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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:
florizel13 · 04/04/2024 08:40

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.

Agreed! I quite like it when someone empathises by telling me about a similar situation they've been in, it makes me feel not alone! The suicide thing is different though, unacceptable

VerityUnreasonble · 04/04/2024 09:39

Each time, I consider replying to this thread. I realise I want to do so by sharing an anecdote about my life as an example to show my reply is meaningful and coming from a place of empathy. I've not even quite avoided it by telling you this. It's been an interesting reflection.

You don't seem terribly happy in this relationship OP. No matter if it is just a difference in communication you do find him selfish. He doesn't seem very happy either. Dissecting the why probably doesn't matter, if it isn't working that can be enough reason to stop.

TheCoral · 05/04/2024 23:32

Thank you @VerityUnreasonble. I was happy until recently, think that is why I'm trying to look at causes and reasons before any decision making. I'm fine with people sharing their own experiences and wisdom, thanks for commenting

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