Bit of background....

My partner split from his ex wife around 18 months ago. They were together for about 23 yrs but rarely had sex or did things as a couple. They didn’t have children through her fertility issues.

Around nine months later he met me, and we conceived within weeks. Absolutely was not intentional, and we discussed abortion but decided that as responsible adults, it was our responsibility to take care of the life we created. We fell in love and are always laughing and are very close. He attended every antenatal appointment and often buys me flowers and took me away for the weekend for my birthday. I can see myself marrying him...

So we bought a house together and he looks after me so well. He’s the epitome of

Everything a man should be. Kind, caring and selfless. Puts me above everyone and everything else. He recently bought me a new car because he didn’t think mine was safe enough. He’s amazing to my son, who he has a solid relationship with. He’s not perfect but he’s an amazing person.

We arranged to go out with his Mum last night... but as she turned up, he called me by his exes name. I was devastated. I know it was a slip of the tongue but it’s crushed me. I went to dinner with his mum and had to act like nothing was wrong.

Later when I confronted him about it, he apologised. Fair enough. 23 yrs is a long time and as much as I’m still very hurt, I understand it was done out of habit. So out of respect I asked him to stop referring to her occasionally when we’re with his family. They have no kids, so I don’t feel like there’s a need for him and his family to keep bringing her up in front of me. I’m 36 weeks pregnant and I think it’s disrespectful, especially now he called me by his exes name. He got very angry that I would ask him to stop bringing her up and that he would be deleting 23 yrs of his life if he stopped referring to her. I asked him if he still loved her and he said he absolutely didn’t. I asked him when they last had contact and he said before their divorce was finalised 6 months ago. I believe this to be true.

We’re not really talking at the minute and things are awkward. I deliver our baby in two weeks. I’m very hurt and felt I dealt with things fairly... I just cried and explained how I felt but he doesn’t seem to understand.

I’m obviously hormonal and emotional but would welcome outside perspectives.