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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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:
Killingoffmyflowersonebyone · 25/10/2024 20:07

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.

Topless photos in the mirror!? How old is he?! I'm fairly sure that's what young teenagers do, not grown men. At least no self-respecting grown men.

Bin. Your kids deserve better than this sponge in their life

Ohh just seen you've kicked him out! Good.

llamalines · 25/10/2024 20:06

TheKhakiBee · 25/10/2024 19:47

I'm not choosing him. He is currently at the pub. I have just messaged him that I don't want this relationship anymore and he no longer lives here. I've told him I will pack his things and he can arrange someone else to collect them as I dont want to even attempt going over it all with him again. I'm tired of explaining and trying to get him to act right.

I don't know why I have put up with it.

Well done TheKhakiBee, what a positive message you've given your girls about standing up for yourself and not tolerating being treated badly.

Onwards!

viques · 25/10/2024 20:06

viques · 25/10/2024 20:03

When does he go out looking for paid work?

Aha, I should have read the updates. Well done OP.

Skyrainlight · 25/10/2024 20:04

TheKhakiBee · 25/10/2024 19:06

Everytime I try to talk about it he says I'm needy, all men are like this, this is what men do etc etc etc. I don't know if gaslighting is the right term but I am honestly questioning myself so much even though I KNOW it's wrong and this isn't the life I want I'm constantly second guessing that maybe I am being needy or asking for too much.

All men are not like this. My husband and I spend a lot of time together, we go on walks, we chat, we snuggle on the sofa, he's my best friend. He enjoys spending time with me. What's the point in having a relationship with someone and not get any of your needs met? It's weird that he lives with you and your daughters yet doesn't really exist in your lives.

viques · 25/10/2024 20:03

When does he go out looking for paid work?

PinkyFlamingo · 25/10/2024 20:03

Well done!

IOSTT · 25/10/2024 20:03

Well done OP, going forward, be aware of people who are “charming” - it’s a type of acting / manipulation to get them what they want.

TopshopCropTop · 25/10/2024 20:02

Even the fact that he’s in the pub while you’re sat at home with your kids OP is so telling. You’ve done the right thing and you will find a decent man that is much more aligned with your lifestyle.

ElizaMulvil · 25/10/2024 20:02

1.Give him a couple of bin bags and tell him to fill them with his stuff and he's got an hour max to leave. Make sure you get keys etc. NO discussion, no arguments. Just repeat ' you've got to go'.

He's brought it on himself. No being nice and letting him ;
eat,
wait until tomorrow
wait until he's sorted out a place to live
wait until he's got a job
let him prove he's changed etc etc.

DO NOT GIVE HIM MONEY

*If he's out, fill the bags yourself and pop a note on saying it's over, not working for you - 'it's just how women are'. Leave the bags on the front doorstep.' Any big things, furniture if any, can be collected tomorrow at eg 2pm whenever you can manage.' Put them out. No need to answer the door. I'm sure one of his mates will take him in. Not your problem.

Your children will be eternally grateful.

You will have added years to your life expectancy.

NB If you have any suspicion he may be violent wait until he's out as above.*

Chowtime · 25/10/2024 20:02

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Teateaandmoretea · 25/10/2024 20:01

TheKhakiBee · 25/10/2024 19:47

I'm not choosing him. He is currently at the pub. I have just messaged him that I don't want this relationship anymore and he no longer lives here. I've told him I will pack his things and he can arrange someone else to collect them as I dont want to even attempt going over it all with him again. I'm tired of explaining and trying to get him to act right.

I don't know why I have put up with it.

Well to be fair you haven’t put up with it for very long.

Good luck, onwards and upwards ☘️

Waggytail · 25/10/2024 20:00

Fountofwisdom · 25/10/2024 19:58

You are being a completely irresponsible mother. You have brought a selfish free-loading cocklodger into your children’s home. He is not remotely interested in you or them - how do you think that is going to affect their happiness, self-esteem and view of relationships? If you have any consideration for your poor daughters, you need to kick him to the kerb THIS WEEKEND. Stop being a complete idiot.

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

Fountofwisdom · 25/10/2024 19:58

You are being a completely irresponsible mother. You have brought a selfish free-loading cocklodger into your children’s home. He is not remotely interested in you or them - how do you think that is going to affect their happiness, self-esteem and view of relationships? If you have any consideration for your poor daughters, you need to kick him to the kerb THIS WEEKEND. Stop being a complete idiot.

MumOfOneAllAlone · 25/10/2024 19:58

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.

I understand you OP - so glad that you saw him for what he is

An unemployed man who spends his time posting on social media would turn me off as well 😄

Cherrysoup · 25/10/2024 19:58

TheKhakiBee · 25/10/2024 19:17

I mean me and the children aren't struggling, I have a good income and we live comfortably. He has an income of about £500 a month and I would say he spends about half of that on us (food). The rest goes on phone, gym, socialising etc. For reference my rent is £950 before any other bills/utilities/food/expenses.

So he’s living rent free?! Do you have ‘mug’ tattooed on your forehead?!

Just read that you’re kicking him out. Brilliant!

NettleTea · 25/10/2024 19:57

I think many of us have. at some time, tried to 'fix' rubbish men. I mean its what the media seems to suggest is our role.
Id take a look at the Freedom Programme - you can do it online, or in person. It really shows how society backs up alot of the really dreadful ideas that prop up awful behaviour and attitudes towards how relationships work.

Mummyoflittledragon · 25/10/2024 19:56

Well done for telling him to leave. Now is the time to work on yourself a little to discover why you’d put up with such poor treatment.

Gonegirl7 · 25/10/2024 19:55

Cocklodger / freeloader. Your house is his hotel with some sex on the side presumably

TheKhakiBee · 25/10/2024 19:55

MumOfOneAllAlone · 25/10/2024 19:44

So hes sexy op?? If he's sexy, sleep with him?

He's still a cocklodger as others have said.

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.

OP posts:
bakewellbride · 25/10/2024 19:55

@MustBeGinOclock you need to read the update and keep up. She HAS dumped him.

ConstanceM · 25/10/2024 19:54

I'm not sure what I've just read but you sound like you have another child living with you. That's not BF material, he's taking the royal piss - rent free as well. Why tolerate such nonsense. You gaining nothing from this union..

MustBeGinOclock · 25/10/2024 19:54

Edited to reflect update.
Op well done. You are being walked all over and used. This is no relationship. 4 months In and he's a walking red flag.
Jeesus glad you decided to get rid.

OldTinHat · 25/10/2024 19:54

Best decision you will ever make make, OP! Put out the bunting to celebrate along with the bin bags with his stuff in.

You can can do so, so much better than that cock lodger.

Errors · 25/10/2024 19:53

TheKhakiBee · 25/10/2024 19:51

I'm about 5 years older. I don't have any problem getting attention from men. I have very stupidly turned down some absolutely lovely men because I really wanted this one. I can't explain it as I don't understand it myself.

I do completely understand that my children deserve better than this. It is has been 4 months and I have ended the relationship tonight. My girls will be fine and whilst this will ofcourse have affected them in the short term I definitely won't make the same mistakes again. I'm going to get some therapy of my own to work through why I accepted any of this despite seeing the red flags. I guess I thought I could 'fix him'. Stupid I know.

Don’t be too hard on yourself though OP. You clearly have some self awareness and you’ve only let it go on for a few months before ending it.
Being overly ‘obsessed’ with a guy is a red flag in itself. Good relationships are supposed to feel calm and safe

Lunde · 25/10/2024 19:53

Sorry - missed your update. I think you have done the right thing