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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Am I abusive?

79 replies

youngandbroken · 09/06/2021 10:29

This is going to be very long sorry and I'll try not to drip feed, I am fully prepared (as much as I can be) to be completley torn apart here, I don't know if I am being unreasonable, I can't ask anyone in real life for an opinion on these situations though and I'm not sure what to do. My partner says that I am controlling and that I have an issue every time he wants to go out.

I do have trust issues, he has changed a lot since the start of our relationship but he knew I am hugely against drugs. I didn't know he took them when we got together, I was told that he didn't, I got pregnant in 2014 and had a miscarriage. That night I stayed with my mum for support and when I went home the next day I found all of his friends in the sofas, in our bedroom and the house in a complete state with blood in the bathroom sink, alcohol bottles and just a complete mess in general. He had gone to work. It was left to me to send everyone home and clean up while I was in pain and in a complete emotional state. I did suspect that he had been doing drugs that night but he promised me he hadn't, I was very naive and not in a mentally fit state to even process anything so I did just try to believe him and forget about it.

A year later I got pregnant again, this time thankfully the pregnancy went well. When I was 3 months pregnant we went to his brothers wedding abroad, where my partner got extremely drunk and confessed to me that he had in fact taken drugs that day and that he wanted to cheat on me but didn't but that he wouldn't do it again. I was pregnant, in a foreign country, he had spent the majority of the money I had so I couldn't just book a flight home and so I stayed and again just tried to forget about it and wanted to believe it was a one time thing. He was not supportive throughout the pregnancy, he didn't go to any scans and would often dissappear on nights out with his mates and wouldn't be home until 3-4am in the morning. I had to go hospital for low blood sugars when I was 8 months pregnant and he made me get the bus home rather than pick me up himself and so there were alot of instances in that time where he wasn't there for me and that gave me trust issues. He was there when our eldest was born, and over time he did become far more supportive and fell into his role as a dad and for a while things seemed ok.

The problems began when I realised that we weren't really going out together anymore, he would go out with his mates and leave me home with the baby and so I started asking him to spend more time with us, but I think I might have asked too many times - or just shouldn't have asked at all because he does deserve to spend time with his friends. He is the main breadwinner I only work part time for childcare reasons but he said that feels like he can't go out without me having an issue with it. I tried to reign that in and again things seemed OK for a while. I got pregnant again when our eldest was almost 4 and this time he was really good, he came to the scans, tried to help when I was uncomfortable and when I ended up having pre-eclampsia he rushed to the hospital to be there with me. I had an emergency c-section. He did go home that night and told me that he was going to the cinema with his friends (his mum would look after our eldest) , I was the only woman on the ward without my partner there and I did make a comment about it being a bit unfair of him. I was in hospital for 5 days, in that time one of his friends attempted suicide - obviously that's a horrible thing for him to have to deal with I know, but my partner did spend alot of time helping him and when I got home I was left alone with our eldest and the newborn baby healing from a c-section, while he went to go and visit his friend and help him when he was discharged from hospital. So I probably did make a few stroppy comments about that too, but I genuinely can't remember exactly what I said, I have severe depression myself and was very sympathetic to his friend though.

When my partner went back to work he was brilliant with the girls, he does alot with them and takes on the caring duties when he's home. I do struggle with housework and I admit our home is messier than other people's but I really do try, I asked him to help out with housework a bit more and he told me that I needed to give him lists and tell him what to do and because I don't do that it's my fault that he doesn't help out more. He said alot of my issues with the housework and being burnt out are my own doing because I don't tell him what to do and I need to be more assertive. We haven't gone out as a couple for over 2 years at this point, he has gone out with his friends, maybe not as often as he would like but definitely more than he has gone out with me, or even us as a family, but again he says that because I don't organise things that's why we don't go out. The problem is that I choose the wrong times to suggest things, each time I have suggested something he says that we don't have the money this month, or he didn't want to do that, or that it's not a good idea because the girls won't enjoy it or there's something else going in that he hadn't mentioned yet, so I got a bit nervous about suggesting anything because I felt like I was making stupid suggestions. I did begin to get really frustrated and fed up with him going out then, I resented the fact that he was going out more than I was and spending time with his friends while I was stuck at home with only the children to talk to. I don't have many close friends, I am a very shy person and really struggle to make friends so it is my fault really and I probably was being very unreasonable to show him how annoyed I was feeling. I did tell him that I didn't want to stop him going out but that I was just feeling a bit lonely that's all.

