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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:
HowDoYouSolveAProblemLikeMariaa · 21/08/2023 12:54

With the eating, reading and watching TV thing.

Either go for comfort series that you knew really well before he was in the picture.

Or go for happy light series that steer clear of love and breakups. There are lots of breakdowns of series by nerdy people like me so you could potentially watch a whole series like friends or the Simpsons without a single love or loss focused episode.

Or total catharsis and go for something that deals with breakups that you haven't watched with him before.

Or something that deals with the importance of other relationships (siblings, parents, friends)

I know what you mean about reading. I couldn't read Dracula for a few years since my ex as too many bad themes in it, twisted romance, std imagery etc.

Again I went for comfort reads and easy ones. Harry Potter was mine and friendship not romance based which is a plus.

What's your genre. I'll see if I can recommend something.

Eating is a must, sorry. Food control is really important in a breakup. Can you try a few adventurous recipes out? Something he wouldn't have liked? Happy to send you a few.

It feels terrible. For a time. Then it feels hollow. Then it fades and feels ok. Then you feel good again and that's when you are healed enough to meet someone new. Don't rush into anything before you are healed.

HowDoYouSolveAProblemLikeMariaa · 21/08/2023 12:57

Also op, he is still gaslighting you.
He is presenting this as a binary of he is allowed to have friends, therefore you have a problem. You have a huge thread of women almost unanimously telling you you are not being unreasonable.

Whenthepartysover · 21/08/2023 13:00

@HowDoYouSolveAProblemLikeMariaa thanks for this. I think I will try to watch something funny but it gives me a strange sensation to laugh when I feel so terrible. The Office US is my favourite but I've already watched it twice this year ha

In terms of books I usually like either thriller/horror or some sort of literary coming of age story. But i feel like I can't concentrate on the words.

OP posts:
Fannyfiggs · 21/08/2023 13:04

What about an audiobook. You can relax and just let the words wash over you?

2Rebecca · 21/08/2023 13:05

It sounds like he'd been having an emotional affair with her that maybe became physical. I think ending the relationship with him is sensible. Having online friends you occasionally chat to is one thing, friends you talk to all the time and who come and visit you leaving their family to do so is odd.

ImNotWorthy · 21/08/2023 13:05

Try to eat something. Your brain is using a lot of energy. Things to try: Weetabix in milk. Squares of chocolate. Or, my go to during my divorce, coffee and walnut cake (good quality shop bought, other varieties are available!), which some days were all I could manage to eat.

For tears, I recommend watching an ambulance reality programme - the tears will flow, but they will also be because of the heartwarming stories these feature. Or something heartwarming and fictional, like Call the Midwife.

Channel hop for telly as well. See where your remote takes you. BrewBrew

AliceOlive · 21/08/2023 13:07

I am trying to imagine what healthy person strikes up an emotionally intimate, talking constantly relationship with a married person of the opposite sex, who has children to boot, then has them come visit for a week and stay in their home.

None.

You are hurting now but so good that you’ve ended this. One you get through the worst of it, you’ll never look back and wonder why you left.

HowDoYouSolveAProblemLikeMariaa · 21/08/2023 13:17

I don't know about the US Office but a lot of people that like American awkward comedy seem to like Always Sunny in Philadelphia (I'll have to take their word on that, I can't stand it)

I like the UK office and similar awkward comedy series I like are Extras, Mighty Boosh, Flight of the Concorde's.

With reading I love the suggestion of audio books. How about the Queen of the Yearling. It's a coming of age book and the main character has to deal with a handsome gaslighting flatterer tempting her to the dark side. May be to real but perhaps cathartic.

HowDoYouSolveAProblemLikeMariaa · 21/08/2023 13:19

Tearling not Yearling. D'oh!

I'm afraid crime thriller is soo not my genre but the above is coming of age fantasy/dystopia so maybe of interest.

StartupRepair · 21/08/2023 13:24

Wow OP I know you are in heartache now but your understanding that he will not change and that you cannot live like that just shows such stunning emotional maturity. Women lose decades of their lives unable to process this and here you are at 23 just completely getting it. I don't know you but I'm proud of you.

