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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to think my fiance overreacted by getting a younger woman's number because I double booked by accident, and threw my belongings about?

1000 replies

Sunglasses1979 · 01/06/2026 12:52

I am trying to work out whether I am being unfair or whether my fiancé genuinely overreacts to situations.
I was spending a long weekend with him and we had plans for Monday. Friday to Sunday eve were lovely and we did sightseeing etc. then went to his and were planning to stay there for a few nights.

However, I realised I had accidentally double-booked the Monday because my adult DD had arranged for me to meet her new boyfriend and his father over lunch. It was important to her and had been organised for a while. DD has is ND and has severe MH issues; this is the first "normal" relationship she has had and it's a huge deal for her.

I told my fiancé on Sunday afternoon that I would go to the lunch for a few hours and then come back afterwards so we could still spend the Monday evening together and the following days.

He was furious. He said I was choosing other people over him and repeatedly referred to my daughter's boyfriend and his father as "strange men". He seemed particularly upset that I would be spending time with another man, even though it was DD's BF's dad not just a random stranger.

After I had told him I had double booked and would need to go for a few hours we were arguing about it non-stop for hours. I was crying at one point and I kept saying I was sorry, it was human error, not deliberate. After all this arguing I was tired and wanted to stay in, but at around 11pm he insisted we go out. While we were out he deliberately started talking to a much younger woman, introduced himself to her, claimed he got her Instagram and then repeatedly talked about how he was meeting her for dinner the next day. His argument was that if I was going for lunch with strange men the next day, then why couldn't he meet up with a new person too? Even though it was not the same at all, obviously. The young woman must have been about 20 and we are both in our 40's so it just felt really weird and "off".

The argument continued after we got back to his for most of the night and I got very little sleep. The next morning I had to get an extremely expensive Uber to make sure I did not let my daughter down and miss the lunch. He had said not to come back to his after lunch but then called me when I was in the Uber and asked me to come back to his after all.

The lunch itself was lovely. Afterwards, I travelled back to his. However, when I arrived we had another argument. During it, he picked up my bags and threw them across the room in anger, they went everywhere as he threw them so hard.

He later continued to use the lunch as an example of me not caring about him enough and prioritising other people over our relationship, and how I like "strange men".

From my point of view, I attended an important family event for a few hours and still made the effort to return afterwards. From his point of view, I had disrespected him and chosen other people over him.

When I told him how much the Uber cost he took offence because I have never gotten an Uber to his even if I am running late; he said he didn't realise I have money in this way.

When I went back to his after the lunch I had to get a standing room only train in the middle of the heatwave; I don't like public transport at the best of times and he kept asking when I arrived what did I want to do; meet his friends in the pub or go straight to his. I said I don't care and was almost in tears as I was finding the journey so stressful. I didn't realise but he had me on loud speaker so all his friends heard me when I said "I don't care" and now he's saying his friends all think I am horrible and rude to him. When it was taken out of context and they didn't know we had been arguing all night and that he'd got a much younger woman's contact details the night before.

Am I missing something or was he overreacting?

OP posts:
MyLimeGuide · 01/06/2026 21:24

Thats good news you don't live with him. I would plan on never having to see him ever again, he doesn't even warrant a sensitive break up - just text him, then block him and get someone to stay with you for a few days.

comoatoupeira · 01/06/2026 21:24

Having been there, as well as what has already been said, I would strongly advise getting lots of digital things set up so that he can't:

  • text you
  • email you
  • contact you on any social platforms
  • call you
It's not about ignoring/blocking, you need to physically make it impossible for his messages even to get through. Because of the trauma bonding, it's really hard to not crack on a hard day. You don't want to have the possibility of reading his words.

So sorry this has happened to you. Tell everyone you know about it! Makes me so furious this still happens to people and they don't recognise it.

EdinaTheConfessor · 01/06/2026 21:26

Northermcharn · 01/06/2026 13:41

Nope. This cannot be real, sorry.

Unfortunately it sounds very real. I was in a similarly abusive relationship which ended with me being completely isolated from all my family and friends and turned physically abusive long before I found the courage to leave.

I wish Mumsnet existed back then to provide me with the advice and strength to leave. Although it is very possible I wouldn’t have listened anyway, these types of men have a way of keeping a strange hold over vulnerable women.

Please please OP, don’t make the same mistake I did. Run like the wind now.

Isittimeformynapyet · 01/06/2026 21:26

As someone who's been in this situation it's just awful to read your posts @Sunglasses1979

It's tempting to splurge all the red flags I overlooked during 3 years with a policeman of all people, but I'll choose a couple.

He got furious with me early in when I had to have an hour's nap as I was unwell.

On a rare meal out with his brother and sil, she dragged me away as we said goodbyes outside and walked me away saying "you've GOT to leave him! He will control you!" etc. He quickly chased after her and dragged me back to the taxi and was a total cunt to me. He knew what she was telling me. I was worried, but I stayed.

He got furious with me for; needing to stop the car to go to the toilet, going to get a glass of water to take to bed, not going to his when I had an eye infection ("I fucking knew you'd do this! You can go to work for 11 hours but you'll let ME down"), getting my period on holiday.

He always started an argument out of thin air if I'd arranged to see a friend.

He was angry and sarcastic if I used "big" words.

It just went on and on.

Strangely, he was often at pains to stress, apropos of nothing, that he would never hit a woman "unless she hit him first" 🤔

After a second horrendous holiday I gave up, walked out and never looked back. His parting words were "you're fat" 🙄

It was strangely easy.

