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Stuck in a weird relationship

23 replies

Cakesandcurries · 20/05/2021 00:10

I am first time in my life in a same sex relationship (am a woman). I'm in my late thirties, I realised that I was only attracted to women late in my life , as I was brought up in a very traditional and religious family.
My family and friends accepted me fully, and I had a relatively easy time coming out. So far so good... then I met a woman, who was so understanding and so sensitive and so vulnerable that it took my guards down. I fully committed to the relationship and spent a lot of time with her and her children, who were excited to accept me. Moving on 4 years, I am now practically a full time parent, and I am working full time in a management role. I am exhausted, my partner has lost her job because she was frankly taking the piss with an unacceptable attendance. I am trying to ask her for help to at least take the kids out for a bike ride, but she is too exhausted, depressed or tired . She has been to the GP too many times to count, she does take antidepressants but they don't seem to make a difference. I'm thinking there is a bigger problem there, but she tells me that I'm not fit to have a family.
The biggest problem is the special days, the birthdays and other celebrations, everyone is very excited to plan things and we did used to make sure to go out. My partner would always get upset to the point of not coming with us, for example we had a mother's day brunch booked for us and our mums, and it was just me and kids who could go.
When she is upset she doesn't eat and just drinks alcohol. And then she hurts me: I have been bitten, had a black eye, strangled and pushed and scratched. If she was a man, I wouldn't stand for it, no way.
I feel trapped because she is a woman and there are children, who will not have a fit mother if I leave. She knows that and she knows that is why I put up with her moods.
But I'm just so tired and guilty all the time, I have tried to change to be how she likes it, but I still say things that are wrong. For example, today is my sisters birthday and I was excited to talk to her all day, during the video call my connection went. My partner unplugged the Internet and hid the box.
So childish, but I am feeling sad about it. I just want a normal life.
And finance is really tough, she only gives me half the rent nothing towards the bills or expenses, so whatever monies she makes she spends on herself, honestly it's like having a teenager living with you🤣 only not so funny.
Sorry for the rant, but I'm finding myself yet on another school night in s full blown drama, she is on the sofa tonight because she decided not to talk to me since I called my sister, kids are asleep and I am just tired.

OP posts:
Thistles24 · 20/05/2021 00:14

It’s not a strange relationship, it’s abusive. You need out. I’m hoping someone with better advice will be along soon, but Women’s Aid would be a good first port of callFlowers

pinkmagnolias · 20/05/2021 00:17

Is the children's father involved at all?
Can he help with the them to relieve the burden of being their sole carer?

GingerScallop · 20/05/2021 00:18

She is physically and emotionally abusive. Sex doesn't matter in this case. Leave. Pity about the kids but they are not really your problem. You could have tried adopting them/getting parental rights but you can't wait any longer. How old are the kids? May be they can have independent relationship with you or you can leave door open for reconnection later in life. But you need to go

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Cakesandcurries · 20/05/2021 00:21

Thank you for your comment, it's so late, I was honestly just writing it all up to rant. There is so much more to that. My biggest concern are the children, I have been in their lives since their toddlehood, they see me as their "other" mum. I have no legal rights to them, but I am their main carer and I love them.so much and they love me. I know that if I choose myself she won't let us stay in touch, she is always threatening that.

OP posts:
Cakesandcurries · 20/05/2021 00:22

@pinkmagnolias

Is the children's father involved at all? Can he help with the them to relieve the burden of being their sole carer?
It was an anonymous donor IVF
OP posts:
katy1213 · 20/05/2021 00:23

Just walk out. Report her to social services if you think her children are at risk. But don't be manipulated into staying in an abusive, violent relationship. You said yourself you wouldn't take it from a man.

Cakesandcurries · 20/05/2021 00:24

@GingerScallop

She is physically and emotionally abusive. Sex doesn't matter in this case. Leave. Pity about the kids but they are not really your problem. You could have tried adopting them/getting parental rights but you can't wait any longer. How old are the kids? May be they can have independent relationship with you or you can leave door open for reconnection later in life. But you need to go
They are 6,8 and 9. And their mum and I have been together for 5 years.
OP posts:
NeonMist · 20/05/2021 00:28

I would suggest working towards getting legal rights to the children first, by adopting them. Then leave if you come to that decision!

pinkmagnolias · 20/05/2021 00:32

You are being abused.
She is using the children to keep you in the cycle of abuse.
You must get away from her.
I can't imagine how hard it will be to leave the children you love. The alternative is another 10+ years of this.
Seeing you being treated like this isn't good for them either.
Once on the outside, you will see things in a different light.
Call Womens Aid and ask their advice re getting help for the children.
I'm so sorry OP. I read MN a lot and your post is one of the most upsetting I've read on here.
Please leave and go to your sister or mum. I can't think how I'd feel if my own child was being abused like this.

