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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Boyfriend comment made me uncomfortable

78 replies

TheCoral · 01/04/2024 22:31

I'm not entirely sure if this is the right spot to post this, but I could really use some input. I've been doing some searching online, but I haven't found much that's been helpful. Lately, my boyfriend has been saying selfish things that make me feel uncomfortable. We've been together for over four years now, and although we live together, our shift work often mean we barely see each other.

A few months back, my mom was diagnosed with a form of MS. It's been tough, no doubt, but we're managing as best we can. However, her diagnosis has meant my boyfriend and I have been spending less time together. I've tried my best to communicate how I'm feeling and the stress I'm under.
One thing that's been bothering me is how he responds when I share my feelings. For example, when I mention that my mom is having a particularly tough day and I'm feeling sad for her, he'll often jump in with something like, "Yeah, I get it. I felt the same way when -insert something sad that happened to him-." At first, it didn't really bother me, but as it kept happening, it started to grate on my nerves. It feels like he's not really listening, just waiting for his turn to talk.

Last week, it all came to a head. He did it again, and I couldn't hold back my frustration. I asked him if he could just listen sometimes without making it about him. Well, he didn't take it well. He got defensive and snapped at me, saying he thinks about me all the time and that he's doing his best. When I tried to explain that he was doing it again, making it about himself, he said something about how I must think he's self-obsessed and dramatically said he wants to drive his car into the wall.

It's not the first time he's said something like that during an argument, and it's really starting to worry me. A few years ago, during another argument, he said something similar when I called him out on his selfish behaviour. I don't think he'd EVER actually hurt himself, but it still makes me uncomfortable.

OP posts:
dimllaishebiaith · 01/04/2024 22:35

I couldn't stay with someone who tried to control my behaviour through threatening suicide, its unbelievably cruel behaviour and a nasty way to control someone

Stressyfab · 01/04/2024 22:36

You don’t need his threats hanging over your head, I’m pretty sure that’s a form of abuse. I’d be uncomfortable too, if he’s that fragile that you asking him to listen makes him want to drive into a wall maybe it’s best to leave him to it!
I jest, but seriously, men that throw this about never stop doing it.

RandomButtons · 01/04/2024 22:39

Making “jokes” about killing himself is utterly unacceptable - it’s a major red flag for controlling behaviour.

I would make your line clear on this one - he does not “joke” or threaten that ever. If you decide to carry on with this relationship this is a line he must not cross. I would totally reconsider the whole relationship to be brutally honest.

Froniga · 01/04/2024 22:40

How old is your bf?? Sounds very immature to me. Also no empathy for what you’re going through with your mum.
I wonder if you need this relationship. Might be a more considerate and a more kind man out there for you. You’re going to need support with what your mum’s going through. And your bf has shown that he’s not capable of providing that support sadly.
I think I’d call it a day if I were you.
Sending big hugs and take care of you and your mum.

bellezarara · 01/04/2024 22:42

Lots of red flags here.

Leave before you get enmeshed.

TheCoral · 01/04/2024 22:44

@Froniga We are in our early 40s

OP posts:
Aquamarine1029 · 01/04/2024 22:45

You need to end this relationship. Right now. Please don't make the mistake of thinking this will get better. It will not.

CloudsHailRainbows · 01/04/2024 22:48

Ask yourself a few questions. Are you happy with him? Does he give you the support that you need right now? Would you be in a better place without him? Figure out what you need and what you need to do. Put yourself first.

Pinkbonbon · 01/04/2024 22:48

Pretty much the most obvious red flag you're dealing with a narcissist 'I feel like they are just waiting fir ne to stop talking so they can talk. You find yourself doubting the importance if what you are saying. Rushing what you are saying as they are acting bored or annoyed ect...

Run!

TheCoral · 01/04/2024 22:49

I think I knew but needed the validation of others saying it. I was pretty harsh with him before he said it but I wanted to get out my feelings to fix the situation, not fight.

Once he said it, I felt shaky and simply said 'I love you, lets leave this chat here'

OP posts:
BirthdayRainbow · 01/04/2024 22:51

It's such a vile way to try and control someone into shutting up. Is that someone you want to spend your life with?

I hope your mum has a good day tomorrow.

