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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to react this way

45 replies

Bubbles1986 · 27/11/2021 16:06

So to preface I grew up in quite a violent household. My step dad would hit me and my mum and would scream and shout and swear in our face, and my stepbrother sexually assaulted me on a number of occasions. My husband is fully aware of my history but find it difficult to control his anger at times. He used to hit doors and walls and slam things when he got angry at me but to be fair to him he hasn't hit anything in about 2 years.

Last night I had gallbladder pain and had to take some codeine so I wasn't much use. My husband had to make the kids tea but was too tired after work to clean the kitchen so when I made lunch today room was limited. I shouted the kids to get their food but as they came to get it my husband called them into the living room to show them the new Christmas tree he bought. I hadn't heard this part though so as far as I was aware they had come down stairs and gone straight to the living room so I shouted through for them to come get it from the kitchen. Yes I probably did sound exasperated as the kitchen as a state and I had limited room (yes I know I should have cleared it first but we were out most of the morning and so lunch was already late and I didn't want to delay it any further). My husband came through and told me off for telling the kids off. I said I didn't feel I deserved to be told off and that's when he cornered me at the dishwasher (he said he was washing his hands which is why he was so close) he started screaming and shouting and swearing in my face and told me it was time I learned a few home truths and that it was my fault because I should have cleaned the kitchen last night and told me to stop fucking crying and shaking because it makes him feel bad that he can't express his anger at me when it's perfectly fine for me to be emotional and upset. He said he only gets like this rarely (maybe 8 occasions over the last 5 years) and so he shouldn't have to be held responsible for my upbringing. So is someone screaming and shouting and swearing in your face OK in relationships where people haven't had a violent upbringing and am I overreacting? If so should I go speak to someone about my reactions as me getting upset just seems to escalate things anyway

OP posts:
kiwimum18 · 27/11/2021 17:43

@Bubbles1986

OK thank you. It didn't seem right but you never know what's going on behind closes doors and I didn't know whether most people have occasions like this, like I said it is only maybe 8 times in the last 5 years whereas when I lived with my stepdad it was every week. I think if I just start trying harder around the house more then I can make it go longer between occasions. I must admit I'm not very easy to live with, I have a lot of health problems so I can't keep the house as tidy as I should and I do only work part time so that is reasonable of him to expect. I think that might be the home truths he was talking about. I know that it's not normal behaviour now though so I might try and explain to him again when he's calmed down
If you reread your comment OP, (and I really do mean this kindly) you are making excuses for him and accepting the blame for his behaviour. Even if those are valid things he's raised, he should never, ever be yelling them at you so threateningly. It is never ever your fault if he acts that way, only his. If he has things he wants to raise he should do it reasonably. And even if it's only a few times he's done this in your whole relationship, it's still not ok. Especially with your history.
GraceAnatomy · 27/11/2021 17:46

8 times in 5 years of screaming & shouting up in your face is eight times too many.

You are not overreacting. You are worth more than this treatment. Know your worth... find the strength to seek help.

I know that arguments can happen, but they should never escalate to verbal abuse, especially when there are children in the vicinity. Do not let them grow up thinking that this is normal behaviour as it is not.

I've been married for 15 years, together for 18 and hand on heart I can say that we have never had a full on screaming argument or raised voices to the point of being terrified.

Also, was there a reason why he couldn't clean the kitchen?

Welshmaenad · 27/11/2021 17:48

His behaviour is not normal, it's abusive, and furthermore he's trying to gaslight you into thinking its your fault.

Get out, lovely. Leave the prick to scream at the walls.

Tomeeornottomee · 27/11/2021 17:52

I think I know the reason he couldn’t clean the kitchen. He’s an A grade asshole. He sounds lazy and abusive and just plain nasty to you. I really hope he doesn’t get at your kids like this. Best of luck

Bubbles1986 · 27/11/2021 23:35

The thing is... An god I know this sounds like a cliche... Nobody else could put up with me. I'm not a nice person, I drink too much, I cry a lot, I have so many health issues endometriosis, fibromyalgia, migraines to name a few, I'm very over weight and I don't look after myself, I brushed my teeth for the first time in weeks today. I drink every other night, not to the extent I get sick or anything and I function fine the next day although I am a bit sluggish in the mornings. I didn't mention earlier that my 11 year old tried to put themselves in between us. I can't stop thinking about that... And it reminded me how I used to try and put myself between my mum and my stepdad... I don't want that for them... But if I leave it means I might not be there if he starts on them. I wouldn't get sole custody with my mental health history, in fact I'd be lucky to get any custody at all.. And I'm not even sure if my kids would want me. The youngest told me last night that he loves daddy but not me and my husband laughed at it. Thing is I don't blame my littlest at all, he's 8 and daddy has the energy to play with him whereas some days I can barely move because my body hurts so much. I'm stuck and I can't do anything about it

OP posts:
tallduckandhandsome · 28/11/2021 00:31

I still think you should leave him. He can only be contributing negatively to your mental and overall health.

I think if I just start trying harder around the house more then I can make it go longer between occasions.

This was so sad to read. I don’t think you will really succeed whilst his shadow hangs over you.

