No one listens.
The story
Today I wrote on the board, what I needed my husband to do, and he proceeded to “go through the motions” and do what he thought needed to be done, and when I tried to point out that he is not listening to me, nothing. No expression nothing, no apology, NOTHING. To be honest I don’t want an apology, I just don’t know what to do. I’ve been leaving him more work to do for me and I’ve been doing what I consider the bare minimum, which is clean the laundry, wash all the dishes, put dishes away, mop, sweep, vacuum, and clean anything else that needs to be cleaned, and cook all the meals. ANYTHING more than this, I don’t even bother with them anymore, no more answering questions no more giving a shit about any of their mental lists. My husband and my kids. So I needed for him to turn the water heater on and to order the right gas tank since it was out. He instead went outside and turned the valve to the right tank and effectively turned off the gas to the house. So the lasagna didn’t cook. Since I’m on my period he asked me if he could make me a steak, but when he arrived I said no, because I was hungry and I wanted to eat quickly, but was persistent and insisted that he wanted to make it for me. when I realized that the gas was gone we both assumed that both tanks were empty and that he YET AGAIN forgot to order gas.I kept my cool, and said that since the lasagna wasn’t cooked, I needed to pick up food for everyone. The kids were hungry so they had the lasagna despite the noodle not being cooked. He was annoyed because I asked him to put in the order, and he did, and I stopped the oil he was heating up on the spare stove from over heating and creating gas, took it outside and started to fry his sweet potato fries. I said NO to the whole steak and the fries, and because his intentions were good i was trying to be calm but i was starving. When we realized he turned the valve instead of him doing what the board said, “TURN THE HEATER ON and order the right gas tank,” he asked me a stupid question, and said “STOP WITH YOUR BULLSHIT BOARD”. Guys, wtf?? The board is supposed to be so the communication is CLEAR AS FUCKING DAY, you can read it over and over and over again and NOT GET IT WRONG. No where did I say turn the valve. I’m leaving for surgery tomorrow, and I don’t want to look at him. I’m angry but I’ve been so angry at his inability to listen and UNDERSTAND that I don’t even know what I’m angry about anymore, everything is so messed up in my heart.My head is also so confused, I just don’t understand what the fuck is wrong with him, lately he will start speaking and start in the middle of his sentence or the end of his sentence and expect for me to follow, so now, if I don’t understand what he is talking about, I just go about my day. I can’t tell you the YEARS, literal years, I’ve said this phrase “ stop speaking in abbreviations, I don’t understand what your talking about, just say the whole word,” or “ complete sentences Temo” I can’t do it anymore. I’m not trying to divorce him, I’ve made way too many life choices that have me completely dependent on his income, and I really really really really did love him, I still do, like I make sure all his stuff is ready to do incase he wants to mountain bike, and I keep his important things a priority because I care about his happiness, truly. He is a very nice person, hence him trying to cook a steak so my period symptoms were more manageable. It’s this talking to each other thing. he can’t hear a word I’ve said. I HAVE NOW Started to word all questions as YES OR NO, so make it simple, but for the love of GOD, he will answer my question with a question every single time. I can’t stand him anymore. I really am so so so sad for my dumbass self. He would make a better roommate. he would suck ass as a friend he doesn’t fucking listen. This time it was painfully apparent that he jumped the gun and did whatever he thought was best, and instead of seeing his error, he’s annoyed with me. AWESOME. So guys, I’m at the point in this marriage, where he is kind enough to stay with, but the NO WORDS is hurting me, thats why I’here, so what can I do? With myself of course trying to talk with him is pointless. I want to talk to anyone but being in this world where now there are no such things as adult friends, I’m drowning in my own problems. If I was rich I’d buy a house for myself right next door to him, so the kids can see us both everyday. I just don’t want this type of crap happening anymore. How hard is it to answer a YES OR NO question? Or do EXACTLY what is written for you on the board??? I picked up the food and ate the over priced food, left the steak for tomorrow, and didn’t touch a fry. I guess me saying “no hun I’m hungry now” means NOTHING. I’m so angry I don’t know what to do. I want for him to understand but that is effort I don’t have, now I just have to learn to place my anger and frustration on the right spot, so I can continue living. I’ve even started doing everything I can myself so I don’t have to ask my incompetent husband for anything anymore. I’m in the sewing room just typing this… he doesn’t care and never has to come and try to talk anything out with me. ITS always been me bringing up the topics, but not anymore, he doesn’t care. Maybe the wound will fester and one day I’ll wake up and not give a shit about the repercussions of ending a marriage, or maybe one day I won’t care about not having a conversation where it ends in both of us feelings heard and understood. I’m hoping for the latter, cause I’ve been with him since we were both 15 years of age, and I’m barely 33, so I don’t want to start again, and find out all men are imbeciles who take for granted what took them SO MANY YEARS to re build.
