My Husband Said I Was A Mistake (What To Do When Husband Says He Regrets Marrying You?)

Logan Haven
7 min readOct 2, 2023

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Photo by Eric Ward on Unsplash

Today, we’re diving into a topic that hits close to home for many of us: dealing with the hurtful words our partners sometimes say. So often, I hear from people who are grappling with the aftermath of a harsh statement, like “My husband said I was a mistake.” Ouch! Those words can cut deep, leaving emotional scars that may take time to heal. But fear not, because in this article, we’re going to unpack this situation and offer you some down-to-earth advice on how to navigate it.

A few months ago, I received an email from a woman named Isabela (names changed for privacy, of course). She wrote, “I don’t know what to do. My husband said I was a mistake in his life during an argument. Those words cut deep, and I can’t seem to forget them. What should I do?”

Isabela’s email was heartfelt and filled with pain. She shared how she and her husband, Henry, had been married for over a decade, and for the most part, their marriage had been a happy one. They’d weathered life’s storms together, from job changes to raising their two wonderful children. But during a particularly heated argument, things had taken an unexpected turn.

It all started when they were discussing their future plans. Isabela had been dreaming about going back to school to pursue her passion for art, but this would require some financial adjustments and a lot of time and effort. Henry, on the other hand, was concerned about the potential strain on their family finances and wondered if Isabela’s dream was practical at this stage of their lives.

The conversation quickly escalated into an argument, with both of them saying things they’d later regret. In the heat of the moment, Henry had uttered those painful words: “You were a mistake in my life!” The moment those words left his lips, Isabela felt as though her world had shattered. She never thought she’d hear something so hurtful from the man she loved.

Isabela couldn’t shake the hurt and confusion she felt. She found herself questioning the foundation of their relationship. Did Henry truly see her as a mistake? Did he regret their entire marriage? These thoughts tormented her day and night, making it difficult to sleep or focus on anything else. It was like a dark cloud hanging over her heart.

And so, she reached out to me, searching for guidance and answers. Her email ended with a poignant question that I’m sure many of you can relate to: “Is there any way to heal from this and rebuild trust in our marriage, or have those words irreparably damaged what we once had?”

Understanding the Impact

First things first, let’s acknowledge the emotional impact of such a hurtful statement. When your spouse tells you that you were a mistake, it’s like a dagger to the heart. It can make you question your self-worth, your place in the relationship, and even your overall existence. The pain is real, and it’s okay to feel hurt, angry, or confused.

Now, let’s unpack why people say such hurtful things in the heat of the moment. It’s crucial to remember that when emotions run high, rationality often takes a back seat. Your partner may not truly believe you’re a mistake, but in the heat of an argument, they might say it to hurt you because they themselves are hurting or frustrated. It’s like a desperate attempt to win the battle, but in doing so, they end up causing severe emotional damage.

So, if you’re in a similar boat, feeling hurt and confused because of something your partner said, here’s what you can do:

1. Take a Deep Breath and Step Back

If you find yourself in the middle of a heated argument with your partner, and they drop a bombshell, saying something that cuts deep into your core. In that intense moment, it’s entirely normal to feel a rush of emotions like anger, sadness, or even the urge to retaliate with hurtful words. However, it’s crucial to remember that taking a deep breath and stepping back can be your lifeline in such situations.

When you step back, you give yourself a chance to pause and reflect. You can take a moment to collect your thoughts and emotions. This helps you avoid reacting impulsively, which often leads to more hurtful exchanges. Stepping back allows you to regain your composure and approach the situation with a clearer mind.

2. Reflect on the Words and the Context

Now, let’s dive into the importance of reflection. Hurtful words from a loved one can be like a tidal wave crashing over you. To make sense of the situation, you need to examine not only the words themselves but also the context in which they were said.

People tend to say things they don’t mean when they’re caught up in a storm of emotions. Perhaps your partner blurted out those hurtful words in the heat of the moment, driven by anger, frustration, or stress. It’s essential to look beyond the words and try to understand whether there were underlying issues fueling the argument.

By examining the context, you can gain insights into your partner’s state of mind at that particular moment. This doesn’t excuse the hurtful words, but it can provide some perspective on what might have triggered them.

3. Communicate Your Feelings

Now, let’s talk about the crucial step of communicating your feelings. Imagine this scenario: You’ve taken a moment to collect yourself, and you’re ready to address the hurtful words. Instead of resorting to accusations or blame, consider using “I” statements to express your feelings.

For instance, you could say something like, “When those words were spoken, it really hurt me. I felt unloved and rejected. Can we sit down and have an open conversation about why that was said and how we can avoid such hurtful comments in the future?”

By using “I” statements, you convey your emotions without placing blame solely on your partner. This approach opens the door to a more constructive conversation.

4. Listen Actively and Empathetically

Now, let’s explore the art of active listening and empathy. In the aftermath of hurtful words, it’s crucial to remember that it’s a two-way street. While you share your feelings and perspective, you must also actively listen to your partner’s side of the story.

Let’s say your partner explain that they didn’t realize how deeply their words would cut, or they reveal that they were grappling with their emotions and didn’t know how to express themselves differently. By actively listening without judgment, you create an environment where both of you can better understand each other’s viewpoints.

Active listening fosters empathy, and empathy is a powerful tool for resolving conflicts. It allows you to see things from your partner’s perspective, which can lead to a more compassionate and productive conversation.

5. Seek Solutions Together

Now, let’s talk about finding solutions together. After you’ve both had the opportunity to express your feelings and concerns, it’s time to collaborate on finding ways to move forward. How can you both avoid hurtful language in future arguments? Are there underlying issues in your relationship that need addressing?

If your partner acknowledge that they have a tendency to use hurtful words when they’re angry and suggest implementing a “cooling-off period” during arguments. This allows both of you to step away briefly, cool down, and return to the conversation with clearer heads and less emotional intensity.

The key here is that you’re working together as a team to find practical solutions that can prevent hurtful words from cropping up in the future. It’s about creating a healthier and more constructive way of resolving conflicts.

6. Focus on Healing

Healing is a journey that takes time and patience, and it’s crucial to be compassionate with yourself and your partner during this period. Remember that just because you’ve had a conversation doesn’t mean the hurt magically disappears.

Think of it this way: Healing is akin to nursing a wounded heart. It involves gentle care, understanding, and time. Both you and your partner should be kind to yourselves and each other as you navigate this journey together.

So, what do you do when your husband, or anyone you love, says hurtful things like, “You were a mistake”? Take a deep breath, step back, and approach the situation with empathy and understanding. Reflect on the context, communicate openly, and work together to find solutions. Healing is a journey, and it’s one you can embark on together.

Ready to take the first steps toward healing and rebuilding trust in your relationship? Click here to access more valuable insights and practical tips on navigating hurtful words in your partnership.

Click here to discover more in-depth advice, practical tips, and real-life stories on how to mend the wounds caused by hurtful words in your relationship. Let’s work together to strengthen your bond, improve communication, and build a healthier, happier future with your loved one.

Don’t let hurtful words define your relationship. Instead, let’s work together to transform them into an opportunity for growth and connection. Click here now to access your free guide and take the first step toward healing and rebuilding the love you share with your partner.

Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, and with the right guidance, you can move forward towards a healthier and happier relationship. Click right here to get started.

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Logan Haven

I am a dedicated and compassionate licensed marriage counselor with over 10 years of experience helping couples build healthier and fulfilling relationships.