Controlling husband

Chelsey423

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My husband and I have been married for 3 years and we have 2 children. We are not your typical couple, as he is 56 and I am 30. So, I tend to say we were “destined to fail.”

We are extremely different people, who happened to have the “important things” (as we call them) in common. We are Christians and our relationships with God are #1. We also tend to parent pretty well together and generally see eye to eye in that part of our life.

However, my husband is very controlling. He is a Physicians Assistant while I am a stay at home mom. Therefore, money is always the main argument. He makes it while I tend to spend it, (whether that be doing the grocery shopping, things for the kids, or personal). He has always referred to the money as “his.” In his own words, this is because he works for it. Yet, when we are not fighting, he will apologize for this and talk up all the “work” that I do at home for him and for our children.

A couple months ago, our marriage went to a place that I never expected. He put his hands on me for the first time. We are currently building a home and tend to get in some heated discussions over different aspects of the process. During one of our arguments, I threatened divorce and reached to get our son out of his arms. His reaction to that was to put both of his hands around my neck in an attempt to choke me. We were both shocked, and he let go pretty quickly, as if he suddenly came back to reality and realized what he was doing. I was at a loss, and before clearing my head of the situation, I called the cops. He was arrested. Mind you, neither of us have any criminal history whatsoever. I regretted my call immediately. I was sure he would lose his job, as well as his 30 year military career. Though, thank God, neither happened.

Tonight we fought because he came home to see I had taken a piece of accent furniture out of the house to put towards our yard sale pile. This was an unused piece of furniture that I purchased and decorated with. I decided I didn’t want it in the space anymore, nor did I want it going to our new construction once we move in, so I took it out of the house. He was angry. Over a table. That was never used. I stayed quiet until the kids went to bed, but the more
I thought about the situation, the more I feel that he is only mad because he didn’t have control over it. Once the kids were asleep, I asked why he was so upset by what seemed to me like such an insignificant thing, he said it was because I didn’t ask him if I could take the table out.

These fights happen constantly and I’m so ready to just give up on our marriage. Literally, the only reason I have stayed this long, is for the kids. I truly don’t know what to do, or how to fix such a broken relationship.
 

Rescued One

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I was married for 42 years and my husband never laid a hand on me. We argued though but never about money. I was also a stay-at-home mom. You aren't doing your children a favor by staying in an abusive relationship. They will grow up to either be abusive or to suffer abuse as you are doing. I hope you have a good pastor to whom you can talk.

Ephesians 5
25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing b her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— 30 for we are members of his body. 31 "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” 32 This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

Prayers.
 
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Tolworth John

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I think you both need to seek advice/help from a councelor.
Particularly your husband needs to realise that he does not have to control everything.
The table you throw out, he should have ask why and if he valued it, explain why and the two of you then decuss whether to keep or loose it.

If he cannot see this and practise it or seek help leave.

These issues should have been raised by your premarriage prep.
 
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wagonwheel69

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1) Just the facts - Your husband has no right to put his hands around your neck, it's sin and a breach of his wedding covenant. You have no right to call for divorce and then reach to take his child from his arms, it's sin and a breach of your marriage covenant. As for the table, I don't know if the two of you had an agreement beforehand where you had discretion to get rid of furniture without discussing it with him first, but if not he has every reason to act upset if it was upsetting to him. This is not controlling behavior, this is his home. How easy would it have been to discuss it with him first? The issue isn't the value of or how much use the table gets, it's simple respect, which any counselor will tell you is what men need most, as opposed to love and security for a wife. Finances is the single biggest topic of fighting in a marriage, especially when one spouse is employed and the other isn't. This while not good is indeed common. Also "tending to say we were destined to fail.” is wrong, unbiblical and defeating to a marriage.

2) It is difficult to impossible to determine that your husband is controlling without more information and his input as well, Very honestly, my gut feeling is that there are major things being left out here. The way you minimize the table and state that YOU don't want it in your new home makes me wonder if you don't minimize him often as well. I think it's undeniable that if he's but his hands on you and you're calling for a divorce Christian counseling sounds very prudent as opposed to a plethora of opinions on an internet board. My advice would be to talk to a pastor in your church first and let him help you facilitate counseling, In the mean time, focus very intently on your personal walk and your faithfulness to the marriage because that's the biblical example given and if the marriage were to end it will be very important in the years to follow to be able to look in the mirror and know that you did what your were supposed to do and not live in the world of what if's.
 
