Anonymous wrote:My DH has become increasingly disrespectful and not caring about me over the last few years and lately has even been emotionally abusive. I've been reading about 'how to stop caring' on DCUM and the 180 and I've decided to stop caring. However, I don't know how to stop caring when it comes to our respective roles parenting our three year old DD and in particular, on the weekends. He has never taken ownership for being her father meaning I am the default parent. On a typical weekend, DH will spend a couple hours' quality time with DD, some family time with both of us, and a half or whole day at the office. Going to work is unnecessary and his way of getting his "me time" and space from us. Should I not care about this? And even if I did stop caring that he wants to spend so much time away from us, he never gives me any notice so I can't even plan for it. For instance, maybe I would take DD to the museum, but now it's too late, or I would ask her babysitter to watch her a few hours so I can do something fun on my own (since I work PT, I spend lots of time with DD during the week). I always ask him how his weekend is looking work-wise and he NEVER gives me a straight answer because he wants to keep his options open.
Make your own plans. On Friday, tell your DH that you and DD are going to the museum at 1:00 on Saturday, and would he like to come? No, you'll be at work? OK, fine. Yes, make your own plans, and pay the babysitter and if you would appreciate your DH's company, tell him you are going to see "The Post" and would he like to come with you? Otherwise, he can pay the babysitter when he gets home.
MAKE YOUR OWN PLANS. He'll catch up, or he won't. Either way, you will be happier.