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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Am I over dramatic? Advice needed.

86 replies

Materialgirlxxx · 06/12/2018 18:09

Sorry, I know this is really long but I really need some advice.

I think I'm in a relationship with a narcissistic abuset and have been for the last 11 years, I've become isolated from all my family and friends over the years, my parents and brothers basically disowned me because they did not like him from day one and now I've found myself isolated and over the last few years i have started to notice another side to him, like jekyll and Hyde. The problem is, I think I've been gaslighted by him so much over the years that I don't know whether the things he makes me upset and angry over are even true or whether I am just over reacting. I started writing the arguments down after they happened so that I would know for sure it's true, but It's like I still doubt myself. This prevents me from ending the relationship and trying to salvage things with my family. And I guess what I'm asking you guys for is your opinions, am I being dramatic and over reacting?

The latest incident, I have been wanting to put the lights on the Christmas tree and three days ago he was supposed to bring the extension lead in from the garage, he said he couldn't be bothered and would do it the next day, I said okay no problem. The next day he worked a 5 hour shift, and after work I asked him to bring the lights in, he said he would do it in a bit, again I said okay. I meanwhile cooked his tea and then reminded him again about the extension lead and he said he'd do it in a bit. After tea, he asked where dessert was, I asked him if he would go and get the extension lead first because it's getting late and he just said no I'm not doing it now I can't be bothered. I said I've been asking you since last night, he started shouting how he's been working (he works 3 or 4 days a week) and that he doesn't have to do it if he doesn't want to, and said go and get it yourself (the garage doors broke and he knows I can't lift it, plus I'd just cooked tea and cleaned and washed up all while he sat down playing fifa and watching football). I started getting annoyed and told him the next time he asks me to do something for him he'll get the same response, he just said he didn't care.

The next day I was still annoyed so I didn't speak to him and he didn't speak to me. After a minor disagreement over the fish tank that morning, which involved me telling him over the last few weeks that there was an issue with the heater and him telling me it was fine, he decided to tell me that day there was a problem with the heater, and when I said I'd told him that the last few weeks, he started saying "YOU are a liar" and no matter what I said he just kept repeating it over and over that I'm a liar. I don't lie, I'm known for being a bit too honest if anything. I then asked him why he had to make such an issue out of getting the extension lead in and he got really close to my face and looked me in the eyes and said "Because I didn't want to do it, because I didn't want to do it" and kept repeating himself over and over about 5 times, and he does this regularly in arguments and it really freaks me out, it's a bit like Jack Nicholson in the shining and it just leaves me feeling confused and wondering what the hell just happened.

The rest of the day we ignore each other, inside I'm fuming at being told so coldly that he just didn't want to do it, again and again and again, I've never experienced anything like this, the coldness and callousness of him.

A few days ago he tripped over a box that had just been delivered by the postie and he started shouting saying how he's always tripping up over my things and I just said to him he should open his eyes and look where he's going then, as that is what he says to me when I trip over something of his and he turned round and said "Shut up, you nobody". I've never been called a nobody so it really throws me like I don't know what to say back to it.

After an argument he will literally leave me upset for days on end and do nothing to try and resolve it even though the vast majority of the time, the argument started over a promise he broke or over him shouting or being nasty. He just leaves it and then tries to talk to me like nothing happened, and I can't work like that. I need to know he's sorry for what he said and that he won't say it again, but instead he just ignores it and when I bring it up I get called morbid and a cry baby, he mock cries when I cry because of something he did to upset me and will call me a shit bag and a wimp and morbid. When I'm none of those things, I'm normally really happy until he treats me like crap. And it is really like he feeds off making me unhappy, he's happy when I'm unhappy. I don't eat for days sometimes because I'm so upset and feel anxious, but he doesn't care cos he can still eat so it doesn't affect him. I never had anxiety once before I met him, now panic attacks are pretty regular.