I also started asking him what time he would likely be home from work, so that I knew when to start dinner and he said that constantly asking him is unreasonable and makes him feel like I'm rushing him and that he can't go out after work and do what he wants to do because he feels like I always need him at home. He brings up the fact that I am controlling alot. In February this year I attempted suicide because I was in a really bad place, felt like I was failing at everything - couldn't keep up with the housework, didn't feel like I had the energy or patience to deal with the children, felt like a useless partner and it all just got too much. I was discharged the next morning and the next afternoon he went to the pub with his friend. I made the choice to do what I did, I don't deny that and it was definitely my own fault and I was stupid I know that, but I thought he would at least stay at home with me and the children, I was feeling physically very unwell still (I do know that's my fault) and mentally really unstable so we did have an argument about that and again he told me I was controlling and that he needed to talk it through with someone because it was hard for him as well and I can understand that he needed support as well. There have been little arguments since then but mostly we've been OK I think. I did cause all the little arguments because I don't word things very well and I worry over how to say anything because it might cause an argument because I'll say the wrong thing and he won't understand what I'm trying to say.

Then on to today's argument. He wants to go out his friend and her son rather than me and our children and when I said that I don't have a problem with that, he can go out with whoever he likes I know she's his friend too but the way he worded it felt like he was saying that he prefers to spend time with her and her son because its less effort than spending time with me and the girls, he now says that I didn't show any enthusiasm when he mentioned something to me (he said he wanted to go somewhere and I said OK then that'll be nice) and that no matter what he does I always find an issue with it. And I think he's probably right, I do seem to cause an argument every time he wants to go out.

OP posts:
Shergill15 · 09/06/2021 11:45

This does sound like an abusive relationship, but you are not the abusive one - he is. He is gaslighting you into thinking that you are the problem but believe me you are not. If you can, contact Womens Aid for support.

Beautiful3 · 09/06/2021 12:00

Please believe me when I say this, he is the problem here, not you. You need to leave him and claim benefits. You do not need him, at all.

yacketyyak · 09/06/2021 12:18

You are 💯 not being unreasonable

BetterThanKleenex · 09/06/2021 12:18

I'm so sorry that you've been made to think you're the one to blame. You're not abusive, he is.

Please seek help to change your situation- contact Women's Aid for advice, even if it's just to talk things over with someone neutral.

Lolapusht · 09/06/2021 12:21

YOU ARE NOT ABUSIVE.

You do sound like a thoughtful, caring and loving person who has been ground down by a selfish, inconsiderate and pretty horrible partner.

Sounds like you have trust issues because he broke your trust. He did that by lying to you. He spent all your money? Not nice. It sounds like life is great when he gets to do everything he wants to. You asking him perfectly reasonable questions shows up his unreasonable behaviour (how DARE you ask when he’ll be home so you can cook his dinner for him!). He goes out when he wants to, he doesn’t do any housework because he doesn’t want to (I assume he can function at work without being handed a list of things to do? Do his friends give him lists so he can get ready to go out or can he manage to do things he wants to.), he blames you for not organising family trips out but never suggests anything to do (he just doesn’t want to go out and I guarantee you will never find a trip he a) wants to go on and b) if he does go on doesn’t complain about) and he prefers spending time with someone else’s family. And somehow, he’s got you thinking you are to blame and it’s all your fault. It really isn’t lovie, it’s him. He’s a bit shit I’m afraid.

Your MH may well improve if he isn’t constantly making you feel worthless and useless.

Maybe pop over to Relationships for some help.

Yaya26 · 09/06/2021 12:21

OMG I feel sick reading your post. You poor darling. He's a vile human being who has broken you. I feel so sad for you and your girls.

I never ever have advised anyone this before but I don't see any hope here. He's too awful. You're have been left so low that your daughters almost lost you forever - their mum and would have been left with him.