Cakesandcurries · 20/05/2021 00:34

@NeonMist

I would suggest working towards getting legal rights to the children first, by adopting them. Then leave if you come to that decision!
I have suggested so many times to her for me to obtain some rights, but no, she is strongly against that. As she planned, carried and gave birth to them herself, she doesn't want me to have any legal responsibility. In a way I understand that, I only wish that she was a hands on mum and more involved and organised. Through no suggestion or fault of my own, everyone thinks that I am their birth mum. Because I am the one making appointments, shipping them around, kissing them better and generally being there.
OP posts:
Fere · 20/05/2021 00:40

Regardless of sex of the partner this isn't acceptable. She is an abusive person and you know it.
Contact Woman's Aid, maybe a solicitor as well.
Looks like you are renting together. You need to know what would happen if you were to walk out. It is a huge mess - would she be able to look after 3 kids if she can't be bothered to go out for a lunch with her closest family?

thecatmother · 20/05/2021 00:42

I suggest contacting your local DV charity for advice. They will have suggestions that you might not have thought of, and speak to your doctor. And please don't be afraid to tell your parents what is happening.

Cakesandcurries · 20/05/2021 00:50

Thank you so much for the support, I know that it is not normal. If the children were mine legally, I would have been long gone. They are brought up by me, and my family and friends are their family too. I am definitely not loved nor I am respected . I need to find courage to move. I don't think that I could ever report her to social services, because she will look after them.
The issue is, everything I do is wrong, I speak up too much , I attract too much attention, the kids tend to come to me first. So in her world I'm a nuisance, and I love her and I want her to love me, not to be jealous of me.

OP posts:
IndecentCakes · 20/05/2021 01:18

You do need to leave her. I would want to speak to a solicitor to see about obtaining residency of the children first, or what I could do to get it.

Cakesandcurries · 20/05/2021 20:53

Thank you for your support everyone, she woke up today and was acting as if its not unacceptable to hide the wi fi box. Still don't have the WiFi, but I'm making up my mind to start thinking about moving on. Hopefully I can have some legal right to continue seeing the children.

OP posts:
CorianderBee · 20/05/2021 23:08

So you're a nanny and a pay check? Leave

Cakesandcurries · 20/05/2021 23:23

@CorianderBee

So you're a nanny and a pay check? Leave
I think you misunderstood my post: I am with a partner.
OP posts:
CorianderBee · 20/05/2021 23:24

Also "she tells me that I'm not fit to have a family. " - this is abusive. They're not even your kids. She's gaslighting you.

CorianderBee · 20/05/2021 23:25

I have been bitten, had a black eye, strangled and pushed and scratched. If she was a man, I wouldn't stand for it, no way.

Don't stand for it. You're in a highly avid I've relationship. Get OUT NOW

CorianderBee · 20/05/2021 23:29

@Cakesandcurries no I know you are her partner. What I meant is that if she is audible, doesn't help with bills, doesn't parent her children and isn't loving towards you then she is actually treating you like her in-house nanny and paycheck. You're paying for her and her kids, you're raising her kids.

To her you are a nanny and a paycheck... sadly.

CorianderBee · 20/05/2021 23:32

Also sorry, I'm one of those annoying people who types and posts as they read which I know makes things appear out of context.

I honestly think you need to leave. Just because she's a man doesn't mean her physical and psychological abuse won't get worse. Just because she's a woman doesn't mean she can't eventually hurt you beyond recovery or kill you.

I know the children are your main concern, but that doesn't mean sacrificing your welfare. Is there any way to leave, call SS and offer to foster if they are removed? It must be so hard. I think you need a lawyer.

CandyLeBonBon · 20/05/2021 23:39

You said upthread that you were concerned for kids if you left but then said she'd take care of them - I'm a bit confused - what did you mean?

pinkmagnolias · 21/05/2021 00:58

I want her to love me

You still want someone who scratches, bites and hits you to love you?

Can you see a counsellor and talk to somebody? Your self esteem must be in shreds. I honestly think being in the cycle of this abuse means you can’t see the full picture.

Please talk truthfully to you mum and sister at least.

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