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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Aibu - just had an argument with bf

322 replies

Tinkofhousepan · 11/02/2018 05:40

Hi all, this is quite personal (and it's gonna be really long as ive got a lot to get off my chest so Sorry in advance), but I really need some impartial advice. I'm really confused and I genuinely don't know where to go from here or even if i should try to fix this. I am posting this in AIBU instead of relationships because people tend to give blunter answers - and that is what I need!

Been with BF for a while, we don't live together, but I stay at his every other night (he lives on his own, I am with parents saving for the seemingly impossible to obtain mortgage - this is relevant).

I have to commute for about 45 mins each way to work, whereas he works locally to where we both live, practically in the town centre and 5 mins walk from the pub. He goes to the pub every afternoon after he finishes work at 4. I work weird shift patterns so some weeks I finish at 5 and others I could finish as late as 8pm if we are running to time, sometimes we can still be there at gone 9 if something takes longer than expected or if we have a walk in emergency that can't wait.

On my early days when I get to our hometown at around 6 he is fine, and he genuinely is the loveliest most caring partner that I've ever had and I just want to be around him all the time because he makes me genuinely happy and I am in love with him, and I feel his love back.

He cooks for me, gets me tea/hot water bottles without me asking for them (just because I look like I need one), runs me baths, doesn't pester me for sex if he can see I've had a bad/stressful day or if I'm just exhausted. But our sex life is great, he has really embraced some of my more wacky desires and does it really well!

He texts me throughout the day taking a genuine interest in how its going, tells me several times a day that he loves/misses me. He is so attentive and makes me feel really special and loved throughout my work day - all great.

The problem is on my late weeks where he could end up being in the pub from 4pm - 9pm, and when I meet up with him he is obviously pretty drunk but still ok to be around, if a little belligerent and opinionated.

It's when I'm not going home with him on those occasions he goes really paranoid and starts a row over nothing. He will accuse me of getting up to no good and says he 'knows what I'm up to' but will not elaborate any further.

The other day i text him to ask if he was still in the pub so I could see him briefly and get a cuddle and a kiss on the way home, and he accused me of checking up on him to find out his wherabouts so I could meet someone else without worrying about bumping into him Confused. I have never done this so I don't know where he got that idea from.

He gets quite hurtful and once he has this idea in his head, nothing will change his mind, not even if i take a picture of me sat in the living room or on my bed.

This happens on a fairly regular basis (3 times this week, latest one being tonight) literally over an non issue!

Tonight's was he was out with the boys, it got to midnight, I asked if he was coming over and he went all funny and passive aggressive saying that I had said I would stay at his tonight and calling me a liar etc.

When I relayed the conversation that we had had yesterday about where I was staying tonight and that he was welcome to stay over, and in the morning I'd make him a hangover breakfast feed the cats and then we would go to his for a 'fun' day (parents are away this weekend so have to be here to feed the cats -which he knows!!!!).

He started again accusing me of lying to him, and insisting that I had said nothing of the sort yesterday. He blew his top and went super cold on me when I screen shot and sent him the conversation where it showed i had said that i was home tonight and him saying that he remembered and that he might come over if he wasnt too drunk.

It sent him into a spin of him then asking me questions about my evening , what did i do? (ate fajhitas, had a bath and some wine and was chilling in bed watching the hobbit when this all kicked off) which pub did i go to? (Didn't go to any pub) who did I meet up with? (The freaking tooth fairy came round and we did a ouija board obviously) which are his way of trying to trip me up and catch me in a lie, so he can feel vindicated that he was justified in starting this whole pointless argument when he sobers up tomorrow.

It's really draining, and I am not happy for this behaviour to continue. The next day he is full of apologies etc, but I am now quite frankly fed up of this.

He is lovely in so many ways, but I can't help feeling that this is just something he does, and won't change or even try to change, and I don't want to deal with that any more.

What should I do?

Thanks for reading, it felt good just writing it all down.

OP posts:
duckingfisaster · 11/02/2018 08:14

Blimey, good luck OP.

Just having skim read I got - passive aggressive, alcoholic, manipulative, paranoid, controlling, jealous, you don't see your friends, needy, and a nasty drunk.

Weighed up against the sex and the fact he makes you feel loved (which tbh is more to do with the needy stuff on the bad list) it's a pretty obvious choice - run while you still can & fast....

GrannyGrissle · 11/02/2018 08:20

From experience I'd be worried about DV OP as he works himself into a further lather about you 'cheating'. Sounds like you have a sensible life plan and this ale can will only drag you down. Also i think DP would benefit from a Secret Mumsnet Hobby to fill his time Grin

Klarabing · 11/02/2018 08:25

Op i have been there. Got engaged and moved in despite all the warnings similar to what you went through... one day I had enough and left while he was at work... you sound strong... keep that strength when you talk to him and pay no heed ti his excuses and promises. I am now with my dh who does not have a jealous bone in his body and it is bliss. Go and get out of this and live the life you deserve. When you do you will realise how much you have been living on edge and realise how bad that horrible feeling when he starts his shit actually is. Sending you love and strength Flowers

Bluntness100 · 11/02/2018 08:30

I rarely take the majority view, but I also think this man has an alcohol problem that will escalate. If you had kids with him you'd still find him in the pub every day, drinking the kids food money.

I also think his behaviour will deteriorate and you will wish you got out now. Don't stay in hoping you can change him for thr better. You won't, he's a nasty drunk.

