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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Partner doesn’t respect my decisions and boundaries

112 replies

goforit99 · 03/04/2024 20:05

I have an ex who is an absolute narcissistic and my daughter and I fled from him due to DV. Fast forward a few years and we are “amicable” but he does snap and switch when he doesn’t get his own way, and unfortunately the only way to keep him from verbally abusing me is to block him until he has calmed down (usually a day or two) which is the followed by a grovelling apology. We are not together and he sees our daughter 6 days out of a month. I know how to deal with him and I have very strict boundaries that he is forced to respect because I do not take any crap from him. I’ve been in a relationship with a wonderful man for a few years now and one one occasion he had to step in to be the middle man as the abuse was too much. Unfortunately, my partner doesn’t know how to set boundaries and is happy to receive messages from ex. I’ve explained to him that the reason my ex contacts him, is because I have blocked him and he knows the only way the abuse will get to me is by contacting my partner. I asked my partner on several occasions to not respond to him and let him shoot himself in the foot but I end up finding out that he still responds to him. The most recent issue I had is when my ex (who is due to have my little one this weekend) started his excuses by planting the seed that he can’t get a train ticket this weekend to pick her up(we have an arrangement which we have been doing for a couple of years now), when I told him I’m sure he can find another way he said he would then the next day asked if I can drop her to him instead because of train delays, at first I said yes to avoid his negative comeback but then I found out there were no train issue and told him this, to be which he responded that he knew but wants me to drop her anyway, I told him I don’t owe him favours and to stop making excuses (his fave football team are playing this weekend). He sent me a barrage of abusive messages accusing me of being angry and abusive and that if I don’t bring her to him, then he’s not coming to pick her up. My partner is aware of this and aware that I had asked my ex to only contact me if it’s to confirm a pick up and drop off and nothing else. Today my partner tells me that my ex messaged him to tell me that he blocked me because I’m abusive and stopping him from seeing our daughter, my partner responds to him saying that “ahhh this shouldn’t really be happening” to which my ex started conversing with him as if they were best friends and even telling my partner that I’m abusive etc and that I should be made to pay for his transport to pick up and drop off our daughter and that he shouldn’t be paying! My ex then responds saying “ahh ok, I’ll let her know, this isn’t right”. AIBU by getting upset with my partner who should have spoken to me first before responding to my ex? I blocked him and my partner is aware of his cycle of anger towards me when he doesn’t get his way but I’m starting to realise that my partner may not understand boundaries! This is a super tough topic for me because I don’t understand why my partner even though I have told him many times not to get involved with him, still feels ok to do so. Any communication with my ex is still his way of being abusive to me because my partner will repeat his negativity to me. I’m sick and tired of this and don’t know why my partner cannot stay out of it!
for clarity, I have full custody of my daughter.

OP posts:
haveyoutriedturningitoffandonagain · 03/04/2024 20:07

I'd leave your partner. What on earth is he playing at?

goforit99 · 03/04/2024 20:10

Just to add, my partner is a kind man and doesn’t do conflicts! I’m asking him to do anything apart from to stop responding to my abusive ex because I know this pattern of behaviour to well, I just don’t understand the reluctancy to respect my decision.

OP posts:
Blobblobblob · 03/04/2024 20:11

You need to tell your boyfriend to block the ex, or be dumped.

In the nicest possible way, he's either very stupid or he's not on your side.

Lampshadeblue · 03/04/2024 20:11

I’m really sorry, but I’m not sure you have any option but to leave your partner because of this. Due to the situation with your ex, it is extra important that you are with someone who has got your back. I don’t see how being with this partner can work when your ex can so easily use him to get to you. I’m so sorry x

haveyoutriedturningitoffandonagain · 03/04/2024 20:13

goforit99 · 03/04/2024 20:10

Just to add, my partner is a kind man and doesn’t do conflicts! I’m asking him to do anything apart from to stop responding to my abusive ex because I know this pattern of behaviour to well, I just don’t understand the reluctancy to respect my decision.

It doesn't matter. You don't have to understand it you just have to not put up with it

MrsTerryPratchett · 03/04/2024 20:15

Any communication with my ex is still his way of being abusive to me because my partner will repeat his negativity to me.

Well he can stop repeating it. If he wants to communicate with stupid, let him. But he can't then share this nonsense with you.

It does smack of the menfolk talking about the silly, emotional woman. Which would make me so angry.

TimeForTeaAndG · 03/04/2024 20:17

The fact that he's saying "this isn't right", regardless of how he means it (this isn't right that you are contacting me? This isnt right that you're not doing your bit to pick up DD?) will be seen by ex as this isn't right the way you're being treated by goforit99.

I would absolutely make this a line in the sand. DP either has your back or he doesn't. And right now he very much doesn't. Doesn't do conflict....you're not asking for conflict, you're asking him to respect a very clear and sensible boundary you have in place to protect you from ex. If he can't respect that then he doesn't respect you.

Kingoftheroad · 03/04/2024 20:18

Partner had to delete his number, block him and give a clear undertaking to never be in contact with him again. If he doesn’t agree to this then he def has to go

Mnk711 · 03/04/2024 20:20

Kingoftheroad · 03/04/2024 20:18

Partner had to delete his number, block him and give a clear undertaking to never be in contact with him again. If he doesn’t agree to this then he def has to go

This. No more communication through DP.

goforit99 · 03/04/2024 20:22

@Kingoftheroad my partner doesn’t block people, he says it’s immature lol… but yet makes time for my ex! I’m not sure if he thinks he’s being my knight in shining armour but it’s so friggin infuriating, it’s as if he’s doing it deliberately to tick me off.. he thinks by being nice it’s avoiding conflict but that’s not the point, I still have to her my ex’s abuse towards me even though I’ve blocked him.

