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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Who’s in the wrong here?

69 replies

NotEnjoyingThisRide · 26/08/2023 15:22

My BF and I have been together almost 9 months.
He’s been pre occupied all week and been very vague about making plans as he was thinking he was going to take his sons away for the weekend, so I hadn’t made any plans for myself until I waited to find out what he was doing.
Yesterday morning he decided he would talk to his sons when they arrived in the evening to see if they wanted to go into the city for shopping and lunch, I agreed and was looking forward to it.
When we were chatting later in the evening, I said I’d be bringing my dog with me for the weekend, like I often do. Which then caused a problem as we wouldn’t be able to leave her alone all day. (She was also spayed earlier in the week so is in need of extra TLC and rest). It hadn’t occurred to me that I’d have had her with me when we chatted about it in the morning as my mum or oldest DD sometimes look after her so she doesn’t always come with me. So I said I’d ask my mum if she could look after her for the weekend, she got back to me this morning and she was unable to help as she had plans this weekend.
He said he would still be going with his sons regardless as this was his holiday time from work.
When we had our morning phone call, I said I had the dog with me so I wouldn’t be able to go with them but could come over when they get back this evening and spend the night and day tomorrow before my DD’s come home from their Dads.
He’s become angry with me about it, and my lack of planning has now meant he has to spend the day alone with his kids again. He’s now not speaking to me, I’ve had a few grumpy messages about how unhappy he is about what’s happened. And how it’s just one thing after another with me.
he asked how I’d like it if he did it to me, and if I’m completely honest if he had to cancel a day out because his dog had, had an operation so couldn’t be left I would completely understand and change the plans to fit in with him. I wanted him to go and spend the day having a nice time with his kids and not change it for me (not that it was offered).
I’ve had a pretty awful year, it has been one thing after another going wrong. This seems to be a problem for him, he always talks about how it affects him but doesn’t seem to think about how it could possibly be affecting me. I split up with a long term partner last September due to him being an alcoholic, I’m battling with an eating disorder that I’m desperately trying to keep under control, dealing with my 2 DD’s emotions after the break up and abuse that was suffered during my last relationship, I’ve had to start working full time - and still not earning enough, my mum who is my only support has moved away, I’ve had to take out a restraining order against my ex, my ex is also refusing to let me sell our house so I’m stuck here being held hostage effectively until he decides that he wants to sell the house when all I want to do is sell and move away for a fresh start.

On top of all of that my new bf lives 45 minutes away and won’t ever come and see us at our house. So after a full day of physical work I have to pack the 3 of us up and drive to see him. He originally stopped coming because my ex would turn up out of the blue but has stopped after getting the restraining order.
Was I really that much in the wrong for messing up todays plans?

OP posts:
WhisperingHi · 26/08/2023 16:16

Sounds like you've jumped from one bad relationship to another.

If you split last Sept, were you single for 2-3 months? After an abusive relationship I think it's healthier to have more of a break. Get some independence and a sense of self back. Then, when you're in a good head space, you can find a decent partner.

Your kids have been through enough. You have been through enough. Don't drag another man-child into your lives.

9 months should still be the honeymoon phase. He should WANT to be in your life, see your house, meet your children, integrate. He absolutely shouldn't be getting angry at you because you've had to change plans.

I think you'd benefit from a decent therapist and some time alone to be honest. Focus on your kids and getting out of the house you share with your ex.

NotEnjoyingThisRide · 26/08/2023 16:35

luckylavender · 26/08/2023 16:13

I'm not so sure. It doesn't sound completely his fault to me. You sound a bit disorganised too.

I am disorganised but trying my best and generally failing at ever doing anything well.

I have spent all week waiting for him to decide on his plans before I thought about my own.

OP posts:
NotEnjoyingThisRide · 26/08/2023 16:38

WhisperingHi · 26/08/2023 16:16

Sounds like you've jumped from one bad relationship to another.

If you split last Sept, were you single for 2-3 months? After an abusive relationship I think it's healthier to have more of a break. Get some independence and a sense of self back. Then, when you're in a good head space, you can find a decent partner.

Your kids have been through enough. You have been through enough. Don't drag another man-child into your lives.

9 months should still be the honeymoon phase. He should WANT to be in your life, see your house, meet your children, integrate. He absolutely shouldn't be getting angry at you because you've had to change plans.

I think you'd benefit from a decent therapist and some time alone to be honest. Focus on your kids and getting out of the house you share with your ex.

I can’t understand why he wouldn’t want to integrate with my family/friends/life. He’s met my mum once and that’s all.