Come on girl please get the strength, realise that you and your girls deserve so much better. Get angry for god's sake at what this horrible being has done to you and your girls. Make your decision and stick to it. You have wasted too long on this waste of space. Change the locks or leave and never this bastard in your door again. Turn it around and make a new happy life for you and your girls. I really hope you have family and fiends you can lean on. Contact women's aid , your GP, any organisation who can help you Xxx

bigbeatmanifesto · 09/06/2021 12:25

Wow, I can't actually fathom how you see yourself as the problem, you sound like a brilliant mum and by God do you deserve more than this.
I'd leave.
In a heartbeat I'd be gone.
To call you controlling by asking to spend time with each other is so unfair and his life seems great for him and full of nothing but responsibilities for you.
He's the problem, he is a huge problem he's narcissistic for a start, selfish and entitled the list goes on.
I'd seriously consider what you actually get from the relationship and if it's worth your mental health staying in it.
Thanks

DanielRicciardosSmile · 09/06/2021 12:26

He's the problem here, and I have a sneaking suspicion he's cheating on you with this "friend" as well.

TherapistInATabard · 09/06/2021 12:27

Oh sweetheart no, he’s the abusive one. So cold and unfeeling and utterly unsupportive.

What is your housing and financial situation? You really need to get out of this relationship. Even if he’s not the root cause of your mental health problems, he’s certainly exacerbating them.

TurquoiseLemur · 09/06/2021 12:31

@Peach01

No no no! You are not abusive! He is the problem. You miscarried and he turned your house into a "lads" drug den. He took drugs at a wedding. He wasn't there to support you when you arrived home after your c section when you needed physical help. He thinks housework can't be done unless he's been given a list? Who gives you your list? God forbid you want to know when he'll be back home. The whole situation reeks of disrespect.
This. In spades.

This man isn't committed to his wife and children in any shape or form.

And the OP constantly saying "I know it was my fault", "I know I go on too much", "I know I shouldn't have said anything" etc, this shows how she is always tiptoeing round him.

I'm sorry for the children most though. Having to live in that atmosphere. Adults almost always have (to some degree) some choice; kids don't.

Slankets · 09/06/2021 12:32

Just to put this in perspective, you have a serious illness and an emergency c-section and but he would rather support his friend who has tried to commit suicide (which we could argue about right and wrong) BUT you do the same thing and he would rather go the pub with his friend? Than support his partner who is having a horrible time? And you are controlling? He's having a fucking laugh

Please leave OP you deserve better and I guarantee you will be happier on your own than pushy footing around trying to manage your emotions and your reactions to please a poor excuse for a man.

PollyDarton1 · 09/06/2021 12:32

You're absolutely not the problem. He is Thanks

JesusIsAnyNameFree · 09/06/2021 12:38

Completely agree with everyone else, he is the problem and the abusive one. He sounds really horrible and I couldn't ever live with a man like that. You need to get out Flowers

scaredsadandstuck · 09/06/2021 12:43

Oh OP I'm sorry. This sounds awful. It's definitely not you though.

Are you getting support for your mental health?

Nanny0gg · 09/06/2021 12:46

I didn't read the whole post.

I didn't need to get past the part with how he treated you when you were pregnant.

You're not abusive.

He is.

youngandbroken · 09/06/2021 13:04

Thank you for all the responses I didn't think I'd get so many, I genuinely don't think he means to upset me, or be horrible. Everyone who knows him says what a lovely, helpful person he is and how good he is, but alot of you are right and my children deserve better and neither of us are happy. We live in a privately rented flat at the moment and other than gas and electric he pays all the bills etc. So leaving will be very hard, we aren't married we spoke about it but it never happened so I've really made a mess of my life. I work very part time as a waitress on minimum wage, I will take in more hours when my youngest is in nursery but that's a while off yet and still wouldn't be enough to survive on.

OP posts:
Iamuhtredsonofuhtred · 09/06/2021 13:05

Wow your partner abs my ex could be twins. I also thought I was the abusive and controlling one, years of gaslighting will do that to you. Finally ending the marriage was the first step to regaining my mental health. Good luck to you.

