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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Should I say something?

82 replies

CountryMumof4 · 07/03/2024 15:24

I'm having a bit of a dilemma, so thought some outside perspectives might be helpful.

I've got a friend, who I've known for a while, but generally keep a bit at arms length for various reasons - most of all because he seems to have very narcissistic tendencies. He's been seeing his current girlfriend for almost a year and, from what I can tell, it's a very up and down relationship. The main issue is that he's constantly slagging her off - bitchy about her past relationships, friends, the way she acts when she's had a drink, doesn't seem to trust her (he goes through her phone regularly, although I don't think she knows) and is incredibly dismissive of her opinions or when she defends herself. The thing is, he says all this to me, but doesn't say it in that way to her. It's more that he'll say something like "it just hurts that you had these past experiences, but I don't want you to feel guilty", but then calls her a slag to me. I call him out on it constantly, particularly if I see him face to face on occasion, but he says it's all on her. I've nearly ended our friendship over it, but I feel like I kind of need to fight her corner a bit. He's been no angel himself, so it's very hypocritical - and he's not told her anything about his history as "she doesn't need to know".

Anyway, he's told me he's planning to propose, and that she should feel honoured that he's giving her this opportunity!!! I suspect it'll be this huge romantic gesture, with no mention of that. And I suspect he's probably ground her down so much that she'll genuinely feel grateful! Otherwise, I can't see how she's stayed in the relationship!

I guess my IABU is, would it be awful of me to try to contact her (we've never met - we live at opposite ends of the country) to warn her, or should I just stay out of it - it's none of my business.

OP posts:
CountryMumof4 · 07/03/2024 17:24

emmsee · 07/03/2024 17:12

It would be quite satisfying to message him saying your friendship is at an end because of his vile attitude to his partner and that you've sent screenshots of his messages to her. I still don't know if I would get involved but I think most of us would want to know if our partner was being vile about us.

Yes, I know I'd definitely want to know. I had to get other perspectives though - my friends agree, but thought the opinion of a wider audience would be helpful.

OP posts:
CountryMumof4 · 07/03/2024 17:26

SpringtimeBunny · 07/03/2024 17:15

@CountryMumof4 Honestly, the only answer to this in my mind, is to o ask yourself if you'd want to know if you were her.
Personally, I'd have to tell her. My conscience would never leave me alone if I didn't.

Yes, they're my thoughts exactly. I'd absolutely want to know.

OP posts:
CountryMumof4 · 07/03/2024 17:29

AlexaPlaySomeHappyHardcore · 07/03/2024 17:18

I would absolutely tell her what an abusive cunt her boyfriend is and then I would cut him out of my life and tell him why. She may not believe you, she might choose to remain in this toxic relationship with him even if she does, but while it’s sad, it’s on her.

Thank you. Yes, at least she'd have the info and can do what she likes with it. She might just think I'm an interfering cow, but at least she'd have been forewarned.

OP posts:
emmsee · 07/03/2024 17:30

I think there's pretty much a consensus on this one. Good luck @CountryMumof4 !

CountryMumof4 · 07/03/2024 17:30

emmsee · 07/03/2024 17:30

I think there's pretty much a consensus on this one. Good luck @CountryMumof4 !

Yes, looks like it! Thanks all - much appreciated.

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SpringtimeBunny · 07/03/2024 17:53

Don't let that poor woman marry an abusive arsehole if she doesn't know that's what he is (which from what you've said about him saying massively different things to her than what he actually thinks, it sounds very much like she's no idea he's a tosser) I couldn't live with myself....

🤟🏻 Girl code

CountryMumof4 · 07/03/2024 18:03

SpringtimeBunny · 07/03/2024 17:53

Don't let that poor woman marry an abusive arsehole if she doesn't know that's what he is (which from what you've said about him saying massively different things to her than what he actually thinks, it sounds very much like she's no idea he's a tosser) I couldn't live with myself....

🤟🏻 Girl code

Yes, I don't think I could live with myself if I didn't at least try. I don't think he'd ever be physically abusive, but emotionally abusive is just as bad!

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