He works from home so could easily stay with me during the week and when he doesn’t have his kids but he doesn’t, just complains that he’s on his own again and that I live a million miles away.

OP posts:
Nopenopenopenopenopenope · 26/08/2023 16:42

You come as a package with your children and dog. If he doesn't want to spend time with them or accommodate them, but expects you to do that with his sons, it's never going to work is it?

Watchkeys · 26/08/2023 16:44

I can’t understand why he wouldn’t want to integrate with my family/friends/life

You don't need to understand. The very fact that you don't understand shows that the two of you aren't relating to each other. That means no relationship between you.

Watchkeys · 26/08/2023 16:46

I am disorganised but trying my best and generally failing at ever doing anything well

I have spent all week waiting for him to decide on his plans before I thought about my own

The only thing to focus on doing well is being content. Does it make you content to wait around for someone else to decide how your time will be spent?

RedHelenB · 26/08/2023 16:47

Boomboom22 · 26/08/2023 15:25

Why are you with him? Stop. Wait for your other relationship to be properly sorted ie house sold etc. He is not a keeper I don't get why you are taking his shit?

This. Why are you dragging your poor dds to his house?

KajsaKavat · 26/08/2023 16:51

I think it’s too soon for you to be in a relationship again, you haven’t learned the lessons of the previous one yet. This new one seems as bad as the old one.

SuddenlyOld · 26/08/2023 16:58

NotEnjoyingThisRide · 26/08/2023 16:35

I am disorganised but trying my best and generally failing at ever doing anything well.

I have spent all week waiting for him to decide on his plans before I thought about my own.

The last paragraph says it all. Waiting all week for him to decide

Before making your own plans

Driving to his because he won't come to yours

Wants it all his way on his terms

You've gone from the frying pan to the fire

Please ditch him and work on your self esteem, take time out to get your girls over their trauma, show them what a strong woman looks like

You can be alone, you can manage, you don't need any more men in your life for at least 2 years. Find a fwb for comfort x

Find your strength

Duvetdayforme · 26/08/2023 17:01

You’re not his partner, you’re his nanny.

What do you think would happen if you pulled back a bit and just wanted to date him, go out together just the two of you, never when his DC around?

Theres your answer.

Meatus · 26/08/2023 17:01

For the love of all things, you need to stay single for a while.

What ages are you children?

Your oldest is now on at least her second “stepdad”. The youngest isn’t even a year out from having her dad move outside of the family home.

You barely know this man, stop trying to play families when you have children who have been through so much change, and potentially a lot of trauma too. Set a better example for them.

Honestly, I despair of some women on this site.

NoSquirrels · 26/08/2023 17:02

Throw him back, OP. He wants it all on his own terms. He’s not interested in your DC but wants you to play happy families with his kids. Fuck. That.

Stay single for a bit. That’s my best advice.

nadine90 · 26/08/2023 17:07

Please op, take some time to be alone and learn how to love your life just you, your kids and your dog.
Your last partner was horrible, so perhaps in comparison your new man seemed great (I have been there). But he's not great, in fact he's really quite awful in his own different ways. And not just to you, he doesn't like your kids! Don't subject them to that, it will affect them long term.
If you took some time, a year or so, to take dating off the table and focus on reaching happiness and contentment being alone, then you might never again accept a crap relationship with a selfish man. A relationship should ADD happiness to your life, not suck it out.

JamieFrasersfurrysporran · 26/08/2023 17:07

Crunchymum · 26/08/2023 16:12

You aren't going to like this @NotEnjoyingThisRide but can I suggest that you end this 'relationship' and spend some time focusing on yourself and your DC.

You left your alcoholic partner last September (so 11/12 months ago) and have had a new boyfriend for 9 months.

Where was your time to heal and focus on yourself?

Even if this man was an absolute angel, its still too early to be meeting kids and trying to blend your family.

Show your DC they matter the most to you and stop entertaining this man.

This

10HailMarys · 26/08/2023 17:09

NotEnjoyingThisRide · 26/08/2023 16:38

I can’t understand why he wouldn’t want to integrate with my family/friends/life. He’s met my mum once and that’s all.

He works from home so could easily stay with me during the week and when he doesn’t have his kids but he doesn’t, just complains that he’s on his own again and that I live a million miles away.

Please, please OPEN YOUR BLOODY EYES and see this relationship for what it is.

He doesn't want to integrate with your life because he's a selfish, controlling man who doesn't want you to have any interests or commitments in your life other than him. He's trying to distance you from your own kids by claiming your DD 'doesn't like him' (and who could blame her?) but he's kicking off because you are unavailable to be mummy to his kids for ONE day?

