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Relationships

Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

Please help me process what on earth went on with me and DP last night

539 replies

everynowandthenifallapart · Yesterday 09:45

It was my birthday yesterday. DP came over after work and my main present was dinner somewhere nice local to me (this is what I had asked for). I’d arranged to have an empty house at mine for us so we’d have some time to ourselves.

Been together almost 2 years and been arguing a lot over the last few months. My kids caused some trouble between us and we both said some things that hurt the other and are trying to get through it. Argued earlier in the week about that but I genuinely felt that we were working through it.

Anyway, I don’t normally dress up but I put on a nice dress and heels. I know I looked nice as my DD said so. Answered the door to DP and he was really angry with how I was dressed as apparently he had turned up ‘looking like a scruff’ and it made him look back.

So no compliment on the effort I made and a couple of times thought the night made angry comments about it.

Other than that all fine at dinner. We got home and Dp went to sit in the garden and have a beer. It was dark and cold and I didn’t fancy being out there so I sat indoors entertaining myself playing music on the Alexa - not loud - and singing along to it. DP hates me singing along to music but I just thought well he’s outside, not listening and it’s my house and my birthday so I’ll entertain myself.

We then watched a TV show for an hour, all good.

Then just the weirdest thing happened - DP started having a go at me for playing Billie Jean and how he’d had to comment that MJ is a paedophile to make me stop playing it.

I was baffled as I don’t like MJ either, hadn’t played Billie Jean and didn’t know what he was talking about.

When I responded to that he got really angry going ‘I know what I heard, stop gaslighting me!!’ And I was literally like maybe it was coming from one of the kid’s Alexa’s upstairs and he went on and on about how I was telling him he was imagining things.

i said I wasn’t saying that just that I hadn’t played it. I said I’d been playing the charlatans as the last song and pulled out my play history on Amazon music and indeed it was the charlatans and a load of other 90s indie which is exactly my taste as he knows.

i thought that would just solve it all but it escalated and escalated about how he heard Billie Jean and I’d stopped as soon as he made the comment.

I said I hadn’t played Billie Jean but also it’s my house and if I wanted to play it I would.

I then decided I’d had enough and thanked him for ruining my birthday and went to bed. I didn’t know what else to do to de escalate things.

i could then see him on the drive waiting for a cab so I went down again to try and de escalate things. I said I felt the conversation was unnecessary and unkind, that I had no idea where he heard Billie Jean - he said it must have been on the TV I said maybe it was but I have no recollection of it or of the comment he made.

I tried to get him to calm down and come in, I just wanted a nice end to the evening but he wouldn’t back down.

It was the most ridiculous argument of my life and I also believe it has ended our relationship because where do we go from this?

Usually when we argue I initiate apologies and we smooth things over but I have no idea how or why I would apologise for playing a song I didn’t play. I feel like last night he was wanting an apology and it’s usually very easy to get one out of me, but not for something like this where I’ve done nothing.

His car is still outside so presumably he’ll come and get it today but I’ve heard nothing from him and don’t expect to.

This MUST be the end of our relationship right? I can’t live like this.

OP posts:
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trythisforsize · Yesterday 13:25

Also, before you block just say

'Look, were done. Just collect your things, don't attempt to communicate with me at my house, and don't contact me again.'

lulubalu · Yesterday 13:25

He orchestrated this from start to finish:

arrived dressed as a scruff (his own words)

couldn't be bothered, even on your birthday, knowing you were eating out, to get dressed nicely

then got pissed off that he was looking like a scruff - your fault for looking nice and showing him up, of course

was visibly pissed off at you looking lovely

couldn't, even on your birthday, make the effort to say you look nice

took himself out to the garden to drink alone (sulk) and when you had the temerity to listen to music instead of being with him he caused an almighty row over a fiction.

If my dp came back to my house ON MY BIRTHDAY and then didn't want to spend time with me and would rather be alone in the garden??

This guy is not a remotely decent human being, all of the above would be nasty / batshit behaviour but to do all of it on your birthday is next level nasty.

I'm glad for you that you're seeing clearly and getting rid of him.

I hope all his stuff is waiting for him on the doorstep so you don't even have to look at his face. 100% sure he will try to sucker you in for more, he won't be able to believe you've binned him, he clearly thought he was in charge. The fact that he said he thought it was fixable tells me he's not done with you yet.

