Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

WIBU to walk out?

15 replies

Wheresmywoolyjumpers · 04/12/2021 17:47

Small family, difficult relationship growing up mainly due to constant criticism and digs by mum and step dad. Moved back near them 10 when mum got ill.

For a while things were much better, but then the digs and undermining started. If I have a disagreement with someone I am on the wrong. everything I do is wrong. I am clumsy, stupid etc etc. None of this is stated explicitly but it is constant. I had a few periods where I was out of contact with them for a few days to get over it and calm down.

Yesterday I went to see a friend for coffee for a few hours. I have been really down this year and have not done much socially. My step dad is often weird when I go out by myself but this was the most extreme reaction. I came back to him scowling at me and looking really angry. First he blamed me for flooding his kitchen (I don't think I did as I put the glass I used back in the sink and the tap was off) so I apologized. And I think flooding the kitchen was a bit dramatic, as it was perfectly fine. And then he said that my dog (whom I had left with him while I was out) had been a nuisance, as she got out onto the road and was brought back by someone passing. I asked if she had followed me out, thinking I had been careless in leaving. Turns out it was not me at all, he had left the gate open and she had wandered off while he was in the garden. FWIW we often look after each others dogs like this and he gets upset if he does not see her regularly.

I asked how that could be my fault and he smirked at me. And I lost it. I said I was not dealing with this crap and walked out. Now I feel alternately angry and guilty. There is lots more background but I did not want to overwhelm.

YABU - he is a distressed 78 year old man at a difficult time of year.
YANBU - this is abusive behaviour and you were right to walk away.

OP posts:
Jibberjabberhutt · 04/12/2021 18:01

They’re abusive AF, he gaslighted you and convinced you you had flooded the kitchen and let your dog out. It sounds unbelievably unhealthy and abusive. How old are you? Do you live with them? I suggest you seek a way to live on your own, depend on them for nothing and reduce contact. Getting angry at your independence is a clear sign of his attempt at controlling you.

FFSFFSFFS · 04/12/2021 18:08

Move away. Very very far away. And don’t ever leave your dog with them again.

StoneofDestiny · 04/12/2021 18:12

Move away and live a more peaceful and healthy life.

BridStar · 04/12/2021 18:16

I don't ever see my family for less than this. Life is too short. We need to normalise abandoning miserable old parents who hate their children and love to be nasty to wallow alone in their own misery. We owe them nothing.

grapewine · 04/12/2021 18:21

I'd not leave the dog with him again. He could be vindictive. Make plans to move out.

Suzanne999 · 04/12/2021 18:24

Move away. Abusive behaviour, pure and simple. Walk away.

grapewine · 04/12/2021 18:28

And yes, if you don't live with them then move away from them for your own sake.

FangsForTheMemory · 04/12/2021 18:41

He's a wanker. For whatever reason he decided to push your buttons. I wouldn't give him the opportunity to do it again.

Perrymenopausal · 04/12/2021 19:02

YANBU

Don’t put up with this shit.

billy1966 · 04/12/2021 20:08

Absolutely pack your bags and leave asap.

Why would you return to such awful treatment.

Leave.
Flowers

BeaMends · 04/12/2021 21:11

You do not have to forgive someone for being horrible to you, just because they are getting on in years.

Wheresmywoolyjumpers · 04/12/2021 21:16

I don't live with him, he wanted to move in when mum died and I was selling my house, but I refused because of the potential for him to do stuff like this. This is not the worse thing he has said or done and I have walked out before but for some reason today has just really done it. The guilt is because he is an elderly man who has never lived on his own before and who relies on me. And that his behaviour and lack of responsibility are unacceptable. In my professional life I dont take any crap from anybody but my personal life fell apart when my mum was in her final illness and I feel really fragile right now. So perhaps have let stuff go that is not ok. Thanks for all your support.

OP posts:
gamerchick · 04/12/2021 21:26

Time to dump him like a lead weight OP. You aren't responsible for him and just because he's elderly doesn't excuse his basic personality. Which is a twat.

billy1966 · 04/12/2021 22:26

You owe him nothing.
Block him and move on with your life.

EKGEMS · 04/12/2021 23:39

Tell the mother fucker to look for another victim and you're done with his bullshit. Leave and block him and don't look back

New posts on this thread. Refresh page