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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think that this is a stupid reason to end a relationship over?

203 replies

Rainyday2019 · 13/06/2019 09:43

My DP and I don’t live together. I love him to bits, he’s everything I want in a man. we rarely argue, but lately we’ve been arguing over the same issue which is he that he sometimes don’t reply to my messages even though I can see he’s been online a few times, I told him how it makes me feel, but he keeps saying things like ‘sometimes I’ll read your message, and think I’ll reply in 10 mins but get caught up with something else or forget’. Like yesterday he had a friend round his house, he hasn’t seen this friend for a while so I understand he was busy spending time with this friend. We were texting right up until his friend arrived, so I sent him another text at 6pm, he came on WhatsApp at 7pm, read my text and ignored it. Then he came on at 8pm, 9pm and 10pm. Still didn’t reply, so at 10pm I texted him ‘ this is when I feel ignored and get upset’ with an upset emoji. He came back on WhatsApp at 11pm, didn’t even open my message or anything and that was that. AIBU to think that if you can come online every hour you can reply to a message? I know we’re going to talk later and he’s going to come up with a million excuses as to why he couldn’t reply. I’ll admit it wasn’t an important text, but it still hurts that he came online so often and ignored me, even though I sent him the text pointing out that he’s ignoring me and it upsets me. Sometimes I feel like maybe it’s my own fault, and I should stop texting him when I know he’s busy or doing something even though he’s online, and I also feel like this is a stupid reason to end a relationship over when everything else is perfect? We’ve talked about moving in together, and maybe things will get better once we live together I don’t know. Please help, don’t know what to do.

OP posts:
Huggybear16 · 13/06/2019 13:12

OP has accepted that she has been unreasonable and accepts that her approach has been less that ideal. There's no need to keep twisting the knife.

I use WhatsApp but I am terrible at responding to messages. I've just checked mine just now and I have messages from last night and this morning that I haven't responded to. However, I've been using WhatsApp to video chat with my OH, so those who sent the messages to me can see that I've been online most of this morning. I really like those friends that have been sending messages, but there is nothing important or urgent, so I'll reply later when I have more time.

crazyasafox · 13/06/2019 13:14

@Eliza9919

I think it's rude and disrespectful to ignore messages, when you have been online and obviously seen you have them. Not texting back for days is rude too.

I kind of agree with this, AND the post by @poopypants (from 10.55 today.)

It has always bugged me a bit, that people see and read your messages, (and it shows as 'seen' or 'read,') then they just pop off and don't reply to it. Even just saying 'bit busy now, will respond later this evening' will do!

People accuse the individuals who get irked by people not responding back when they have seen the message (or even taking a DAY to respond,) of being needy, clingy, insecure etc.. And maybe some people are (a bit.) And it is easy to think someone doesn't want to speak to you, or they didn't get the message even (if you don't have a 'seen message' kind of facility - if it was just a text.)

I have never 'got' why people don't respond when they have seen a message. I mean, some say these people are busy with other people, or work, or whatever, but if that is so, then how and why are they finding the time to notice, scroll through, and open, and read the messages? Surely if they can take the time to do all this, they can spend, 5 seconds sending a quick message saying 'busy now sorry, I will message you this evening.' ??? Confused

I have messaged people, and know they have seen my message, and they don't respond. So I think they must be busy... Then later that day, (3-4 hours later,) I go on twitter and facebook, (to check my messages and posts and tweets and replies,) and I see them on twitter, posting tweets, tweeting other people, and responding to peoples posts on facebook, and uploading pics onto instagram..., but they have still not answered my message.

I have often thought think 'did they see my message at all, or is it just that I am pretty low on their list of priorities, and they will message me back when they have messaged all the people who are more important than me?'

I guess I am a bit insecure, and have often assumed when people don't respond, that it's because I am not that important to them. I don't know why responding to me is left for 10 hours later, when they are are finding the time to post on instagram, post on twitter, and put multiple facebook messages on.