Good luck and stay strong.

And treat yourself to something LOVELY this weekend!

Tiddlywinks63 · Yesterday 13:24

Block him.
He’s an ignorant oaf and certainly doesn’t deserve you.

trythisforsize · Yesterday 13:23

Definitely just block on everything.

Men like like can never, never, ever, ever take ownership for their rancid behaviour.

Always trying to wriggle out and turn the blame onto you.

Tosser.

whistlesandbells · Yesterday 13:23

You are so strong and sensible to get rid! My eh-husband is a narcissist who also did not want to be in the relationship- he conducted a campaign of mental, emotional and physical abuse. We also did not get on and our personalities were wide apart. My life is so much better for not having any contact with this. It is always best to sever these relationships as early as possible before you lose yourself.

Minasama · Yesterday 13:22

He sounds nuts. I wouldn’t bother further with him. I’d prefer a birthday on my own.

PeterRabbitsWhiskers · Yesterday 13:21

Definitely have someone with you so he can't try to weasel his way back in.
Unlike others, I don't think he really wants to end this. Men like this do not give up so easily especially if they think you were the one to end it. Even if he doesn't succeed today, give it a day or two for him to develop a new strategy. Once he has collected his stuff, block him on all platforms, with no more apologies. He does not deserve them, but is enjoying the power. For the foreseeable future, always check the camera before answering the door in case he turns up unannounced.

everynowandthenifallapart · Yesterday 13:21

There’s a bit of back and forth on WhatsApp he’s saying I’m twisting what he said which apparently was ‘oh great now I have to listen to this paedo’ and saying it controlling.

moving on from the fact that I didn’t hear him say that - that WOULD be controlling giving digs about the music your girlfriend is listening to when she’s just trying to to enjoy her birthday.

Its like he cannot and will not see that his comments, digs, moods etc are all part of trying to have things his way and that that IS actively controlling behaviour.

i think im going to block him so we can’t talk more

OP posts:
Holdinguphalfthesky · Yesterday 13:20

everynowandthenifallapart · Yesterday 11:18

I do have friends I can talk to but I think I’ve hidden a lot of this stuff from them because I’ve tried to convince myself that this was ok.

My ex H was a miserable, controlling arsehole and I was convinced this guy was different.

But there have been red flags I’ve tried to rationalise away. He doesn’t make me feel seen, heard or valued.

He makes comments that I’m more intelligent and educated than him, more attractive than him but it’s like he resents that and those things are objective opnions largely anyway.

It’s like he feels proud he has me but also wants to put me in my place so I don’t outshine him I don’t know it’s a weird dynamic.

Things have been poor for months now and they never really repair. He’s not been around my kids in many months so they haven’t been affected, but I really have been.

It feels good to say it out loud because no loving partner who respects and cares for someone would pull the behaviour that went on yesterday. Least of all not even be sorry about it.

Thats the main point I think, that he thinks his behaviour has been fine. Of course he won’t change.

I just read this far but @everynowandthenifallapart i have to say this, the guy I was with after my first properly abusive relationship I also ignored red flags (thinking it was enough progress that I could see them) and that guy turned out to be even worse than the one I’d left. I had to be single for five years before I was fit to get together with someone (who really is lovely). Please consider staying single for a long time, it really was the best thing I’ve ever done for myself.

I’m glad you took the step of ending it instead of apologising, as pp said he doesn’t like you, he’s absolutely abusive and controlling, and you will be much happier and better off out of it. You are enough, you know? As you are. You don’t need a man.

Beachtastic · Yesterday 13:18

everynowandthenifallapart · Yesterday 13:11

I feel awful as I recognise all of the cognitive dissonance that’s been running in my brain over the last year or so while I try not to get hurt by his behaviour.

Like when I answered the door and he just looked pissed off with me looking nice, in my head I was like ah but he’s such a casual guy and that’s what I love about him, he loves me for me however I look etc.

I think he was pissed off as he realised he should say something nice and he didn’t want to. He didn’t want to be nice to me. That’s really sad.

I think as time goes on, you will start to recollect and understand a lot of things that you overlooked.

Sounds as though he was slowly tightening the screws.

