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AIBU?

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AIBU to think the toll fine was not equally my responsibility?

257 replies

ReturnoftheMe · 16/09/2026 10:02

Scenario

My partner (MP) of almost one year and I went on a holiday which we split between 2 (for the most part)
I have 2 kids and he has 1, but we decided to split the cost of the holiday and spending money down the middle.

On the way to the airport, MP mentioned to my son that the tunnel we go through has a toll (£4) and said, "I need to remember to pay that"...I asked him how it is paid, and he said through his account that he has registered. We leave the conversation there. At the time, I thought, at some point he will log in a pay the toll, but we both completely forgot. I don't drive and never have, so anything pertaining to the car doesn't really come across my mind by habit.

On the way home from the holiday a week later, he remembered the toll, but by then he said we would have incurred a fine of £90. I immediately took my phone to see if I could log in a pay, but he said I should try his phone instead. I didnt manage to get into his account because he had 5 of them, and in the dark while driving it didnt seem like the best plan to keep putting the phone up to his face to log into them and see which one worked. I told him either way, I would pay half once he managed to log in at home. I offered straight away to pay half as I felt guilty and sad that he'd got the fine, especially as he is self employed and misses a week of work to go on holiday.

He logged in at some point in time and paid the fine. I have no idea which day because we don't live together. We were talking about other financial things a day or so later via text, and he asked if I'd pay the fine from my Revo bank and I said, I will do it later via Barclays. However, that morning I forgot to do so. It 100% was just an oversight on my part due to be busy.

7 days later, he messages me to say...

"Do you have a problem with paying for half that fine?

Do you think it should be my responsibility because it’s technically “my car”?!"

I wrote...

"I don’t think I should be expected to pay it.
I’d only pay it because I offered to, out of feeling guilty that it was down to our family holiday that you got it. And also because you were so upset, I offered to pay half of it due to how it seemed to sting you at the time.

I don’t feel a responsibility to pay it, because it’s not my car and I am not attuned to all those tolls. It’s not on my mind.

So short answer is, I wanted to pay half to a) account for it being a holiday for us all and b) knowing how upset you were about it, upset me. So I wanted to help.

I didn’t send the money yet, because I actually forgot about it.

But I will do it now"

He said that my response has changed the way he views me as a woman, and that I am not the type of person he wants to be in a relationship with because I should be taking the responsibility of paying the initial toll, as he was driving and too distracted after to do it. My push back was to say that the toll was not my responsibility, we each had separate and shared responsibilities pertaining to the holiday, but I trusted that he would take care of the toll and didnt need my input, despite trying to help.

Is he being unreasonable or am I? He proceeded to call me, shout and me and call me a few names because he believes I should concede and take responsibility DESPITE me paying half the fine (sent the money last night) he still believes I am a wicked person (his own words) for not being willing to accept the responsibility was OURS.

OP posts:
PleaseDontTreadOnTheDaisies · 18/09/2026 10:34

Do you think there may be a brooding anger that comes out when he's drunk - ie he can keep it under wraps when he's sober?

This is a small thing - He sent you a stroppy text (after a bottle of red, it transpires) about not paying your half of the fine. Had he been brooding on that for a week, & with the wine, the channels opened, and out gushes the anger?

What's so annoying about this, is that it turns out you had already lent him substantial amounts of money. When's he planning to pay that back to you?? I really wish you'd said 'you can take the £45 off the £800 you owe me.'

Ohnobackagain · 18/09/2026 10:13

@ReturnoftheMe see if he will agree to pay you back the money in instalments/ASAP. And remind him that he should have paid that back before moaning about the toll (which was just miscommunication on both sides but on him in my book). See how he responds.

(And stop lending to him or others.)

Honestly, I wouldn’t let him back in my life but at least trying to discuss the above might show his true feelings …

croydon15 · 18/09/2026 10:08

You are not an idiot, is he genuinely willing to get help with his drinking on his own or getting outside help, if he cuts his drinking to nil then l would give him a chance.

bigboykitty · 18/09/2026 10:04

@ReturnoftheMe please think about what you wrote

Aside from the fact I’ve borrowed him quite a bit of money, and these drunken rage episodes, I can’t really fault his personality/actions/behaviour

ReturnoftheMe · 18/09/2026 09:55

ladylioness · 18/09/2026 06:06

So you’re happy to put your kids at risk. Shame on you.

