neglected. I also know what it feels like to be the sole caregiver. I have absolutely no help. Most times by the time I am finished taking care of my mother and my own household duties, I have little leftover to give to my husband. What a difference it would make if he would pitch in and help me some. Maybe instead of resenting your husband’s helping your father-in-law, you could share the load with him. That would endear you to your husband and a shared duty would be less of a burden for your husband to bear alone. Help add some fun to his and your father-in-law’s life. Bring or make some ice cream for all of you. Join in a game of dominoes. You could be be a heroine in this situation. Maybe if your husband had a little more help from you, he would have a little more of himself to give to you.
I don’t mean to sound un compassionate to your situation, I am only trying to help you look at it from the caregiver’s perspective. Be proud of your husband. Many men would not have the compassion to help their father. Try helping your husband and see that he also has needs that you can help with. Also after a while if you see things improving, gently remind your husband that while you appreciate the kind of man he is, you also have needs. Maybe After helping him with his father, you two can go on a little date together. You will probably have to plan it, but it could still be enjoyed together.

I think divorce probably is higher among caregivers because it is stressful for everyone and can bring out the underlying selfishness in people, but it can also, by the grace of God , help you to see the best in people. Just remember that this time is only for a season. It won’t last forever. Your husband will probably be there for you when you might be the one who needs a caregiver.

Hi Liz!
Although I haven’t had the experience in marriage as you I can tell you about a parallel situation during my own marriage. However, this is coming from the other side of the coin.

In my case, I took on the “responsibility” of caring for my father. Although he wasn’t a senior yet, a lot of issues concerning his heath and mental health were addressed during this stage.
It was a very hard place for me and my marriage. My husband was very understanding at first, but soon he began to realize that my fathers issues were never ending (after two years). Even I felt very frustrated after 4 years plus into doing almost everything for him even though he didn’t live with us.

It was tiresome on him but even more on myself. I felt I was loosing whatever freedom I had based on obligation and being the “good” daughter. I felt depressed, I was arguing internally within myself and externally with my husband. I relied on my husband for emotional stability to keep my things together.

What I can tell you is that my husband finally had his breaking point. Marriage is hard even without all the caregiving, imagine with it. Soon he started to disconnect from our relationship. I felt so sad, because I felt so alone during this moment with the constant stresses of life, caregiving, and marriage issues. Finally he laid on the conversation, he let me know he wasn’t happy. Actually this was pretty recent. I finally had an epiphany. My priorities were all screwed up. My priority should be myself , my well being, my marriage, my life... it was really hard to understand this with everything going on, but the shock of loosing such an important part of myself (my husband) and my own happiness was truly worse than the obligation I have felt.

Perhaps your husband feels this this sense of obligation and guilt of loosing his parent? I have gone to therapy since, however what has truly helped has been my concern for myself and my own well being and my relationship that is important to me. I shifted my priorities, due to the fact that I was suffering and thus my marriage was suffering. Talk with your husband, go to therapy on your own. Choose your own happiness. Sometimes when we shift our own priorities with what we need things shift.

Sending lots of hugs !❤️

Unfortunately, there are no easy solutions. You know that your husband feels a strong obligation to help his parents. He probably has the same sense of obligation and love toward you. He is caught between a rock and a hard place. You both express anger. Your anger seems to evolve around missing the husband you had prior to the illnesses of his parents. He maybe expressing angry because he so upset about the suffering of his Dad, etc. And frustration of not taking care of you and your marriage. You can't force him into therapy or to go to a support system. Perhaps, you need to get yourself into therapy to sort through your thoughts and feelings.

Sounds like he has checked out of your relationship. He may be finding friendship/companionship with the caretakers since he is spending so much time at his Dad’s house. My two cents.

It is difficult. But we are all aging and someday we will also need support. Hopefully our children or family members will be as understanding and as supportive as your husband is to his family.

While he’s gone, go to a movie, invite friends over for lunch, go for a walk. If you divorce would it make you any happier? Where would you go? I know you’re hurting and have every right to be but you can make a better life for yourself by doing things you like to do. Live a divorced life while being married. My husband has Alzheimer’s and is blind. He was married to his job. He worked away for 14 years and came home once a month for years then moved 300 miles closer for his job and came home on weekends. I had to learn to find my path alone. I have 4 kids so I couldn’t just pull up stakes and go with him.

My father suffers from LBD/Parkinsons. We believe we are in the last stage. He has a paid caregiver, and yes we are very fortunate as well. I go visit him every day I am in NJ. My grandkids live in Boston and I visit them once a month, sometimes more. I do the grocery shopping, bills, meds, doctor visits, etc for him. I promised him I would be there until the end. My boyfriend recently said to me, I feel like I come in 2nd with your family. I said, that's true, you do. My father is dying, he still smiles when I walk in the door, even though he cannot really speak anymore, he still manages to say I love you when I leave. His day consist of going from the bed to a lounge chair everyday. If my presence brings him an ounce of joy, I'm going. This is a tough time for my family. My boyfriend goes to work everyday, I still do the cooking, cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping, etc for my boyfriend and I. I also take care of my grandkids every time I am asked (they really come first lol) This is what someone does. They help take care of their family especially when they need it. Believe me, your husband feels like he is being pulled in 100 million different directions and he's trying to please everyone. He also feels guilty if he is not helping with his dad b/c it could be his last day with his dad. I get all these emotions. Try to place yourself in his shoes, its not easy!!! What are you going to do when your parent need help? Wouldn't you want your husband to be supported of you?