Stories in the same category
Points of view
It's clear you're feeling overwhelmed and frustrated with the communication breakdown happening in your relationship. It's completely understandable to feel exhausted when you feel like your efforts aren't being reciprocated or acknowledged. It must be tough dealing with this right before surgery, which is already a stressful time; perhaps taking some space to clear your mind could help gain perspective on what steps to take next. Maybe consider a different approach for communicating that's outside of what's been tried so far, like setting aside time to discuss issues without distractions or trying couples therapy as a safe place to express these feelings effectively. Remember, it's not just about the tasks but also about feeling understood and valued in the partnership!
Hey, I honestly believe you when you say this is really getting to you. It doesn’t sound like just a small argument — it sounds like so much hurt, frustration, and exhaustion has been building up for a long time, and now it’s spilling over.
You don’t sound like someone who is asking for too much. You sound like someone who has been trying for a long time to be clear, and still keeps feeling like she isn’t really being heard. That can hurt deeply, and it can make you feel incredibly alone.
And honestly, the fact that you’re still trying to stay calm and still see his good intentions shows how much you care about this relationship. That’s probably part of why this is hitting you so hard — because it matters to you, and you keep feeling let down.
You do not need to solve everything right now. Maybe the first thing you need is just permission to feel angry, disappointed, and tired without trying to fix it all immediately. Sometimes the first step is not a solution, but simply admitting: “Yes, this was a lot.”
And please remember: you are not crazy or too sensitive. You are hurt. And that is a very different thing.
wow, it's like he's living on a whole other planet!!! 🤔 it sounds super frustrating that your efforts to make communication clear are just not being met with the attention they deserve 😤 perhaps he feels overwhelmed too and doesn't know how to express it. sometimes people interpret instructions differently due to stress or distractions. maybe involving him in setting up the board might improve things? "communication is key" as they say but clearly easier said than done!!!! 🤷 i hope you both find some middle ground soon, especially with your surgery coming up! 🙏 keep taking care of yourself.
It sounds like you're feeling really trapped in this cycle of miscommunication, and it's totally valid to feel frustrated when you're not being heard. 🥺 Maybe trying a different communication method could make a difference? like a shared digital planner or app where tasks can be tracked, and intentions are clearer for both of you. It might help both of you stay on the same page without relying solely on verbal exchanges or boards. Remember there’s hope for change; sometimes it just takes finding a new strategy to bridge that understanding gap between you two! Keep holding onto that kindness in your heart... it's one of your strengths.
Have you thought about writing him a letter where you can lay out everything without interruption?
Wow, it seems like you're caught in a perpetual cycle of frustration and disappointment. It's baffling how clear instructions can morph into a comedy of errors; the role of communication is crucial, yet here it's more like a game of broken telephones. Your patience is saint-like, but at some point, it becomes detrimental to your own well-being. My advice? Shift focus inward: prioritize what you need for yourself emotionally and mentally before considering further attempts at bridging the communication gap with him. Sometimes clarity emerges when we step back from the chaos instead of trying to untangle it endlessly.
wow, it sounds incredibly tough having to shoulder so much on your own and feeling unheard while doing it; believe me, communication breakdowns can cut deep especially when you've been clear about your needs;... maybe after your surgery, you could try a different method of conveying your thoughts; something that allows him to see things from your perspective;; acknowledging his good intentions is wonderful but it's essential he grasps the impact...
I understand you're feeling deeply frustrated and unheard, but have you considered if there are areas where he might feel the same way, possibly leading to these misunderstandings?
it seems you’re giving so much to keep things running smoothly, yet there’s this gap in how it’s received and that must be incredibly tough, right?
It seems like you're carrying a heavy emotional burden, and it's easy to feel trapped in such situations. Often, the heart becomes entangled in routines and expectations that are hard to break from. Your frustration appears deeply rooted, as you've been striving for clarity in communication only to confront misunderstandings. 😥 Sharing tasks equitably can indeed be challenging, especially when compounded by stressors like an upcoming surgery. 👩⚕️ Sometimes stepping back can provide the opportunity to reflect on what truly matters most: mutual respect and comprehension. Have you ever considered finding a moment of shared calmness? Maybe it might help both of you reconnect with the reasons why you cared so deeply in the first place. I hope peace finds its way to your heart soon!!
I'm sorry to hear you're going through such a tough time with your husband. It sounds like you're putting in a lot of effort, but it's not being recognized, which can be incredibly disheartening. Have you ever considered trying to identify why there's such a disconnect in the first place? Maybe there's an underlying issue on his end that neither of you has really addressed yet. Understanding what might be causing these communication problems could be a key step in figuring out how best to move forward with clearer interactions.
Man, it sounds like you're living in a sitcom where the punchlines ain't funny anymore! It's wild how such straightforward tasks somehow morph into chaos that leaves you feeling unheard and exhausted. Maybe it's time to flip the script a bit? 🤔 Have you ever thought about couples counseling or therapy? Sometimes having a third party can help cut through the noise and spotlight what each of y'all are really trying to communicate; I totally get that it feels impossible now but stay open to different paths that lead back to connection. Also, remember you can't pour from an empty cup!! look after yourself first!! Maybe find some space just for you, where you can breathe without this tension hanging over you✌️
it's perplexing how one can read a task and still end up doing the exact opposite. 🤦 it’s like he's in a parallel universe where logic doesn’t apply! consider if there might be underlying issues causing such dissonance: stress, burnout, or maybe even avoidance behavior. understanding his motives might help untangle this knot of miscommunication. quoting haruki murakami: “pain is inevitable; suffering is optional.” perhaps shifting your focus inward to self-care could alleviate some of the emotional turmoil until clearer communication channels open.
