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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Was my boyfriend within his rights to say these cruel things to me?

313 replies

meridiana · 07/04/2025 13:19

This may be long, but I’ll try and keep it short.

I have spent this morning extremely distressed, I’m questioning everything including my worth. I feel like a waste of space, from what he had said. I’m too upset to see the situation for what it is.

BF and I had been a bit on and off, but decided to make this official and things had been pretty much smooth sailing from then. We had one argument, that was resolved after we both agreed it was a misunderstanding.

We’ve had very minor disagreements, but no arguments aside from that until yesterday.

He makes significantly more than me, this around 5x more. We don’t live together. He tends to pay for meals out etc. and likes to treat me with things like flowers, but I have never asked for him to pay for anything. I do also pay for myself for other things too.

When we were shopping he had separated our things and said ‘I’ll put your things separately’ referring to the ingredients for our dinner that I was going to cook. He usually eats the majority of our meals (understandably), so I was slightly irritated by this and told him that, but it wasn’t a big deal.

The next day, he made a lemon drizzle cake with my son (he paid for the ingredients) and said he was going to take it home, since he had paid for it and had baked it. I had pointed out this feels like a bit of a double standard, a bit irritating but again not a big deal. He says that he pays for a lot of things for me, I agreed. He then said he spends about £200 per month on me, for which I categorically disagreed. He said he wasn’t going to buy me anything again.

A few minutes later I asked how long until the cake was done, he told me and I said ok when it’s finished you can leave. I was upset and didn’t want him there.

I heard a bang as he left, and I thought he had thrown my son’s car seat into the house, I text him to say it was childish but he says he didn’t throw it and I believe him.

He sent me a text saying that until I apologise, not to contact him. I said I won’t be contacting him then as I don’t feel the needs to apologise, he said ok. I took this as things ending. I then said something along the lines of ‘enjoy fucking the ladies in Thailand’ (I’m not proud of this) as he’s going there this week. I have been feeling stressed about him going as he went last year, and we weren’t together but still somewhat involved and he slept with many people and lied to me about having feeling for another woman. He was well within his rights to do so, as he was single, but it was a point of vulnerability for me. I feel bad that I even said it, and have apologised more than once.

He said he wasn’t ending things, and then ignored me for six hours while he was with friends, I was really upset by this.

He reached out today via text and said he wanted an apology for kicking him out, I said I wasn’t sorry so I wasn’t going to apologise. I said I didn’t feel I’d kicked him out, just asked him to leave as I felt upset and like the day was ruined.

We have previously agreed that we should tackle things head on, so I wasn’t wrong to ask him to leave but I think because I was so upset from the events of the past 12ish hours I couldn’t see it for what it was. I didn’t feel sorry because I was upset and angry.

He then ended things with me, as he feels I am a poor communicator, I am deliberately difficult and speak to him disrespectfully. He feels I have grossly disrespected him.

Things between us had been really lovely until this, so I was taken aback that he’d ended it.

During these exchanges I haven’t been nasty, raised my voice, sworn etc.

He has now said I am a vile person, I am toxic, I am like a dark cloud of sadness, I’m incapable of being happy, and I am not capable of a healthy relationship because of my ‘parents’ fucked up relationship’ growing up. He has told me to fuck off multiple times, that I’m manipulative.

I’ve told him how hurtful I have found his words, and that I really don’t feel them to be true. I am happy, and lots of people comment on my positivity.

He said “You think your actions have nothing to do with how I’ve been?” when referring to how he has spoken to me.

I really just need a fresh pair of eyes please. I acknowledge I have contributed to this, I should have behaved in a better way. It was a blip, but I didn’t see it as a massive deal.

I am genuinely sorry for how I’ve behaved, and I am trying and want to be a good partner. I feel really guilty that I’ve upset him and pushed him to this point.

OP posts:
MellowPinkDeer · 08/04/2025 08:06

I’ve only read the OP replies but goodness this whole situation sounds absolutely bloody exhausting. You’re best off out of it.

merrymelodies · 08/04/2025 08:11

You dodged a bullet there, my friend! 😅 As painful as it must be to have such an abrupt ending to a relationship you have invested so much in, count yourself lucky to be rid of this creep. You did so well by standing up to his bullying and tantrums.

meridiana · 08/04/2025 08:11

Thank you all so much for taking the time to respond, I have read every response and taken them all into account.

