We’ve been married for three years and have a delightful daughter over a year old, but my love and desire to stay with my husband have faded due to ongoing marital disputes.
For example, after our marriage, we initially shared household chores. However, when my mother-in-law learned that my husband was doing housework, she became upset, and he stopped helping.
During my pregnancy, I had severe morning sickness, but my husband focused solely on his work, neglecting my care. A month after I gave birth, he went on a company trip, ignoring my discomfort with his travel so soon postpartum. He said he couldn’t refuse the trip, but I believe it’s a matter of priorities.
When we were dating, I thought of my husband as extroverted and open-minded, but now I feel differently. Our daughter is adored by my in-laws, but they began pressing for a son as soon as she turned one, insisting we should have four children, a sentiment my husband agrees with. My body hasn’t fully recovered from the C-section, and facing my in-laws’ pressure for gender-specific children is overwhelming. I want only two children, focusing on them and my well-being, rather than succumbing to further pressure.
There was an argument where my husband blamed me for not preparing breakfast early for my in-laws, asking if I felt any discomfort or guilt. He questioned why his mother had to cook despite having a daughter-in-law and criticized me for not living with his parents, only visiting them on weekends.
I retorted by asking if he married me to serve his family, suggesting that if he was so concerned, he should cook for them himself. I asked why he expected me to wake up early and come over to cook when the only rest I get is on weekends. He had no response.
Also, my daughter wakes if I’m not beside her at night and is very clingy when she awakes. When at my in-laws’ place over the weekend, I manage all the cooking for lunch and dinner, along with other chores. It’s just that they get up early and prepare breakfast themselves.
Due to these issues, I suggested ending our marriage. Everyone, including my husband, thought I was being childish and not thinking things through. However, I believe I am capable enough to raise our child on my own. I’m still contemplating because, on one hand, I want to leave my husband, but on the other, I don’t want to separate my daughter from her father. In case of divorce, I would be open to him and his parents visiting our child.
Is my thought justified?