Moody People

@pinklilly (3443)
Australia
July 16, 2011 8:01am CST
How do you deal with moody people? My partner is so moody and snaps so easily over small things.. He is like the weather, always changing! And unpredictable somedays. One day he’s Mr Charming, the next he’s a thunderstorm raging against anyone in his way... He is tired and stressed, which I understand with work and building our home. I help too and have 3kids to look after, and which the youngest is a 4month old... I get criticized that I dont do enough to help, and that I'm lazy, when I'm not and I do as much as possible. I do allot more than most mothers would do... I wish I was shown some appreciation for the things I do... He is lost without me. Geez he struggled when I was in hospital after having our son.. I try and ignore him when he's like that and just agree to disagaree so as to avoid saying the wrong thing, and getting snaped at.... Eventually the mood blows over but sometimes it comes rolling back.... How about you? What do you do? Any tips?
1 person likes this
8 responses
@vivamir (671)
16 Jul 11
Hi pinklily..I think we have all that particular someone who is like this! I completely understand and sympathize for you..unfortunately, thats the way some partners are like when they are 'stressed/agitated' at that moment in time-..and it usually does come rolling back as psychologically it is unresolved to them- and until its cleared in their mind.. its no longer a throw back at you.. however it doesnt necessarily resolve their underlying agitation- and for this I try to remain as calm as I calm (*regardless of insults, or how annoyed they may feel*)- Just allow them to vent it out- and I have found this ESPECIALLY with men (*sorry guys*)! I wouldnt doubt nor challenge any mothers skills to raising their children, those I dont know anyway- but Im sure your partner is fully aware of your daily pressures and this in turn has an affect on him..knowing that he may feel slightly helpless as to giving you undivided attention? Maybe try making some time just for the two of you..?
1 person likes this
@pinklilly (3443)
• Australia
19 Jul 11
Well said viamir. Thank you! I do try to stay calm and just let him vent as I understand that some things he says he doesn't really mean... So I laugh it off & think how silly he's being, but I can't laugh at him ofcourse that might make him angry lol.
@pinklilly (3443)
• Australia
20 Jul 11
Lol... He might of had a bad dream! They forget so easily or just think we have... Just ignore their harmful words because it will be all forgotten tomorrow!
@vivamir (671)
19 Jul 11
We cant win pinklily.. but in the end they feel like the daft ones! It was only last night when he had a moody on with me- started an argument out of nothing- and I literally mean nothing..he just woke up and starting saying 'I was this, I was that..' ...... hmmmm.....? Today..its a different story...whos trying to talk to who? (*LoL*)...
1 person likes this
• United States
16 Jul 11
Thankfully I do not live with someone like this. I do have a very understanding boyfriend and appreciative too. I can only suggest that while he is in one of his good moods, that you say calmly to him, that YOU have an issue you would like to discuss with him. Notice I said you and not him because when people hear that we have a problem with them, they tend to get defensive and not willing to listen to any of our complaints. Let him how YOU feel when he is not in a good mood. Tell him you are doing the best you can and unless he explains exactly what is wrong with him that you cannot be of further help. Explain you understand he is busy and stressed but that for the continual growth of happiness with your family, it is important to discuss what bothers one another as you cannot be a mind reader. I do hope he listens as it sounds like you two are building a home for a future together and if he does not change his ways, how will it last forever. All the best to you and your family.
@pinklilly (3443)
• Australia
19 Jul 11
Thank you hardworking girl. I have spoken to him on a few occasions about his mood swings, but it comes down to the building stress and work etc to keep our house building on track.. we are doing most of it ourselves to save on costs. We are temporarly in a large caravan whilst we build, its not to bad but being winter it is too wet to go outdoors to have some alone time so 5 in a van can be a bit much at times..It will all be worth it once our house is built though...