Why don't you ask your husband if you can have date night once a week.

Morning , as I can fully understand your frustration in this situation I can also let you know when my back was up against the wall I totally relied on God and pray to take care of this battle .. hearing your story put me back into a place I left .. but I didn’t leave my marriage that’s not what God had for me , what God did for me was changed me into accepting some things , changing my husband in somethings and blessing the marriage / covenant that I took vows on almost 20 years ago .. For better or worse , in sickness or health .. I know it may sound corny , but I knew God would make a better way for us and He has .. can’t give you the magic pill , can’t tell you The change will take place over night , but I can tell you as a living testimony that God does answer prays and your story was what I was living until I decided to fully rely on God to fix my marriage , and I trusted God enough to let Him fix it .. but be prepared for the changes He makes in you before your prays will be answered
if you want your marriage after 30 years , and your truly do love your husband then you will allow God to deal with it and put it back together .. don’t give up until you give the marriage to God

trust Him .. He would not bring you this far to leave you in darkness.. He is the light let Him shine in you and restore the life within you
🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

I have to wonder how this marriage was before the husband's caregiving began. I wonder if husband is grateful to be away from home for a while every day. Is he more nurtured by his father's caregivers than by his wife? Lots of questions. Frankly, separation might be a positive move in this situation.

Your marriage should never take second place to anyone or anything. Have you tried to set down with your husband and talk about your feelings?
Maybe you need to get out more on your own. See friends and join clubs. We are responsible for our own happiness.
There may be a reason your husband feels he needs to be there all day every day. Maybe guilt.
Also some day you maybe in the same situation as your husband.
Try to work it out. Don't throw away 30 years unless he is not willing to put your marriage first.

Did your husband spend a lot of time with his dad before? Sometimes the care giver is stuck if there are emotional or even financial ties to the parent...hoping to do the right thing for the parent, yet hoping the marriage will survive the time. The situation becomes hard for all involved. Please take care of yourself and find time to do things you enjoy. I am getting through this time one day at a time.

Is he doing all of the caregiving for his father or are you helping? Based solely on the original post, it sounds like he does all of it while you and the kids wait at home.

Looking at this from a different perspective, my marriage is to more than just my husband but also to his family. So his parents are just as much my responsibility as his - AND I expect my parents to equally be his responsibility as well. (If I find that my husband does not treat my parents as I do his, that’d be cause for divorce in my household.) If and when your time comes where you need to care for your parents — if you’re honest, would you be happy with the amount of help he offers you if he does exactly what you are doing right now? (I’m not accusing you — I’m sincerely asking.)

If I am reading your situation correctly and you’re not entirely or meaningfully involved, I’d be resentful of you if I was him. That would also keep me away from home more — and doing MORE for my ailing (and now solo) parent than I would be if you were adequately sharing the load, so to speak.

Your marriage should never be ”second place,” but your marriage will sometimes have move to the back-burner and cannot be the priority when other needs arise, be it a sick child or sick parents. This would be perceived differently on your end if you both mutually decide what is more urgent at any given time.

If your mom is very ill and needs care, you and your husband should agree together that until mom passes, these are the things that have to get done, this is how your duties will be split among you two, and XYZ will have to be put on the back-burner until your mom either recovers or passes. Vacations, date nights, etc. would all be moved aside for now, but not because your marriage is in second place but because sometimes, other things take priority. If it’s your mom and you have a limited time left with her - I imagine you’d appreciate your husband agreeing to making her first for now, no?

The same should apply to his father. Communicate with him and take on some of what he feels requires attention so that he can be home more. I’m sure he’d appreciate it.

But again, I’m offering this advice on VERY limited information in your original post. So please forgive me if I’ve made too many presumptions.

Make him move in with his father full time for 3 months and see what happens.

He probably thinks he has to keep extra eye on him because of stories of abuse..maybe suggest getting cameras & have them installed when caregivers not there...that way he can look on his smartphone & see his Dad...to alleviate any anxious or worry feelings!
Hugs 🤗

Ok - I have the opposite situation here, Didn’t ask for it but...my 89 year old mother moved in with my new husband five years ago, a month after we married.

He supports me in the decision to care for my mom as there is no one else to do this and a home she will not be placed.

