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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:
heroinechic · 08/04/2025 09:11

So you hurt his feelings and refused to apologise because you weren’t sorry, and he’s now hurt your feelings but refuses to apologise because he isn’t sorry.

Do either of you ever acknowledge that you do/say things that hurt each other and sincerely apologise for them? It’s possible to say “I appreciate that what I said wasn’t kind and I’m sorry that I hurt your feelings.” without also saying “but I only did/said it because of X, Y or Z”.

It all comes across as stubborn and immature. The pair of you need to learn to communicate better with one another and not be so reactive if you stand a chance at a healthy relationship!

ForZanyAquaViewer · 08/04/2025 09:25

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.

You’re also not saying you’re not getting back with him.

From the tone of your previous comments, I suspect that you will. Which is really sad.

2JFDIYOLO · 08/04/2025 09:46

This is not a good relationship, op.

You don't like or respect each other and you've both said shitty things to each other.

He's a mean penny pincher now - and this will get worse. Scrooge carefully sorting out ingredients and depriving you of cake?

What first attracted you to this high earner?

Manthide · 08/04/2025 11:01

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.

My exdh sounds just like him! I left him a few times in the early days and was made to feel guilty. Don't waste the next 30 years of your life with someone like him. Mine also brings up my upbringing - and I had a perfectly normal working class upbringing, my parents are still together- so I don't know what he's talking about! Yesterday he said Freud would have a field day with me! I'm 60 and still being verbally abused by him.

Fraggeek · 08/04/2025 11:31

I give it 2 months and you'll be back here because he's done the same thing.

I can see already he's working his slime all magic and making you feel like you are to blame and he's actually this amazing guy.

Daniki · 08/04/2025 11:34

my god you've had a lucky escape-take it!

Sodthesystem · 08/04/2025 11:40

He was never actually breaking up with you. It was a control tactic to get you to run after him kissing his ass. He's playing games to fuck with your sanity. His little ploy didn't work so back he comes with his tail between his legs hoping he can try a different approach to beat you down.

I hope you tell him to fuck off. Far.

I did wonder if he'd take his holiday to shagsville first but looks like it wasn't about that. He's just your plain old garden variety narcissistic abuser.

You've had such a lucky escape op. He's scary.

kellygoeswest · 08/04/2025 11:43

Just seen your latest update... are you considering getting back together with him? You know he won't change, right? He's even making sure it's on his terms right away by refusing to apologise to you!

DelCalMun · 08/04/2025 11:48

What a sorry tale. I had a boyf who earned way more than I did and he never behaved like this. I contributed in other ways (practical skills to renovate the flat we bought together) and we eventually got married and had kids. This fella, sorry to say, sounds immature and not really in love with you. Do you really want to be with someone who thinks a holiday to Thailand should be one big shagathon? If he can behave like this towards you this so early on in your relationship then it doesn't bode well for a happy future together. I know it would be easier to go back to him than move on, but leopards don't change their spots and he'll continue to be a dickhead. Better to walk away now than continue in an unsatisfactory relationship. Good luck and don't feel bad.

Sodthesystem · 08/04/2025 11:51

Yeah the whole being generous thing was only so he could swing the narrative of: 'youre a money grasper, a gold-digger. Look at everything I give you and you still aren't happy'.

Chances are he's an avid incel 'alpha man' podcast watcher.

DisabledDemon · 08/04/2025 12:35

MissDoubleU · 08/04/2025 08:56

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.

Exactly. You'll get a smack in the mouth and while you're counting your teeth to see if they're all intact, he'll be whining, 'Why did you make me do that?'. Either that or he'll hit you where people can't see the bruises.

OlderGlaswegianLivingInDevon · 08/04/2025 12:39

You may be a single parent, but that does not mean you have to accept and put up with any relationship you are offered.

Find your bar and raise it soooooo much higher off the floor, as that is where it is just now !

You CAN and WILL do so much better !!!

RaindropsonNoses · 08/04/2025 13:12

I think the fact he keeps telling you to fuck off is good enough reason not to get back with him.

I'm not saying you have behaved perfectly but he keeps making out everything is your fault and has said some awful things trying to make out you're an awful person.

He sounds like a brat and is toxic and unpleasant. He is abusive and is showing you no respect because you earn much less than him.

I imagine he would be a nightmare if you lived together. Controlling, abusive, gaslighting.

You've had a lucky escape even if it doesn't feel like that at the moment 🫂

Milosc · 08/04/2025 13:48

You have a son. This man will be his role model if you stay with him. Think about that. Your son will imitate him. Imagine in 20 years your son treating his partner like this. No man is worth ruining your child over. Put your son first and get rid of this absolutely toxic man.

2JFDIYOLO · 08/04/2025 13:57

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.

Block him everywhere OP.

That is classic 'now look what you made me do* behaviour that abusive men have rolled out forever as excuses for hurting women and children.

Toxic relationships are dangers for everyone and there's is a CHILD.

Keep off men for a good while and focus on your child and growing up a bit yourself.

CarrieOnComplaining · 08/04/2025 14:10

I think you were very petty about the shopping. He takes you out to dinner etc, and you were buying your own groceries including cooking a meal that he would share. You can’t assume he will just suck up every payment because he earns more.

You did tell him to leave )ok he was being passive aggressive about the drizzle cake ingredients, but why shouldn’t he take some home? He had entertained your Ds making it, paid for the ingredients etc.

