Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

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:
PickAChew · 07/04/2025 18:06

This has not been a healthy relationship. It's better that it stays off, for good. Can you really see a future with this man? You would be forever walking on eggshells.

BunnyLake · 07/04/2025 18:08

Two people who don’t like each other, aren’t compatible and piss each other off are not what relationships are about. Be glad he’s gone and try and have less drama in your relationships going forward, you have a son to think about and prioritise.

Towundertwo · 07/04/2025 18:11

All the advice you’ve been given has gone completely over your head. Your self esteem seems to be on the floor. I’m almost certain that when he’s back from Thailand you’ll rekindle when he reaches out (he will). Please re-read this thread in the voice of one of your friends / someone you love… how would you feel then? Please think about this logically, talk to a loved one. We can’t seem to make you see sense, you’re making excuses for him over and over. See what your mum/auntie/friends would say…. And believe them

Hankunamatata · 07/04/2025 18:12

No matter who did right or wrong. I really could not be arsed with the drama, especially if you have a young child

Mrsknowitall · 07/04/2025 18:15

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.

I’d say he caused this so that he can be single again in time for Thailand, and will be wanting to start afresh when he is back, I suggest that if you decide to take him back after Thailand you ask him to take a stint test or get one yourself!
the stinginess over ingredients is enough to kick him to the curb

SALaw · 07/04/2025 18:18

You both sound like hard work and like you didn’t particularly enjoy each other’s company so why stress over it? Just move on.

PrettayGood · 07/04/2025 18:19

Sounds horrible on both sides and definitely best that it’s ended. Move on and focus on stability for your son.

BoundaryGirl3939 · 07/04/2025 18:21

Did he share any of the lemon drizzle cake with you and son? I'd understand if he wanted to bring someone it home.

Seems like there was a build up in his head and he started to act petty.

I don't think he seems to be in a good place and his behaviour isnt respectful in general so id let him go.

Milosc · 07/04/2025 18:23

He clearly orchestrated this so he could have another fuckfest in Thailand guilt free. Then he will come back and tell you how sorry he is and how much he missed you. Please find your self esteem and raise your bar. He sounds disgusting. You are well rid.

CappuccinoChocolate · 07/04/2025 18:26

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.

This sounds like textbook lovebombing to me, then withdrawing and making you doubt yourself, your feelings and your right to exist.

This one is not for you.

StartAnew · 07/04/2025 18:26

OP, can you really want to be in such a horrible, childish, quarrelsome relationship? Much better let it go now.

MajorCarolDanvers · 07/04/2025 18:27

He’s an arsehole. You would be well shot of him.

FleaBeeBob · 07/04/2025 18:29

So you weren’t sorry but then he ended things and now you’re sorrY, everything seems extremely childish,
delete, block and move on and grow as a person

LillyPJ · 07/04/2025 18:35

Don't feel sorry. He sounds incredibly mean and petty. Be glad you're rid of him.

Meanttobeworking · 07/04/2025 18:36

He sounds like a total arse. Dump him.

MMUmum · 07/04/2025 18:36

Nasty childish man and he makes you react childishly too, leave each other alone before you destroy each other, your son deserves better from you

LillyPJ · 07/04/2025 18:37

meridiana · 07/04/2025 13:27

Also I meant to say he was going to take half of the cake home, not the full thing!

You should have the bigger half because he used your electricity to bake it...

Walkaround · 07/04/2025 18:40

Your relationship sounds farcical at best and toxic at worst. You clearly do not bring out the best in each other and have both behaved like little children with anger issues. I would on no accounts get back together with such a man; he has the makings of an abusive control freak.

ArtyFartyHippopotamus · 07/04/2025 18:40

He has eroded your self worth. You are better off without his toxicity and so is your son. A man who is in the habit of using foreign sex workers is not respectful of women. These poor women are usually from the poor country areas and work in the cities to provide income for their families. They are subjected abuse and violence and clients can refuse to use protection. I would advise that you get an STI check after his last visit to Thailand. Move on, concentrate on you and your son. You don’t need this abusive misogynist in your life. Stop apologising for your behaviour. I would have told him to just “Fuck Off”.

Deathinparadisefan · 07/04/2025 18:46

I don’t see what you have done wrong. He sounds like a nasty piece of work and you are well rid.

Emmz1510 · 07/04/2025 18:48

He’s paving the way to do as he pleases in Thailand like he did last time. He may well come crawling back after it, but be able to claim that shagging around was fine because you weren’t together. Don’t let him. Let him stay in the bin where he belongs, the dick.

5128gap · 07/04/2025 18:56

This a nasty relationship OP. He is using his higher income as a weapon against you. Giving with one hand, then taking away with the other to keep you on your toes with gratitude. His generosity isn't real, it's a payment for you to behave yourself and be appreciative of him, and he gives it grudgingly. The fact that your son is an innocent witness to the drama and fighting is really the only reason you need to move on and not look back. But if you need any more reasons, his attitude to women and displays of temper are a start.

Beeloux · 07/04/2025 19:00

DO NOT let this man back. He wants you to beg him back. Don’t do it. Trust me, twats like that hate it the most when you completely ghost them back. Disappear out of his life.

You've had a lucky escape. Imagine if you had a child with this man. Counting the pennies for everything. Normally these type, are the greediest, grabbiest bastards around.

DoYouReally · 07/04/2025 19:03

For what it's worth, you are both terrible communicators.

Neither of you sound mature enough to be in a relationship.

AiryFairyLights · 07/04/2025 19:04

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.

And that's exactly how he wants you to feel! He's pushing you to feel guilty and to start begging for his forgiveness!!!
He wants you to feel like shit to deflect from his own bad behaviour.
Seriously, you are better off without him.