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'The age gap's an issue now'

Husband enrages Mumsnet users by asking them if he should ditch his older wife, because she’s too focused on retirement and the menopause

A MAN has sparked a fierce debate on online forum Mumsnet, by asking users if he should leave his older wife after she has started talking about menopause and retirement.

A MAN has sparked a fierce debate on online forum Mumsnet, by asking users if he should leave his older wife after she has started talking about menopause and retirement.

The user who calls himself Jamie000 doesn’t reveal his own age but asks for guidance as to the best way to deal with the situation, as he has started to think he may want children of his own.

 A husband has taken to Mumsnet to ask users how he should leave his wife as he thinks the age gap between them is causing problems
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A husband has taken to Mumsnet to ask users how he should leave his wife as he thinks the age gap between them is causing problemsCredit: Getty Images

He admitted to feeling shocked that his wife was discussing retirement and menopause as he felt those issues were a long way away for him.

The confused husband explained that he had issues with his wife for the past two years and had sought counselling for the problems but it had only driven them further apart.

“My DW [dear wife] and I have been on a rocky road for at least 2 years. We have had counselling but that made things worse as we began to realise we wanted different things,” he said.

 User Jamie000 enraged some Mumsnet users when he said that he wants to leave his older wife
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User Jamie000 enraged some Mumsnet users when he said that he wants to leave his older wifeCredit: Mumsnet

“The problem is my DW is older than me (48) and although this wasn't an issue 10 years ago it sadly is now.

“She talks about retirement, menopause, and things that I didn't expect to have to deal with for many years.”

His lengthy message gained a lot of attention from users on the site with plenty of them offering an opinion.

Some users were sympathetic and offered practical advice about t7he man’s situation.

CurlySusanFox said: “People do change and that's okay.

“You must know someone will say - I'll do it - you knew about the age gap but ultimately if you don't love her let her go.”

One user, Sommerville said: “No one can tell you a way to end a marriage that doesn't cause pain. I don't think that exists.

Like in any other situation; be honest and be kind. And end your marriage before you start chasing younger women to have babies with.”

While ImperialBlether opted for a no-nonsense approach saying: “How old are you?

“If the relationship has run its course, then maybe it is time to break up. You are clearly at different points in your life.

“I'd remind her though that it's likely she won't be able to retire until her mid 60s, so she's got a hell of a wait!”

 Some users were very annoyed by the message suggesting he wanted to 'trade her in for a younger model'
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Some users were very annoyed by the message suggesting he wanted to 'trade her in for a younger model'Credit: Mumsnet

Others were completely outraged with FruitCider saying: “So basically you chose to get into a relationship with an older woman, and now she's aged you want to trade her in for a younger model?”

And another user added: “How old are you? Unless there's a massive age gap, I suspect you have left it too late to start a family!”

User loobyloo1234 also seemed less than impressed, commenting: “Planning retirement at 48 ... that is the dream. Good for her.

 Other users were sceptical asking if he was already seeing somebody else
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Other users were sceptical asking if he was already seeing somebody elseCredit: Mumsnet

“Hope you're kind to her when you do trade her in for the younger model”

While some users were sceptical about his motives, with coulditbeforever asking: “Hi Jamie000, can I ask is there someone else in your life?in other words are you seeing anyone else?”

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