• Philippines
16 Jul 11
I believe the best way to deal with moody people is to be calm around them. Not necessarily ignore them, but when they ask things, request things, ask questions, just answer or provide these in a calm manner. Ignoring them will only make them more demanding. So the best way to go is to communicate and give them what they want, all with a good attitude. :)
1 person likes this
@pinklilly (3443)
• Australia
18 Jul 11
That is what I do. I believe there is no reason to snap back and I calmly tell him to relax its ok. But sometimes that doesn't help.. If I can't help I like to just avoid so as not to get in his war path.. lol I try my hardest no to laugh at him, but I do laugh to help lighten the situation because its usually stupid things he stresses over... Men can't multi task so doing more than one thing at a time can be frustrating......
@sswallace21 (1824)
• United States
16 Jul 11
Unfortunately, I'm a moody person. I don't normally snap at people though. I'm really a quiet person so people don't really have to deal with it. They usually can tell my mood by the way I said, "good morning." It seems bizarre but it's true. My poor husband though, sometime I go off on him for no reason. He know how I am but that still doesn't make it right. They've given me medication that helps but it's not a full proof cure. Sorry to hear you have to deal with this. You sound like a great person, who loves her children and takes care of your home. Hope things get better for you soon. Best Wishes!
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@pinklilly (3443)
• Australia
17 Jul 11
I geuss people can gather from how you speak to the mood your in and stay away.lol, if need be. I didn't know there was medication that could help, unless there is an underlying problem causing the moodiness. I get irritable at times which is because my thyroid is overactive, it is one of many symptoms and it makes me feel breathless and weak, I hate not being able to complete tasks because of it.... I don't take it out on others though, I take myself away when I feel it happening ... I try and make everybody happy and I don't take my partners moods personally as I know it is just the stress of trying to look after his family.
• United States
17 Jul 11
Hi Pink, The way you describe him he sounds like he is bipolar. Those mood swings can be like that. One day you can be his princess and the next day you can be a thorn in his side depending on what kind of mood he is in. Maybe he should be checked and get on some medication. My daughter is bipolar and on meds and she is still like the wind .. going in any direction.
• Australia
16 Jul 11
This is amazingly familiar to me! It was like I was saying it myself. I just love my hubby, and he does alot, but I can totally related to the constant mood change and complaints about things that don't really matter. I got an ear full over not buying soap as we ran out!! He doesn't yell or curse or anything, but those mood swings sometimes make me think hes a women with PMS! haha. He loves our little ones and would do anything for us, but sometimes when the monster side comes out i wonder where that came from!! Back to your question, I actually just go out sometimes. If he's moody when the kids are asleep I head down the road and get myself an icecream sundae in the drive through, or do a spot of shopping. Or-I write in my "feelings" book.. haha, sounds funny, well I actually have a yellow book and I just go and write in it. He gets frustrated when I do it, because he knows it's my journal with my thoughts.... Ahh...men !!
1 person likes this
@pinklilly (3443)
• Australia
17 Jul 11
Thanks girlstar, I've gone for icecream once, it was good.. I have a book too that I write in but havn't for a long time. I joke and say to him that he has pms, it is true though, men go through cycles too... Have you heard of biorythems? Everybody has their ups and down moods and it cycles.
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
20 Oct 11
There is a lot of times life is just like this. I know many times I have dealt with these same issues with my husband to where it just is like HELP!! I know that we work different shifts and only have Thursday and Fridays nights together and then Saturday and Sunday until I go to work as I work Swing and he works days. But many times it is like I never do enough, etc. and due to the limitations with my Health at times it can be quite frustrating indeed.
@KOSTAS499 (1624)
• Greece
20 Oct 11
Hi. You have to be calm and not respond. Always. It's hard I know, but it will help you a lot. You will spend each day without anger and frustration. My advice to you is to read "The Law of the garbage truck" from David J. Pollay. You will understand how to deal with these problems and not let them get to you and ruin your day. One minute of anger between your partner and you will make you think about it all day long. This book will also help you explain to your partner, that inspite of all his problems, he should not unload them on everybody else. He should deal with them in his own and ask for help when needed.