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EmmaCat

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What a horribly rude thing to say.

I know there can be issues, but if a man EVER put hands on me to harm me, he would be in jail so fast his head would spin.

Good luck and God bless.

Emmy
Well, marrying a man twice your age does have it's advantages. Likely you'll be single again before 50.
 
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Kate30

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My husband and I have been married for 3 years and we have 2 children. We are not your typical couple, as he is 56 and I am 30. So, I tend to say we were “destined to fail.”

We are extremely different people, who happened to have the “important things” (as we call them) in common. We are Christians and our relationships with God are #1. We also tend to parent pretty well together and generally see eye to eye in that part of our life.

However, my husband is very controlling. He is a Physicians Assistant while I am a stay at home mom. Therefore, money is always the main argument. He makes it while I tend to spend it, (whether that be doing the grocery shopping, things for the kids, or personal). He has always referred to the money as “his.” In his own words, this is because he works for it. Yet, when we are not fighting, he will apologize for this and talk up all the “work” that I do at home for him and for our children.

A couple months ago, our marriage went to a place that I never expected. He put his hands on me for the first time. We are currently building a home and tend to get in some heated discussions over different aspects of the process. During one of our arguments, I threatened divorce and reached to get our son out of his arms. His reaction to that was to put both of his hands around my neck in an attempt to choke me. We were both shocked, and he let go pretty quickly, as if he suddenly came back to reality and realized what he was doing. I was at a loss, and before clearing my head of the situation, I called the cops. He was arrested. Mind you, neither of us have any criminal history whatsoever. I regretted my call immediately. I was sure he would lose his job, as well as his 30 year military career. Though, thank God, neither happened.

Tonight we fought because he came home to see I had taken a piece of accent furniture out of the house to put towards our yard sale pile. This was an unused piece of furniture that I purchased and decorated with. I decided I didn’t want it in the space anymore, nor did I want it going to our new construction once we move in, so I took it out of the house. He was angry. Over a table. That was never used. I stayed quiet until the kids went to bed, but the more
I thought about the situation, the more I feel that he is only mad because he didn’t have control over it. Once the kids were asleep, I asked why he was so upset by what seemed to me like such an insignificant thing, he said it was because I didn’t ask him if I could take the table out.

These fights happen constantly and I’m so ready to just give up on our marriage. Literally, the only reason I have stayed this long, is for the kids. I truly don’t know what to do, or how to fix such a broken relationship.
Chelsey your husband is 26 yrs older than you. When you marry a older man we generally adore their wisdom, security, authority, and also the love they bring into our lives You say your husband grabbed you by the neck. The first time that this has ever happened according to your letter. Than along with the argument you also say you want a divorce. Than You proceed to also take the child from his arms. That’s 3 very big heart wrenching blows in very quick succession. I think most people would feel their world falling apart if they heard their partner say that. It’s no wonder he wrapped his hands around your neck as your about to destroy and take everything he has lived for including you and the children. Your husband may be some controlling but maybe that comes with being much older than you. But I hope your not going to throw your marriage away because you think your husband is too controlling. Simply because there are so many good aspects to your marriage that you have spoken of. As to that piece of furniture you brought. That may be very special to him simply because it was decorated by you ❤️. But if it’s something you both can’t work out together. Than maybe some counselling is required. And after that. Well it’s comes down to how much you value your marriage.
 
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HannahT

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A couple months ago, our marriage went to a place that I never expected. He put his hands on me for the first time. We are currently building a home and tend to get in some heated discussions over different aspects of the process. During one of our arguments, I threatened divorce and reached to get our son out of his arms. His reaction to that was to put both of his hands around my neck in an attempt to choke me. We were both shocked, and he let go pretty quickly, as if he suddenly came back to reality and realized what he was doing. I was at a loss, and before clearing my head of the situation, I called the cops. He was arrested. Mind you, neither of us have any criminal history whatsoever. I regretted my call immediately. I was sure he would lose his job, as well as his 30 year military career. Though, thank God, neither happened

Home building can be a very stressful time, but not to the point of putting hands on each other. Divorce chanting isn't either. Both are dumb and stressful at the same time. He should never put his hands on you. Chanting divorce over an fight isn't a smart move either. Just sayin. Especially with the child as the audience.

