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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Boyfriend upset with me for seemingly not showing enough concern when he was ill.

151 replies

Freckles81 · 17/04/2024 08:54

I am grieving the loss of a family member atm (she passed Fri), so I am a bit emotional and not able to process things clearly, and need an outside perspective.

We live together and I have sacrificed an international, very well paid career to stay with him in a small village in the UK (but am hoping to return to this previous career in a year or so). I am infertile, no kids.

I do the lionshare of household duties as I am home more and am a very loving, attentive partner.

Yesterday he told me he has had something on his mind that has been bothering him and needed to speak to me about. A month ago, after I looked after him for a full day when he was sick (I turned down supply teaching to do so, losing money), and he then decided to go back to work the next day, I didn't seem concerned enough about him, as I agreed he should go back to work if he wanted to and felt up to it.

He said he felt I just wanted him out of the way and so didn't really care enough for him at that moment. I had looked after him the day before and he was adamant that he wanted to return, and seemed better, so I agreed that if he felt ready to go back to work he should. I also wanted to be available to work that day if supply teaching jobs came through, as I too needed the money, and apparently he felt that 'energy' e.g. lack of concern towards him, and it made him feel I didn't care enough.

I even texted him that day to tell him to come home if he felt he wasn’t well enough to be there once he got there, but he declined, saying he needed the money. However, he harbours resentment against me for my seeming lack of care for him by not encouraging him to take another day off and for me to stay home to look after him again. I see this as incredibly needy. He is a man and not a baby/child who needs me to decide whether he stays off work and gets looked after.

He has been feeling v upset about this, which to me is a non issue, and brought it up to me whilst I am trying to grieve for my family member but put a happy face on it so as not to ruin our evenings together. The fact he has done this now, when I am grieving and feeling delicate, has really upset me. It seems such a trivial thing to carry and to raise with me whilst I am so emotional.

The act in question happened about a month ago and it has been bothering him since, even on his mind when he wakes up in the night! To me it was nothing in the grand scheme of things.

He also said that lately I have been short with him but couldn't give me examples. I had recently been signed off sick with stress by my Doctor due to violence and aggression in the classroom on long term supply, and money has been a bit of an issue so I have been extra stressed recently. I definitely have not been myself but can't think I have ever been annoyed or short with him. I try my best to put on a brave face and look at positives.

I feel upset and resentful that I prioritise him in all areas of my life, have sacrificed money, and an international career, as well as sacrificed living near friends and family, and all of my love and care seems undone by one morning in which I didn't seem suitably concerned that he wasn't well enough to go to work, despite him deciding that he wanted to.

He is now apologetic but I feel so upset with him and am considering asking him to move out and going back to him staying over 2 or 3 times per week, instead of living in my house full time with me, but am I being unnecessarily reactive here?

I would really appreciate outsiders' perspectives on this as I am grieving and emotional at the moment!

OP posts:
AnitaLoos · 17/04/2024 13:00

You don’t have kids and can’t have them which imo gives you a huge advantage in this ‘relationship’. Boot him out, go back to your career. Make lots of money. See your friends and family. Retire comfortably and see the world. There’s a fantastic life waiting for you that doesn’t have this whiny, pass-agg, manipulative man-baby in it. Go grab it!

Americano75 · 17/04/2024 13:02

Didn't read all of your OP as the tiny part I did get made me want to throw my phone at the wall.

Get this absolute fanny to fuck. In fact, give me his number and I'll do it for you.

ElasticElsa · 17/04/2024 13:05

No wonder his parents want you to marry, takes the pressure off looking after their little boy.

Please OP notice not one person thinks this behaviour is OK, so many red flags , not just this ridiculous situation, listen to your mum : "clingy" yuck

LakeTiticaca · 17/04/2024 13:17

Unless he is suffering from a serious life threatening condition, he sounds like a wuss. How old is he, 8?
Bin him off and resume your international career is my advice

Bestyearever2024 · 17/04/2024 13:28

Clingy whiny needy men are SO unattractive

I'm surprised your hoo hah hasn't double padlocked itself, OP

Frisate · 17/04/2024 13:33

He is being ridiculous anyway, but doing this when you’re grieving is even worse. When illness occurs, people goes back to work/ study when they feel better m. That’s how it is for everyone, I’m not sure what he wanted you to do? He’s being a manchild.

Sparkletastic · 17/04/2024 13:40

He can't handle not being the centre of your world at the moment.

gamerchick · 17/04/2024 13:41

He's done it because you're grieving and will have to put you first for a change. He doesn't want to do that because he is the centre of the universe. This will get worse.

What im saddened by is you're still trying to figure out the reason he's given you and how it could have been better. It doesn't make sense because it's a lie OP. He just thinks you've had enough time to be sad and it's time to get back to putting him first.

You need some space from him I think. Just while your emotions are so raw. Or will it take him pulling this sort of stunt when it's the funeral so you're focus is torn?

willWillSmithsmith · 17/04/2024 13:54

Urgh he sounds like a baby. Not an attractive trait in a grown man. I couldn’t be doing with such self centred nonsense but then I do find needy people intolerable.

VJBR · 17/04/2024 14:02

Listen to your mum. He is needy and manipulative. Dont marry this man. Get yourself on a plane and kick start your international career.

HanaJane · 17/04/2024 14:06

He sounds like a pathetic man baby and you would be better off without this nonsense

whackadoowhackadoowhackaday · 17/04/2024 14:23

@Freckles81

"Why am I with him? Well, he is very loving (clingy according to my mum though!), and has been, up until yesterday, very caring whilst I have been grieving, and he does try to drive me to see my family as much as he can, so he cleary cares."

Apologies for sounding harsh, but an uber would drive you to see your family too!

