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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Woman from America staying at my boyfriends place

649 replies

Whenthepartysover · 17/08/2023 10:01

Me and my boyfriend have been together two years. I am 23 and he is 27. I am currently at uni in Leeds but I go to his at the weekends in Manchester.

He is a bit of an artsy type, he is a graphic designer and a freelance photographer. He writes poetry and has an Instagram account where he uploads all of his poems and short videos of spoken word. It's a bit of a community and he speaks to lots of people on the platform. He has been speaking to this woman now for a while. I didn't really have a problem with it because she lives in America and is married with 5 children. Plus I trust my boyfriend and try to be rational about things.

She told him she was taking a trip to the UK alone and he asked me if I would mind if she stayed with him so that she could save on accommodation and also have someone there who she knows and trusts. I said it was ok. I don't know why I said this.. I honestly felt ok about it at the time.

All the plans were made and he picked her up from the airport on a Sunday evening and I went back to uni. On Monday I was sat in my uni room alone studying and I text him to ask what he was up to. He said he had taken 'Claire' to the park and they were lay around on the grass. I immediately felt a rush of emotion imagining him strolling through the park with this woman. I couldn't control it I got very upset. I think it was because I was just sat there alone and he was with another woman. I trusted that he wouldn't do anything bad or disrespectful but I suddenly just felt very uncomfortable and like I was a bit of a mug. I tried not to tell him how I felt because what's done is done, she's here now. Nothing I can do. I just didn't realise that he would be out doing things with her. I thought he was just providing her a spare room to stay.

I did end up telling him how upset I was and he said "I did worry that this would happen". We ended up having an argument and I know that I am the one being unreasonable here. I said something was ok and then changed my mind once it happened. That's not his fault. I said I'd prefer it if he let her get on with things on her own. He was saying that it's unfair as she is in an unfamiliar country on her own and doesn't want to abandon her, and his mum agrees. Anyway she ended up staying in a hotel the next night.

It came to the weekend and I went to his. At this point she was in a hotel. I said I wanted to spend the weekend doing nice things together after our argument and just try to sort it out. I got to his to find an ovulation stick in his bathroom bin. Is it just me or is that weird? I don't know what is happening in her life. She may be struggling with conceiving and is being very strict with tracking. She already has 5 children though but that's none of my business. I just find it a bit rude to take an ovulation test and put it in the bin that's wide open. I would've wrapped it up and chucked it in the outside bin if I was in someone else's house. The bin doesn't have a lid. It's one of those bins you'd have in your bedroom but in the bathroom (he's a guy so never really had anything to put in it). I was a bit annoyed about it because I felt like she was taking the piss. But I tried to move past it and have a nice weekend. However he was just on his phone constantly replying to her texts while we were out. We had another argument and I have gone home to my mum's and we haven't spoken since.

I don't know where to go from here. I know this is my fault. But I really need some outside perspective on this. How would you feel? Do I even have a right to be upset? Do we just wait for her to go back home and then try and move past it or is it the end of the relationship? I'm trying to think logically and rationally without heightened feelings of jealousy in the way. But it's hard.

OP posts:
ReadingSoManyThreads · 18/08/2023 21:03

Fixed it @Dylanesque :

There once was a poet from Manc
who fancied shagging a Yank
Claire came over to shag him
so his girlfriend did nag him
But Claire still sucked the prick
of the man-bun dick.

Butterflyfluff · 18/08/2023 21:07

The poems are a bit much really - the man in question is clearly a twat but that won’t stop the OP being heart broken.

HillyHollock · 18/08/2023 21:12

October 2nd according to Leeds University s website 🤨

HillyHollock · 18/08/2023 21:13

Sorry that was in answer to someone who asked why the op was in uni when their term doesn't start til autumn

Icantfindmykeys · 18/08/2023 21:22

FrodisCapering · 17/08/2023 10:09

Listen to and trust your gut. It's never let me down, even when I thought I might be crazy!

This!

anon666 · 18/08/2023 21:23

You sound lovely and I just wanted to add that these creative types are expert gas lighters in my experience.

I would only have to hear the words "I've got this creative project in mind" before I'd run for the hills.