ButterCrackers · 21/08/2023 13:25

You are well rid of this controlling man who has no respect for you. You are young and have the world at your feet. Get on with your studies because you have a good future unlike the waste of time now ex bf.

FMWD91 · 21/08/2023 13:26

Oh girl, I'm so sorry!

The first cut hits hard, we know! I remember experiencing my first break up when I was 18. I broke my own heart and ended it because he became very disrespectful. I would rather break my own heart than ever be in a relationship that turns toxic, and it set a presidence for my future relationships because, although I've had a couple since (and now very happily married), I've never been in a "bad" relationship. We learn the warning signs and we learn what we are and aren't willing to tolerate.

I remember thinking I was going to hurt forever that first time, but time does heal and with the healing follows the reassurance that you've made the right decision. I'd rather get the pain out of the way in one hit and more fiercely than prolong it over a stretch of time by constantly being let down by the one person who should have your back.

One thing I can promise is everything happens for a reason. It never seems it at the time (ever!!), but when you're finally fully happy and content and you look back on how it became possible you'll see the map has panned out exactly how it was supposed to.

Words won't help just yet. Just try and have faith in the knowing you will get through this and you will be a better version of yourself for it. We have to experience these hardships to help us grow.

Self care is key now - look after yourself. Sending loads of love 💕

ThanksItHasPockets · 21/08/2023 13:32

Oh OP Flowers Knowing you have done the right thing doesn’t make it any less painful.

Let your mum look after you. Delete his number so you aren’t tempted to call him in a moment of weakness.

I know it doesn’t feel like it now but you will look back and see that this is the first step on a wonderful new path. Focus on yourself, and your studies, and your friends. I strongly suspect that your issues with self-confidence will start to improve now that you are no longer in a relationship with a man who makes you cry in the shower.

Ruthdpl · 21/08/2023 13:33

Queer Eye on Netflix is the ultimate comfort viewing! Well done btw; let your Mum look after you for a bit.x

Sandra1984 · 21/08/2023 13:39

I remember my break up with my first boyfriend in my early 20’s, it was utterly devastating! It took me 6 months to recover. After that break ups were so much easier but the first time is awful 😢

sendings hugs OP, and this too shall pass. I believe you’re doing the right thing by holding on to your standards.

Itsybitsyminion · 21/08/2023 13:41

I can only see red flags about this story
My opinion, is that if she's tracking her cycle is to make sure she can have (or not) unprotected sex with him.
6 months of online chat! With a husband and 5 kids?! Where does she even find the time! And don't get me wrong, but flying from US to stay in Manchester the whole week?! Run... Plenty of fish in the sea

ASCCM · 21/08/2023 13:50

Hey OP. I’m back to tell you this is the best outcome. The reason I know this is because something very very similar happened to me. Apart from the fact I left my husband for the man bun guy ( he didn’t actually have a man bun but for context) then 3 years later he decided a mum of 3 from the USA off twitter was who he loved ( they had not met at this point) trouble was though, I KNEW his online antics were more serious, he gaslighted me for years over it. He was a total shit and in the end actually shagged a girl from work before we finally split up, then the extent to his cheating all came out. Multiple online relationships ( We’re just friends, you’re paranoid , you’re shit etc etc etc) I wasted so so so much time and effort on this total wanker. Everything he said or did for years was based on lies and he had many many secret online lives. It took my a good few years to recover. But I did.

There is so much more life for you after this, it will take time but I promise you are so so much better off without this dick in your life.

Soon, pick yourself up, dust yourself off and remember the best revenge is to thrive.