He hasn’t shown any worrying behaviour to the children. They’ve not seen him during his drunk and angry state. He dotes in his daughter and they have a lovely relationship.

If I were advising another woman, I’d tell her to end it, based on what I’ve posted here.
Thing is, he is usually incredibly kind, attentive and caring. He is actually one of the kindest people I think I’ve met, and his family and friends all say the same. He’s loyal and has proven to be someone I can depend on in certain situations.

It is just the alcohol. He can have a couple glasses of wine at dinner or when we’ve gone out on dates. But as soon as it reaches excess (not sure what his limit is) he turns combattive, shouts and becomes verbally abusive.

He said he had drank a whole bottle of red wine the other night and thinks that’s why he was so horrible to me.

Aside from the fact I’ve borrowed him quite a bit of money, and these drunken rage episodes, I can’t really fault his personality/actions/behaviour.

The scariest part of this whole thing is that he is completely unrecognisable from his normal self. Ive seen people change when they’ve had a few; but never with this stark difference. So I think with some help cutting alcohol down, he could be ok.

This is why it’s hard to end it, especially if he’s saying he will cut his drinking down. He hasn’t said that specifically before because he refused to believe it was a problem and that he lost control solely because of the alcohol. He apologised for the rages each time of course saying he’d never hurt me, but It’s the first time he has been willing to accept the connection to alcohol. He said he was drinking more recently due to worries about some health issues - which of course just makes his general health worse and increases alcohol dependency.

Am I being an idiot to think there is hope, that he can get help; or is this completely over? Do I need a slap?

OP posts:
thingamynbob · 18/09/2026 09:37

PleaseDontTreadOnTheDaisies · 18/09/2026 09:29

I’ve assured you on multiple occasions that I would never hurt you or the kids

Oh god, OP, I can't tell you how much that sentence gives me the chills.
Good men don't have to say this - because good men don't put you in fear that they would hurt you or the DC.
I fear the 'nice guy' that you have fallen for is just a mask he wears, the real one is the angry guy that comes out when he drinks.
I'm so sorry - please be careful. I think you may be sleep-walking into a very abusive, controlling relationship.

This really is the main point.

A decent man would NEVER say that line. Because a decent man wouldn’t have to.

An abusive person won’t see anything wrong in making that statement.

Just think for a min. If those words entered a decent guy’s head, they would be mortified that THEY HAD MADE YOU FEEL THAT WAY. That would be the main thing. They’d be disgusting with themselves and shocked and dismayed.

They wouldn’t be arguing their point.

Please don’t let this man into your home to talk. Do it somewhere mutual and relatively public. He’s too volatile.

PleaseDontTreadOnTheDaisies · 18/09/2026 09:29

I’ve assured you on multiple occasions that I would never hurt you or the kids

Oh god, OP, I can't tell you how much that sentence gives me the chills.
Good men don't have to say this - because good men don't put you in fear that they would hurt you or the DC.
I fear the 'nice guy' that you have fallen for is just a mask he wears, the real one is the angry guy that comes out when he drinks.
I'm so sorry - please be careful. I think you may be sleep-walking into a very abusive, controlling relationship.

Pashazade · 18/09/2026 08:35

Echoing the comments this is a dreadful idea you really don’t owe him anything. If you must meet do it somewhere public. He has made you feel unsafe MORE THAN ONCE and has previously said he would change. HE DIDN’T. You are worth more than this. The relationship isn’t worth it. You’re only a year in. Get out now. You can still cancel the meeting and refuse to let him in the house. Or cancel and make sure you’re out.

Bushmillsbabe · 18/09/2026 08:23

If you are going to meet him (which I don't think is a great idea), please do so in a public place, for your safety.

If you do decide to stay with him, make sure you take it back to the start - dates in public places, not allowing him round your children, no holidays and preferably no overnights, until you are really sure he is genuinely going to change - as usually they don't.

MustTryHarderAndHarder · 18/09/2026 07:47

Ionlymakejokestodistractmyself · 18/09/2026 00:13

Oh dear OP I'm sorry you are in a relationship with an abuser. And only a year in. Typically people can keep a "nice guy" pretense up for about 18 months max before the mask slips.