We just built a home for our retirement, and towards the end was stressful. I think we both kept our lips zipped, but at the same time wanted to ring each other's necks. It's called life. It didn't change the relationship. We just recognized it for what it was. Yes, we did some dumb things - like the dirty looks, etc. At times it went further, but we settled it. It was over once the house was done, and we went on with life. Stressor don't ruin things, but they do make life interesting.

Claiming privilege due to income (working versus staying home with kids) is dangerous to the relationship, and creates a very toxic tone. Of course you are going to spend most of it. You don't make any money. Red flag, and if he can't recognize that is a line that shouldn't be crossed? There is a problem. If there is something else that you didn't mention in that dynamic my opinion may not be valid.

As to that piece of furniture you brought. That may be very special to him simply because it was decorated by you ❤️.

Nonsense. You don't react like he did over getting rid of piece of furniture over it being special due to her decoration. You vocalize your opinion, and the piece is moved back in. Common sense. Her decision and his disagreement over that handled the same way. Majority of the time furniture shouldn't be a major fighting point.

If you want to your relationship to last, and his career not ruined by another police call? Find a counselor that helps you both learn boundaries. His stupid remarks over income, and your just as dumb remarks during a fight over divorce in front of child aren't going to cut it.

DZoolander is right. You will be divorced if the issues aren't addressed, and if not divorced with the same dynamic? Seriously damaged, and your children's damage will come in time. Fix it. Not with spiritual pixie dust, and with lack of acknowledgement of PTSD, etc. Do something. Don't beat around the bush. Address it. If God is #1? What do you think he would say? Act! For you and your family! He wouldn't beat around the bush would he!
 
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DZoolander

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I'll be honest. I'm not a fan of May/December relationships...or March/September...because I don't get it. Why would you do that?

I mean a previous poster above painted a really rosy colored view of it. "A woman may cherish his wisdom, his experience, etc. He may long to impart his wisdom, etc."

Sure...I suppose...maybe?

But usually I see it in a different light. I see women that date significantly older men as having unresolved daddy issues - and men that date significantly younger women as suffering from arrested development. Because once again - why would you want to do that?

I mean - she didn't say "We have such a good time. We're so alike". Rather it's "Where it counts, we have things in common. We both value God and put Him #1". I'm sorry - but that's a pretty bad foundation for a relationship if that's the only foundation for it. And I wonder. I mean - she's 3 years in - and already talked about being "destined to fail". There's no talk about what they've lost. Or how things have changed. Usually you won't start expressing those types of thoughts unless you've been having them for a good while. And 3 years isn't really that long - especially to have had time to work up that thought - and start expressing it.

Then you get to the fact they have 2 kids already within 3 years. Was this a shotgun marriage? Got pregnant - and so they did "the right thing"?

So it all makes me wonder "why?"

I mean - dating someone significantly older than you is usually just a bad idea. Like I said in my earlier post - this ain't exactly a lifelong thing for her (God willing). There are really good odds that just based upon average longevity she WILL be single again by the time she's 50. And if she's not - once she's ready to become an empty nester - she'll have a new set of diapers to change.

I mean - that's just reality.

In the absence of any sort of talk about "loss of what we had" - yeah - I get cynical about the whole thing and wonder if it was just a bad decision all around.
 
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Swan7

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My husband and I have been married for 3 years and we have 2 children. We are not your typical couple, as he is 56 and I am 30. So, I tend to say we were “destined to fail.”

We are extremely different people, who happened to have the “important things” (as we call them) in common. We are Christians and our relationships with God are #1. We also tend to parent pretty well together and generally see eye to eye in that part of our life.

