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Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

DP being "encouraging"

150 replies

2boytrouble · 28/04/2017 07:28

I started a new job in November. Where I've been less active so have put on a little bit of weight, not much as still wearing size 10 clothes. Though I do have a bigger stomach and love handles and thighs!

On Monday I tried to start a low carb diet. But as I mind two young boys, one 2 and one 5, I found that it was asking too much, so yesterday (Thursday) I decided I couldn't do it, my mind was messed up, I had no energy and felt really miserable which was not ideal for work.

In total carbs yesterday I ended up eatin 2 slices of bread and 3 fish fingers! That's all!

I came home to DP going on about how I can't be fat for holiday, that I need to be skinny to wear a bikini to which I ended up getting quite upset, and then him telling he forgives me for my reaction 😡
He tried to tell me he was being encouraging not going on and nagging about my weight.

Onto this morning. We've been thinking about having fish and chips for a while, as haven't had them in ages (6 years?) I said that yesterday while out with the children I'd actually stumbled across a fish and chips shop so said that later I'd go on the motorbike and get us all some (DP, DS and myself)

His answer was all "yes" until he comes through and goes "I hope this isn't an excuse for you to get fat like your sisters"

I'd replied "you're actually starting again"

To him "I'm not starting, how's that starting, what? Am I never allowed to mention your weight"

I left the room and haven't spoken to him since!

He's left and now there's a bit of argument brewing towards us but surely what he's saying isn't actually that bleady nice or "encouraging" I'm finding he's putting me down a lot and actually making me feel really worthless because I'm not "perfect"

OP posts:
knackeredinyorkshire · 28/04/2017 09:52

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

amusedbush · 28/04/2017 09:56

My DH used to be "encouraging" about diets (he struggles with binge eating and his weight fluctuates a lot, so he's very sensitive about body image) because when I'm eating well, it's much easier for him to eat well.

In the end, I told him that if he ever commented on my food or body again, I would leave him because he was making our life together fucking miserable. I packed a bag and made it clear that I was deadly serious. He has never made another comment.

Life is too short to live with someone critiquing your food choices and weight.

WesternMeadowlark · 28/04/2017 09:59

I agree with others; the weight stuff is bad but this

"I ended up getting quite upset, and then him telling he forgives me for my reaction"

is really worrying. It's highly manipulative and may be stopping you recovering fully from each incident, resulting in you getting gradually worn down psychologically over time, possibly without noticing. I'm glad you're angry about it though; that's a really good thing.

Ceto · 28/04/2017 09:59

Any further mention of your weight/size, don't get upset, just tell him to concentrate on getting his own belly down, you are perfectly happy with your own. If he dares to "forgive" you, tell him he has nothing to forgive.

It seriously sounds as if you don't want to be with him, and I really wouldn't blame you.

2boytrouble · 28/04/2017 10:04

You're all giving me so much confidence so thank you all for that.

I am realising that he's constantly making me feel worthless and rubbish - another area was with my design, I studied graphic design for 4 years and passed after having ds, dp spent the entire 4 years telling me how awful I am at it, but family and friends say I'm good and have asked for me to do logos and stuff for them.. but... I've lost all confidence. I'm realising it's a cycle and it's infuriating me

OP posts:
mygorgeousmilo · 28/04/2017 10:06

You are a size 10 ffs!! He's being a disgusting pig. Nobody has a right to make you feel like crap about your perfectly normal weight. He can fuck right off!

BrownAjah · 28/04/2017 10:09

My DH is very encouraging of my health. I've always been on the bigger side and my family are all very overweight and many of them have diabetes. He loves his food and drink but he's pretty healthy and loves his exercise. He has NEVER commented negatively on my appearance at all. Instead he cooks healthy food for us, he encourages me to go out running since I decided to take it up, and still buys me chocolate at the end of a hard week! He has always said that he doesn't want me to be thin, he wants me to be healthy so I can be active with him and the kids and enjoy life.

Your DP's attitude is horrible. There is no encouragement in putting you down. Be healthy or lose weight for yourself, because it's what YOU want. Not because your nasty DP thinks you should look a certain way for his benefit. Time to think about whether you need him around at all...

chocatoo · 28/04/2017 10:11

You are definitely not fat! Start pointing out a few of his imperfections and see how he likes it.

