My Husband Is Still a Proper Mama’s Boy at 35 Years Old

I’ve made mistakes in my life, but the biggest one still lives right beside me, and Im truly at a loss for what to do. I was twenty-five when I married a man named Edward. He was two years older, and back then, he seemed almost like a prince charming.

He showered me with flowers, thoughtful gifts, carried heavy bags for me, we never argued, and we sorted out every problem calmly together. We never lived together before tying the knotneither of us believed in cohabitation, it felt improper to us. So we got married, just like that. My parents gave us money for a wedding, but it wasnt enough to buy a home. I wasnt keen on rentingwhy pay someone elses mortgage and listen to them inspecting how well we lived?

To make matters simpler, Edwards mother suggested we move in with her. She had a two-bedroom flat, was rather lonely, and there was plenty of space. Why not make ourselves comfortable there?

I agreed without much fuss. Edwards mum seemed pleasant enough, so it wasnt hard to get on with her. But as soon as I married Edward and moved in with my mother-in-law, I began to learn far more about my husband. Turns out his mum still saw him as a boy. When he lived with her, he barely lifted a finger around the house. She went so far as to wash his underwear and socksa grown man! Youve got to admit, thats not right.

Edward simply went off to work and did his own thing. Naturally, the moment we started living together, all the household chores landed squarely on my shoulders. It was up to me to cook for everyone, clean the flat, wash clothes, ironeverything. Was this what I needed? My mother-in-law didnt meddle in my affairs or enter the kitchen while I cooked, but the fact she never once offered to help felt as if Id been roped into their family just to be a servant.

Then, things got worse. Somehow, an electrical socket caught fire, and I managed to put it out. When I asked my husband to remove the damaged socket and install a new one, it was as if I’d asked him to solve complex physics equationsit turned out he didnt even know how to change a socket. When it was time to replace a lightbulb, he shrank away in fear and said he couldnt do it. So I fetched a stool and swapped the bulb myself. In short, it became clear Edward couldnt do a single practical thingand worse still, he had no intention of learning. Why bother, when you can call someone and pay them? But Edward didnt earn enough to outsource everything.

What drove me most mad was how his mother continued treating him as if he were a seven-year-old, and he replied bashfully, calling her mum.

Edward, have you got your socks on? Did you change your pants? Have you washed yourself properly? Listening to these conversations made me feel sick. He was a grown man, and his mother asked if hed changed his underwear.

Honestly, I want to divorce him. But then what? I dont have my own place, and the money my parents gave me is long spent. I cant tolerate any more of this. How much longer can I endure such silence?

The lesson Ive learnt is that, before entering marriage, its vital to truly know your partnernot just the person they show to the world, but their habits, their upbringing, and the family that has shaped them. Otherwise, you might find yourself stuck in someone elses idea of comfort, where your happiness is left behind.