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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To ask if this is normal

104 replies

ThePigspjs · 11/09/2021 11:44

Hello

I really don’t know what to do. Are the following things normal:

Punching holes in the wall when we argue.
Throwing plates across the room and smashing them, and making holes in the floor because his tea wasn’t cooked properly (it was, he was just in a mood).
Calling me names, and mocking me when I cry. This is what upsets me most, copying my voice, it just makes me so sad and I don’t know why.
Smacking a pan on the worktop, then breaking a spatula, a measuring jug and our washing up bowl by hitting it with the pan because I tried to flip a pancake, and it tore.
Hitting his head against the wall, and denting it.
Punching my chest of drawers until they break.
Smashing a huge mirror on the floor until it broke.
Refusing to have tea because he’s in a mood, and I haven’t decided what we are having, or I have and he doesn’t fancy it.
Making me do all the driving and then shouting at me if I don’t pull out of a junction quick enough, or if I wait too long at a roundabout (I’m now a really nervous driver, which makes this worse).
Refusing to speak to me about why he’s angry.
He used to scream at our cats but he’s stopped that now, and is really nice to them.

Normally things like this happen, then a few hours later I apologise to him and he calms down, but he still is angry with me about his tea not being right last night, which is really out of character.

We aren’t married, but we have a joint mortgage, and three joint cats, who I can’t leave, because they are the only thing stopping me from killing myself.

I’m really struggling in my new job, I find it too complicated, and I’m meant to be studying so I can change careers, but my new books have just arrived and they are massive, and there is no way I can finish them in the timescale I need to not let myself have another breakdown. I’ve recently gone on beta blockers to help my panic attacks, which is good, but now when he gets angry it just makes me really sad instead of panicky. I feel like I want to go and jump off the cliff, I genuinely would do if I didn’t have my cats.

He always has these anger bursts then everything goes back to normal, we plan the rest of our lives together and I love him so so much. But surely he doesn’t love me back if he calls me names and scares me? I feel like I’m always walking on eggshells, but he’s never been violent towards me, so I’m being stupid. I just don’t know what to do, I want to take my cats and run but I’m scared that means I can never get back with him, and I do really love him. And I’m scared he will go to the police for me stealing the cats, even though they are registered as mine at the vets.
I just need a way of fixing my relationship, and then I can focus on my job and studying and everything. I can’t talk to family because the only people i could tell are poorly.

Can anyone help me? Please don’t say leave, I just need help keeping myself together until his work calms down and he gets less angry. Thank you

OP posts:
saoirse31 · 11/09/2021 15:08

You need to leave, as soon as possible

Rosesareyellow · 11/09/2021 15:34

You know it’s not normal.
This will only get worse, never any better.
Leave.

ThePigspjs · 11/09/2021 16:34

This is all very upsetting to read, I wasn’t expecting everyone to say the same thing. I’m sure he won’t hurt me, so I think the best thing for me to do is a longer term plan.
I put down the entire deposit for the house, so I’m scared to loose that- obviously that was a stupid thing for me to do.
He does threaten to leave quite often- maybe encouraging this is the way to go.
I just feel very numb.

OP posts:
FatCatThinCat · 11/09/2021 16:40

@ThePigspjs

This is all very upsetting to read, I wasn’t expecting everyone to say the same thing. I’m sure he won’t hurt me, so I think the best thing for me to do is a longer term plan. I put down the entire deposit for the house, so I’m scared to loose that- obviously that was a stupid thing for me to do. He does threaten to leave quite often- maybe encouraging this is the way to go. I just feel very numb.
He will hurt you. When you're acclimatised to his current intimidation tactics he'll escalate. They always do. Always.
ThreeLittleDots · 11/09/2021 16:40

Well done OP, I think making a plan to end it safely is the best thing.

I would encourage you to ring a domestic violence helpline for ideas on the safest way to do this.

Whilst it may be tempting to encourage him to leave, this could backfire if it's simply an empty threat made in order to control or intimidate you. He may well not have any intention of leaving the property, and if he did, I believe he would legally be able to return any time, which is not safe.

Crunchymum · 11/09/2021 16:43

@ThePigspjs

This is all very upsetting to read, I wasn’t expecting everyone to say the same thing. I’m sure he won’t hurt me, so I think the best thing for me to do is a longer term plan. I put down the entire deposit for the house, so I’m scared to loose that- obviously that was a stupid thing for me to do. He does threaten to leave quite often- maybe encouraging this is the way to go. I just feel very numb.
Hopefully it will be the reality check that you need Flowers

I'd certainly take the opportunity if it arises to get him out, change the locks and call the police.

He sounds like a monster and it's only a matter of time before he hurts you.

MyOtherProfile · 11/09/2021 16:45

Never mind him threatening to leave. You need to ask him to leave. This is horrible.

Outbutnotoutout · 11/09/2021 16:50

I've said YABU to now leave this nasty abusive bully

Outbutnotoutout · 11/09/2021 16:50

Not*

RampantIvy · 11/09/2021 16:55

I wasn’t expecting everyone to say the same thing

That’s because you have been conditioned to think that this is normal behaviour. It isn’t it really, really isn’t. Your partner is dangerous and abusive, and you need to get out.

I hope this reality check has helped you see what a proper relationship should be like.

