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AIBU?

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Boyfriend lives with me and my kids but is hardly ever here. I genuinely don't know if I'm right or wrong.

263 replies

TheKhakiBee · 25/10/2024 18:46

Hi all. My boyfriend moved in with us about 4 months ago. Everything was fine until then but since he's lived here the dynamic feels so off and I genuinely do not know what to think.
I have three girls from a previous relationship. He isn't working at the moment. He gets up about 11 most days and goes straight out. He spends 2 or 3 hours at the gym/swim/sauna and helps his dad with some work he's having done (house move, alot to be done). He then might go to the pub or out for food etc. I would say most nights he's back about 7.30/8ish - later if he goes to the pub (once the pub shuts). He will also go out at the weekends drinking.

If he then came home and was present with us I don't think it would be an issue, but he comes in, makes food, takes it upstairs and eats and then stays upstairs all night, watching films etc. He won't come and spend time with us. He does cook tea sometimes but again he cooks and then takes his upstairs. I've asked him to spend more time with us, he doesn't want to.

He says I want too much of his time, he doesn't like to have to plan things, he wants to just 'do him' but he doesn't want to break up? He says he's not got kids yet so doesn't want to settle down as if he has - he doesn't want to be 'boring'. I said that fine, but then you shouldn't have got into a committed, cohabiting relationship with someone with children? I want a family.

Any advice please.

To not drip feed - he went through a very serious assault (home invasion) and hasn't worked since. I believe he has undiagnosed PTSD/depression. I don't hold this against him at all and we're not massively struggling financially I just wish he was present.

OP posts:
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Babbahabba · 27/10/2024 09:15

OP, my 18 year old son is more mature than this bloke and takes more of an interest/makes more input into family life with me and his little sister. He pays board too! Well done for getting rid of him.

Summerhillsquare · 27/10/2024 08:56

Well done OP. For future reference, you sound very switched on and you can do a lot better.

Idratherbepaddleboarding · 27/10/2024 08:36

This reply has been withdrawn

Post withdrawn at author's request

ZekeZeke · 27/10/2024 08:16

How are you doing OP?
Did he try to worm his way back in?

jelly79 · 26/10/2024 20:11

Wow good for you OP! He sounds like a selfish manchild.

Doing this is showing your girls you know your worth!!!

CallYourselfAChef · 26/10/2024 17:45

Your boyfriend doesn't really live with you - he sleeps at your house, enjoys the food, the warmth and comfort, and probably the sex. ALL of that without having to contribute a penny.

What do you see in a man who doesn't work, stays in bed until almost lunchtime, wastes his (JSA?) money in the pub, relaxes for hours in the leisure centre, and isn't interested in you OR your children?

BruFord · 26/10/2024 17:39

Good for you, OP. You don’t need a man child cluttering up your life.

From what you’ve said, I think my DS (16) is more mature than your now-ex. He’s pathetic.

MadnessIsMyMiddleName · 26/10/2024 16:48

Really glad to read that you've give him the elbow OP, also that you've realised that some therapy might help you realise why you were in his thrall, and hopefully stop you making this mistake again. Wishing you a fabulous future WITHOUT him!😁

BabyCloud · 26/10/2024 11:37

How did he take it?

RB68 · 26/10/2024 08:50

yeah - NO

You don't want the same things, he is using you as a place to live like a flippin teen.

He doesn't want a family and kids and you have 3

He is not exactly contributing anything at the moment in terms of his share of chores, bills and so on. He is acting like a child and you are acting like his Mum.

Get him out again say its not working, frankly I wouldn't continue with him, what exactly are you getting out of this

Imbusytodaysorry · 26/10/2024 08:30

@TheKhakiBee jeeze oh he sounds like your teenage son
He has moved in so he has more spending on his lifestyle .

Op come on end this now

WhitneyBaby · 26/10/2024 08:18

I’d tell him to move out.

Octopies · 26/10/2024 08:14

Hopefully he's moved out and you've blocked him? I wonder if he's had a falling out with his Dad and been kicked out of his house (maybe got sick of paying for everything for him). Spending so much time out of the house isn't good. If he's at the pub for that long drinking everyday then he's basically an alcoholic. I'd also wonder if he's seeing other women from your posts about him getting a lot of attention and being distant with you.

luckylavender · 26/10/2024 08:01

What are you getting out of this relationship? What lesson are you teaching your children?

