husband wants to live separately from famimly

My husband and I have been married for about 4 years and we have 2 children, one baby and one toddler. Like any household, we don't always get along perfectly, but I thought that was normal. However, lately, my husband has seemed quieter and just says "yes, yes" to everything. Two weeks ago, he was transferred to another office (the distance is kind of in between, not close but not too far either). Yesterday, he said he wanted to rent an apartment near his office because he's tired of commuting back and forth. After digging deeper, it turns out he feels physically tired and... tired of coming home to a messy house. Seeing me and hearing all my stories of the day (I’m a housewife). Not to mention when I get angry. He feels that he can't focus and work optimally at the office. He said he would come home on weekends, but during weekdays he wants to stay in the apartment... I’m sad and confused. I understand what he’s saying about our house always being messy because we have two small children. I do always talk and complain a lot. I also often unconsciously get angry with him, maybe because I'm tired from taking care of the house and the kids all day... He somewhat blames this for his failure to get a promotion to a better position. He says his mental state is somewhat affected. It seems he’s not really fond of young children. Do you think it’s normal for a husband to want to live separately from his wife and children?

16 Replies
undefined profile icon
Write a reply

There’s no normal or not, it depends on each household. I personally wouldn’t agree to this arrangement unless like you’ve mentioned your husband’s mental state is affected so I think for the time being, it’s actually good to give him a short break (although it does feel unfair on your end that you have to handle everything). Let him know you can support his decision of renting a space for a period of time but you hope that it won’t be permanent or long (giving space but not entirely letting go). Let him know the kids needs their father’s accompany and you need his support as well. I have a friend who lives seperately from her husband ever since dating days (they have 4 young kids, married for over a decade), kids follows her and husband will visit them time to time when he’s free or the wife will go over and stay for a few days. Their marriage still going strong, probably even better than mine lol.

Read more