Peach01 · 09/06/2021 13:23

@youngandbroken

Thank you for all the responses I didn't think I'd get so many, I genuinely don't think he means to upset me, or be horrible. Everyone who knows him says what a lovely, helpful person he is and how good he is, but alot of you are right and my children deserve better and neither of us are happy. We live in a privately rented flat at the moment and other than gas and electric he pays all the bills etc. So leaving will be very hard, we aren't married we spoke about it but it never happened so I've really made a mess of my life. I work very part time as a waitress on minimum wage, I will take in more hours when my youngest is in nursery but that's a while off yet and still wouldn't be enough to survive on.
People can treat people badly but still have nice qualities. Relationships are complex and that's what makes people stay in them when they aren't great. It's important to recognise his damaging behaviours & remember that you're not wrong. Certainly with everything you've said, you're not in the wrong. It doesn't have to be cheating and violence that justify you to reach your limit. You deserve better.
Speakuptomakeyourselfheard · 09/06/2021 13:25

OP you say 'I genuinely don't think he means to upset me, or be horrible. Everyone who knows him says what a lovely, helpful person he is and how good he is, ' but you will hear just about every woman who is being abused say the same thing. However, believe me, he DOES mean to upset you, he DOES mean to be horrible, because somewhere deep down it makes him feel big and manly. People outside of a relationship are very often surprised when it ends, because they say they can't believe that he behaved in that way, he was such a nice man, but no one knows what goes on behind closed doors, and that's the way abusers get away with it, they pretend to the outside world that they are so loving and considerate, and then often go home and beat the living daylights out of their partner, for some supposed slight, or mistake. You've seen all of the responses OP, there's not one person who's said that you're being unreasonable, so please believe US, not him!! Don't worry about the money side of things and how you'll support yourself, there is help out there, the most important thing is to get rid of this self obsessed man child, so that you can make a fresh start and begin to gain back your self respect. I think you will find that your mental health improves dramatically, when you no longer have to put up with this man's selfish behaviour, and as for him going out with friends, when you've tried to commit suicide, a clear shout for help, just sums him up, his life is all about HIM. I also think you should tell him that going out with another woman and her child is totally unacceptable, as I can virtually guarantee that he's having an affair with her, as a previous poster said. If he wants to go out with a woman and her children, tell him it's going to be you!

User52739 · 09/06/2021 13:28

You are not abusive. You are married to a cunt.

deedeemegadoodoo · 09/06/2021 13:32

Oh OP lovely x I felt sick reading your first post. He so reminds me of an ex. It doesn’t matter what you say or do, he will always twist it so you are at a disadvantage. And he has gradually ground you down to think it is your fault. He is emotionally and financially abusing you - coercive control.

BackBeatTheWordisOnTheStreet · 09/06/2021 13:33

At the moment you don't have any of the benefits or support a partner should offer but you've got alot of the negatives. Sounds like he's gaslighted you into thinking any request for the kind of things a normal supportive partner does is controlling abuse.

I would just get rid of him. I bet in 6 months time you'll feel a weight has been lifted and you'll have more confidence and feel happy. He can still see the girls but he can organise it himself.

NotTheCatsWhiskers · 09/06/2021 13:37

I didn’t even read it all, I can’t work out why you are with him.

Abusive people are always nice on the outside. It’s to make sure you aren’t believed and hide what an utter dick they are. You need to leave.

GingerBeverage · 09/06/2021 13:39

This is going to sound brutal, I hope you understand it comes from a good place.

He is killing you.

It's slow, it is taking years, but that is what he is doing. Talking about it here means you have taken the first step - keep talking. Keep trying. You are valuable, you are worth fighting for. Your life is precious.

Please don't let him crush you any further. There are absolutely places who can help you leave him and get your health back.

deedeemegadoodoo · 09/06/2021 13:43

@GingerBeverage

This is going to sound brutal, I hope you understand it comes from a good place.

He is killing you.

It's slow, it is taking years, but that is what he is doing. Talking about it here means you have taken the first step - keep talking. Keep trying. You are valuable, you are worth fighting for. Your life is precious.

Please don't let him crush you any further. There are absolutely places who can help you leave him and get your health back.

This!

If you have a mum around or female friend to speak to, then do so. Even if it is a friend you have been isolated from.

Please keep speaking on here.