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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Do we need help is he abusive?

110 replies

Twoopposingforces · 04/04/2026 23:55

Hello

Me and my dp had a rare evening out on Thursday and my mum looked after our 10month baby. The evening was amazing. The following day, we both went into shops. He spent quite a while looking at clothes (he never buys clothes) and then he really wanted to visit his hobby shop before picking baby back up. I wanted to go to a new bakery. But it was in the opposite direction. After his shops I was then getting rushed so we could pick baby up and then rush home to collect cats from cattery. I wasnt happy with this and told him I didnt want to pick baby up, thank my mum and go. It seemed ungrateful and I wanted to at least sit for a bit. He said he would maybe phone cattery to extend stay (as I did with my dog to avoid the hassle... as we live an hour away from my mum).

He then managed to fit everything in car which meant we could pick up cats enroute instead of going home and him going back out. Ill admit I wasnt happy and wanted him to just call cattery. Anyway he told me we had 40minutez then we had to go to make it. In all honesty, I wasnt in any rush as I was pissed off our day was being rushed when he could just extend booking. I didn't hurry and he kept pestering me "we need to go, hurry up and have your coffee, be quick in bathroom etc".

He then said he would meet me in the car. I then down ten minutes later, I went to bathroom said bye to mum, she was saying bye to baby etc. In the car he told me to stop being in a mood as I was quiet. I told him I wasnt happy being rushed and didnt appreciate being told to hurry up at every opportunity. He sajd he isnt a mindreader and if I wanted cats in an extra night, I should have said. We then started arguing in the car. He was calling me selfish. I denied this and said he was being selfish as he could have been quicker in his shops.

He then told me I was in a mood as I knew I had done wring. I said no, I was in a mood at being spoken to like a child. He then slapped my thigh and told me to grow up. He was shouting and swearing in car. Baby was asleep but he was driving fast to make it to the cattery. He said afterwards he hated driving fast as we had our baby in the car. I told hin to stop blaming me he decided to drive fast. He kept saying "tell me why u were being selfish, I need to know as I don't want to be with someone sellfish what is the fucking root cause" I then asked him if he watched his dad hit his mum growing up, if not, what is his root cause for hitting me, my leg in the car. He then said he wanted me out the house. I refused.

He kept calling me a fucking bitch infront of our baby. When challenged he said I have broken his heart. All I do is argue with him and he can't take it. He said he does lash out but I cause him so much frustration. I told him to grow up. He then started on the "tell me why you are selfish, why??" I then laughed and said "wow, and you call me autistic. Shut the fuck up". I then had 999 on dial and told him if he touched me again id call the police. He then said to our baby that he was sorry she ended up with a mum like me and because if me her life is now drastically going to change.

I then said, what does that mean?? He said that he isn't in a position to coparent as I'll move back to my home city and he works full time. I said well you would see her at weekends. He then said why should he see her every weekend where is his time off to do what he wants. I then said he was a deadbeat dad. He said he isnt he would do what needed done. In bed he then told me he is feed up of me treating him however I like. And he is the bad one for reacting. We both agreed we love each other but when it comes to conflict its bad. We are now being civil to each other. But is he abusive??

I feel sad but he keeps telling me it was my fault and I am not a team player in this family.

OP posts:
Twoopposingforces · 05/04/2026 12:10

McSpoot · 05/04/2026 12:10

Did you read what you wrote? You talk about throwing things at him, insulting him, gaslighting him. And more.

Yes I did read it. I also said that was 3 years ago.

OP posts:
McSpoot · 05/04/2026 12:10

Twoopposingforces · 05/04/2026 12:09

Abusive with not liking his "leave her" comment? How?

Did you read what you wrote? You talk about throwing things at him, insulting him, gaslighting him. And more.

Twoopposingforces · 05/04/2026 12:09

McSpoot · 05/04/2026 12:08

No. I’d say you were abusive.

Abusive with not liking his "leave her" comment? How?

OP posts:
McSpoot · 05/04/2026 12:08

Twoopposingforces · 05/04/2026 12:06

Would u say with example above that I.am over sensitive??

No. I’d say you were abusive.

SoSadSoSadSoSad · 05/04/2026 12:07

Calling you names? Slapping your leg? Driving too fast?

classic abuser tactics.

It will only get worse even if you toe every line he draws.

I would split because worse means dangerous.

All the other posters on here can say you’re as. Ax as he is but you’re not as strong as he is and he will physically hurt you eventually. It’s a pattern as old as time.

Twoopposingforces · 05/04/2026 12:06

Would u say with example above that I.am over sensitive??

OP posts:
PinkNailPolish2026 · 05/04/2026 12:05

It sounds like a shit show and not a nice environment for a child to grow up in. You both sound toxic and abusive. Poor child.

Twoopposingforces · 05/04/2026 12:03

Im not saying what he did or said was right. But I want to paint a picture that he wasnt abusive before and was rather lovely and it almost feels like a massive overaction now. But it isnt fair to keep saying "3 years of this etc" as when does it stop?

Today, he brought me breakfast in bed. Baby tried reaching for banana, I took it off her, she then started crawling to top of bed, I went tl grab her he said "leave her" and I said "but she will fall??" He then said again "leave her" and he then got up and sat next to her. He then said I stop her doing things which frustrates her. I sajd I didnt appreciate his tone he said he didnt havr a tone and I am top sensitive. We both kissed after I said I wasnt having a go at him. But am I too sensitive? I dont like his tone at times but he said his tone is jusy direct and not flowery.