CovertPiggery · 26/10/2024 07:58

Fountofwisdom · 26/10/2024 07:53

Bollocks has she ‘left him’! She has apparently texted him to say she wants him out, means nothing without decisive action. She has let this weasel take the piss for months so there is no way that is the end of it. Guarantee he was back last night after the pub and she will have felt sorry for him. My comments about her being an irresponsible mother still stand. She has been, and she continues to be until he has been eradicated from her home.

Do you really think saying something like this would help the OP and therefore her children who you seem so worried about?

I've been trapped with a gaslighter before and people telling you you're shit only pushes you further into their clutches.

Maybe you should think about the impact of your words before you post

Fountofwisdom · 26/10/2024 07:53

Waggytail · 25/10/2024 20:00

Maybe read the thread before gnashing your teeth? Op has left him.

Bollocks has she ‘left him’! She has apparently texted him to say she wants him out, means nothing without decisive action. She has let this weasel take the piss for months so there is no way that is the end of it. Guarantee he was back last night after the pub and she will have felt sorry for him. My comments about her being an irresponsible mother still stand. She has been, and she continues to be until he has been eradicated from her home.

pestothepenguin · 26/10/2024 07:52

Congratulations OP.

The first red flag is he doesn't have a job. Don't date anyone without a job or who can't hold a job down.

Different to being between contracts.

AnnoyedAsAllHeck · 26/10/2024 04:41

TheKhakiBee · 25/10/2024 19:55

I found him physically attractive in the beginning, I don't anymore. His behaviour changed my perception of him even physically. Plus all the taking topless photos in the mirror posing etc just a massive turn off. That update was my attempt as explained why I, like many other women, have initially been drawn in by him.

Congratulations on reclaiming your freedom and your happiness!

You aren't the first to be taken in by a man-boy and won't be the last. Don't be hard on yourself. Celebrate that you figured it out.

unmemorableusername · 26/10/2024 00:15

Well done.

You've made the right call.

yeaitsmeagain · 25/10/2024 23:18

TheKhakiBee · 25/10/2024 21:58

Interestingly I recently found out he does steroid cycles.

I would not want my children around someone like that because of the rages.

Jimmyneutronsforehead · 25/10/2024 22:42

TheKhakiBee · 25/10/2024 19:03

The part I csnt wrap my head around is before he lived here he lived with his dad in his family home and it is a beautiful house - much bigger, nicer etc than mine. It was peaceful and his dad paid for everything there. If he had been living in a horrible place I could understand the idea he's just here for somewhere to stay etc but he already had somewhere much nicer! I can't wrap my head around it.

He does sometimes take my youngest to school and has taken her to the park a few times. He doesn't understand why I would want more from him and says I'm needy.

You know... it's ok to be needy.

It is ok to have needs and expectations of a relationship that you want for yourself.

Him saying that you're needy for expecting him to be an active participant in this relationship is a way to gaslight you into thinking you're the one that's going a bit off. You're the one with the problem. You need to check your perspective. All men are like this.

This is absolutely not true and you know it. Your needs matter. He is trying to make you settle for less. He is telling you he is less. Get rid of him and get someone who is more.

SweetGenie · 25/10/2024 22:39

Jesus kick him out. It must be like having a teenager living with you. Absolutely no substance to your relationship whatsoever.

Isometimeswonder · 25/10/2024 22:13

Ffs. Don't have this as an example for your daughters.

TheKhakiBee · 25/10/2024 21:58

Usnone · 25/10/2024 21:37

This sounds like someone I knew who was taking testosterone pills. Women were falling at his feet even though he was a compulsive liar and generally weird guy. He was also a gym bunny; I guess that's where he got the testosterone from. It was honestly like seeing women under the influence of a magic love potion from a fairy tale.

Interestingly I recently found out he does steroid cycles.

OP posts:
Ooral · 25/10/2024 21:49

I'm male, and even I am going to say he is a cocklodger!
Taking the absolute piss, I wish my better half would let me do that.