However, my husband is very controlling. He is a Physicians Assistant while I am a stay at home mom. Therefore, money is always the main argument. He makes it while I tend to spend it, (whether that be doing the grocery shopping, things for the kids, or personal). He has always referred to the money as “his.” In his own words, this is because he works for it. Yet, when we are not fighting, he will apologize for this and talk up all the “work” that I do at home for him and for our children.

A couple months ago, our marriage went to a place that I never expected. He put his hands on me for the first time. We are currently building a home and tend to get in some heated discussions over different aspects of the process. During one of our arguments, I threatened divorce and reached to get our son out of his arms. His reaction to that was to put both of his hands around my neck in an attempt to choke me. We were both shocked, and he let go pretty quickly, as if he suddenly came back to reality and realized what he was doing. I was at a loss, and before clearing my head of the situation, I called the cops. He was arrested. Mind you, neither of us have any criminal history whatsoever. I regretted my call immediately. I was sure he would lose his job, as well as his 30 year military career. Though, thank God, neither happened.

Tonight we fought because he came home to see I had taken a piece of accent furniture out of the house to put towards our yard sale pile. This was an unused piece of furniture that I purchased and decorated with. I decided I didn’t want it in the space anymore, nor did I want it going to our new construction once we move in, so I took it out of the house. He was angry. Over a table. That was never used. I stayed quiet until the kids went to bed, but the more
I thought about the situation, the more I feel that he is only mad because he didn’t have control over it. Once the kids were asleep, I asked why he was so upset by what seemed to me like such an insignificant thing, he said it was because I didn’t ask him if I could take the table out.

These fights happen constantly and I’m so ready to just give up on our marriage. Literally, the only reason I have stayed this long, is for the kids. I truly don’t know what to do, or how to fix such a broken relationship.

If you think your marriage is doomed right from the beginning of your statement, then that is what you are creating. Don't allow that to cloud you from things of God Who can bring you hope!

I'm learning a great deal of things in a marriage and conversations can get quickly misconstrued - especially concerning scripture. Coincidence? I think not. Because we are God's children we are subject to spiritual attacks which God uses for our good as tests of faith. Both my husband and I can attest to this before marriage and during marriage.
Being in a marriage I have learned that I don't discuss anything without my husband's knowledge or consent. We are in this marriage together after all and God being in the center of it. This means we hold to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in what we have read and learned concerning God's Word. We need a reminder here and there as we are born again, spiritually. But as we grow in relationship with God the reminders are needed less, however, that does not mean we don't need God. We absolutely do for all eternity. What we think is best, God has better in mind. He's the Creator, after all. Always inquire the Lord in everything, this is having faith in all we do.

I'm terribly sorry that you both are suffering from attacks left and right and turning on each other instead of coming together and fighting against Satan's devices. What are we without God? Just chaff in the wind. Allow God to be the center of your marriage, don't just say it but act it out. Be a dutiful wife and allow him to be a dutiful husband. Do things together, not against one another. Can't you see what the enemy is doing? Open your eyes and see!

I'm praying for you both that these charades cease in Jesus' name. :yellowheart:
 
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Agreed with Swan, first you must not speak of your marriage as "destined to fail" even in joking, it can plant seeds in your mind and his and you reap what you sow.

If you sow seeds of doubt, you will reap the harvest that seeds of doubt grow. The devil prowls looking for those he can devour... and he only needs the smallest of footholds in our lives, marriages and any dealing to wreak havoc in those places.

I'm not saying that a husband and wife must always be positive and never joke... but it certainly is of no value to describe your marriage in such terms.

Second, your husband needs to realize that "his money" is not his IF he takes on the name of Christ in "Christian" as ALL belongs to the Father, even "his" paycheck. IF he would see it as such, it would be a lot less likely to be angry when money is spent, no matter the reason.(Its not easy as the heart of man is covetous by nature)

There is plenty of talk about seeking help from a professional and counselors... but IF you are both Christians, pray together, if he refuses, pray that God will change his heart, NOT because HE is the problem... but because the enemy, in the cares of this world have hardened his heart. Pray that his heart will be open to praying with you and turning to God.

There is nothing wrong with counseling, but the question comes down to, is your faith in God, or the wisdom of man? The Spirit is a much better counselor than the highest paid shrink.