My heart was broken at least twice by romantic dreamers who seem to collect souls. Christina Perry "Jar of hearts" springs to mind. They feel entitled to all the experiences life can offer and if women are available they are taking. I'm almost convinced the creative bit is just an act TO ATTRACT WOMEN.

They don't seem to have any conscience either because they will always find a way to become the hurt party. I'm shuddering just remembering one of them. I broke up with him because I caught him out in a bar with another woman and he made that somehow all my fault. 🤪

My husband is a good looking intelligent science type. What a refreshing change he was back in the day - still is! Authentic, loyal and faithful. I'm grateful every day I found a real man, not some creative Casanova type that makes me always think I'm in the wrong when he's shagging half the town including my friends.

Olika · 18/08/2023 21:24

OP explained in one of her pp that she is doing internship and they have started earlier. Also the American is leaving tomorrow (Saturday) morning.

Icantfindmykeys · 18/08/2023 21:35

Whenthepartysover · 17/08/2023 15:55

@Dolores87 I know and I understand he is in an awkward position. But I feel hurt and a bit deceived.

This is how the conversation went when he asked me about the trip. "Hey, Claire has told me that she's been saving to come to Manchester and she's about to book her flights. She asked me where some of the best hotels are and asked if I would be willing me meet up a couple of times while she's over here?" I was like ok cool sounds good. Then he said he has invited her to stay at his instead to save her money on accommodation and am I ok with that. I said yeah it's ok, but I'd also like to meet her while she's here, seeing as he has formed quote an intense friendship with her online. He said yeah that's fine. On the run up to her coming, he compiled a list for her of sightseeing things to do in Manchester and said he was going to give it to her.

But now she's here, that isn't the scenario at all.
I'm sick of being cool calm and collected about this and people missing the point. It's not about the fact that she's here. I haven't suddenly just changed my mind and had a go at him. I asked him what he was up to. He replied chilling in the park with Claire after a lovely stroll. And it took me off guard. I'd spoken to him previously that day and he never mentioned going to the park. Obviously he doesn't have to tell me his exact say by day plans but it seems like something you'd bring up. I tried not to mention it because I knew it would make him feel bad and awkward etc and I just thought.. well this is my own issue so just get on with it there's nothing I can do. However when he asked me if I'm ok, I decided not to say "I'm fine" when I'm not, and actually communicate the face that they're not even sightseeing. They're just hanging around together. So then what is the real purpose or her trip and why wasn't he honest? If he would've just been reassuring then this would have gone a lot better. But the fact he doesn't even understand how I could feel upset and uncomfortable right now is really really disappointing to me and I would expect more from my boyfriend quite frankly

This is gaslighting he knows exactly what he is doing.

Charlize43 · 18/08/2023 21:39

I think you are overthinking this.

Maybe there isn't going on much at Uni or this is a good distraction from work that you should be doing?

Mrsgreen100 · 18/08/2023 21:41

The whole thing is packed with red flags
its not your fault
it’s weird nothing adds up
dump his arse get checked for STD
and concentrate on your life uni etc
you will find a good man that doesn’t spend hours on the phone to other women
it’s not ok
get rid

minpin · 18/08/2023 21:42

I think the fact that your boyfriend is not doing what he can to reassure you that it’s all innocent is the warning sign. He just doesn’t seem to want to put your feelings before this woman. You are better than this ; it seems like he is waiting for you to leave but he doesn’t want to end it. Sorry OP, just my gut feel and may be wrong.

Ilovecleaning · 18/08/2023 21:47

Charlize43 · 18/08/2023 21:39

I think you are overthinking this.

Maybe there isn't going on much at Uni or this is a good distraction from work that you should be doing?

Overthinking my arse… he’s a twat.

WhiteJasmin · 18/08/2023 21:51

Personally, I wouldn't stay at a male friend's house alone (who have a partner, if the partner isn't around). That's out of respect for the partner (optics) and self defence instructor's advice, you can't control when guys get drunk. If she's a mother of 5 kids she should be able to handle staying at a hotel by herself than to be looked after by your bf.

