Husband Won’t Stop Laughing Off Wife’s Legitimate Concerns, She Coolly Warns Him Of Divorce

My husband (DH) has a history of belittling my concerns, even when they’re completely legitimate. He often laughs at my worries, especially in front of others, including our children. This behavior has led to actual harm a few times—like the time I asked him to close a door while I was breastfeeding our youngest, as I was worried our middle child might climb out of the open window in that room. He refused and laughed it off, and, as I feared, our child fell out of the window and seriously injured herself. This is just one of many instances where he’s dismissed my concerns, and while some are less dramatic, they’re still frustrating.

At a recent work BBQ, we were discussing something in front of his boss (not the top boss, but his direct supervisor). I said, “Our 18-year-old daughter is not sleeping in a car driven by Joe Bloggs (a young male we know to be reckless) after a party. It’s dangerous and she could freeze.” DH laughed it off, making it seem like I was overreacting and that everyone does it. My 13-year-old daughter was there too, and so was another colleague, which made it even more embarrassing.

At that moment, I finally lost it. I said, very calmly (maybe too calmly), “DH, if you ever belittle my legitimate concerns in front of our children again, I will instruct a solicitor to divorce you.” And then I walked off.

I know, on the surface, my reaction might seem out of place, especially in that context. But honestly, I’ve had enough of being dismissed for years. On top of everything else, I’m under immense stress right now, dealing with a very ill family member, and I’ve had to cut back on my work hours to take care of them, which is adding to the pressure. I’m just not in a good place mentally.