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Overbearing and suffocating boyfriend

112 replies

LaaLaaLady · 25/01/2025 19:48

So my partner and I have been together a year. We both have kids, we don't live together. I knew that he had ADHD from early on... I'm mentioning this for info, not sure if it has any relevance, and I don't want to be offensive to anyone reading, but I'm wondering if autism also.

I find him overwhelming. He has said before he's obsessed with me, I told him that made me uncomfortable as it's not healthy to feel like that. He agrees with everything I do and say, seems to have no opinion. Always talking, texting, wanting very in depth conversations about our relationship, which I'm not always in the mood for after a long day at work and my 2 children to see to. Hyper fixated on me like I'm perfect. I'll tell him I like my alone time and need to chill tonight and I might be on the quiet side for the evening, at which point he'll go completely silent for 24-36 hours. There's no in the middle.

Then, he needs to settle that in his mind... Why I need alone time or quiet time. He always wants to understand how I'm feeling, point out how worried he is about me if I need a quiet night, when I don't think I'm being unreasonable. I can't give him everything, every second he needs attention.

Once I snapped at him one morning. It happens between couples, right? All I said, not shouting, when he was talking and talking at me, was 'can I just drink my coffee and have 5 bloody minutes peace?!'. He went totally quiet, and was quiet for 2 hours. We had to have another chat about how, one again, he was worried about me, how hard it was for him to see me like that as if there is something dreadfully wrong with me.

It's exhausting, like multiple times a week. He stresses that he needs to understand me and the situation again and again, to know what's going on in my mind. Which I in turn find intrusive at points and he doesn't give up wanting to know about how I feel, constantly.

Another thing, if I go out with a friend for a drink, he likes me to check in. When I didn't once about 6m into our relationship, I finally got to his messages about 10pm. He was frantic, he told me he almost reached out to my other friends to try to get hold of me, he even considered calling police. I told him that was unreasonable, that I'm a grown women and he isn't my dad.

I don't know what to do. I tried to talk to him about it more than once, his face just goes blank and he says he doesn't understand. I'm suffocated but I do love him.

Sorry for the essay. Thought, opinions and advise welcome.

OP posts:
LaaLaaLady · 25/01/2025 20:15

I'm the same, and really independent so I probably struggle with it more. Good to know it can improve. I will try to think about how to make a plan, for myself and with him. Thank you x

OP posts:
Emonade · 25/01/2025 20:11

I haven’t but I think it’s a good idea. I think the thing that’s helped us is just talking about how it impacts me and sort of making a plan on how we manage it but it is still hard sometimes, particularly as I love my own space! He’s exactly the same though it sounds as your partner, he is so hands on and helpful and fun and he’s an amazing dad to our nine month old.

LaaLaaLady · 25/01/2025 20:09

Springflowersmakeforbetterhours · 25/01/2025 20:05

Did his ex cheat? Is he afraid you have /will go 'off' him?

His ex, his only ex (of 20 years), did leave him, yes. He probably is. But I've told him if him suffocating me that will make me leave

OP posts:
LaaLaaLady · 25/01/2025 20:07

Sorry you've experienced similar. Do you think any therapy or working with an ADHD specialist would help? I'm not sure whether to suggest it, have you tried with your partner?

OP posts:
Springflowersmakeforbetterhours · 25/01/2025 20:05

Did his ex cheat? Is he afraid you have /will go 'off' him?

LaaLaaLady · 25/01/2025 20:05

tsmainsqueeze · 25/01/2025 20:01

I picked you are being unreasonable - by staying with him , he sounds like a total nightmare ,i couldn't cope with his behaviour.
I also think he could become dangerous.

I can see why you'd say that and I appreciate the reply. Not trying to defend myself but I did just realise I've not pointed out his good points... His nature also makes him supportive. He's there for my family on times of need. He's great with my children. He's hands on too, whether it's cleaning, cooking, fixing stuff. Lots of shared interests.

OP posts:
Emonade · 25/01/2025 20:04

my dp is very similar, also ADHD and I suspect autistic (I am also autistic) it is the only thing in our relationship that causes issues cos he is wonderful but I find it so overwhelming. We’ve been together four years now and it’s nowhere near as bad as it was and we have got to the point where I can say leave it/I need some time on my own etc

FOJN · 25/01/2025 20:03

Do his intentions make the behaviour easier to tolerate?

If he's incapable of understanding he's incapable of changing the behaviour.

Donttellempike · 25/01/2025 20:02

He’s not going to change. Dump him or this is your life.

tsmainsqueeze · 25/01/2025 20:01

I picked you are being unreasonable - by staying with him , he sounds like a total nightmare ,i couldn't cope with his behaviour.
I also think he could become dangerous.

LaaLaaLady · 25/01/2025 20:01

FOJN · 25/01/2025 19:55

You've had multiple conversations about the problem. He is either incapable of understanding, doesn't want to understand or is doing it as a form of control and it's in his interest to pretend he doesn't understand.

He is behaving as if you rather than him are the problem. It will not get any better. You need to end the relationship but I would plan it carefully. I do not think he will respond well and that could put you in danger.

If you decide to continue the relationship then this is your life now.

This is the thing, I think he is incapable of understanding, I dont believe for a second it comes from a bad place. So I'm wondering if it's something more.

He has 2 children and he is a wonderful father, very caring and doting. Same with his friends and family. I've never seen him snappy with anyone, not even when the little ones are playing up. He is super positive and doesn't say nasty things to or about anyone. I'm mentioning this as I don't think he's an AH and hiding it, this is just the way he is.

OP posts:
FOJN · 25/01/2025 19:55

You've had multiple conversations about the problem. He is either incapable of understanding, doesn't want to understand or is doing it as a form of control and it's in his interest to pretend he doesn't understand.

He is behaving as if you rather than him are the problem. It will not get any better. You need to end the relationship but I would plan it carefully. I do not think he will respond well and that could put you in danger.

If you decide to continue the relationship then this is your life now.

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