OP posts:
Twoopposingforces · 05/04/2026 11:59

I mean he didnt slapped me full force he gave my thigh a hard tap and told me to shut up.

For context, I have accused him of doing all sorts. One evening after a few drinks, I told him nobody wanted him as he want dumped twice before me. He stormed out of my sisters house. He was waiting outside my house as his car key was inside. I got inside first and was angry he left me. I then cut up his clothes. Told him his sequel past was disgusting. He had a threesome years ago. And threw objects at him. He didnt lift his hand once. The only force he used was to open my hand up to get the key as I refused to unlock my door and he wanted out.

I never did anything like that again but arguments didnt stop and sometimes tiny arguments would escalate into big huge things from his end. He says he has had enough of being nagged and moaned at. He said when he hears any negativity he thinks "not this shit again" and shuts down. He says he doesnt go 0-100. Its years of being moaned. Accused etc. But I feel he always blames me and anything is fair game as he "is annoyed"

OP posts:
SnowflakeSmasher86 · 05/04/2026 11:46

I’m concerned that everyone seems to be putting OPs snippy behaviour on a par with her partner actually slapping her?! And making veiled threats ‘to’ the baby directed at OP.

This isn’t ok OP and you can’t fix it yourself by trying not to be nasty. He is also nasty and was physically abusive to you in that scenario. Honestly the best outcome is that he doesn’t see his child anymore if that’s his attitude. He sounds like a shit dad. If I were you I’d split up and hope he sticks to his word that his free time is more important than spending time with his child as no kid should have a parent like that in their life.

I don’t agree with you telling him to shut the fuck up or calling him a deadbeat (even though he is threatening to be one) but the two of you are toxic together and your child should not be exposed to this, or to his dangerous driving.

Twoopposingforces · 05/04/2026 11:39

I do love him. Just overs arguments have gotten so nasty. Not from him, me too. I was always a bit nasty and then he started it. I try not to be nasty now.

OP posts:
LondonLady1980 · 05/04/2026 09:04

Well that was quite an escalation!!!

I’m guessing this isn’t the first time things have snowballed and then blown up like this?!

Regardless of all the verbal attacks towards each other he shouldn’t have put his hands on you.

This isn’t the kind of relationship you should be raising a child up in so you need to have a mature conversation and decide whether to either seek professional help or separate, but whatever you do you need to make sure it is done maturely and amicably for the sake of your baby.

SamphiretheTervosaur · 05/04/2026 08:53

You both need to find someone to mediate your battle for adulthood

You are both wrong

You have a child

Seriously, find a counsellor and learn how to be adult about wherever it is your relationship is headed

somanychristmaslights · 05/04/2026 08:47

Your poor child, growing up in this environment. You’re being abusive to the baby!!!

Passaggressfedup · 05/04/2026 08:40

There are some frustrating moments and petty arguments which really don't matter in the scheme of life that should never excalate to abuse and resentment. This is one of them.

Arguing on and on expecting the other to admit they were wrong is a complete waste of energy. You have to accept that your partner will regularly do annoying things and you've got to let them go...and that goes both ways.

Ilovelurchers · 05/04/2026 07:14

He's completely wrong to hit you, and yes that's abusive.

I do however wonder if your consistent appalling treatment of him, endless criticisms, insisting on having your own way constantly, etc etc, also constitutes a form of abuse.

You need to separate, quite obviously. It sounds utterly appalling. Perhaps both stay single and focus on being parents and developing emotional maturity and kindness to others.

And why were your cats in the cattery due to date night?

DallazMajor · 05/04/2026 05:21

This is all very odd.

I mean who puts their cats in a cattery to go on a night out.

GamingIsNotForLosers · 05/04/2026 04:18

Have you posted about this before?

DaisyChain505 · 05/04/2026 04:04

How old are you @Twoopposingforces

This sounds like a very young toxic relationship. It’s sad to hear a child is involved.

MaggieBsBoat · 05/04/2026 03:30

You were both abusive. But honestly you seem really difficult as a person. I couldn’t handle being with someone like this.

fallback76 · 05/04/2026 03:20

You are both being abusive. Poor child. Separate for her sake, growing up in an abusive household is damaging on so many levels (I speak from being that child).

disturbia · 05/04/2026 03:16

Both your behaviours are unbelievably childish. You need to both grow up you are parents. Exposing your baby to that type of behaviour amouts to child abuse

Isawthelightinhiseyes · 05/04/2026 03:07

BlanketBlues · 05/04/2026 00:14

You are both abusive.

this.

LadyMacbethWasFierce · 05/04/2026 03:01

OP. I have rejoined this site after an awful bereavement (death of my daughter) with the intention of being kind and helpful where I can. I will never be brutal or deliberately nasty.

But truly, you and your child’s father are as bad as each other. Your post made for depressing reading. It’s all toxic.

You only get one chance to give your child the childhood she deserves. Make the next few decisions count. I think you probably need to separate from your child’s father. But whatever you do, try to do it with as few arguments as possible.

ShortiePant · 05/04/2026 03:00

You both need to learn how to communicate like adults and not bring the baby into arguments.

Imagine if your parents did this? If they did, then I'm sorry for you, and you know it's not right.

If you can't calmly talk about bakeries, cats and relatives visits, then consider communication courses, books, lectures, podcasts etc and attend or study together.

It will help you with this relationship, other relationships, including with your children, and employment.