Your bf asking if it's ok already knows it's not really normal, yet wants her to stay. Assuming they never met before in person to offer someone accommodation. Red flag. Need to establish boundaries upfront or you will get more of these visitors.

pollyglot · 18/08/2023 22:03

Many years ago, before the internet, I went on a 2-month international language study scholarship to an Asian country. There were about 30 different nationalities there. One of my colleagues, a young man with a long-term girlfriend became very friendly with an American woman a few years older than him and with two DC. They swore that the hours spent closeted in each other's rooms were for the purposes of study...though no-one else mentioned it...WTF? Then the next year the American came over on a study scholarship to our country, but spent most of her time hanging around the young guy and breaking up his relationship. Apparently she found his accent and blond good looks irresistible.

Don't trust either of them, OP.

ZorbaTheHoarder · 18/08/2023 22:10

Nanof8 · 18/08/2023 19:52

To those saying that no woman would leave 5 children at home to travel overseas and stay at some random persons. I most definitely would. My husband would be fine with it as well.
They have been chatting online for 6 months or so. So not exactly strangers. Also he is being kind by showing her the sights.

"He's being kind by showing her the sights" LOL!

mylifestory · 18/08/2023 22:39

A friends uncle in the uk was in the same position as Yr b/f. He was single tho, chatted to some married woman online, she came over, they had sex, she returned to the US, had a child, better for them to pretend it's her husbands. Woman brought kid over once or twice to meet real dad.
Why on earth wd a woman with 5 kids go to another country on her own and stay with a man she met online? The mind boggles.
You are very right to be wary, listen to this instinct, it sure isn't right what they're doing. You do have a say as he's Yr b/f!

Winnipeggy · 18/08/2023 22:41

Any updates @Whenthepartysover?

amicissimma · 18/08/2023 23:01

You are 23 and at uni. Your relationships should fill you with joy and uplift you.

They shouldn't be causing you to question whether or not you are being reasonable or getting tied up in what someone else might or might not be doing and what their motives might or might not be.

Ditch him. Be cautious around artistic types in future. Find people who fill your life with fun and light, be they friends or boyfriends.

MsDogLady · 19/08/2023 00:26

@Whenthepartysover, whatever has occurred between your BF and Claire this week, their investment in each other will continue after she returns home. If they haven’t already interacted via video calls, they very likely will. This guy has a thirst for ego gratification, and he’s proven that he will cross boundaries to get it.

You never expected to find yourself in a validation triangle set up by needy BF. It’s a diminishing and degrading place to be. I strongly advise you to remove yourself and walk unencumbered toward your exciting future.

Louise303 · 19/08/2023 01:07

I would not call or text first you say you know he will not make the first move trust your instinct there is more to this.

DaNcInGtEqUiLaCaT · 19/08/2023 01:11

I wonder if her husband can't have children and this is how she has obtained the other five. They fancied another child with artistic tendencies.

I'm really old so I feel I need to tell you that at 23 a two year relationship isn't very long. Please don't wake up at almost 40 wishing you had listened to the old woman on MN.
Go an enjoy your uni days whilst you can without all this crap.

PaminaMozart · 19/08/2023 01:20

PaminaMozart · 17/08/2023 11:40

A sensitive poet with a guitar and a man bun hooks up with a kooky American who has Manchester as top of her bucket list?

There's a film script in there somewhere...

Okay, 20 pages of sometimes feverish speculation later, @Whenthepartysover should have enough material to persuade a few film producers that this crazy script has legs and is deserving of funding.

Any suggestions as to who might star as the betrayed girlfriend, the sensitive poet, and the kooky American?

LadyOfTheCanyon · 19/08/2023 06:37

I think it would be prudent to remember that at the heart of this is a woman who is probably grieving for a relationship that only a few days ago she thought was going fine. We have been quite robust in showing OP that the majority of us think her boyfriend is a dick - I'm not sure that we need to turn her real life heartache into a Hollywood pitch.

Meredith453 · 19/08/2023 06:40

Don't walk away. Run. They arranged this trip to meet and see how things would work out. You are better than this. Forget you said OK. He deliberately played down what would happen when she was here. Why waste your lovely life on him. Get someone who only wants you and your happiness.

Bliss1221 · 19/08/2023 06:42

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