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Relationships

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

455 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:
Keepingthingsinteresting · Yesterday 19:38

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.

You’ve got your explanation here @everynowandthenifallapart . He wants you as a trophy but sheds you as “better” than him so he wants to tear you down. You can’t understand it because you aren’t an abusive twat.

Better of without him. Look after yourself and don’t be too hard in yourself either. Don’t let him work his way back in, this is a peek of the real him, so you can at least be grateful you saw it whilst there was still time to get rid.

MMUmum · Yesterday 19:49

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.

Might he have hearing problems and he misheard or misinterpreted? Or could he have been having auditory hallucinations either as result of mental health crises or drugs? He shouted at you likely because he was scared when you told him you hadn't played it, yet he was adamant he heard it, he was afraid of what he was experiencing.

ProfessorInkling · Yesterday 19:49

Oh my god this thread.

OP well done for realising what a knob he is, you deserve way better. And not liking you singing! That’s so fucking mean. What a loser.

be free and be happy 💐

booksnbaking · Yesterday 20:04

everynowandthenifallapart · Yesterday 18:16

I’ve just looked back in my Amazon music history again and the first song I played before I went full 90s indie was Chappell Roan good luck babe which does have an identical opening to Billie Jean.

I can now kind of see how if he’d grumbled on his way to the toilet about it being Michael Jackson then came back in and thought it changed to something else he might have thought he was right about whatever he was taking issue with.

That’s complete side note to his behaviour but does perhaps explain what he thought he’d heard.

Well cheers to Chappel Roan for bringing it all to a head 🍷

I think Chappell Roan might just be delighted at the role she’s played 😁

SpidersAreShitheads · Yesterday 20:20

everynowandthenifallapart · Yesterday 18:16

I’ve just looked back in my Amazon music history again and the first song I played before I went full 90s indie was Chappell Roan good luck babe which does have an identical opening to Billie Jean.

I can now kind of see how if he’d grumbled on his way to the toilet about it being Michael Jackson then came back in and thought it changed to something else he might have thought he was right about whatever he was taking issue with.

That’s complete side note to his behaviour but does perhaps explain what he thought he’d heard.

Well cheers to Chappel Roan for bringing it all to a head 🍷

So it’s one of those situations that was just crossed wires/misunderstandings where you were both sort of right - you hadn’t played it but he had heard the introduction.

In the spirit of fairness, I would also say there’s plenty of women on MN who would object to Michael Jackson, Gary Glitter, Lost Prophets etc being played so from that perspective, grumbling about it isn’t that unusual.

But that’s not really what this is about, is it? It’s a silly misunderstanding that could have been resolved - except that he chose to be weirdly angry, accusatory, and confrontational with you about it.

He couldn’t even bring himself to be complimentary to you on your birthday. You putting on a dress turned into something else that you’d done wrong.

And sorry, but I can’t get past him going to sit in the garden on his own on your birthday evening!!!! Who does that?! Leaving you to sit inside celebrating on your own….what a prince he is…

I honestly suspect that this relationship had only limped on because you were prepared to accept being treated so badly, and always being the one to apologise.

You’ve done well to stand up for yourself - being with someone like that is exhausting and you deserve so much more.

I’m also sorry things are tricky with your 16 yr old. It can be an awkward stage but that’s exhausting too.

Happy belated birthday - here’s to the next year of not having to pander to a pathetic manchild.

localnotail · Yesterday 20:26

It really doesn't matter why he behaved like he did. Who cares? He acted like a shit, picking on you for no reason. He does not like you, and he resents your company. Bin him.

Randallscandal · Yesterday 20:27

madaboutpurple · Yesterday 18:43

I would also have a word with your teenager and ask how they would feel if you didn't buy them ,,a present on their next birthday.

She’s probably felt angry and bitter at her mother for bringing this man in to her family home. And has been acting up. Now she’ll have her home back without him invading it - I suspect she’ll be a lot more pleasant

Lollipop81 · Yesterday 20:36

everynowandthenifallapart · Yesterday 18:16

I’ve just looked back in my Amazon music history again and the first song I played before I went full 90s indie was Chappell Roan good luck babe which does have an identical opening to Billie Jean.