"I’ve assured you on multiple occasions that I would never hurt you or the kids"

Honestly I don't know a single man who has had to reassure his partner of this, because it was just a given. The fact someone has to say it in itself feels like a red flag.

That is an excellent point.

I've been with my husband for nearly 25 years and he has never said anything like that to me because he has never had to.

staytoxic · 18/09/2026 07:39

He SAYS he’s a good guy, would never hurt you, better than his male examples etc etc. Yet he has hurt you and is showing abusive traits. Any man can say any words, but his behaviour and actions need to add up. It’s just empty noise otherwise. Do not fall for it. Get out now. Protect yourself and your children.

HavingABlether · 18/09/2026 06:17

This all sounds quite petty tbh. Nobody should waste their peace over trivial sums between partners. As a driver, I wouldn't expect a non-driving partner to pay my fines and his attitude is shocking.

ladylioness · 18/09/2026 06:06

ReturnoftheMe · 17/09/2026 23:11

update for you…
I messaged him a long message about feeling frightened of his reaction and his other verbally abusive episodes this past year. I said we did too much too soon by going on holiday as a blended family and I said I believe he is resentful for having split the holiday when he probably only wanted to pay his and his daughters share. I said on the basis of his drunken rages I didn’t see a future between us, because I don’t feel safe myself and neither for the children.

He initially sent me a voicenote saying my summation of things is incorrect and then sent the following text.

“I’ve assured you on multiple occasions that I would never hurt you or the kids…. Through accusations that I could be a creep or resort to domestic violence and I assure you again that I would never ever hurt you or the kids!

I’m sorry for the vocabulary I use when angry because it means everything to me that you feel safe and loved with me.

I promise to reduce lone drinking and excessive drinking when we’re together because I see that as a direct link to my heightened loss of temper and health issues.

I love you and I’ll do everything in my power to make sure we’re never here again. ❤️”

I know you’ll all be disappointed in me and think I’m letting him get away with it, but I agreed for him to come by my house tomorrow so we can talk in person. In all honesty I can’t be sure I’ll have the conviction to end it, but I will try. Thank all of you for your advice, comments and help.

So you’re happy to put your kids at risk. Shame on you.

thingamynbob · 18/09/2026 00:20

You deserve so much more OP. Once you stop holding your boundaries, it’s a slippery slope.

What he says about not hurting you? He already has. But it’s more than that. He’s not just had a fall out with you. He’s shown you a very ugly and abusive side to him that is PART of him. It won’t go away. It won’t get better. He will just keep manipulating you and eroding your boundaries.

How old are your kids? Sorry if I’ve missed it if you’ve already said.

Please don’t take these pieces of advice as a pile on or a “LTB” tirade. Some of us have lived through extended time with men who behave like your partner. We can see it. They all
use the same playbook. It’s heart breaking to watch.

Ionlymakejokestodistractmyself · 18/09/2026 00:13

Oh dear OP I'm sorry you are in a relationship with an abuser. And only a year in. Typically people can keep a "nice guy" pretense up for about 18 months max before the mask slips.

"I’ve assured you on multiple occasions that I would never hurt you or the kids"

Honestly I don't know a single man who has had to reassure his partner of this, because it was just a given. The fact someone has to say it in itself feels like a red flag.

thingamynbob · 18/09/2026 00:04

Sorry OP, I know this is really difficult, but his text is simply meaningless excuses . Manipulative words to get you not to dump him. he’s sorry for the vocabulary he uses when angry? If he truly wanted you to feel “safe and loved” he wouldn’t be doing and saying what he’s doing. It’s simply hot air and words that are purely about him trying to get what he wants, rather than give you what you need. It’s all about him.

Here’s an idea. Tell him you don’t want to meet him at your house. Tell him you need space to sort through things in your head. That you just need a bit of time to think on things and that you need him to give you a few days or as long as you need, uninterrupted, to think about the situation… and watch his reaction. Someone who respects what you’re saying would give you space. Someone who simply wants to control the situation and have their own way will fight against you taking space, and will twist the situation in whatever way possible so they feel like they’re regaining control.

Ask him for space. It’s an utterly reasonable response. But I bet he won’t want to give it. He doesn’t care about your needs OP. He only cares about his own.