How can you not see what's happening here? It's so obvious what's going on.

NotEnjoyingThisRide · 26/08/2023 17:12

You’re all right and I know this, I just haven’t done anything about ending it. I’m just always hoping it will change, he says it will be better when I’ve sold my house and moved nearer to him then he’ll be able to come round.
He says he’s been patient with my situation when many men wouldn’t be.
My friends and family have all said the same thing, that I’ve come out of one controlling relationship and don’t need to be in another.

OP posts:
Trianglesandcircles1 · 26/08/2023 17:13

He doesn't want you. He wants someone to look after his kids for him, go on days out with him and his kids, go on holiday with his kids.

It has got nothing to do with whether he likes your kids or not, it is not personal, it is not about you or your kids or your dog.
He just want a woman to play a specific role in his life (childminder / nanny / maid / cook / cleaner/sex-mate), and he gets angry when you don't fulfil his expectations.

Seriously, bin him and spend at least two years as a single person.
Don't introduce any more 'boyfriends' to your children as it is damaging to them.

WillowCraft · 26/08/2023 17:19

I can't see where the enjoyment is in this relationship. Agree with pp, end it now and stay single for at least 2 years. If you do decide to date again, don't do meet the kids for at least a year and keep things light

Fatpigsinblankets · 26/08/2023 17:26

He sounds like a total *t. Sorry OP. You and your girls deserve so much better. Why put up with this shit? You have no shared history / kids / property and you don’t live that close, so just end it now and move on. Honestly.

Watchkeys · 26/08/2023 17:33

He says he’s been patient with my situation when many men wouldn’t be

Why do you think he said this? Is he stating an objective truth, or could he have another motive? If he might have another motive, what might it be?

Breakfastofmilk · 26/08/2023 17:45

NotEnjoyingThisRide · 26/08/2023 17:12

You’re all right and I know this, I just haven’t done anything about ending it. I’m just always hoping it will change, he says it will be better when I’ve sold my house and moved nearer to him then he’ll be able to come round.
He says he’s been patient with my situation when many men wouldn’t be.
My friends and family have all said the same thing, that I’ve come out of one controlling relationship and don’t need to be in another.

Please please please do not sell your house in order to to move closer to a man who after only 9 months is starting to emotionally abuse you (by telling you other men wouldn't put up with this, so you believe you're lucky to have him and scared to be on your own).

Your daughters deserve stability in their lives, not being moved around to please a man who has made it clear he doesn't have the slightest interest in them and their wellbeing.

You also deserve a relationship with someone who loves you for yourself, not just for convenient childcare but please take some time to let yourself and your daughters recover from this relationship before you jump into another. Preferably also do the Freedom program and read "Why does he do that?" too.

NotEnjoyingThisRide · 26/08/2023 17:46

Watchkeys · 26/08/2023 17:33

He says he’s been patient with my situation when many men wouldn’t be

Why do you think he said this? Is he stating an objective truth, or could he have another motive? If he might have another motive, what might it be?

I don’t know, he means with regards to me having to get a restraining order against my ex and not managing to get my house up for sale or sold yet.
I know I’m being patient with waiting…not sure how he is though?
I don’t think there’s a motive there, I felt like he was trying to make me think that I’m lucky he hasn’t ended the relationship over this when lots of other men wouldn’t put up with it?

OP posts:
Watchkeys · 26/08/2023 17:48

I felt like he was trying to make me think that I’m lucky he hasn’t ended the relationship over this when lots of other men wouldn’t put up with it

How does that make you feel?

WhoWants2Know · 26/08/2023 18:00

It's hard to walk away but please don't move closer to this man. You don't need him.

Spend time with friends who value you and your girls for yourselves and not for how much you make his life easier.

He reckons a lot of men wouldn't stick around for you? Well they can fuck off and so can he.

CliffsofMohair · 26/08/2023 18:03

Breakfastofmilk · 26/08/2023 17:45

Please please please do not sell your house in order to to move closer to a man who after only 9 months is starting to emotionally abuse you (by telling you other men wouldn't put up with this, so you believe you're lucky to have him and scared to be on your own).

Your daughters deserve stability in their lives, not being moved around to please a man who has made it clear he doesn't have the slightest interest in them and their wellbeing.

You also deserve a relationship with someone who loves you for yourself, not just for convenient childcare but please take some time to let yourself and your daughters recover from this relationship before you jump into another. Preferably also do the Freedom program and read "Why does he do that?" too.

This in a nutshell. Why would you jeopardise your DD’s lives to appease another controlling man.

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