PleaseGoDontGoAgain · 28/11/2021 00:50

Nobody else could put up with me. I'm not a nice person, I drink too much, I cry a lot

I'm not surprised you drink a lot and cry!
Only a nice person would put up with being screamed at. Only a nice person would believe their poor health means they are a pita and should tolerate shitty behaviour.

If I leave it means I might not be there when he starts on them
Get some help and advice your partner is a cunt and he's affecting you all.

Abuse is not helping your mental health, abuse victims believe they are incapable and no good. You are ticking all the boxes to get help and support.

I very much doubt the problem is you

Bubbles1986 · 28/11/2021 01:27

Thankyou for taking the time to respond @PleaseGoDontGoAgain I think maybe it's time to go back on the antidepressants again, husband hates me when I'm on them, he says I become too emotionless (which is ironic because when I'm off them he says I'm too emotional) but maybe that's what I need to think clearly and establish where I'm at and what I need to do. I know that I don't want my kids to feel how I do about my mum, I feel awful saying it but whilst I empathise with her I am also so angry that she took me, made me stay and then ultimately left me in that environment. I don't want my kids to feel that way about me in the future, like I let them down and left them in harms way.

OP posts:
beastlyslumber · 28/11/2021 08:06

I think you should tell someone in real life what is going on. Your gp, a friend, or talk to women's aid?

I'm not surprised you are struggling with your mental health. You have a long history of trauma and you are being abused by your partner. You need help and support. You've made a step by posting on here. Now take the next step. Baby steps. You can do this xx

billy1966 · 28/11/2021 08:14

OP,

He is vile and abusive.

You sound deeply depressed.

You need to tell your GP the absolute truth.

I am very sorry for you but this is a dreadful environment for your children.

You don't want them growing up with MH problems, do you?

Please speak to your GP and Women's Aid, for support.

So sorry for you.Flowers

Nanny0gg · 28/11/2021 14:03

You must go to your GP. All this is too much to sort out on your own.

Go, be very very honest and take it from there,

FlowerArranger · 28/11/2021 17:21

Can you try a low dose of an antidepressant like Cymbalta to take the edge of your emotional distress and help you think clearly, without dulling your emotions entirely? Plus counselling. ..

PleaseGoDontGoAgain · 28/11/2021 23:19

There's quite a lot to take on board in this thread @Bubbles1986, start with a GP, it's a phone call or online in most places.

One step at a time is the way to go. How you doing?

38woman · 29/11/2021 16:01

I grew up in a very similar environment (I have posted on MN before about this which was healing). If you have any resources or ability to do so I would urge you to leave this man, this is abusive behaviour and sounds frankly very frightening. The fact you were crying and shaking is very worrying and I am so sorry for you. He sounds absolutely dreadful. Its also worrying (and very damaging) your children can hear or witness this shouting and swearing. Your childhood was marred with such appalling behaviour, don't let your adult life too. I hope you find a way out of this. xx

lazylinguist · 29/11/2021 16:27

Oh OP this isn't right. Quite apart from the aggressive, abusive way he treated you in that incident, it's worrying to hear the way you describe him dictating what you're like and what you should be like (too unemotional,too emotional etc). You're your own person with your own needs, not a robot that needs programming to what suits him!

Even though leaving him isnot going to magically cure your health conditions, it may well improve your mental health. It certainly sounds like he's a source of stress and misery, not a source of help support in your life.

lazylinguist · 29/11/2021 16:31

Oh and don't for one moment think that you only find his behaviour threatening because you're too sensitive due to your upbringing. I was fortunate to grow up in a calm, happy household and I'd be horrified if a partner/husband or any man behaved that way towards me.

Bobsyer · 29/11/2021 17:12

My husband has behaved like that exactly 0 times in 15 years.

My dad had a shout on him but rarely used it.

This is not normal. Your 11 year old recognises that, you should too.

It doesn’t matter how fat ugly lazy mean rude whatever you are, that gives no one the right to try and frighten you into submission.

whitehorsesdonotlie · 29/11/2021 17:15

Yanbu at all, op, that sounds really scary. Doesn't matter how often it happens; it just means you'll be walking on eggshells waiting for it to happen again.

I'm afraid it sounds like you've unconsciously picked a man who is like your abusive stepdad, and your h is a shit for knowing this and using it against you.

I hope you're ok. You deserve better. 💐

Sciurus83 · 29/11/2021 17:22

No this isn't normal and it isn't your problem to deal with. You should leave him but I think deep down you know that already. You knew the answer to this question before you asked it, he is treating you horribly, do you want to live your whole life at the mercy of abusers, making your life small so as not to offend, medicating to cope, getting more abuse for medication. There is a happier life than this for you Flowers

Rheia1983 · 29/11/2021 17:43

I'm so sorry OP.

Please do not believe for a moment that you are not worthy of care, respect and love. You have experienced so much trauma and pain that it is not surprising that you have some issues to deal with. Yet, that does not mean that you deserve to be yelled and screamed at and have your past trauma be used as a weapon against you.

Do you have any place to turn to? Counseling, a friend or maybe a doctor who could listen and help you to take the steps you need to protect yourself and your children?

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