The extension lead is not a massive thing I know, but it's the hurtful things he says like he just doesn't care about me and like I don't matter. He will do anything he can to get out of taking any responsibility for anything he's done wrong. I could literally be standing in front of him crying, begging for him to stop torturing me by repeating himself and let me speak and get my point accross and he will tell me I need locking up, I need mental help, he's convinced me I'm crazy with all kinds of conditions over the years. He puts his earphones in when he knows I've got a valid point during an argument so he doesn't have to listen to it and it drives me insane.

Another example of a recent incident. My friends mum died a few days ago and I was telling him about it as we were catching up because we'd not spoken much the day before due to work and he turned round and said God all you do it talk, it's the morning. Who says that when you've just told him your 32 year old friend has just lost her mum? It's like he's got no feelings whatsoever and there is literally loads of examples that are much worse I could give you but I would be here all day, I just wanted to go over the recent things and get some opinions because my head is all over the place and I literally don't know what to do. I've tried talking to him and telling him how it makes me feel but the response is always the same, that I'm over reacting, I'm a drama queen, and that he doesn't give a shit if it upsets me because it wouldn't upset any one else, only me because I'm not normal so why should he apologise.

OP posts:
Annasgirl · 06/12/2018 19:28

OK OP Here is the truth.

He is very bad and very bad for you.

You are not imagining it, it really is way worse to us on the outside than to you.

Please leave him, spend time alone, your family will be delighted that you have seen sense, do NOT stay in a relationship that you know is toxic "to prove people wrong". You are the only person living your life, it is not a rehearsal and even though I am a Catholic, even we believe you don't get another life like this, so get out of this relationship and live your life, you will find someone special and you will be thankful that you got out.

AnoukSpirit · 06/12/2018 19:28

I used to go round in endles confused circles like you're doing. The Freedom Programme helped me understand what he was doing and start to trust my own judgement.

You're so young and you could have such a wonderful future ahead of you. But not if you stay with somebody who is abusing you.

Abusive people don't abuse by mistake or because of anger or alcohol or tiredness. They abuse because they like having control over somebody else and they like feeling powerful.

That is why, no matter how hard you try or what hopeful promises he makes, nothing ever changes except for the worse.

It's not inadvertent. He knows what he's doing. It's not a mistake where you can show him the error of his ways and he'll change. He won't. This is how he wants it. He clearly learnt it from his father, so why would that man intervene either? They believe they are entitled to abuse women.

Www.freedomprogramme.co.uk

You're not overreacting. You are seriously under reacting though.

This is not what a healthy relationship looks like. The Freedom Programme can teach you what that would look like so you can have hope for yourself again.

MissRhubarb · 06/12/2018 19:31

"They would accept me back home with open arms but I don't want to leave in a crisis and just turn up at my mum and dads house".

Just do it. Leave and turn up on their doorstep and then work it out at the other end. They will have been waiting and hoping for you to come to your senses. OP, your self esteem is through the floor right now. I know when you're feeling that low it feels difficult to ever trust your own feelings. Listen to what everyone is saying here though - he's an abusive shit head and nothing is ever ever going to change.

viques · 06/12/2018 19:33

Dear OP,

I think in your heart of hearts you know that this unhealthy relationship is destroying you. I hope the replies you have had have finally convinced you it is time to go.

So now is the time to plan your exit strategy. It's not Brexit, so you don't have to negotiate with the other side, you just have to do what's best for you. Luckily although he is nasty he is not hurting you physically so you do not have to leave in a desperate hurry.

You need to think about finances, including any financial commitments you have made in common, paperwork, including your personal paperwork and any that relate to finance , see above, and anything that you want that is irreplaceable such as family photos. You also need to think about what support you will need from family and friends as you start to put your life back together again. You need to think about getting good legal advice and good financial advice .

Well done, you are a strong, brave woman, certainly not crazy and you are on the threshold of a new and better life which will eventually , when you are feeling stronger, involve a good man who loves you and cares about you.

Cel982 · 06/12/2018 19:35

Things don't have to be 'bad enough' for you to leave. They're not good enough for you to stay, not by a long way. A relationship should add to your happiness, not make you miserable.