OP posts:
meridiana · 08/04/2025 08:12

Update:

He wants to get back together and believed we can save our relationship.

He says he won’t apologise for the nasty things he said, because it’s my fault he said them because I wound him up and up and he eventually exploded.

OP posts:
merrymelodies · 08/04/2025 08:19

Oh great! So now it’s all your fault. As if. What a shithead.

merrymelodies · 08/04/2025 08:19

Oh great! So now it’s all your fault. As if. What a shithead.

TwinklyRoseTurtle · 08/04/2025 08:22

You would be a fool to get back with him. Block him on everything like he never existed

Newbie1011 · 08/04/2025 08:24

Such a depressing thread, this is not a ‘relationship’ OP l, it’s a clear and present danger to the wellbeing of your child - please prioritise your son and remove this horrific, abusive man from his life

PerkyLemonBee · 08/04/2025 08:32

meridiana · 08/04/2025 08:12

Update:

He wants to get back together and believed we can save our relationship.

He says he won’t apologise for the nasty things he said, because it’s my fault he said them because I wound him up and up and he eventually exploded.

Predictable.

He’s shown his true colours. Stop making excuses for him. If he keeps messaging on other numbers block those too. Ignore him completely. He will ruin your life otherwise.

MammaTo · 08/04/2025 08:33

meridiana · 08/04/2025 08:12

Update:

He wants to get back together and believed we can save our relationship.

He says he won’t apologise for the nasty things he said, because it’s my fault he said them because I wound him up and up and he eventually exploded.

Its hard to not get bored of these posts anymore, put up with being treated like a mug if you want to.

Your poor son, keep him out of this toxic mess.

WhenYouSayNothingAtAll · 08/04/2025 08:39

meridiana · 08/04/2025 08:12

Update:

He wants to get back together and believed we can save our relationship.

He says he won’t apologise for the nasty things he said, because it’s my fault he said them because I wound him up and up and he eventually exploded.

This relationship sounds exhausting and I’m only reading about it, not just living it.

No matter what else went before, the truth is he became abusive and now he’s telling you, you made him do it. He won’t change and this train wreck of a relationship won’t get any better.

Burngreave · 08/04/2025 08:42

meridiana · 08/04/2025 08:12

Update:

He wants to get back together and believed we can save our relationship.

He says he won’t apologise for the nasty things he said, because it’s my fault he said them because I wound him up and up and he eventually exploded.

Text book. He’s not even original.

I assume you told him where to go?

RampantIvy · 08/04/2025 08:42

meridiana · 08/04/2025 08:12

Update:

He wants to get back together and believed we can save our relationship.

He says he won’t apologise for the nasty things he said, because it’s my fault he said them because I wound him up and up and he eventually exploded.

Oh, for goodness sake, don't do it.

He is a gaslighting bully. If you get back with him he will not stay celibate on holiday, likely give you an STI and continue to treat you badly.

Please pick your self respect up off the floor and tell him it isn't happening, and block him on ALL platforms of communication. You aren't being a great role model for your child.

TwinklySquid · 08/04/2025 08:45

meridiana · 08/04/2025 08:12

Update:

He wants to get back together and believed we can save our relationship.

He says he won’t apologise for the nasty things he said, because it’s my fault he said them because I wound him up and up and he eventually exploded.

Seriously , what will it take for you to listen to all the people on here saying just let him go?

Your next post in a few months will be “ he hit me but said I wound him up. What should I do?” You and your son shouldn’t be in this mess with him.

You might not have acted your best but it doesn’t mean you have to constantly punish yourself by staying with a knob. Sometimes two people just are not meant to be as they bring out the worst in each other.

Block him on everything. Do not engage at all. Get some Counciling . Don’t start another relationship before you do.

MissScarletInTheBallroom · 08/04/2025 08:50

meridiana · 08/04/2025 08:12

Update:

He wants to get back together and believed we can save our relationship.

He says he won’t apologise for the nasty things he said, because it’s my fault he said them because I wound him up and up and he eventually exploded.