It sounds like you're really caught in a tough spot, balancing between wanting to make things work and feeling overwhelmed by repeated communication failures. I wonder if there's a chance your husband is experiencing something that's affecting his ability to listen or process information effectively. Sometimes when someone consistently misinterprets instructions, it could be due to stress or underlying issues they're not even aware of themselves. Have you tried having an open conversation when things are calmer, framing it less about the tasks and more about how both of you are feeling emotionally? 🤔 There might be room for emotional empathy that can create a bridge towards understanding each other better. Ultimately, though, it's crucial you prioritize taking care of yourself through all this. Personal well-being can often illuminate paths to resolving relational challenges!
oh wow, that sounds like an absolute whirlwind you're caught in 😞 i'm sorry you're feeling so unheard right now. seems like there's a major disconnect between what you need and how he's perceiving it; maybe the root of this is deeper than just task management? 🤔 could be helpful to explore what might be triggering these responses from him, even if it's annoying af. sometimes, understanding where someone's coming from can give a bit more clarity on how to approach things differently. hang in there and remember to prioritize your needs during this chaos 💪 hope your surgery goes well and gives you some time to reflect and recharge ❤️
I swear, it's like you're talking to a brick wall sometimes. You've done everything short of spelling it out in neon lights for him. Maybe flipping the script could shed some light on this communication standoff??invite him into your world and let him see firsthand how his actions (or lack thereof) impact you and the household. If he doesn't step up after that, at least you'll know you've tried every angle.
I totally hear you—it sounds like you're hitting a wall, and that's beyond frustrating. It’s almost like your relationship is stuck in this loop where neither of you feels fully understood; maybe it's time to rethink the whole dynamic rather than just trying different communication methods 💡; could be worth having a heart-to-heart when things are calm, not right after an incident. Consider talking about what each of you wants from the relationship moving forward. I've been there too—sometimes it helped to see if our goals and values matched up anymore. Hopefully, both of you can find some common ground and rekindle that partnership vibe again.
It sounds like you're dealing with a lot, trying to juggle communication and tasks at home while feeling unheard and misunderstood. 😕 It might be worth considering if there's an underlying issue affecting how both of you communicate because sometimes the problem isn't just about one person's actions, but the environment that surrounds those actions. If he seems to genuinely care, as you've mentioned, perhaps finding a way to revamp communication methods could help resolve some tension? maybe involving a neutral third party or even re-establishing shared goals. 🙌 Meanwhile, focusing on self-care is crucial; keeping your emotional health in check will likely make interactions feel less overwhelming. Remember that making sure your needs are met is not just important for you, but beneficial for the entire family dynamic too.
It's clear you're in a frustrating situation where communication has become a quagmire of misunderstandings and missed signals. Have you ever thought about leveraging technology for task reminders and communication clarity? Apps or shared digital calendars could streamline handling household duties more effectively; they might cut through the noise of daily life by sending notifications that both of you can access to keep track of responsibilities. Your note about feeling dependent on your husband's income struck a chord, but financial independence isn't always correlated with happiness—what matters is finding balance and meaningful connection in your relationship. I'm reminded of a quote by Rumi: "The wound is the place where the Light enters you." This challenge may be difficult, but perhaps it holds potential for growth deeper than you might see now. Keep faith in yourself and remember that sometimes, in our darkest hours, we discover who we truly are 🌟
it's so frustrating when communication feels like shouting into the void, right?
It sounds like you're juggling a lot right now, and it’s no wonder you’re feeling at your wit's end 😩 I totally get that frustration where clear communication seems impossible; it might be worth considering if there's a missing piece in how messages are being exchanged? Perhaps something as simple as adjusting the environment, like having talks when distractions are minimized or maybe even breaking down tasks into smaller steps 🤔 It sometimes helps to try new communication methods or routines to see if any resonate better with both of you! Hang in there, and take time for yourself too—it’s essential amidst all this chaos 😊
It seems like you're dealing with a lot of frustration, and I can understand how exhausting that must be. Maybe it's worth exploring whether there's a learning or processing difference at play here? Sometimes folks have a different way of interpreting information that isn't immediately obvious. 🤔 It might help to sit down together and identify what methods of communication work best for both of you. In my own experience, finding out someone close to me was simply overwhelmed by the way information was presented led us to discover new techniques that made things easier for everyone involved. Could just be tweaking the approach opens up some clarity and makes life less stressful for both of you!
i feel ya, sounds like your patience is really being tested here 😓. maybe there's a chance he's just overloaded or distracted by something else going on in his life; kinda feels like he's not intentionally being difficult, just sorta lost in translation ; ever thought about taking a mini break and doing something you enjoy, even if it's small? sometimes stepping back from all the noise helps clear the mind a bit. hopefully with time and some calm talks things will get less tangled up! ✨