Well done for spotting and eliminating!!!

icingonmycupcake · Yesterday 13:15

everynowandthenifallapart · Yesterday 11:54

It’s so weird. I’m sure it will come but I don’t feel upset at all. The only emotion I can feel is relief.

Good! That's reassuring. It means you won't be tempted to take him back if he turns up grovelling for a reconciliation. You've absolutely done the right thing.

Onwards and upwards. 🌻

Beachtastic · Yesterday 13:13

trythisforsize · Yesterday 11:29

Please try and ensure you have a friend or relative in the house when he collects his stuff purely to stop him from trying to talk to you about it all or change your mind.

I once had an ex like this and he came round to collect his sons bike and I couldn't get him out of the house for 2 hours.

He just needs to pick his stuff up (can you put it all in boxes by the front door?) and go. No chat.

I misread that as 2 years - must have been me projecting my own experiences of this kind of shit 😆

Another vote for having someone there this afternoon. He might appear to be going quietly, but that's just his way of punishing you (making you feel you're "not worth that much after all" to him).

Also another vote for you having done a top job here OP. Well done and good luck!

NeverDropYourMooncup · Yesterday 13:12

What a useless tosser. That dress looked lovely, you looked lovely and he just wanted to knock you down.

Once he's collected his shit (and don't talk to him, there's nothing to say), block him and change your locks.

For good measure, can I suggest you're playing music whilst he's loading up his car? I'm sure there are some 70s and 80s playlists you could think of for a change.

everynowandthenifallapart · Yesterday 13:11

I feel awful as I recognise all of the cognitive dissonance that’s been running in my brain over the last year or so while I try not to get hurt by his behaviour.

Like when I answered the door and he just looked pissed off with me looking nice, in my head I was like ah but he’s such a casual guy and that’s what I love about him, he loves me for me however I look etc.

I think he was pissed off as he realised he should say something nice and he didn’t want to. He didn’t want to be nice to me. That’s really sad.

OP posts:
vickylou78 · Yesterday 13:09

Yes agree. Id be glad I hadn't wasted any more years with him!

swimsong · Yesterday 13:08

"Other than that..."

That's enough.
Chuck him.

Lsquiggles · Yesterday 13:08

You looked great btw!!

This is really odd behaviour, it's best you got out now before it escalated further

vickylou78 · Yesterday 13:08

I think you've escaped Op!! His response and lack of concern over breaking up tells you a lot. He doesn't care about you!

You deserve a partner who builds you up not knocks you down! You deserve someone who does nice things for your birthday and tries to please you. You deserve someone who compliments you. You need someone who accepts you listening to whatever music you want in your own house! He is a controlling arse.

Id celebrate by getting your dress and heels on, and having a MJ music marathon! And get out there with some girl friends if you can.

MeekSqueak · Yesterday 13:07

End the relationship now, he sounds batshit

Forthetrees · Yesterday 13:06

Have you read It's not you by Dr Ramani? Her YouTube videos are good too. Stay strong and enjoy your freedom.

tartyflette · Yesterday 13:06

Christ. Life’s too short for this bollocks. You know what to do.

KookyFish · Yesterday 13:03

The only thing you need to concentrate on now is how fabulous you are going to make your next birthday! I smell a solo holiday coming, get something planned in! And good luck in your new amazing arsehole free Life xxx

everynowandthenifallapart · Yesterday 13:02

He’s coming at 2.30 to collect his stuff. I’m in but the lounge is at the back of the house I’ve deadlocked the door and can see on the ring doorbell when he arrives and leaves

OP posts:
ForMerryPinkCat · Yesterday 13:00

Babe throw the whole man in the bin. You deserve so much better and someone who loves and supports you.

Ethelspagetti · Yesterday 12:59

ElectoralControversy · Yesterday 09:50

I have no idea how or why I would apologise for playing a song I didn’t play

The fact that you're even considering it is a bit worrying... don't forget you also need to apologise for "looking too nice" 😕

Do you really think it's worth this level of desperate effort on your part to keep the two of you together? He's clearly not interested in making any kind of effort even just to get along with you.

Agreed. How can you apologise for looking too nice and for not playing billie Jean?!!! This one needs to go. You CAN do so much better.