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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:
Onlyonekenobe · 25/10/2024 19:53

He was with you rather than his dad, because he has sex on tap with you and not his dad.

Well done for giving him the boot. You can do better than nothing, which is what he was giving you.

MumOfOneAllAlone · 25/10/2024 19:52

Differentstarts · 25/10/2024 19:47

I can't imagine he's good in bed. Selfish people usually aren't and he doesn't sound like he likes op

He does sound selfish tbh

rainingcatsanddawgs · 25/10/2024 19:52

While you're at it, get yourself tested for every STD out there. I wouldn't trust the guy to have been faithful to you during the two years he's been with you.

Imfreetofeelgood · 25/10/2024 19:52

Well done OP.

Lunde · 25/10/2024 19:52

As crazy as this is there are atleast 3 women I know of who have his name tattooed on them - women he has never officially been in a relationship with. I actually think it's the opposite of love bombing. It's a 'give a little bit of attention and then pull back' thing and he has mastered the art of it.

Isn't this exactly what he's doing with you now? He gave you attention, moved in and is now backtracking and spending his time outside the house.

He's living the life of a moody teenager with sex on tap while you do the the adulting.

TheKhakiBee · 25/10/2024 19:51

Differentstarts · 25/10/2024 19:45

Are you a lot older and don't get much attention from men or something because your coming across really desperate and throwing your kids under the bus in the process. If you don't want to split up with your boyfriend. What about giving your daughters dad more custody time so that they have a chance of a more stable life and then you can do what you want

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.

OP posts:
Savingthehedgehogs · 25/10/2024 19:51

He’ll try and talk you around, but he is so disrespectful in all ways, and such a shitty role model for your dc.

NettleTea · 25/10/2024 19:51

and remember that you actually hold all the cards here - you have the house, you have the good income, and you, ultimately, have the say as to whether his 'amazing deal' he has with you comes to an end.

You hold the power here and he should be grovelling to you for what you have done for him, not taking the piss and trying to make you doubt yourself.

If he has your self respect and belief in yourself crumbling after this short period, think of how you will be if he stays longer.

He may be sexy, but my god, there are plenty of sexy men out there. And his dads house is just that - daddys house.

MumOfOneAllAlone · 25/10/2024 19:51

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.

YES OP! You've done the right thing xx

TwistedWonder · 25/10/2024 19:51

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 for taking decisive action 👏👏

Now please don’t let him work his way back in with false promises. You’ve seen the reality of who he is - believe him!

Buddhalover · 25/10/2024 19:50

With respect to you OP, I think you need to ask yourself, what is he bringing to your table? From what you've written he sounds like a complete freeloader! Previously he lived at his Dad's probably buck free. Noŵ he's with you doing much the same! Does he contribute anything to the household budget? I'd be very concerned personally and think you should really consider your long term relationship with him. He's not a very good role model to your DC's either. Think long and hard hun, dont think hes right for you. JMO.

Nicebloomers · 25/10/2024 19:50

Great update OP.

Differentstarts · 25/10/2024 19:50

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.

Good now lock the door, leave the key in and spend the evening with your daughters. You have a lot of making up to do and apologises to your daughters for putting them in that situation when they had no choice.

Waggytail · 25/10/2024 19:50

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.

Nice one OP - good riddance to him! You'll feel much more settled just you and the girls without his bs

Errors · 25/10/2024 19:50

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.

Fair play OP, well done.

anon12345anon · 25/10/2024 19:49

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
FlowersFlowers and Winefor you x

ChanelBoucle · 25/10/2024 19:49

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 OP. Keep up your resolve. He will probably try and charm you back but ffs don’t fall for it.

Larrythebloodycat · 25/10/2024 19:49

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.

Presumably he doesn't get sex at his dad's home. Or maybe his dad has suggested he move out and start living like an adult.

bakewellbride · 25/10/2024 19:49

Just seen your update- well done op!

bakewellbride · 25/10/2024 19:48

His undiagnosed mental health issues prevent him from working but not at all from socialising. Funny that. 🤔

I would drop a man like that in a heartbeat, he's using you and bringing nothing to the table. My husband works so hard and values our time together, there are other men out there like him op. You don't have to settle for this.

Thommasina · 25/10/2024 19:47

My dds would judge him so hard he wouldn't know which way was up. They'd judge me as well, and I wouldn't blame them

Wolframandhart · 25/10/2024 19:47

With the latest update it sounds like you feel youve won being with someone who is desired. Even though you know it is because they think be is wealthy and successful, rather than unemployed and living off his girlfriend or dad

Differentstarts · 25/10/2024 19:47

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 can't imagine he's good in bed. Selfish people usually aren't and he doesn't sound like he likes op

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.

OP posts:
NettleTea · 25/10/2024 19:46

so while he is playing all these games, is he supposed to be with you? I mean you say youve seen him do it? Is there something thats making you think you 'won' by being in a relationship (of sorts) with him?
He is no prize.
Let them have a go - he will do the same again as he hasnt grown up and is in the playboy stage.
In fact, apart from living in your home and being supported bu you, dont you realise he is treating you the same way - just offering crumbs as and when he feels like it, moving the goalposts, making you feel insecure. Negging.

move him on for your own, and especially your girl's sake - this in no example for which they are to base their future relationships.