You don't owe this man anything. Leave, today; go back to your family who will welcome you with open arms, and let this be Day 1 of your new, infinitely better life.

ShadowTheSheepdog · 06/12/2018 19:41

If one of my children was in the situation you described and they turned up on my doorstep 'in a crisis', I wouldn't hesitate to welcome them back in.

Just do it.

Your family are probably worried sick about you.

AcrossthePond55 · 06/12/2018 19:45

Please please please, call your family or an old friend. I know you've been isolated from them, but that's all because of him. They still love you. They're still worried about you. I guarantee they have been waiting and praying for your call! The bridges aren't 'burnt' they're just a little rickety, but they're still passable.

Pick one you were once close to and call them and say "You were right, I was wrong. Please, help me get out". Even if they are some distance away, even if they can't give you money, they can still be a wonderful support in other ways to help get you out of there.

Yes, you may have to hear 'I told you so' or a bit of 'finger shaking', but in the long run it will be worth it because you will be free of this abusive man! FREE!!!

NameChange457 · 06/12/2018 19:56

You wouldn’t bring children into the relationship because it’s not a life you want for your children.

Trust that - at the moment your own self esteem is damaged by his treatment of you, but even if you don’t realise it, you deserve what you would want for your hypothetical children. Use that as your barometer and walk away from this guy, he sounds awful!

BumbleBeee69 · 06/12/2018 19:57

Jesus OP how are you living with this Bastard, you need to get him out Flowers

LilySays · 06/12/2018 20:01

He called you a nobody and a shit bag Sad

You’re still young, leave him. Turn up on your parents doorstep with your bags packed and never look back.

tolerable · 06/12/2018 20:05

ok. dont read this.ignore it.do whatchulike..... hes a toad.you know if n how often youve kissed him-that as prince as he gets. If you are questioning your own ability to recall reality..youve NOT crossed to the zone yet.thats good.how far you willing to go with that? OR
...why not ask him to open garage door for you?.(.says wee bashed to fuck me who beez nice to a fault but tries not to conceed to much and still find it liveable with) OR..
...realise you get one,no idea of when..but guaranteed..time limited life.its yours.if you+him = happy alls good. if not ..steal aa mantra accept what cani change,change what can and realise the difference.good luck x

theWarOnPeace · 06/12/2018 20:06

What has to be bad enough?? You’re not happy!! For one, it IS DEFINITELY bad. And secondly, it doesn’t have to reach some kind of threshold for you to not be with him. You’re not happy, at all. You get one life, please don’t waste it with this miserable bastard who doesn’t make you feel good. Google the ‘sunk costs fallacy’ to see a good illustration of why invested time in a relationship doesn’t mean you should just keep going until you drop. Break free, be yourself, enjoy your life. Why the hell would you not have children (as you say you’d like to) because of this man, and yet stay together? What is the bloody point? You’re wasting your life, I’m sorry that so long had passed but you’ve got your whole life ahead of you. Love your life, you deserve more than this.

oiiiiiii · 06/12/2018 20:06

Op. You can't stay in a situation this bad just because you want to prove people wrong.

Why would you not go to your parents in crisis? Surely that's the point? This is a crisis, you need to get out of this situation. So you need to go to your parents!

Stop making excuses to yourself about why you aren't leaving yet. Just go!

It doesn't matter why he does it
It doesn't matter if he's not doing it right now
This is an incredibly shit situation, it's been eleven years, he's not changing!

Set your pride aside and walk away from this before he absolutely destroys you.

Idlikeabunchofbananasplease · 06/12/2018 20:08

Agree with the above advice, you only have one life it sounds like you are trapped in a miserable situation. You need to swallow your pride and accept that this is not working and be brave. Work on loving yourself and building up your self esteem then you won't attract these types of men. Hope this helps
Don't be afraid to be alone either better to be alone than be miserable. It's your choice at the end of the day

OhDearGodLookAtThisMess · 06/12/2018 20:10

How much more of your life are you going to waste on this bastard?