You were then really out of order with your Thailand comment. And you have no right to be resentful about anything he did before your relationship started.

And hardly surprising he didn’t contact you while he was out with friends after you had said that / refused to apologise.

Then he was really horrible and said horrible things.

Unless you can both have a heartfelt honest mature discussion, each looking at your own behaviour, and seeing if you have enough good things between you that are worth saving I think you need to just let this one go.

ShriekingTrespasser · 08/04/2025 14:13

His attitude is awful. He could’ve said “I’d love to have some of this cake later so I’ll take some home” and that would be fine but for the reason he said, it shows his character. He feels he’s owed because of what he pays.
Its not looking good for a future happy partnership.

adriftinadenofvipers · 08/04/2025 17:18

CarrieOnComplaining · 08/04/2025 14:10

I think you were very petty about the shopping. He takes you out to dinner etc, and you were buying your own groceries including cooking a meal that he would share. You can’t assume he will just suck up every payment because he earns more.

You did tell him to leave )ok he was being passive aggressive about the drizzle cake ingredients, but why shouldn’t he take some home? He had entertained your Ds making it, paid for the ingredients etc.

You were then really out of order with your Thailand comment. And you have no right to be resentful about anything he did before your relationship started.

And hardly surprising he didn’t contact you while he was out with friends after you had said that / refused to apologise.

Then he was really horrible and said horrible things.

Unless you can both have a heartfelt honest mature discussion, each looking at your own behaviour, and seeing if you have enough good things between you that are worth saving I think you need to just let this one go.

If this is really your take from all the OP has said about her wanker of a BF, then I feel sorry for you.

adriftinadenofvipers · 08/04/2025 17:23

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.

If you go back to him after that, then I am sorry but you will absolutely deserve everything you will undoubtedly get.

Why can't you just see he is a hateful, no-good bastard?! Has he no control over himself? You would be a complete and utter fool to let him back into your life but unfortunately I think that you will. Don't say you weren't well warned.

I feel so sorry for your poor son.

adriftinadenofvipers · 08/04/2025 17:24

Manthide · 08/04/2025 11:01

My exdh sounds just like him! I left him a few times in the early days and was made to feel guilty. Don't waste the next 30 years of your life with someone like him. Mine also brings up my upbringing - and I had a perfectly normal working class upbringing, my parents are still together- so I don't know what he's talking about! Yesterday he said Freud would have a field day with me! I'm 60 and still being verbally abused by him.

Why are you still communicating with this POS?!

adriftinadenofvipers · 08/04/2025 17:25

heroinechic · 08/04/2025 09:11

So you hurt his feelings and refused to apologise because you weren’t sorry, and he’s now hurt your feelings but refuses to apologise because he isn’t sorry.

Do either of you ever acknowledge that you do/say things that hurt each other and sincerely apologise for them? It’s possible to say “I appreciate that what I said wasn’t kind and I’m sorry that I hurt your feelings.” without also saying “but I only did/said it because of X, Y or Z”.

It all comes across as stubborn and immature. The pair of you need to learn to communicate better with one another and not be so reactive if you stand a chance at a healthy relationship!

There's no chance of a healthy relationship that's got this man in it.

AgentJohnson · 08/04/2025 17:26

Move on ALREADY! Your son deserves better than to witness this toxic situationionship.

Please seek professional support before embarking on another relationship.

CarrieOnComplaining · 08/04/2025 17:52

adriftinadenofvipers · 08/04/2025 17:18

If this is really your take from all the OP has said about her wanker of a BF, then I feel sorry for you.

I have read the OP again, and yes, , along with thinking that the Bf was v nasty by the end of it, the OP was pretty involved at the start of it. Neither of them were being great to begin with.

No need to feel sorry for me at all, thanks.

adriftinadenofvipers · 08/04/2025 18:02

CarrieOnComplaining · 08/04/2025 17:52

I have read the OP again, and yes, , along with thinking that the Bf was v nasty by the end of it, the OP was pretty involved at the start of it. Neither of them were being great to begin with.

No need to feel sorry for me at all, thanks.

OK I won't then. Actually I didn't anyway - it was just a turn of phrase. You have a very skewed view of life.

While the OP may not have covered herself in glory, this thread is primarily about her sleazy boyfriend. His behaviour is utterly disgusting, far worse than the OP's by miles.

heroinechic · 08/04/2025 19:01

adriftinadenofvipers · 08/04/2025 18:02

OK I won't then. Actually I didn't anyway - it was just a turn of phrase. You have a very skewed view of life.

While the OP may not have covered herself in glory, this thread is primarily about her sleazy boyfriend. His behaviour is utterly disgusting, far worse than the OP's by miles.

Edited

Hmm in my view, your perspective is quite skewed. This whole situation reads to me as two young adults in an immature relationship where both are reactive and neither are any good at conflict resolution. Neither can apologise. When OP’s boyfriend ended it she replied with Byeeee and pretended she was laughing, when actually she was devastated and could have just said “sorry for throwing you out because you wanted to take half a cake home that you paid for and baked.”

OP’s boyfriend isn’t sleazy for engaging in casual sex in hostels while backpacking (and single). I’d agree that he’s sleazy if he was using sex workers, but I don’t think there’s any reason for us to jump to that conclusion. Lots of my friends visited Thailand as part of their travels and the backpacking culture there is quite prolific.

They just aren’t compatible 🤷🏻‍♀️

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