I think you do right to end it. Your future is not going to be a happy one if you don't. You need to get out now. He's controlling already, it doesn't matter if it's sober controlling or drunk controlling, it's all controlling. Just get out fast before it gets worse.

There is a reason this man was still single in his thirties. Now you know why.

beboldbebluntbehonest · 11/02/2018 08:30

You don't need to wait and see anything.
Just pick up your phone now and text "We are over. Your behaviour is unacceptable. Don't contact me!" and send it to him. Then block him on everything. Job done.
Then you can get on with your life without that nasty piece of work trying to break you down.

Mummyoflittledragon · 11/02/2018 08:31

I would try to avoid seeing him today, have a migraine or something. Then get a big bag, ensuring he won’t be there, collect your stuff in your lunch hour tomorrow if you can. Then post the keys through his letter box and dump over text.

ddrmum · 11/02/2018 08:32

OP take all the above advice & run got the hills!! I was you once, only I was stupid enough to believe him & there was no mumsnet to help me see it for what it is. I too thought it wouldn't get violent. I was wrong. This is just the beginning, get out now but only when it's safe to do so. I would not go to his flat alone either. Make sure that if you do go to meet him that someone knows where you are. No-one says any if this to frighten you, it's just for many of us, bitter experience. Enjoy your life with someone who really cares and can always put you before a pint & be respectful of you & your boundaries. You sound lovely, sensible and smart. You'll meet someone equally lovely.

Dancinggoat · 11/02/2018 08:33

He's sounds like a functioning alcoholic.
You really need to walk away as this is not going to get better.

SundaysFunday · 11/02/2018 08:39

I really couldn't stay with someone like this, if it had happened more than about three times I'd have already left. Don't let someone who says they love you call you a liar - frequently.

Drinking to that extent so often is a huge red flag, don't start a life with this man. You can do so much better.

morningconstitutional2017 · 11/02/2018 08:41

I can only agree with other posters who say that he is a nightmare. He isn't going to get any better so I would advise you to leave. Why put up with this behaviour? It'll only make you unhappy too and if you have children with him you'll be an unhappy family, always tiptoe-ing around him, worried about the next explosion. You deserve better so please run for the hills right now. It really will be for the best and you'll thank your lucky stars when you find a much better person, as I'm sure you will.

ChasedByBees · 11/02/2018 08:42

sheer amount of deception and lies i have experienced so far it is hard, but im still here telling you i love you

How fucking insulting is that? No one deserves to be treated like that.

SundaysFunday · 11/02/2018 08:45

He will react very badly to you breaking up with him, please plan it carefully. I think you are really going to see his true colours now.

Tinkofhousepan · 11/02/2018 08:49

I am preparing myself to text him. I feel really shitty about breaking up with him over text. At least it will be doing it at a distance, and quick.

OP posts:
usualGubbins · 11/02/2018 08:50

My ex was like this. I spend my time walking on eggshells and devising ways of stopping him drinking. His verbal accusations eventually turned physical and I called the police. Thank heaven I got rid before it got a lot worse. OP, you’re not living with him, just finish it!

AuntTrotwood · 11/02/2018 08:52

You will be so relieved in a few days when you're free of him. It must have felt like a lot of pressure on you worrying about his moods.

Keep posting if you're finding it helpful. It'll give you a sense of perspective.

Klarabing · 11/02/2018 08:54

Good luck and i truly believe to text him is the safest thing for you.. at least if he goes nuts and starts saying awful stuff he is at a distance and not in your face x

user7680 · 11/02/2018 08:54

He sounds abusive when he’s had alcohol am afraid this doesn’t change it just gets worse...talking from experience and it’s a huge red flag

PositivelyPERF · 11/02/2018 08:55

If you want to get your stuff from his house, do it before you tell him it’s over or it’s an excuse for him to pester you. It might not be safe to go to his place after breaking up.

SilverBirchTree · 11/02/2018 08:58

Paranoid possessive manipulative alcoholic

No points awarded for managing to not to pester you for sex. OP, that’s just very basic law abiding decency.

Next time you’re in a tall building, throw one of your shoes out the window. Whoever you hit is likely to be a better quality man than the one you’re shacking up with. Apologise for hitting him with your shoe, then ask him on a date.

Good luck.

WheresTheHooferDoofer · 11/02/2018 08:58

I'd see if someone else could collect your things, it's too risky for you as I don't believe he'll take it well.

Tinkofhousepan · 11/02/2018 08:58

Posting here has helped immensely. Thank you all for reading my post and giving me such encouraging responses. I've sent the text. Now I guess I wait. Thanks for all your support and kind words everyone, I hope you all dont think I'm a wet blanket for posting all this in the first place.

OP posts:
SilverBirchTree · 11/02/2018 08:59

I’d just leave any stuff behind to be honest.
If he is going to be a prick about it, just consider it a very worthwhile severance fee.

supersop60 · 11/02/2018 08:59

Agree with all the above LTB.

Move your stuff when he's out, because if you try to do it when he's there you will get manipulated (at best) or threatened(at worst).

Good luck.

KingLooieCatz · 11/02/2018 09:01

Well done Tink.

SilverBirchTree - if I ever need a new man I'll try that approach. Love it.

Partypopper123 · 11/02/2018 09:02

Good luck, you've done the right thing OP.