OP posts:
WouldYouLikeMeToSpellThatForYou · 03/04/2024 20:24

MrsTerryPratchett · 03/04/2024 20:15

Any communication with my ex is still his way of being abusive to me because my partner will repeat his negativity to me.

Well he can stop repeating it. If he wants to communicate with stupid, let him. But he can't then share this nonsense with you.

It does smack of the menfolk talking about the silly, emotional woman. Which would make me so angry.

^^ this

TimeForTeaAndG · 03/04/2024 20:24

Why is he passing on what ex is saying though?! He's being a flying monkey for an abusive twat!

goforit99 · 03/04/2024 20:28

@TimeForTeaAndG he’ll tell me my ex messaged him, then I’ll ask him if he replied and he’ll say yes but “I’ve dealt with it”. I don’t care if he dealt with it or not, just stop giving him the time and day!

OP posts:
dimllaishebiaith · 03/04/2024 20:28

goforit99 · 03/04/2024 20:22

@Kingoftheroad my partner doesn’t block people, he says it’s immature lol… but yet makes time for my ex! I’m not sure if he thinks he’s being my knight in shining armour but it’s so friggin infuriating, it’s as if he’s doing it deliberately to tick me off.. he thinks by being nice it’s avoiding conflict but that’s not the point, I still have to her my ex’s abuse towards me even though I’ve blocked him.

Your partner is telling you he thinks you are immature

He is siding with your ex and communicating with him against your wishes

I agree with @MrsTerryPratchett here, it sounds like he things you are being an immature (read crazy/emotional) woman and if you would just deal with it as a calm rational man like him there wouldnt be an issue

Im not sure I could be with someone who fundamentally undermined my boundaries like that

Createausername1970 · 03/04/2024 20:29

Message your ex and your partner at the same time. Make it clear that you will only communicate with ex directly and not via partner and any conversations they have are of no interest to you and nothing to do with you or your daughter, and no arrangements will be agreed to unless you have arranged them yourself. If those two want to waste their time having pointless conversations, that's up to them but you are not interested and will not engage.

Separately, tell your partner that this is the very last time you will have this conversation with him and if he continues to try to mediate unnecessarily then you will have to question whose side he is on and where your relationship is going.

Bookworm1111 · 03/04/2024 20:32

I'd be worried too, and deeply uncomfortable at them forming a bond – because that's what it is. How long before your DP starts really taking your ex's side and telling you that you're being unreasonable to your face? He shouldn't even have your ex's number and vice versa.

I think you give DP an ultimatum: either he deletes ex's phone number and blocks it or you can't continue.

Applesandpears23 · 03/04/2024 20:32

I would ask your partner to tell your ex that he will longer be responding to his messages and then block him. If he won’t then I would seriously consider where his loyalties lie.

goforit99 · 03/04/2024 20:35

True to a narcissists behaviour, my ex just messaged my partner to say “for the sake of my daughter, he will now pick her up as scheduled because he doesn’t want me to ruin their relationship”… speechless

OP posts:
Bookworm1111 · 03/04/2024 20:37

goforit99 · 03/04/2024 20:35

True to a narcissists behaviour, my ex just messaged my partner to say “for the sake of my daughter, he will now pick her up as scheduled because he doesn’t want me to ruin their relationship”… speechless

Tell your partner that you'll deal with ex going forward and he's to delete the number and block it. If he refuses, kick him out, because his actions are enabling your ex to continue abusing you.

Bellsbeachwaves · 03/04/2024 20:37

Without fail, the bf blocks ex, is loyal to you or he goes. Absolute deal breaker. Unbelievable to read.

goforit99 · 03/04/2024 20:37

@Applesandpears23 he’ll tell me he told him but I know he won’t tell him that, it’s like he doesn’t want to upset him!

OP posts:
MrsTerryPratchett · 03/04/2024 20:38

goforit99 · 03/04/2024 20:35

True to a narcissists behaviour, my ex just messaged my partner to say “for the sake of my daughter, he will now pick her up as scheduled because he doesn’t want me to ruin their relationship”… speechless

👍

Is the only correct response to this.

Your partner, you will need to set boundaries and keep to them.

HundredMilesAnHour · 03/04/2024 20:39

It doesn't matter how "kind" your DP is when he's ignoring your boundaries and enabling your ex to continue his abuse of you. You've asked your DP to stop and he ignores you. He thinks he knows better than you.

The only way this will stop is if you end things with your DP. Maybe this might be enough for him to take you seriously (but maybe not). This man is actively contributing to the ongoing abuse of you! He may be kinder than your ex but it seems like you've picked another man who doesn't respect you or take you seriously. You deserve better. You deserve a man who has your back and respects your wishes. This is not your DP.

Bellsbeachwaves · 03/04/2024 20:39

Bookworm1111 · 03/04/2024 20:37

Tell your partner that you'll deal with ex going forward and he's to delete the number and block it. If he refuses, kick him out, because his actions are enabling your ex to continue abusing you.

This. I have to block my ex and the crap that comes out of his mouth is similar to your ex. If a new partner did what yours is doing I'd tell him to GO and GF.

Bookworm1111 · 03/04/2024 20:39

goforit99 · 03/04/2024 20:37

@Applesandpears23 he’ll tell me he told him but I know he won’t tell him that, it’s like he doesn’t want to upset him!

He doesn't need to tell your ex anything, he just needs to block him and delete the number from his contacts. Why can't he follow simple instructions?

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