Anyway....... A while back (maybe 4-5 months or so ago,) I decided to stop getting so wound up, and messaging people back after an hour to see if said person had got my message, and I just waited for them to respond. I basically started to chill out a bit, and not look to see if the person had been on the internet doing other stuff, and waited for them to get back to me. And they always do. Sometimes not for 8-12 hours, sometimes within an hour.

I have felt a bit better since I stopped getting really uptight about it. I also started doing the same to them. Waiting 6-8 hours before responding - unless it was urgent.

Weirdly, several people I have been doing this to, have messaged me after an hour or so, and said 'did you get my message, you haven't responded!!!'' Confused I think, well YOU take half a day to a day to respond to me sometimes LOL!

At least I know it's not just me who is a bit of a stresshead! Grin

@Rainyday2019

As for the OP; yeah maybe rein it in a bit or your will chase you OH away. I hope you find peace, and feel less insecure. I know it ain't easy!!! I am still working on me. And I am getting better. Smile

It is easy to come across as overbearing and clingy and a bit obsessive, when it's often that you are just a bit insecure and worried the person doesn't want to bother with you. Good luck !!! Flowers

U2HasTheEdge · 13/06/2019 13:17

the only man who doesn't run away will be someone as needy and fucked up as you sound, and two obsessive desperate losers together is a recipe for really dangerous, harmful situations.

That's a bit harsh. OP is not a desperate loser.

I am glad you have taken the advice on board OP. I know what it is like to be anxious in relationships. In my first marriage I struggled with the same feelings as you. I have been with my second husband for 13 years and it isn't an issue. It can be worked on and overcome.

It can be a long process but in the meantime, remember that it is your problem, don't make it his. If you are feeling anxious over him not messaging you back then deal with that emotion yourself, and don't put it onto him. It will help break the cycle.

crazyasafox · 13/06/2019 13:23

@U2HasTheEdge I agree. That is a pretty nasty post, saying such unkind things about the OP. She is insecure that's all. Many people are. It's just managing it that she needs to work on. And what pisses me off is the 'you sound sooooo young' posts. So patronising.

Sakura7 · 13/06/2019 13:43

It has always bugged me a bit, that people see and read your messages, (and it shows as 'seen' or 'read,') then they just pop off and don't reply to it. Even just saying 'bit busy now, will respond later this evening' will do!

Why though? It would never occur to me that the person texting me needs an instant response, even if I'm busy. I'll text back later when I have time to engage properly. But then I don't have needy friends, and I've pulled back from anyone who behaved like that as I can't bear being smothered.

Your attitude basically says "I don't care what else you have going on in your life, I need attention right now and it's your job to give it to me." You don't really have a right to be so demanding of others.

crazyasafox · 13/06/2019 13:46

@Sakura7

sigh....... If you cannot be arsed to read my post in full, and you are just going to jump on me and make spiteful and demeaning remarks about me, I am not going to entertain you with a response.

Good day to you.

Lauraloop1516 · 13/06/2019 13:51

Your behaviour is only going to make him less likely to reply. Nobody likes to feel controlled. And the 'feel ignored sad face' message? That's manipulating.

whothedaddy · 13/06/2019 13:53

@sakura7 I have to agree...If something is urgent and needs a response...PICK UP THE PHONE. If it isn't let someone reply when they have a reply.

Pgqio · 13/06/2019 13:57

Could everyone maybe stop kicking the op? She's realised she had a problem, thanked posters for their input and stated she'll work on her issues.

Why do people think it's still necessary to say she's "needy/controlling/stalkerish" when she's already taken everything on board?

This forum is an amazing resource but a few people just don't know when to quit.

crazyasafox · 13/06/2019 14:01

FGS, the OP has already said that she is trying to improve her ways, and is trying to manage her insecurity. Are people just not being arsed to read the full thread or do you all just enjoy sticking the knife in and twisting it?!

I said the same. I am quite insecure and a bit stressy, and have felt in the past that people don't care about me much when they don't respond to my message for 10 hours (when I can see them on the internet half the day.) But as I said, in my long post from (13.14,) I am trying to deal with myself too, and have reined myself in a bit, and am not getting as bothered now.