( note - I’m getting married to the absolute love of my life this week, so I truly believe, everything happens for a reason. Keep the faith x )

StillWantingADog · 21/08/2023 14:06

This was the right decision OP.
Hope you mum is able to offer plenty of comfort food, hugs and talks when you are ready.
you’ll be devastated right now but in time you’ll find a lovely guy I’m certain of it

Mirabai · 21/08/2023 14:12

Whenthepartysover · 21/08/2023 13:00

@HowDoYouSolveAProblemLikeMariaa thanks for this. I think I will try to watch something funny but it gives me a strange sensation to laugh when I feel so terrible. The Office US is my favourite but I've already watched it twice this year ha

In terms of books I usually like either thriller/horror or some sort of literary coming of age story. But i feel like I can't concentrate on the words.

Sarah Millican always cheers me up.

Dylanesque · 21/08/2023 14:13

OP, I promise you that one day you will be able to laugh about all this. Heartbreak is always so hurtful, but the upside is that you should now be immune to any other pretentious scribbler with a man-bun and an online harem. Now get out there and enjoy life!

MaryLea · 21/08/2023 14:16

People assuming that she would stop tracking her ovulation because she's away from her husband don't know how it works. She would need to keep accurate records whether she's having sex with her husband or not, otherwise she could easily miss changes in her cycle and end up with child number six if she gets back home and had messed up. Not just that, long haul travel and jetlag could trigger a change in her circadian rhythm and thus ovulation cycle. The fact that a woman is using an antiquated form of birth control is not in itself suspicious.

MaryLea · 21/08/2023 14:20

I just saw that you have broken up with him and are asking for films/etc to help you through the heartbreak. May I suggest Hozier's new album? Also, you will get better. Promise.

honeypancake · 21/08/2023 14:23

Numerous red flags. Why would he do more than provide her with a room when he has a girlfriend? Spending time with her beyond common courtesy seemed unnecessary. Spending time on phone with her when you were together the following weekend? He is showing massive disrespect! None of that is your fault. You have the right to change your mind and speak up if something makes you uncomfortable. In most stable relationships excessive online chatting with another woman, let alone hosting her and spending time with her would be a hard no. Hope it was a valuable lesson to voice your concerns calmly and set boundaries!

LadyOfTheCanyon · 21/08/2023 14:56

Ah lovely, I'm so sorry to hear you're hurting. Break ups are awful , and the first one is a complete killer. You're allowed to feel dreadful, you're allowed to mope, you're allowed to cry.

Get your best people around you and let it all out. That's what friends are for. Cry until snot bubbles come out your nose.

He wasn't the one for you, but it doesn't mean he didn't have some great qualities - and that's what is the confusing, heart wrenching thing about break ups. If they were that awful we wouldn't have been with them in the first place, right?

You've taken the first step into a new life. You're young, I've no doubt you're gorgeous and from the way you write, you have maturity and a good, honest heart. Those things will take you a long way in life.

Look after yourself first. And remember the cheesy saying "No man is worth your tears - and the one who is won't make you cry."

FlowersFlowersFlowers

DuckbilledSplatterPuff · 21/08/2023 15:13

HowDoYouSolveAProblemLikeMariaa · 21/08/2023 12:57

Also op, he is still gaslighting you.
He is presenting this as a binary of he is allowed to have friends, therefore you have a problem. You have a huge thread of women almost unanimously telling you you are not being unreasonable.

This! A CF and a GF! (Gaslighting F)
And remember long before Mrs Ovulation Stick USA, you were crying in the shower on returning from visiting him, you'd already realised the relationship was not what it was in the first year when he behaved much more kindly to you, and he treated your grandparents like absolute shit because... he's a writer and wanted to be spending time on a book he's been working on FOR TEN YEARS.

I do sympathise that you are going through a horrible time. If it helps, Go through your calendar and work out how many days you've actually spent with him in the last year. How many of those times ended well - or ended in tears in the shower - You might find it quite revealing.

As folks have said, feel what you are feeling. It will get better. Distraction is really good. BBC Sounds programmes/dramas (on a timer) were really good for distracting enough to fall asleep.

Most importantly DO NOT let "The idiocies of Man Bun" put you off your degree/career. Just force yourself to get through it and you will be rewarding yourself with a better grade.

He's a proper Dorian Grey if ever there was one.

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