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AIBU?

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AIBU to continually feel let down by DP

35 replies

PeoniesGinandBags · 28/07/2024 23:34

I've been in a relationship with my partner for 3 years and do love him. However, I am constantly feeling let down by him and unimportant.

He has lots of problems with his family (crappy divorce and struggles with his teenage children) along with some legal problems I recently helped him sort out. I'm very much a "go to" person for him as he's all over the show. When we're together things are good but when we're not, it's like I cease to exist.

We don't live together and live about 2 hours from each other's houses. This means we typically just spend weekends together.

Today he's gone home at 6 after "feeling drained" and needing to get home to sort out his things for work tomorrow. I called 4 hours later to check he'd got back okay to be told "oh, I've just come out for a quick drink with friend. I'll ring you when I'm home".

So, tired, needing to get ready for work, but in the pub at 10 and still no call, so presumably still there.

He's got a friend staying with him at the moment who is having some problems in his marriage and I'm not convinced isn't cheating on his wife.

AIBU to be really pissed off about this?

OP posts:
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HappierTimesAhead · 29/07/2024 20:55

You are worth more even if you don't feel it.

You have lots to give but you also deserve someone who gives back.

These are his failings, not yours.

Mmhmmn · 29/07/2024 20:50

Scarydinosaurs · 29/07/2024 05:54

Things that will improve your mood and self esteem:

Spend more time outside
read
learn a new skill
contact friends (with no ulterior motive other than checking how they are)
list things you’re grateful for
wash
eat food that you choose to, and deliberately.

Totally agree with this!

Mmhmmn · 29/07/2024 20:49

Have a read of The subtle art of not giving a fuck by Mark Manson. It's not perfect but it's helpful in places esp about values, boundaries, and recognising that other peoples shit is not your shit.

PeoniesGinandBags · 29/07/2024 11:01

He split up with his wife because they were both having affairs but then he developed a substance abuse problem. So, she did the right thing by the sounds of it.

Thank you so much for your time. I really appreciate you all xx

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Leanmeansmitingmachine · 29/07/2024 07:16

He’s extremely substandard. You are not. Bin him.

RoachFish · 29/07/2024 06:26

You haven’t expanded on this but I think anyone who has problems having a good relationship with their children is a potential issue. That coupled with difficult divorce suggests he may have been an arse towards his ex-wife. Those kinds of people don’t change and become lovely human beings over night.

Being with him is not beneficial for your mental health so you need to cut him out of your life.

Zanatdy · 29/07/2024 06:21

Well he probably wanted to get the drive done and sort his stuff for work. If his mate offered him to go a drink so what? I don’t think he’s unreasonable to leave at 6 when he’s got a 2hr drive ahead of him

Scarydinosaurs · 29/07/2024 05:54

Things that will improve your mood and self esteem:

Spend more time outside
read
learn a new skill
contact friends (with no ulterior motive other than checking how they are)
list things you’re grateful for
wash
eat food that you choose to, and deliberately.

autienotnaughty · 29/07/2024 05:47

He's not giving you the reassurance you need to feel good in the relationship. He's not showing you, you are a priority to him.

No wonder you feel like crap, you deserve better.

LoudSnoringDog · 29/07/2024 05:32

What was the reasoning for his previous marriage breakdown?

Angelsrose · 29/07/2024 05:15

Dump this loser and FAST. Run and don't look back. No more boosting his esteem to the detriment of your own. No more financial help to him. You'll be so much happier alone for a while.

PaminaMozart · 29/07/2024 05:10

What @Shoxfordian said! You can do this 💐

Shoxfordian · 29/07/2024 05:01

You're not stupid, you've recognised there's a problem and you're asking for support- read the books, look for the therapy and dump him

MrsTerryPratchett · 29/07/2024 04:56

PeoniesGinandBags · 29/07/2024 04:52

Thank you.

god I feel stupid. And a bit broken.

If you're stupid, I am too. I had one of these. Only reason I know!

Now stop saying things like that about yourself.

PeoniesGinandBags · 29/07/2024 04:52

Thank you.

god I feel stupid. And a bit broken.

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PaminaMozart · 29/07/2024 01:48

He is not your partner, 'dear' or otherwise. He is using you - both for practical stuff and as a booty call.

You are worth more than that.

Reading? These classics would be a good start:

  • Women Who Love Too Much
  • The Six Pillars of Self Esteem
coxesorangepippin · 29/07/2024 01:38

God just dump his sorry ass

He sounds like an utter brain drain

PeoniesGinandBags · 29/07/2024 01:34

hes definitely taking drugs and acts like having coke at the weekend isn’t a big deal… ah… this isn’t good is it?

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Itsjustmeheretoday · 29/07/2024 01:22

Dump him now, 3 years isn't very long. Cut your losses

FluentRubyDog · 29/07/2024 01:20

He's an user, not a partner.

Treesinthewind · 29/07/2024 00:41

I'd highly recommend reading up on co-dependency as your desire to help him and sort things out could well be that. I have had a tendency to stay in, at best, unhappy (and at worst, abusive) relationships because I always want to see the best in someone. I was with someone who made me feel like you've described (crying at least once a month if not more) for over 18 months. He finally called it off in October and it's been rough but I feel so free now.

Duckingella · 29/07/2024 00:37

I'm currently reading this

AIBU to continually feel let down by DP
SaulHudsonDavidJones · 29/07/2024 00:36

I'm going to play devils advocate. He is with you all weekend, works all week. Maybe he just wants some time to see a friend now and then? Especially if the friend is wanting someone to talk to.

PeoniesGinandBags · 29/07/2024 00:34

Has anyone got any recommendations for reading/activities around self esteem? I know it's the root cause of this acceptance of generally shite behaviour. Any books? Programmes? Not a therapist as I'm already seeing the mental health nurse for my OCD and panic attacks....

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Aquamarine1029 · 29/07/2024 00:32

And yes, my self esteem is just chronically low.

Yes, because you choose to stay with him. Nothing will change as long as you do.