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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Defensive partner?

4 replies

Lilaclee · 19/06/2024 06:05

My partner is super defensive. Throughout our relationship, if I've ever pointed out something he has done that is negative, he gets super defensive and comes back at me with hurtful comments pointing out my flaws and quite a few times how I am as a mom.
I pointed out yesterday that he is on his phone a lot, maybe I shouldn't have as I too can be on my phone at times, but it was relevant to the situation we was in. It's a bit like those is glass houses shouldn't throw stones, however I said the comment and that was enough to set him off. He completely denied been on his phone a lot, which is simply untrue, although I immediately regretted saying it I wouldn't withdraw a statement that is correct.
He started getting worked up saying I'm on mine at times too, I said that is true and agreed. He lost it and was saying I'm calling him a bad dad, not once did I say this!
I said I never said that I just pointed out he is on the phone or his laptop a lot. He starts repeating over "when, when, when am I on my phone." So I give example.
He doesn't like this, he then starts ripping in to me saying its hilarious you say I'm on my phone a lot I never see you playing with the kids, when I get home from work I'm just with the kids and your no where to be seen (this isn't true)
Then he added I'm always running around the house like I'm mental or I am pretending to keep busy (I'm literally cleaning, cooking and getting things ready for the next working day)
The thing that hurt the most was him saying I'm running around like I'm 'mental' as I've opened up to him that I suspect I am on the spectrum or have adhd.
I want to add when we have had arguments in the past over other topics like what I do around the house and how I feel I do a lot this has also resulted in him slating me as a mother, how I don't play with the kids enough etc.
Sorry for the essay. AIBU for pointing out his phone usage especially when I am not innocent for using my phone. And AIBU for being upset at the comments he has made.

OP posts:
RedHelenB · 19/06/2024 06:11

It sounds like a silly argument. Neither one of you can take criticism by the sound of it so maybe you need to rephrase things. Instead of you're on your phone a lot say shall we do this together.

Immemorialelms · 19/06/2024 06:15

What situation are you in in life? You have children, you say partner - I imagine you've got kids but are not married? and now he's being a dick. Really sorry to hear it. It sounds like he has very little insight into himself and no real desire to develop it, which makes life difficult and theres probably very little you can do. It all depends on where the money is really. If he's in your house and doesn't help with anything and you work and earn I'd just get rid. If you're a sahm and in his house it'll take you a while to get back to work but I would plan for the long game. And in the meantime don't get ground down - keep being assertive and clear about what you need, don't let yourself be gaslit over MH issues (you may be ADHD but who the fuck cares, it's rude and abusive to say you are mental). You may want to get yourself therapy or support to keep yourself Ok before you leave him. Cos you'll leave him in the end.

Lilaclee · 19/06/2024 06:33

@Immemorialelms we have 2 kids that are 4 and under. I work full time and so does he. He is the main breadwinner, my pay is not great. We also own the house we are in together.
Thank you so much for your advice and taking the time to reply.

OP posts:
TiredHippo · 19/06/2024 12:08

It all depends how you come across when you say it, if you're having a rational discussion about things, then he shouldn't fly off the handle, but if youve just randomly brought it up with no other context, then of course people will get defensive, people generally don't like being pulled apart.

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