OlderGlaswegianLivingInDevon · 17/09/2026 23:47

You stay with him and you will be waiting with bated breath every single time he even has a single drink.

and then what ?

PPAPPINE · 17/09/2026 23:39

Keyleads · 17/09/2026 23:30

So again he has refused to accept you ending things.
And you have now invited this highly abusive man into your home with your children in it.
Putting you all at risk.
Your children deserve so much better than this.

This. Come on OP. It’s difficult but you’ve not been together long at all. Show your kids that you have boundaries that need to be respected. Don’t allow an abusive man into their lives. Move on. It’s not worth it at all! Anyone can say nice things. It means nothing.

ReadingSoManyThreads · 17/09/2026 23:37

Awww @ReturnoftheMe this is such a bad idea. Women are most at risk when ending a relationship. Please rethink this.

The message needs to be clear to him that the relationship IS over. Your message to him has not made that clear at all, and this is why he thinks he can just talk you round. Remember the last time that he "didn't allow" you to break up with him? This man is controlling and manipulative, I'm urging you to put a stop to tomorrow's meet up.

It's wise to tell someone in real life that he's coming round for a chat after you've ended the relationship. Someone needs to know for your own safety.

Please tell us you're safe afterwards if you do go ahead with it.

Keyleads · 17/09/2026 23:30

So again he has refused to accept you ending things.
And you have now invited this highly abusive man into your home with your children in it.
Putting you all at risk.
Your children deserve so much better than this.

ReturnoftheMe · 17/09/2026 23:11

thingamynbob · 17/09/2026 09:00

@ReturnoftheMe let us know how you get on x

update for you…
I messaged him a long message about feeling frightened of his reaction and his other verbally abusive episodes this past year. I said we did too much too soon by going on holiday as a blended family and I said I believe he is resentful for having split the holiday when he probably only wanted to pay his and his daughters share. I said on the basis of his drunken rages I didn’t see a future between us, because I don’t feel safe myself and neither for the children.

He initially sent me a voicenote saying my summation of things is incorrect and then sent the following text.

“I’ve assured you on multiple occasions that I would never hurt you or the kids…. Through accusations that I could be a creep or resort to domestic violence and I assure you again that I would never ever hurt you or the kids!

I’m sorry for the vocabulary I use when angry because it means everything to me that you feel safe and loved with me.

I promise to reduce lone drinking and excessive drinking when we’re together because I see that as a direct link to my heightened loss of temper and health issues.

I love you and I’ll do everything in my power to make sure we’re never here again. ❤️”

I know you’ll all be disappointed in me and think I’m letting him get away with it, but I agreed for him to come by my house tomorrow so we can talk in person. In all honesty I can’t be sure I’ll have the conviction to end it, but I will try. Thank all of you for your advice, comments and help.

OP posts:
Grumpyoldcat · 17/09/2026 22:40

So he paid the 90 and you eventually got round to sending him 45? Did you perhaps misinterpret his initial "did you have a problem". It sounds quite rude but equally by text he could have meant it as a gentle nudge rather than please send me the money now. I dont think your lengthy response was necessary and that triggered his more aggressive response which was definately unnecessary and quite alarming. Paying those tolls online after youve driven through is a pain. I get you didnt know about them, he did but it is easy to forget to do it on time. He could have asked you to remind him and you could have remembered to remind him so you are both at fault and in the spirit of fairness you said youd pay half which I think is right. Having said that his reaction is a bit extreme and I think has probably put an end to your relationship.

croydon15 · 17/09/2026 22:38

The fine is of course the driver responsibility but since you benefited from the holiday and being chauffeured driven you should have paid half of the fine with good grace.

Ohnobackagain · 17/09/2026 22:24

WhosGotTheKeysToMyBimma · 16/09/2026 15:59

Fuck me

Why on earth did you offer to pay half the fine?

What you should have said was "take it out of the 1600 quid you owe me"

But you didn't, because you're on edge and feel like you have to please him, keep him happy and live up to "not being like his ex"

Wow. Write off the money and give him the heave ho. He is an absolute scumbag who is taking resources from your child. How fucking dare he.

This @ReturnoftheMe I hadn’t even thought of this but 100% he’s out of order chasing you for small stuff! Ugh.

thingamynbob · 17/09/2026 09:00

@ReturnoftheMe let us know how you get on x