Aquamarine1029 · 01/04/2024 23:13

Perhaps for the first time, you have seen what he becomes when it's not all about him. People like him hate it when anyone else is getting attention. I bet if you think back over the last four years, you'll remember other instances when he didn't like someone else having the spotlight, and I bet you'll also remember other times he's manipulated you, similar to the crashing his car bullshit.

Run a fucking mile.

doriangrey604726 · 01/04/2024 23:51

Threatening to hurt himself is unacceptable.

I also understand how you feel about him talking about a similar situation he has gone through when you share your feelings. I know I often do this when talking to people - it is an attempt to try and communicate that we understand what they may be feeling as we may have been through something similar.

It isn't necessarily about being self-centred, it's just a communication preference - some people are "builders" and others are "maintainers". This tiktok explains it well vm.tiktok.com/ZGeas4VXw/

Having said that though I can see that in context, his responses point to him being unempathetic, selfish and childish. Best of luck with whatever you decide to do!

Noseybookworm · 02/04/2024 00:30

It's manipulation and emotional blackmail to threaten to hurt himself because you've had a disagreement. I wouldn't want to be in a relationship with someone who does this.

pinklepea · 02/04/2024 00:43

Yes I nearly said what would be my opinion of my relationship. But that's irrelevant. These are people in 40's unhappy and not trusting each other at all. They need to break up

StaunchMomma · 02/04/2024 00:49

Agree with PP's that it's pure manipulation and not something you need to worry about (in terms of worrying for him).

People who are suicidal are suicidal for long periods - not just when questioned or disagreed with.

Tell him to pack it the fuck in and grow up. You have so much to deal with at the moment, him acting the manipulative man-child is not going to help matters.

TheCoral · 02/04/2024 09:23

I'm unsure if I can call it a threat but what he actually said was how I was making him feel made him want to drive his car into a wall as I make him feel selfish. I wasn't trying to, but I wanted to show something that was bothering me

OP posts:
tiredinoratia · 02/04/2024 09:37

Impulsivity, struggles with emotional regulation, over identifies as a form of connection. Do you think he might have ADHD? He probably is doing his best. Just a thought.

tiredinoratia · 02/04/2024 09:39

Sorry about your mum. That sounds like a tough transition and adaptation. You've got a lot on. Can you find some time out for some joy?

bellezarara · 02/04/2024 09:39

tiredinoratia · 02/04/2024 09:37

Impulsivity, struggles with emotional regulation, over identifies as a form of connection. Do you think he might have ADHD? He probably is doing his best. Just a thought.

Trying his best to what, control OP?

It’s really dangerous to give men a free pass for emotionally abusive and controlling behaviour by saying he has ADHD.

TheCoral · 02/04/2024 09:40

No signs of ADHD. I work with children so I would have a good grasp of signs and see none

OP posts:
MrsCherryCrest · 02/04/2024 09:44

It’s abuse. My ex would do this. It’s part of coercive control. He’s a narcissist and will never see how things are from your point of view. He doesn’t want what’s in your best interest. You need to end the relationship. He won’t change.

BethDawn · 02/04/2024 09:44

Ok, before the car thing I thought this was just a difference in communication style. This has been researched. Some people make these comparisons to their own situation not due to self-obsession but just because this is their way of seeking to make a connection with the other person by showing a shared experience/ commonality.

This could have been dealt with by having a calm conversation explaining that you would find it more helpful if he did xyz instead.

But the car thing puts it in another league.

PsychoHotSauce · 02/04/2024 09:45

tiredinoratia · 02/04/2024 09:37

Impulsivity, struggles with emotional regulation, over identifies as a form of connection. Do you think he might have ADHD? He probably is doing his best. Just a thought.

As someone with ADHD and all the traits you mentioned, I find it really offensive that you're excusing his behaviour. I would never be manipulative like he is being.

Hes saying "yeah I felt the same in totally irrelevant scenario about me, think about me and my feelings" then when she pulls him up on this he threatens suicide, centering his feelings again!? How tf is that anything to do with ADHD.

existentialpain · 02/04/2024 09:46

My ex did exactly the same. No matter what was going on for me or what I said he would make it about him, even to the point of threatening suicide if he had no other comeback. He was also incredibly clever at twisting anything I said so that I would feel bad for him. It's only after I finally left him that I could see how manipulative he was, not to mention incredibly lacking in empathy.

Please don't think it's your fault and get sucked in. He won't get any better and you deserve better.

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