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AIBU?

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AIBU to want distance from my controlling baby's father?

713 replies

lifesbeenfeelingheavylately · 17/04/2026 17:50

This is already embarrassing for me, so I'd be grateful if you didn't pass judgment.

Five months back, I gave birth to my first child, but his father and I aren't a couple. We were never really a couple, it began as just some casual fun while my ex was in prison and he was having issues with his wife.

I've liked him forever, so the true feelings have always been there, and he's the guy I've wanted to be with all this time.

We'd been hooking up regularly and behaving like a couple, but we both knew it was wrong and had to end.

But then I fell pregnant, I let him know straight off, expecting a panic and a push for abortion, but that never happened. He said it was totally up to me what I decided.

I was planning to have an abortion, but things changed because my ex wasn’t getting out of prison any time soon, and we’d been trying to have a baby for over two years without any luck.

Throughout my pregnancy, my baby's dad was amazing, he made sure we had everything and was right there at the birth too.

I let him pick the baby's name, even though I really don't like it, but I figured I'd let him have his way. The baby also carries his last name.

He made me get our baby circumcised, not for any religious reason, but just because his mum decided that for him when he was a baby. The procedure went well, but I still feel guilty about it every day.

Only a month in, he started getting really controlling and still is.

He doesn’t want baby on social media.

He’s always trying to control what I wear. I video called him, to show the baby, and his first reaction was about my outfit, he told me to change it up because now that I'm a mother, I should dress differently.

He keeps moaning and wants to control every little thing, and I seriously can't put up with it anymore.

I just wanna take my baby and move away; he's already got his wife and three kids.

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TheBroonOneAndTheWhiteOne · 22/04/2026 21:03

I was willing to do anything to keep the peace with him, because I am not a bad person and I want him to be in my sons life, and to know he has a dad who loves him.

Even though he's clearly a danger to you.

lifesbeenfeelingheavylately · 22/04/2026 21:02

Monr0e · 22/04/2026 20:25

Your mother thinks he's a nice guy? Does she know he's married with 3 kids and a controlling manipulative arsehole? If so, I can see where you get your complete lack of boundaries from.

You are the most important person in the world to your baby, this man should not have unlimited access to him as and when he pleases. Your dc needs consistency and stability. Not some random dude rocking up as and when he feels like it. And no, he doesn't have never ending rights "because he's his father" He is just the man who got you pregnant, it takes an awful lot more to be an actual father to a child.

I am also gobsmacked you gave him access to your ring doorbell. (as well as letting him choose his name and getting him circumcised) It sounds like you would do literally anything for this man. You really need to find your strength, tell him to formalise contact arrangements, and start putting yourself and your dc first, not pandering to this man who's only achievement was getting you pregnant.

My mum knows that he already has a family, and was annoyed at the whole situation when I told her, but baby has brought her so much joy, she doesn’t actually care anymore.

I was willing to do anything to keep the peace with him, because I am not a bad person and I want him to be in my sons life, and to know he has a dad who loves him.

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lifesbeenfeelingheavylately · 22/04/2026 20:59

AD1509 · 22/04/2026 20:24

You have had an affair baby with a seemingly awful married man who already has a wife and kids. Whilst you simultaneously are awaiting a previous partner in prison? Have you considered adoption for the sake of the child? Otherwise I think you need to accept single parenting.

I guess being nasty to someone who is going through a lot at the moment, makes you feel better within yourself.

Why would you even suggest that I put my child up for adoption, are you that sick?

I am more than capable of looking after a child.

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TheBroonOneAndTheWhiteOne · 22/04/2026 20:50

lifesbeenfeelingheavylately · 22/04/2026 20:06

For now, I will allow him to see the baby whenever he wants to.

There’s no reason right now on why he shouldn’t.

Well, apart from him being a danger to you.
Hmm

Monr0e · 22/04/2026 20:25

Your mother thinks he's a nice guy? Does she know he's married with 3 kids and a controlling manipulative arsehole? If so, I can see where you get your complete lack of boundaries from.

You are the most important person in the world to your baby, this man should not have unlimited access to him as and when he pleases. Your dc needs consistency and stability. Not some random dude rocking up as and when he feels like it. And no, he doesn't have never ending rights "because he's his father" He is just the man who got you pregnant, it takes an awful lot more to be an actual father to a child.

I am also gobsmacked you gave him access to your ring doorbell. (as well as letting him choose his name and getting him circumcised) It sounds like you would do literally anything for this man. You really need to find your strength, tell him to formalise contact arrangements, and start putting yourself and your dc first, not pandering to this man who's only achievement was getting you pregnant.

AD1509 · 22/04/2026 20:24

You have had an affair baby with a seemingly awful married man who already has a wife and kids. Whilst you simultaneously are awaiting a previous partner in prison? Have you considered adoption for the sake of the child? Otherwise I think you need to accept single parenting.

lifesbeenfeelingheavylately · 22/04/2026 20:07

BudgetBuster · 22/04/2026 20:02

Hopefully a few days away with your Mum will help you realise he is not acting normal and that you should protect yourself and your baby.

Nobody here is bitter btw. It's not an envious life. People are trying to help.

He has managed to mask his weirdness very well.

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lifesbeenfeelingheavylately · 22/04/2026 20:06

TheBroonOneAndTheWhiteOne · 22/04/2026 19:59

So it's a good idea not to let him see the baby.

For now, I will allow him to see the baby whenever he wants to.

There’s no reason right now on why he shouldn’t.

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BudgetBuster · 22/04/2026 20:02

Hopefully a few days away with your Mum will help you realise he is not acting normal and that you should protect yourself and your baby.