Doesn't stop people cherry picking the bits of my post that enable them to have a nasty dig at me though.

Fuck's sake! This forum sometimes ... Hmm

Why do people have to be so mean and spiteful? Sad

Sakura7 · 13/06/2019 14:01

Woah there @crazyasafox

I did read your post and I'm glad you are chilling out a bit. I'm explaining what it feels like to be on the other end of those expectations, as you don't seem to consider that. You're more concerned with what that person is doing, what they think of you, how important you are to them, etc, etc. It is possible that someone saw your text, wasn't able to reply that minute and then genuinely forgot later in the day.

crazyasafox · 13/06/2019 14:02

Cross post with @Pgqio

I agree. Some people don't know when to quit the slating, and sticking the knife in.

Says more about them tbh...

Sakura7 · 13/06/2019 14:05

Ok crazyasafox having just read your latest post there, you need to calm down a wee bit.

I'm not trying to twist anything to have a dig at you, I am however challenging your viewpoint and giving a different perspective. As is normal on a discussion forum.

janetforpresident · 13/06/2019 14:06

OP I am like your boyfriend. My DH is a very reliable replier and I quite often read his messages and forget to reply. In the evening he says "did you see my message about X?"

I do love him I am just busy and I don't think replying to messages is as high on my priority just as his.

@AryaStarkWolf who is that picture of?

Yousicktwistedfruit · 13/06/2019 14:06

You need to get a grip you sound like a 12 year old if I was him I would be breaking up with you. You sound really possessive and a stalker leave him alone he doesn’t have to reply to message straight away I don’t always reply to peoples messages doesn’t mean I’m ignoring them I just don’t feel like talking to them at that particular moment.

janetforpresident · 13/06/2019 14:07

Priority list

Basecamp65 · 13/06/2019 14:10

Do I think this is a stupid reason to end a relationship? Absolutely not I would dump you instantly and never look back!

Suffocating or what - I get annoyed if my partner texts me everyday!

AngieAntchouet · 13/06/2019 14:12

Well, if he reads your text and doesn't reply , there's something wrong! There's nothing good in being needy, but if he goes to whatsapp every hour, is to check his messages , maybe your's didn't need a reply.

Lizzie48 · 13/06/2019 14:23

What strikes me is that if your DP doesn't reply to your texts, you think, 'Has he gone off me?' or 'He's ignoring me.' If my DH doesn't reply to a text, I simply think, 'He's obviously busy with work/DDs.' Or I might think, 'Maybe he hasn't seen the message yet?'

My DSis is a bit like you. If I don't text her for a while/telephone her, she wonders if she's upset me? She used to be a lot worse than she is now. It can be exasperating, having to reassure someone that no, they haven't upset you.

MinnieMul7 · 13/06/2019 14:28

I am glad that you are taking the advice on here on board. I was very similar to you in my last relationship and would check last online times etc. etc. and be annoyed if my ex hadn't replied but been online. I assumed it was my anxiety. The relationship ended and I am with someone new know and I am I no longer check whatsapp status at all. if he doesn't text back I know that he is just busy - even if I do happen to notice he has read the message (I don't actively look now) I have no more anxiety in this respect and have put it down to the relationship being wrong.

joystir59 · 13/06/2019 14:31

What is your relationship like when you are together?

AryaStarkWolf · 13/06/2019 14:34

@janetforpresident it's a popular internet meme called "overly attached girlfriend"

To think that this is a stupid reason to end a relationship over?
To think that this is a stupid reason to end a relationship over?
crazyasafox · 13/06/2019 14:38

@janetforpresident

AryaStarkWolf, who is that a picture of? (on the post from 10.38.)

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overly_Attached_Girlfriend

crazyasafox · 13/06/2019 14:38

Oooops, cross post with AryaStarkWolf!!! Blush

NameChangeNugget · 13/06/2019 14:41

@AryaStarkWolf

Those pictures cracked me up Grin

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