KatharinaRosalie · 28/04/2017 10:14

Your DP sounds horrible. A partner should not make you feel bad and erode your confidence. A partner who does that is a shit partner.

My weight has been up and down during our relationship. He has NEVER put me down or made any negative remarks, or said that I can't wear a bikini. Never. He's been complimenting me when he sees that I'm happy about weight loss. He has listened when I ask that he didn't bring me my favourite bisquits for a while. He's been happy to look after kids so I can exercise. That's how you encourage.

RiversrunWoodville · 28/04/2017 10:16

The only time my DH ever commented I had put on weight was gleefully with dd2 as I was so ill in my first pregnancy I lost weight. Apart from that he tells me I look good to
him no matter what I think (no great self
Confidence) and I float between an 8 and a 12

2boytrouble · 28/04/2017 10:18

Rosalie - there's a big difference there, he won't look after ds so I can exercise, he thinks I should get up and go out earlier, he'll try his hardest keeping me awake at night as well! So how am I supposed to do it? I work 10 hour days and am out of the house 11 hours! Going home and doing the chores and staying up until 11/11:30 with him and waking 6am! But according to him I should get up earlier and I'm boring for being tired!

OP posts:
DJBaggySmalls · 28/04/2017 10:18

You cannot possibly be fat if you are a size 10. What you have been trained to see as 'chubby' or 'love handles' are a normal womans curves. We are not supposed to look like teenage boys.

2boytrouble · 28/04/2017 10:20

Very good point DJ Baggy

OP posts:
StewieGMum · 28/04/2017 10:21

This is classic behaviour of an emotionally and psychologically abusive partner. You deserve better than this - you deserve to be happy with a man who loves you and supports you. Not a man who speaks to you like this and who is manipulative and cruel.

grannytomine · 28/04/2017 10:24

Just be careful though, in this situation I cut my nose off to spite my face- eat twice as much to show him he can't control me! Not helpful. I can totally understand your reaction, not helpful but so tempting.

C0untDucku1a · 28/04/2017 10:25

He sounds abusive op. The more you say the more abusive and controlling he sounds.

diddl · 28/04/2017 10:26

I'd have to seriously consider leaving.

I mean-what is the point?

I'm overweight & last time I wore a bikini for a beach holiday I wore bottoms that came higher up to tuck my belly inBlushGrin

I love swimming & we have an open air pool which I go to most days when it's open.

Admittedly I wear a one piece to swim in, but my husband would think that I was completely bonkers to give up something that I love on the grounds that I don't look that good in a cozzie!

BIWI · 28/04/2017 10:30

Goodness me - he's really doing a number on you, isn't he? He's controlling you and eroding your self esteem, but making you feel bad about this at the same time.

I don't often say LTB because I think it's too trite, but in your circumstances I'd seriously suggest you should consider why you're staying with this man. What (positively) do you get out of the relationship?

vanrecovered · 28/04/2017 10:36

LTC (leave the cunt)

Smeaton · 28/04/2017 10:36

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Magicpaintbrush · 28/04/2017 10:38

I still can't get my head around how anybody in their right mind could consider size 10 to be fat. Size 10 is my dream size - I wish I was!

OP I think you need to start pointing out your DHs rotund belly at every given opportunity and dose him with a bit of his own medicine.

CherryMintVanilla · 28/04/2017 10:40

He has a big belly and he calls you fat? Turn it back on him. When he questions your weight, ask him what he intends to do about his. I hate the double standard of men feeling comfortable with their body whatever the size, but policing their wives figures. How many babies has he grown?

NoSherryForMe · 28/04/2017 10:49

This isn't about fat. He's not being thoughtless or insensitive. This is about him deliberately trying to control you and erode your confidence to the point that you feel completely dependent on him. He's emotionally abusive and, in your position, I'd LTB.

Blimey01 · 28/04/2017 10:49

Wow that's pretty awful op. My Dad is like that with my Mum. It makes me so angry and it's all said in a jovial ' what!?! I'm her husband, we can be honest with each other' but it just chips away at her self confidence.
Not sure about you but if I get insensitive comments like that I just want to eat more!!
Hard as it may be try to ignore him and devalue his opinion in your mind to try and limit the effect it has on you. ( That will probably wind him up aswell which would be an added bonus) Smile

2boytrouble · 28/04/2017 10:49

You're all so right! And it's shocking! It's crazy how insightful you can all be!! I do need to consider why I am here

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