Please don't tell me you're actually going to take this piece of shit back.

meridiana · 08/04/2025 08:51

No I’m not saying I am going to get back with him.

I was just providing an update.

OP posts:
DaisyChain505 · 08/04/2025 08:52

You both sound toxic and immature as hell.

You have a child involved in this situation.

Do better by him and move on, this isn’t healthy.

MissScarletInTheBallroom · 08/04/2025 08:53

meridiana · 08/04/2025 08:51

No I’m not saying I am going to get back with him.

I was just providing an update.

Tell him that if he contacts you again you will report him to the police for harassment and then block him on every form of communication you can think of.

MissDoubleU · 08/04/2025 08:56

meridiana · 08/04/2025 08:12

Update:

He wants to get back together and believed we can save our relationship.

He says he won’t apologise for the nasty things he said, because it’s my fault he said them because I wound him up and up and he eventually exploded.

So what future abuse would he say is also your fault because you wound him up and he exploded ? If he punches a wall it’s your fault, if he hits you it’ll be your fault too. Things like this escalate. Block him and move on with your life and child without abuse.

Shouldbedoing · 08/04/2025 08:58

Mean with money, mean with love.

He has a nasty streak too.

You are well out of it.

Imagine being pregnant with his child facing time on maternity pay while he separates your groceries from his. Any benefits such as childcare and child benefit are calculated on household income so his salary could rule you out of any independent source of income at a vulnerable time. This man is too tight and controlling to risk that.
You will recover, I promise.

Bestfootforward11 · 08/04/2025 09:00

He is a grown up and responsible for his own actions. Thank the gods this is the end of it. You’ve seen who he is, recognised your own worth and are doing the best by your child. You have the power to make more positive choices without this weight around your neck. Good luck.

StrangerThings1 · 08/04/2025 09:03

meridiana · 08/04/2025 08:12

Update:

He wants to get back together and believed we can save our relationship.

He says he won’t apologise for the nasty things he said, because it’s my fault he said them because I wound him up and up and he eventually exploded.

He wants to get back together but won’t apologise says it all, he cant want it that bad if he won’t apologise

BitOutOfPractice · 08/04/2025 09:04

So apart from the arguing, the on-off start, the jealousy, the extremely dodgy behaviour with sex workers, and the point scoring over money, it’s all been plain sailing?

YesThatsATurdOnTheRug · 08/04/2025 09:06

This man is red flag bunting. The fact that you can't see that is frightening.

Even if he was normally a fairly nice chap, separating stuff in the supermarket when you're cooking and he earns 5x more than you is just such an ick.

abracadabra1980 · 08/04/2025 09:10

I'm older than you and trust my gut. I also wish I'd trusted it from about age 18. It's always been right. What does your gut say? As a PP has suggested, read your text back as if you were advising yourself (or maybe your own child).
There is one thing that now, in my 'lived' experience, that all long standing couples negotiate better than others-and it's how to resolve conflict. Resolving conflict is a vital communication aspect within any healthy relationship, how you manage to achieve peace and negotiate difficulties between yourselves can be the epitome of whether a relationship survives. You are both struggling with this element of your relationship with unhealthy communication and unfortunately it has no chance of surviving as far as I can see. I also speak as someone who has two exH - both were aggressive in conflict and I learned unhealthy ways to deal with that. What I should have done was not actually have got married to either of them in the first place. Looking back, I have no idea what I was thinking giving these two men the power make me feel so low on a regular basis. Myself esteem was shot at times, too.
I'm so regretful for wasting my time and years on these people. If I had listened to my gut-neither would have entered my life long term, and I would go through hell and high water to try and steer either of my children away from such a relationship, albeit they are seemingly in happy, emotionally mature partnerships. I'm almost envious that I didn't have that maturity at their age. There is zero drama in either relationship and I think that speaks for itself.
Please don't put your son through an emotionally turbulent relationship. If nothing else, think of him and the example you are setting him. (I separated from my second exH the day he called me a c* - no way was I risking my children hearing that sort of dialogue.)
Being alone is ten times more rewarding than giving someone else the power to drag your self esteem down. Good luck for the future.