DeepaBeesKit · 11/09/2021 17:40

I'm sorry, I know you don't want to hear it, but no, this isn't normal, and yes, you should leave. His work needing to "calm down" is no excuse whatsoever for this sort of behaviour. It could easily be a matter of time before he snaps and turns on you.

Adults don't have temper tantrum outbursts and destroy things around them.

billy1966 · 11/09/2021 18:24

If you are determined to stay with this nasty abusive animal, for gods sake don't have children.

Don't inflict the absolute nightmare of a home like that on innocent children.

Women's aid are there to help women like you.Flowers

billy1966 · 11/09/2021 18:26

For some reason your last post didn't show for me.

Making a plan is excellent.

Have you paperwork to prove you paid the deposit?

Get legal advice.Flowers

Aprilx · 11/09/2021 18:32

@ThePigspjs

This is all very upsetting to read, I wasn’t expecting everyone to say the same thing. I’m sure he won’t hurt me, so I think the best thing for me to do is a longer term plan. I put down the entire deposit for the house, so I’m scared to loose that- obviously that was a stupid thing for me to do. He does threaten to leave quite often- maybe encouraging this is the way to go. I just feel very numb.
I’m sure he will hurt you, I’m sure it is just a matter of time. His behaviours is frightening to me just reading it. You need to be thinking of a shorter term plan.

I have cats and I moved my cats from Australia, so I don’t say the following lightly, but you may need to leave the cats behind. You need to put your safety first.

ddl1 · 11/09/2021 18:34

I don't think any of this is normal. It adds up to emotional abuse.

Pebbledashery · 11/09/2021 18:35

I think you know this isn't normal.. You don't need validation from anyone. You have a snap shot of what the rest of your life will look like unless you do something to change it. It's abusive. Plain and simple.

Brollypackedforscottishholiday · 11/09/2021 18:38

Make absolutely certain you don't get pregnant op...
Plan your escape.
Before a private ambulance collects you.

.

pigsDOfly · 11/09/2021 18:38

I'm sure he won't hurt me,

I'm sure that when you bought a house with him you were sure he wouldn't be abusing you, intimidating you and smashing things in your home, but he is.

He will hurt you eventually. This sort of behaviour escalates but because you are so worn down by it you're seeing it as normal and only to be expect because he's stressed at work.

He's got you so worn down that you actually end up apologising to him after he's terrified you. Do you honestly think that that is acceptable and normal?

I don't image you expected to have to take beta blockers to deal with the panic attacks he's causing you, or that he would cause you to feel suicidal either, but he's causing those things to happen and he will likely cause you to be injured.

You don't need a long term plan you need to get away from him.

SecretSpAD · 11/09/2021 18:41

He may not have hit you yet (note the yet) but don't say that he isn't hurting you because he is every day.

I was you many years ago. I stayed too long. Luckily I wasn't killed, but women are, every day. He is a violent abuser. He does not know or understand love, only control. Why do you think that you need beta blockers? Because he makes you anxious. You are constantly scared to say or do anything in case it enrages him. That is no way to live. You ams your cats deserve more.

Leaving is so so difficult, I know. And you will feel guilt, shame for not being able to make it work, pain because you love him.....but you will eventually find that the weight on your shoulders has gone. You will feel less anxious. You will come home and not have that feeling of dread, or someone will come into the same room as you and you will not feel tense and worried about their reaction.

You will start to love him less and hopefully will meet someone who can show you what real love is.....or you will embrace your freedom and decide to stay single. Your future is bright, wonderful and exciting.....but you have to leave him. Sorry. Thanks

Mummabug18 · 11/09/2021 18:44

I'm SO against telling people to end their relationships. You have to do it when you're ready

BUT

How can you even be asking if this is normal behaviour? Get your sh*t together and LEAVE ASAP!!

Hobnobsandbroomstick · 11/09/2021 18:45

Why would you think that this is normal? Is it similar to your parents relationship when you were growing up? How old are you? Have you had any other relationships?

It's not normal, and no wonder you are feeling so down. If/when you do leave it will be like a weight has been lifted, no more treading on eggshells.

Bleeha · 11/09/2021 18:47

Agree with everything other posters have said - he won’t change and this behaviour will escalate. Please talk to Women’s Aid who will help you formulate a plan.

You mentioned feeling overwhelmed by your job too. Unsurprising when you’re living with this level of stress. Don’t be hard on yourself. Depending on your employer, it may be worth talking to HR or your line manger. There might be an employee assistance programme that offers support (ours offers counselling, financial and legal advice) or can at least take this situation into account at work and give you a bit of breathing space.

skodadoda · 11/09/2021 18:49

YABU for putting up with this awful behaviour; even more YABU for apologising to him!

tobedtoMNandfart · 11/09/2021 18:59

I read to row 4 before I KNEW this is nowhere near normal.

YOU cannot fix this.

He WILL hurt you.

SleepTalk · 11/09/2021 19:06

I could have written this post about 10 years ago. I hate to say it but there is no resolution to this other than to walk away. I wasted 6 years trying an in this situation nothing you do will ever be enough. Your OH needs to acknowledge they are the issue and seek help and frankly that doesn't sound forthcoming. Even if you love them, love just isnt enough. They will always have an excuse for this behaviour and it will never be their fault - work, you pushed their buttons, you did/ didnt do something, the neighbours dog kept them awake... etc, etc.
I hope you find a resolution that works for you long term. Take care of yourself. X

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