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AIBU?

My Dad strikes again, actually upset me this time

92 replies

SpikyCoconut · 19/05/2018 16:08

Maybe more shaken than upset.

My Dad offered to put a washing line up for me and DP some time ago and has kept saying he'd do it soon. We never mentioned it again, didn't ask him to,wasn't a problem.

A few weeks ago he sent me a msg asking if we could dig some holes for the posts to go in, giving measurements. I showed DP the measurements, and DP dug the holes. My Dad saw the holes when he came round for a drink and a bbq last bank hol (you may remember my previous thread).

ANYWAY. I was at fault today because this morning I had a text at around 8 am from my Dad, and I didn't hear it, didn't see it. My fault, I accept this totally.

There was a festival in a neighbouring town today and my friend had a stall so we decided to go to that. We'd just arrived there at lunchtime ish when my 'phone rang, my Dad asking did I get his message.

I said 'no sorry', he said 'where are you'? I said at *** festival. I then said 'Sorry, had you called I'd have answered I just didn't hear the notification for the mesg' he then had a massive go at me again, shouting that I never answer my bloody phone and It's always same and don't give him that etc etc (I do answer my phone, not always but who can say they always do if at work/out somewhere noisy etc etc)?

(He turned up to my BBQ 3 hours later than I had sent the invitation txt, because he didn't see it.. I'm digressing.)

His text had said he wanted our help with shifting some flags this morning as he didn't have time to do it but it would only take about ten mins.

I absolutely would have done this had I known about it, I am cursing myself for not seeing that text message.

Remembering the advice from the last thread, when he began shouting and balling at me I put the phone down.

I then replied to his text saying 'Sorry, didn't hear the message, if you'd have called I'd have answered, we'll do it when we get back?xx'

But I couldn't relax at the festival so we came back after about an hour. It was a half hour walk to the car then 25 mins drive, if relevant.

We got back and he was in the garden digging the holes. He started having a go at me because the holes weren't dug right. I originally thought he was talking to DP as he knew I hadn't' dug the holes but he wasn't, he was having a go at me. He was shouting loudly and aggressively, very obviously angry..DP didn't say anything at first, I was really confused-I said well DP did them how you asked?

He then shouted that I just wanted to blame someone else and I said 'Dad but, I didn't dig the holes?' DP then said 'yes I dug them'.

Apparently they weren't the right size but then, he'd looked at them at the BBQ and could have said something then.

Anyway he then shouted in a really threatening manner that if I EVER put the phone down on him again he'll be' down the 'phone'.

I tried to stay calm,was shaking (still am)! and said 'And if you do I'll call the police' (I feel bad about this, but he was implying he'd go for me as he has before albeit not for a very long time).

He said 'And see what I'll do if you do!'

Then, Me: 'You don't reply to your text messages!'

Him: 'I don't deal in text messages I deal in face to face me!!'

Me:'Why didn't you ring or come round then?'

Him: 'Cause you dont' answer your phone!'
Me: 'I don't answer it if it doesn't' ring'!

I then went into the house and hid and cried, very proud I didn't break in front of him (I have before).


I am pretty shaken up stil but glad I stood my ground. He's always been this way.

I am upset my day's been ruined, don't understand why he couldn't have rang or knocked on the door, don't see what the big deal is at all, and I really really don't think its right that he threatened me or spoke to me like this in my garden (I am sure the neighbours would have heard, he's a VERY loud person).

DP didn't measure the holes, not realising how particular my Dad is about these things so I told DP that's my fault for not emphasising it. Sorry if this is a bit jumbled. DP said my Dad did look as if he'd go for me any minute. I just remember from the last thread someone saying 'he sees you as a child he can tell off', and this, I am definitely seeing now. Not that I'd ever speak to a child like that (or anyone)! anyway.

OP posts:
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SpikyCoconut · 19/05/2018 16:10

Sorry forgot to add, I do answer my phone to him and don't remember last tiem I didn't, I think I've implied that I am bad for not answering it,I don't think this is the case. Also when we got back DP went to get a shovel to rectify the second hole and was told 'Don't just leave it I'll do it' In a nasty tone.(and is now feels at fault which I've reassured It's not).

OP posts:
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KellyBailey · 19/05/2018 16:12

He's a dick, I wouldn't have contact with someone who was that aggressive.

A bit of a tangent but how come your DP didn't just sort the washing line out himself if he'd already dug the holes? Taking favours from someone like your dad gives them a power over you that you want to avoid if possible.

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Singlenotsingle · 19/05/2018 16:14

Is he adding value to your life? Sounds as though you'd be better off having as little to do with him as possible. He's a nasty bully! What did your DP think/say?

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SissySpacekAteMyHamster · 19/05/2018 16:15

Jesus. I'd tell him you dont want his help and to stay away until he can learn to behave.

I'd be nc in this situation.