I can now kind of see how if he’d grumbled on his way to the toilet about it being Michael Jackson then came back in and thought it changed to something else he might have thought he was right about whatever he was taking issue with.

That’s complete side note to his behaviour but does perhaps explain what he thought he’d heard.

Well cheers to Chappel Roan for bringing it all to a head 🍷

You’re really overthinking this. You’re trying to come up with a reasonable excuse for his behaviour. I’ve been with a narcissist and believe me there is no reasonable explanation for a lot of the behaviour. He has come up with the crap about MJ to make you feel bad, so you feel like you’ve done something wrong. Very calculated. He most likely felt insecure because you looked so nice and wanted to punish you for it. Don’t try to work out a normal reason for their behaviour, as there really isn’t one. It’s all part of their mind games and control. Don’t go back to him.

SuchiRolls · Yesterday 20:37

The moment you said that he doesn’t like you singing…dump. Never mind all the rest. Who the hell is someone else to tell you not to sing because they don’t like it? Unless you were screeching and diabolical…you were in your own home and he was outside being a miserable Bleep. I’m enraged just thinking about the audacity! I can not see a single reason why you would want to continue this relationship tbh. He can see you’re not totally controllable and is angry that you won’t conform. Tell him his tools etc are on the doorstep if he wants them. I hope you’re ok above all else. It’s hard to let go when you have some hope, but if you read someone else’s post with all this information, how would you respond?

Gowlett · Yesterday 20:40

He could have had the fun birthday shags.
But instead started a pointless argument…

Insertcreativenamehere · Yesterday 20:44

A narcissist will always ruin a special day.
I think you know in your heart what you want/need to do x

NinaGeiger · Yesterday 20:50

Happy birthday!

It's reminding me of a horrible ex who was horrible to me on my birthday.

You'll be so much happier!

Gooseling · Yesterday 21:01

i could then see him on the drive waiting for a cab so I went down again to try and de escalate things.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing but you should have just locked the door and let him leave in a cab.

Tell him it’s over. Block him on everything. Never speak to him again.

crazymommaclub · Yesterday 21:15

Please end the relationship. If he acts so mean and unreasonable on your birthday, I’d hate to think how he is at other times. Try to bottle how angry and unfair you feel now and remember this when he tries to worm his way back later.

Blades2 · Yesterday 21:21

What a fucking bizarre comment about MJ. Why so angry?

just get rid of him.
i threw a dress on the other day because it was hot and I also didn’t have much else clean to wear 😂 my partner had his joggers and T-shirt on while we went to the shop, he appreciated the dress and not a word was said about his jogs. Please you deserve better ❤️

ShelleyCarpenter · Yesterday 21:25

Mumtotornadoes · Yesterday 09:52

He doesn't like you.

Exactly what I came here to say

runnersfeet · Yesterday 21:26

Get rid. He's acting like a man who doesn't like you very much. You deserve so much better OP. Being single would be better than that carry on x

durdledoris · Yesterday 21:32

Alexa play say hello, wave goodbye! Kitchen disco for one!

everynowandthenifallapart · Yesterday 21:57

durdledoris · Yesterday 21:32

Alexa play say hello, wave goodbye! Kitchen disco for one!

Hahaha!

OP posts:
Itsthewoluff · Yesterday 22:09

Hopefully you’ll recognise similar red flags in future relationships, a bit sooner now

Onwards and upwards to a better relationship.

Purplebunnie · Yesterday 22:14

Sounds like he was spoiling for a fight anyway. I think you will be happier without him

nomas · Yesterday 22:18

everynowandthenifallapart · Yesterday 12:01

Birthday last year he was supposed to finish work early so we could do something but he didn’t in the end so I just sat around waiting all day. Then he came over and we went out for dinner with the kids which I paid for.

Never spent Christmas with him.

This type of man will ruin every single happy occasion and make it seem your fault. So glad for you that it’s ended.

ChaliceinWonderland · Yesterday 22:19

Forget him. Concentrate on repairing your relationship with your teen.

RaininSummer · Yesterday 22:23

The whole evening sounds off tbh. I would have been rather annoyed that you came back from dinner and he sods off into the garden with a beer leaving you alone on your birthday night. The song thing is very strange.

Tiramisutiramigiu · Yesterday 22:41

You rock OP. And this is Mumsnet at its very finest.