Boldly answering here from my perspective and could get scolded by you all, and I’m OK with that, but marriage is also about supporting your partner even if you don’t agree with it or want it, after all there are no moral borders being crossed, it has to be about your partners needs too. Which your husband feels he needs to care for his Dad. I think that says a great deal about his character. Why don’t you participate or at least go with him for visits - doesn’t matter if others are there - you are there to support your husband in his love for his dad. You surely don’t want your husband to feel like he has to choose between you and his elderly dad.

Perhaps some compromising could be made by the two of you. Go to counseling to find out the best way to deal as 30 years is worth that.

Caregiving is tough business, the toughest of all and I tell my husband all the time that I could not travel this path without his support and I’m so grateful I have the opportunity to care for my mom, who will be leaving us soon. What a ride these past five years have been, but somehow seeing the end of the road as it gets closer, gives me a clearer vision.

Remember your father-in-law is not the enemy - he is aging and needs help.

Best of luck

Divorce in general is high, even without the additional stress of caregiving. I think caregiving ends up being the straw that broke the camel’s back in certain cases.

You know, it’s hard to say what determines a divorce. It really is. It is sad to see a marriage end but it is much sadder in my opinion to see a couple stay together in misery or staying together for the wrong reasons or not leaving and avoiding a life that has meaning and purpose.

Sometimes divorce is the right answer. Sometimes there is no other alternative. So we should never be quick to judge anyone contemplating a divorce or someone who has divorced. Divorce can be a blessing in disguise for some, a necessary part of their journey to become the person that they were meant to be.

Divorce isn’t an automatic ruination of someone’s life. It’s a transitional time. Many times the marriage is over long before a legal separation.

While it may not have been part of the original plan, most people who get married intend on remaining married, but it may become the very thing that brought out the very best in that person in the end.

I have seen this in people. Had they not had that detour in their lives they would not be on the path that was their destiny.

Some people marry again either happily or not and some don’t. Some even say, “Once around that track was enough.” I have a close friend who married twice and divorced twice. She made me laugh when she said, “If I ever tell you I want to get married again, please shoot me!”

30 years is a long time to just throw it away.
I can tell you, as a caregiver myself, I have to look at myself every day in the mirror. Although my husband has been very understanding about the 2 months I had to be away taking care of my Aunt, I can tell that his patients may be running thin with my constant worry over whether or not I'm doing all I can.
I'm in no way condoning your husband's behavior. I am, however saying that you also need to look at yourself in the mirror every day. So even if your husband won't go to counseling, I suggest you do. Find someone who can help you weed out your feelings. Seek help to navigate this very complicated situation.
Make sure you have done everything you can to understand and then make informed decisions.
God bless you for your understanding!

Good answer nydaughternlaw, the OP needs to do things for HERSELF!! If her husband doesn’t turn things around she can divorce him and move on. Gray divorce is the biggest age group now for divorce. 50 and 60 year old use to stay in an unhappy marriage. Not anymore!!! Do what makes YOU happy!!!

No, marriage is not supposed to take 2nd place to eldercare. Marriage is also not supposed to take 2nd place to childrearing. Anything that gets in the way of maintaining intimacy in the marriage is a threat to the marriage and, if not corrected, may cause the end of the marriage whether officially through divorce or functionally where spouses lead separate lives while living under the same roof.

LizBeth - stop waiting for your husband to get home. Stop making dinner for two. Stop waiting to eat dinner with him. Stop watching TV with him. Stop going to bed when he does. Stop taking him to your family functions. Stop doing his laundry. Stop taking his clothes to the cleaners. Just stop doing all the things that your husband takes for granted.

Rather, start being unavailable. Start being busy. Start making dinner for yourself. Start eating dinner when you're hungry. Start going out. Start taking walks. Start using your time in ways that make you feel good. Start surrounding yourself with people who make you laugh instead of cry in the shower.

Your husband has checked out of your marriage. Your husband is emotionally unavailable to you. You cannot keep your marriage going all by yourself; you've been trying and it's not working. You have waited patiently for your husband. You have asked him to go to marriage counseling and he refused. Your husband is sending you a clear message that his dad comes first.

Each and every time you wait for your husband he thinks it's okay to treat you the way he does. Stop waiting because it's not okay. Maybe he'll realize that you've stopped, beg for your forgiveness and check back into your marriage. Or, he won't. But either way, isn't it better to find out sooner rather than later?

[[[[[[[[[HUGS]]]]]]]]]

I agree, you need to talk to someone.

Don't do anything without thinking it thru. Personally, I think separation would be good. But you need to plan. Find out what you are entitled to in your state. In mine, your allowed 3 yrs of alimony and half the assets.

Or, live like your doing and get your own life. Go out with the girls. Join a book club. Take trips. (there are single people who go alone) If you don't want to cook, don't. Tell husband when he treats you like a wife, you will treat him like a husband. Maybe have a bedroom of your own.

Another thing, husband can go live with his Dad.

I was married to a man that treated me like his housekeeper. He couldn't take me to the movies but if a friend called to do something, out the door he went. He hit the Peter Pan profile. He came home one day saying he didn't want to be married anymore. He did me a favor. I remarried a man where I am #1.