alh wrote:
we met 5 years ago people change with responsibilities, first child was a happy accident. The walkers n the talkers thing seems 2 sound right unfortunately. Truth i think we're both 2 different now with different priorities but me and him just dont want 2 give up on each other!
He has an outlet. You don't. You need something for yourself. Not something that improves the lives of all of you, but something for
you. It doesn't have to be the same thing as him. It sounds to me like sometimes you think "well if it's good enough for you, it's good enough for me!" Stop that. It's not about keeping score.
Find an activity that centres around you. In the same way that he has the pub and his mates to relax and unwind and just be him, you also need something similar. And you shouldn't need permission to have it. As an example (and I know you're in no condition at the moment) lets say you took up horse-riding. One or two sessions a week of that where it's just for you will put new life and energy into you. Then you come home to the family you love and adore so much.
So now imagine that you've renewed your energy at your horse-riding session and you come home to share your good mood with your partner. Only he's upset because you didn't ask permission and he was stuck at home with the kids while you were out enjoying yourself. Before long he's going to get real tired of sitting around waiting for you, and you in turn will find it less and less enjoyable to come home. And will probably spend more time away. Don't feed into that type of negative cycle.
So find a balance. Give him his outlet, get one for yourself. If he wants Friday and Saturday nights at the pub, give them to him. Tell him you need Sunday and Monday nights for your thing. Just make sure it's something you enjoy. There's no point in going out just for the sake of making him stay at home and be responsible. It defeats the purpose.