I'd ask him to move out and then reevaluate the situation!

LifeExperience · 17/04/2024 14:25

He is not worth it, OP. Leave and get your high-flying career back. He's an immature man-child who is not able to have a mature relationship.

Also, why have you been the one to make all the compromises? Lots of big red flags here. You've given up a lot and it's still not enough. It will never be enough. Get out now.

thesugarbumfairy · 17/04/2024 14:27

OP you say you have no kids, but I disagree, you do have one. In adult human male form. I'm so sorry for your loss. It is clear he cannot deal with the idea of your needing support and is attempting to gain some sort of 'upper hand' here. Me Me Me in other words. Don't waste more of your life with this one.

Startingagainandagain · 17/04/2024 14:34

So you are grieving and he is making it all about himself?

I would take a good look at this relationship and what you are getting out of it.

It just sounds to me like you have always had to put his needs first by moving to the location of his choice and having to take a step back in your career.

I would ditch the whiny, self-entitled guy and get your life back on track.

grievingandhurt · 17/04/2024 14:39

OP you could be me. My brother died in the most tragic circumstances a few months ago and my (now ex) boyfriend made everything about him and how neglected he was feeling and how he felt I was pushing him away. If I didn't respond to texts in a certain way or a certain timeframe I was ignoring him or I didn't want to be with him. It was all me me me and my head was so fried with it all when I was already burnt out and completely heartbroken. I kept having to explain myself over and over and over. It finally got too much and I couldn't take it anymore so I ended it. He turned nasty and sent vile messages, accused me of having someone else lined up (erm where the fuck would I get the time?) accused me of putting everyone else infront of him. And had the absolute audacity of telling me life goes on... I knew for sure then I'd made the right decision. Cut that manchild loose and find yourself again. I'm so sorry for your loss Flowers

whynotwhatknot · 17/04/2024 14:43

one day illness and you didnt take care of him is he five?

get rid-sorry for your loss look after youself

CheeseSandwichRiskAssessment · 17/04/2024 14:48

IfIwasrude · 17/04/2024 09:13

I also feel that the problem is you're grieving and he feels left out of that, so has manufactured this lack of concern cover story. He may not be consciously doing it. I would end the relationship.

Absolutely this.

Also, sorry but it seems an odd move to give up a great career to be his cleaner ? If you're close to taking it up again he might be jealous and trying to tear you down, again not necessarily consciously.

Justanothercatlady · 17/04/2024 14:50

Leave him. He will carry on dragging you down.

Whatifthehokeycokey · 17/04/2024 14:51

He sounds like a big baby.

wibblywobblywoo · 17/04/2024 14:51

Can't imagine the thinking behind the 2% that think you are being unreasonable!!!

OP you know this is the end. Just do it, " this isn't working anymore" pick up that career move and don't look back - freedom awaits you!

Freckles81 · 17/04/2024 14:52

grievingandhurt · 17/04/2024 14:39

OP you could be me. My brother died in the most tragic circumstances a few months ago and my (now ex) boyfriend made everything about him and how neglected he was feeling and how he felt I was pushing him away. If I didn't respond to texts in a certain way or a certain timeframe I was ignoring him or I didn't want to be with him. It was all me me me and my head was so fried with it all when I was already burnt out and completely heartbroken. I kept having to explain myself over and over and over. It finally got too much and I couldn't take it anymore so I ended it. He turned nasty and sent vile messages, accused me of having someone else lined up (erm where the fuck would I get the time?) accused me of putting everyone else infront of him. And had the absolute audacity of telling me life goes on... I knew for sure then I'd made the right decision. Cut that manchild loose and find yourself again. I'm so sorry for your loss Flowers

Oh my God, I'm so so sorry for the loss of your brother x
Isn't it interesting how they reveal their utter selfishness right at this most crucial point; when we most need support and not anything adding to our plate?
I hope you are ok and supported by loved ones, as well as much better off without him x It has only been months as well. Big hug and sending love; thanks for replying to me to share your experience with this, as it means a lot.

Though I have sacrificed a lot to be with him, and he hasn;t made any sacrifices ot be with me, he hasn't ever behaved like this before- not this overtly making things about him when I need him. I am still bewildred at him raising this non issue. Like how he thought it even made sense to do so in his head?

Anywya, thank you so much, and all the best💐 xx

OP posts:
Megifer · 17/04/2024 14:52

He wanted you to say "don't worry about the money I'll support you with that"

Hes a man baby, get him binned off.

CantGetDecentNickname · 17/04/2024 14:53

He is incredibly self-centred to the point where he can't see how his raising this now is showing up his lack of empathy for you at the worst possible time. Your mother has got his number though, "clingy" sums it up perfectly and explains why his parents are so desperate to dump him on you. It is very unattractive.

What on earth was he expecting you do to? You'd already given up a day's work to mollycoddle a grown adult and you let him make his own decision about going back to work. Maybe you were supposed to convince him to rest another day or some such crap. I think he sees himself as your substitute child and you were hoping for a relationship with an adult. Please get back to your career and away from this weak silly man. He's showing you his true colours now when you could have done with some support instead. Your friends and family will probably be relieved if you get rid of him.

grievingandhurt · 17/04/2024 15:05

Thanks @Freckles81 - I have good support around me, people really show you who they are at times like this - some surprise you with how caring they are and some surprise you with just how uncaring and selfish and downright nasty they are. Looking back there were other times he showed his selfishness and childishness but I turned a blind eye or explained them away - but this was and is unforgivable. You'll probably find you will see similar patterns when you get some clarity back.

Take care of yourself too- there's a really good book I'd recommend called "it's ok that you're not ok"

And honestly - LTB, you sound so lovely and you deserve so much better!