MothertotheLordsofmisrule · 06/12/2018 20:26

Leave.

You have nothing to lose.

You have already lost 11 years, don’t lose anymore.

Also his family has shown that this is obviously a family trait if his brother beats women and his father turns his back on you. He won’t change it’s in his blood.

lily2403 · 06/12/2018 20:29

I would leave

TheDowagerCuntess · 06/12/2018 20:36

Not a single soul will tell you you're over-reacting. Quite the opposite.

This is incredible to read.

Your friend and family had the measure of him from the beginning, and you're going to punish yourself for that, by staying with him? When you're young and don't have any children?

Why?

Surely being single is preferable to living a miserable existence like this.

Your life could be so very, very different.

Benjaminbuttonschild · 06/12/2018 20:49

Op, I left my ex a few days ago. Well unasked him to leave and told him to not come back.
We have children.

You CAN do this. You have no ties to him. Get out whilst you can before it wrecks your mental health. My ex has had 6 and a half years of fucking with my head and I'm still coming to terms with the consequences now and replaying past arguments in my head. I know it will be shit before it gets better again. But I would not for one second consider going back to him and we have children together.

I have been cheated on, lied to about numerous things, hit, choked, smacked with an iPad, and called every name under the sun as well as the sexual abuse. But I refuse to put up with it any longer.

Get out OP, please. It will be the best thing ever.

Ozziewozzie · 06/12/2018 20:57

Sounds exactly like my ex husband. He remarried 11 years ago! God help you if it’s the same guy or similar. Get away. It’s emotional abuse. Everything has to be about him. He views you as weak and pathetic and treats you that way you keep you unarmed. Stand up, dust yourself down and file for divorce.

You’ll breathe again, you’ll smile again, you’ll feel safe in your own home again. Living by yourself will be far less lonely than living with a narcissist I assure you. I divorced my ex husband and I’ve never looked back.

Ariela · 06/12/2018 21:28

Get out. Go to your parents. They DO love you and will welcome you. You don't need to speak to them beforehand or pave the way by talking to them first, just get your stuff together, re-direct your bills/bank/phone and go, don't look back do not stop just go to them, I promise you they will be pleased you got out and came to them, they'll look after you and help you.

Please do it before it gets too late.

showmeshoyu · 06/12/2018 21:30

Thinking of it in terms of a time investment is falling into the sunk cost logical fallacy. There's so much more of your life left to live, don't waste another minute of it more than you have to.

Nanny0gg · 06/12/2018 21:45

OP it's isn't that bad.

It's far worse.

Make 2019 your year. Leave, reconnect with family and friends and sever all contact with this excuse for a human being.

Bringbackbertha · 06/12/2018 22:00

In a lions pride sometimes the male lion (alpha) will get too big for his boots and the female lion bites back.

You need to be that female lion, bite back and leave him.

He is a horrible "thing" and doesn't deserve to be in your presence.

I had a bloke, thankfully now my ex, he was much older but would convince me that I was going crazy and making things up, would call me fat (size 14) and that I didn't care about myself. He was eventually found out to be cheating on me. It took me a good year to realise what a useless lump he was, but when I did I started to love myself and live my own life (went on a holiday abroad alone, furthest I ever been, best thing I ever did) i then found my new husband and realised what a nice bloke actually is.

You need to be in the right mind to want to leave, but alot of people are saying you should, it might be scary but you can do it and one day you will feel a whole lot better about yourself.

Good luck op

Graceadlerdesigns · 06/12/2018 22:09

Please leave.

Op, this might sound mean but bear with me. My DH is great. He looks after me, the kids. He tells me I am beautiful. He goes the extra mile every day to make me happy.

Why? Am I special? Beautiful? Amazingly successful?!? Nope! I am a perfectly ordinary, lumpy, hormonal, confusing mess of a woman. And some one loves me.

You don't need to "settle". You deserve someone amazing. They do exist. Promise. Ditch him and find someone who loves you for who you are.

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