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CuriousaboutSamphire · 19/05/2018 16:17

Ooooh! Your whole posts read like one big apology to your dad... and he really does not deserve anything other than a loud FUCK OFF

Setting aside how you feel (not because you don't matter but you are used to him, I am guessing he's been like this all your life) think about how he treated your DP! Do you really think your dad had a point?Does your DP deserve to have to cope with that?

No???

And nor do you! All you have to do is work out how you are going to reduce the control your dad still has in your life. Until you do you won't really be able to live a fully adult life.

And I know only too well how harmful that can be!

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biggirlknickers · 19/05/2018 16:18

Well done OP. Your responses were perfect. Sorry you feel so upset.

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JennyOnAPlate · 19/05/2018 16:19

Why are you letting him put a washing line up for you? Throw him out of your garden and don't let him back in again!

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TheWernethWife · 19/05/2018 16:20

Your DP should have told the nasty bastard to fuck off. I never hear messages as my phone is normally in my bag and prefer people to ring instead.

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WineAndTiramisu · 19/05/2018 16:21

Is there anything positive about having him in your life...?

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SlowlyLosingMyMind · 19/05/2018 16:27

Can I ask what do you gain from having your dad in your life?

Some people feel that no matter how their parents behave they have to put up with it because it's their parents.
Its not true.
If all they bring is hurt, anger and fear then that is not a valuable relationship you should focus on. Flowers

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Slightlyperturbedowlagain · 19/05/2018 16:29

Just buy a good DIY book and do it yourself. Be much quicker and less stressful.

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Semster · 19/05/2018 16:34

It's not OK that your dad treats you like this. You did really well to stand up to him.

Forget the phone - whether you answer it or not. Just stop worrying about that. Don't engage in who was right or wrong, who did or didn't answer the phone - you'll never win that battle.

Just let him know clearly and assertively that he does NOT get to talk to you like this ever, and if he does then you will no longer have anything to do with him.

I did this many years ago with a very difficult parent, and for five years we had no contact. Since then we've got on really well, and he is much more polite to me than to most other people because he knows I won't tolerate being treated badly.

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Lmj25 · 19/05/2018 16:35

I wouldn't let him/ ask him to do anything for you again. I'd either distance myself or having nothing to do with him. Sorry about your day Thanks

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IAmBreakmasterCylinder · 19/05/2018 16:35

When/how/whether you answer messages and calls is all irrelevant.

It is not acceptable for him to speak
to or treat you like that.

I’m sorry he’s such a shit to you Flowers

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PieAndPumpkins · 19/05/2018 16:46

I don't understand why you have a relationship with this pig, given how aggressive and vile he is (and has always been historically by the sounds of it)? Genuinely don't understand why people martyr themselves to arsehole family members just because you share some DNA...

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Aspergallus · 19/05/2018 16:47

Why do you have anything to do with this person?

Do you have children? That's the time to draw a line over who is allowed in their lives. If you can't do it for you, do it for them. My own 'D'F can be incredibly verbally aggressive but it has been made absolutely clear that our relationship (and his with his gc) ends if this ever happens in my home. I had enough of it when I was growing up in his, it's just not happening now. Amazingly, it turns out he is actually able to keep it under control...what a surprise.

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Loveatthefiveanddime · 19/05/2018 16:49

You couldn't say or do anything right in that situation, you were doomed to be wrong whatever you said. He was insane, and you can't argue with that sort of insanity where you are basically just the whipping boy.

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missbattenburg · 19/05/2018 16:49

Is he adding value to your life?

This, with bells on.

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RB68 · 19/05/2018 16:51

The answer regarding putting the phone down is - well speak to me properly and I won't have to put the phone down. I am not dealing with you when you speak to me like that

He is treating you like a child and wanting to control you. I would definitely not ask or get any more favours from him, you do not need to be treated or spoken to like that especially as he is now expanding it to your DH as well. What a nice welcome to the family that is

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flapjackfairy · 19/05/2018 16:54

What was your partner doing while this was going on. My dh would have shown him the door and told him not to come back .

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Bridechilla · 19/05/2018 16:59

Stop taking his offers of "help" they're just an excuse to abuse and for you to feel indebted. I realise that's not easy so I'm suggesting that you to literally refuse his offer of any future help.

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iheartmichellemallon · 19/05/2018 17:01

You need to cut him out Op as he's truly vile. Can't believe your DP didn't stick up for you more though & kick him out. He sounds truly vile.

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Lucked · 19/05/2018 17:04

Stop saying you are at fault. His behaviour is shocking you do not have to let people treat you like that no matter what relationship they are to you.

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Maelstrop · 19/05/2018 17:15

Why are you in contact with him?

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fc301 · 19/05/2018 17:28

He's surely not welcome in your house, in your garden.
Wholly abusive & unacceptable behaviour!

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