Nobody here is bitter btw. It's not an envious life. People are trying to help.

TheBroonOneAndTheWhiteOne · 22/04/2026 19:59

lifesbeenfeelingheavylately · 22/04/2026 19:50

Yes something is very off with him

So it's a good idea not to let him see the baby.

lifesbeenfeelingheavylately · 22/04/2026 19:50

Yes something is very off with him

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ItTook9Years · 22/04/2026 19:45

lifesbeenfeelingheavylately · 22/04/2026 15:45

I would never stop him seeing his child, unless he was a danger towards him which he isn’t.

He is a danger to his baby’s mother, which is a danger to your baby.

None so blind as those that won’t see. You have horrendous judgement which just continues day to day. Your self esteem must be on the floor to be such a doormat, accepting scraps of attention that have the sole purpose of breaking you down.

This man doesn’t care about you. He wants to control you. He doesn’t have your best interests at heart. He is incredibly dangerous. And your baby is utterly reliant on you to protect him.

I suspect you won’t realise until it’s far too late. Don’t say you weren’t warned.

BudgetBuster · 22/04/2026 19:45

lifesbeenfeelingheavylately · 22/04/2026 19:00

He is not a danger to the baby, so why should I only let him see him in a public place?

I’m not sure if you’re trying to help or if you’re just bored and bitter, so much that you don’t want a dad to see his kid.

I texted him to let him know I'd be staying with my mum for a few days, but that caused another issue because he wanted to know where the baby would be sleeping and who else would be at the house since he doesn't want too many people around the baby.

I'm starting to think there's something off with him, because this isn't normal behaviour

He is a danger to you...

You can tell something is off, but you are repeatedly banging on about how great he is 🙄 That doesn't make sense does it?

He is trying to control yours and the baby's every move. This is how coercive control starts. It doesn't end there.

BuckChuckets · 22/04/2026 19:43

lifesbeenfeelingheavylately · 22/04/2026 19:41

He is NOT my ex we were never together.

Is that because he's imaginary? 😂

lifesbeenfeelingheavylately · 22/04/2026 19:42

Also, I am very sorry that you had to go through that, I know exactly how it feels 🤗

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lifesbeenfeelingheavylately · 22/04/2026 19:41

BuckChuckets · 22/04/2026 19:40

I'm hoping this poster is a troll. Notice how they post something really provocative about how vile their baby's dad is, and as soon as anyone says anything supportive they say omg how dare you be mean about my married, cheating, abusive, controlling ex.

He is NOT my ex we were never together.

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BuckChuckets · 22/04/2026 19:40

childrenaremyworld · 22/04/2026 19:23

I am neither bored or bitter, I’m trying to help. My concern is not whether he is a danger to your son but yourself. I have been in a controlling, violent long marriage and seen the effect on my children. I just didn’t want you to go through that

I'm hoping this poster is a troll. Notice how they post something really provocative about how vile their baby's dad is, and as soon as anyone says anything supportive they say omg how dare you be mean about my married, cheating, abusive, controlling ex.

childrenaremyworld · 22/04/2026 19:23

I am neither bored or bitter, I’m trying to help. My concern is not whether he is a danger to your son but yourself. I have been in a controlling, violent long marriage and seen the effect on my children. I just didn’t want you to go through that

denisdenisdenis · 22/04/2026 19:19

Men like him are why coercive control was criminalised.

RampantIvy · 22/04/2026 19:04

I texted him to let him know I'd be staying with my mum for a few days, but that caused another issue because he wanted to know where the baby would be sleeping and who else would be at the house since he doesn't want too many people around the baby.

I'm glad you are beginning to see how controlling his behaviour is. It definitely isn't normal behaviour.

I'm sorry but he has seen how vulnerable you are and is using it to control you, and the sooner you realise it the better. He sounds like a nasty piece of work.

lifesbeenfeelingheavylately · 22/04/2026 19:00

childrenaremyworld · 22/04/2026 16:44

You’re doing the right thing, keep being strong and standing up for yourself. Don’t let him back into your life unless it’s to see the baby in a public place. He is trying to worm his way back in, please don’t let him. Move closer to your family and friends for support x

He is not a danger to the baby, so why should I only let him see him in a public place?

I’m not sure if you’re trying to help or if you’re just bored and bitter, so much that you don’t want a dad to see his kid.

I texted him to let him know I'd be staying with my mum for a few days, but that caused another issue because he wanted to know where the baby would be sleeping and who else would be at the house since he doesn't want too many people around the baby.

I'm starting to think there's something off with him, because this isn't normal behaviour

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childrenaremyworld · 22/04/2026 16:44

You’re doing the right thing, keep being strong and standing up for yourself. Don’t let him back into your life unless it’s to see the baby in a public place. He is trying to worm his way back in, please don’t let him. Move closer to your family and friends for support x

BudgetBuster · 22/04/2026 16:03

lifesbeenfeelingheavylately · 22/04/2026 15:45

I would never stop him seeing his child, unless he was a danger towards him which he isn’t.

Yet...

lifesbeenfeelingheavylately · 22/04/2026 15:45

BudgetBuster · 22/04/2026 15:16

Because today he has yet again showed you how harmful he is....

He's not a nice guy. He's a controlling prick. Is that the role model you want for your kid?

I would never stop him seeing his child, unless he was a danger towards him which he isn’t.

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BudgetBuster · 22/04/2026 15:16

lifesbeenfeelingheavylately · 22/04/2026 14:59

Why would I do that? I would never ever stop him from seeing the baby.

Because today he has yet again showed you how harmful he is....

He's not a nice guy. He's a controlling prick. Is that the role model you want for your kid?

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