If you feel led to counseling, then do so but never take your eyes off God through even this. For through Christ you can do all things, but not all things are of benefit. IF you follow as the Spirit leads, there WILL be fruit and benefit.
 
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Deidre32

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While God can change all situations, and make all things new, unless your husband turns to God and tries to change his anger problem...your marriage won't improve. While age is just a number, 26 years is a huge difference, and his motive for marrying you, was likely to control you. Not that he doesn't love you, but until you both love Christ more than one another...your marriage will not work.

I believe this for any marriage, including my own. This is an epiphany I've had as of late...until we drop our pride and love our spouses as Christ loves us, and until we make Him front and center, our marriages will always struggle more than they need to.

All of that said, if my husband were to lay his hands on me, I'd leave him. For safety reasons, I don't imagine God would have me stay in a dangerous marriage.
 
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EmmaCat

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I believe when there's a large difference in age, still, love is love. My husband Ben, a cop, is 9 years older than I. Sometimes he has to deal with domestic situations, and later in our bed, he sometimes cries on me.

He always says this: "Hands are made to heal, to caress, and to hold in love. Never to harm."

I will pray for all of you.

I do understand age differences. But I know love is love but when there are issues as these, please get help. Please.

All good things
Emmy
 
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if he put his hands on you, that's it. Done. Good-bye. See ya around. Either that or give him the butt whooping he so richly deserves for putting his hands on you.

Physical abuse is uncalled for and unnecessary. It is NEVER EVER acceptable. Even if you did tell him you wanted a divorce, that's no reason for him to put his hands on you...not to mention, if he's still in the military he can get thrown out for that since it's a violation of the UCMJ.
 
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Paidiske

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I think most people would feel their world falling apart if they heard their partner say that. It’s no wonder he wrapped his hands around your neck as your about to destroy and take everything he has lived for including you and the children.

Nope, sorry, no excuse for physically abusing another person; never ever.

How have things been in the weeks since you posted your OP, @Chelsey423

(As an aside, @RedPonyDriver it's nice to see you around. :) ).
 
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Kate30

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Nope, sorry, no excuse for physically abusing another person; never ever.

How have things been in the weeks since you posted your OP, @Chelsey423

(As an aside, @RedPonyDriver it's nice to see you around. :) ).
Nope you say. And that’s no excuse for her husband laying his hands around her neck. Really Paidiske. If your husband said he was suddenly going to divorce you during a argument and than proceeded to take a child from your arms as well just how would you react. Just maybe you might just feel your world falling apart too. The children belong to both by the way. Had the husband ever laid hands on his wife before. No he hadn’t. And he also stopped before he went any further. You and I may not like what happened. But its also understandable how it suddenly came about. Call it a spur of the moment reaction. I hate to see any marriage fall apart. There had been no domestic volience issues prior to that. Now if you want to use that to sink another knife into someone’s struggling marriage. Go right ahead. I really hope the marriage pulls through and that begins when we allow the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ to flourish within our hearts.
 
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Paidiske

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Yes, really.

What he did was criminal assault. To make excuses for or minimise that is deeply wrong.

I hope the marriage pulls through; but I say that begins when abuse stops. Not when it is presented as reasonable or understandable or in any way acceptable.
 
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Kate30

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Yes, really.

What he did was criminal assault. To make excuses for or minimise that is deeply wrong.

I hope the marriage pulls through; but I say that begins when abuse stops. Not when it is presented as reasonable or understandable or in any way acceptable.
Really. With what took place in that situation anyone of us could have reacted in the same way. But you never did reply to that part of my letter. Paidiske all you seem to be interested in is the law and the supposed criminal offence being enacted to its full degree. Never mind the consequences for the marriage. Love does cover a vast multitude of sins and that does often surpass the law. For that is why our Lord did die. The difference between the law and true love I guess. I’m glad you hope the marriage pulls through that is why we must pray for love and reconciliation for both.
 
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Paidiske

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What I'm interested in, first and foremost, is the safety of the OP and her infant son. That is more important than the "consequences for the marriage." Nobody should ever be encouraged to stay in a situation where they're being abused.
 
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