Toothpastestain · 01/06/2026 21:27

comoatoupeira · 01/06/2026 21:19

Oh my god! this.
With my coercive controlling partner (long time ago now), the worst day was my birthday party. God, it was awful trying to host friends with this going on in the background.
I thought I knew all the signs by now but this is a key one, isn't it? So reassuring to hear it's happened to others.

WHY is coercive control not taught in schools?

It is

Hopefulsalmon · 01/06/2026 21:31

Does he have a key to your house? If so, I'd get the locks changed before you tell him. Then I would text something clear, final but non confrontational. Have someone stay for a while or stay elsewhere. Any threatening contact report to the police. Don't respond to threats to harm himself...he won't.

Missingguineapigs · 01/06/2026 21:32

God, this takes me back, coming up thirty years. The thing which helped me get out of the situation was making myself think each time something happened what would normal look like. So, normal would be you tell him you've double booked and you're really sorry, he gives you a hug and says no problem, it's important for your daughter, have a great time, asks afterwards how it went, makes sure you have a lovely weekend, etc. Would you ever react the way he did if the situation was reversed? Of course not! I lived with him and had to find somewhere to live without him knowing, and moved out while he was at work, taking only the bare essentials. It was awful and he was a nightmare for a few weeks, but crikey it was easy compared to the alternative. I'm now married to a lovely man who never raises his voice, and I look back and shudder at how my ex treated me and how I lost myself for a while there.

soddingspiderseason · 01/06/2026 21:39

That’s vile behaviour; coercive, controlling and manipulative. Ghost him. Block all his numbers and walk away. Nobody deserves to be treated like that.

dcthatsme · 01/06/2026 21:42

Yes you made a mistake but he overreacted shockingly. He had a massive tantrum. I don't like the sound of this man and I'd worry how he'd cope with the day-to-day ups and downs of married life. He sounds incredibly immature and unable to deal with what should have been a minor disappointment. He also reacted completely unreasonably to the fact you were meeting your DD's fiancé for the first time. I'd seriously consider whether you want to commit to this man.

jinglejanglescarecat · 01/06/2026 21:46

Youtookyourtime · 01/06/2026 21:20

They don’t actually live together

Yes sorry I meant away from known locations. So that he can’t find her for a bit. Stay with a friend that he doesn’t know.

sorry should have been clearer!

agggtm · 01/06/2026 21:47

Meet him publicly to do it (if you plan to do it in person) and take someone with you. Have any of his stuff with you and immediately after block him on your devices. I’d also change your locks in case he has a key.

TheEarlofButties · 01/06/2026 21:49

Been there and it’s so hard to take that first step but just tell one person who loves you in real life. You sound like you have quite a few, you’re very lucky!
Even though you’ve tried to make them believe ‘he’s not that bad’ no one will think less of you for speaking out. Just a text ‘I feel bad about this but I think I’m in a controlling relationship, can you give me some advice?’ You’ll be amazed by how people rally round to help.

LolalaBouche · 01/06/2026 21:54

This man is waving all the red flags. You know you are not being unreasonable. Run for the hills and count it a lucky escape!

Dexternight · 01/06/2026 21:55

Report to police.
Block and stop all contact.
Install CCTV.

TeaCupTinsel · 01/06/2026 21:55

Please OP,
If you are worried about how he will react when breaking up with him, please pop into your local police station or contact your local Domestic Abuse hotline/Leeway for support.

Make sure you have someone with you. This is not a loving relationship, he is controlling and coercive.
I'm so sorry you're experiencing this. You deserve so much more.

LittleMi55Nobody · 01/06/2026 22:00

Sunglasses1979 · 01/06/2026 12:52

I am trying to work out whether I am being unfair or whether my fiancé genuinely overreacts to situations.
I was spending a long weekend with him and we had plans for Monday. Friday to Sunday eve were lovely and we did sightseeing etc. then went to his and were planning to stay there for a few nights.

However, I realised I had accidentally double-booked the Monday because my adult DD had arranged for me to meet her new boyfriend and his father over lunch. It was important to her and had been organised for a while. DD has is ND and has severe MH issues; this is the first "normal" relationship she has had and it's a huge deal for her.

I told my fiancé on Sunday afternoon that I would go to the lunch for a few hours and then come back afterwards so we could still spend the Monday evening together and the following days.

He was furious. He said I was choosing other people over him and repeatedly referred to my daughter's boyfriend and his father as "strange men". He seemed particularly upset that I would be spending time with another man, even though it was DD's BF's dad not just a random stranger.

After I had told him I had double booked and would need to go for a few hours we were arguing about it non-stop for hours. I was crying at one point and I kept saying I was sorry, it was human error, not deliberate. After all this arguing I was tired and wanted to stay in, but at around 11pm he insisted we go out. While we were out he deliberately started talking to a much younger woman, introduced himself to her, claimed he got her Instagram and then repeatedly talked about how he was meeting her for dinner the next day. His argument was that if I was going for lunch with strange men the next day, then why couldn't he meet up with a new person too? Even though it was not the same at all, obviously. The young woman must have been about 20 and we are both in our 40's so it just felt really weird and "off".

The argument continued after we got back to his for most of the night and I got very little sleep. The next morning I had to get an extremely expensive Uber to make sure I did not let my daughter down and miss the lunch. He had said not to come back to his after lunch but then called me when I was in the Uber and asked me to come back to his after all.

The lunch itself was lovely. Afterwards, I travelled back to his. However, when I arrived we had another argument. During it, he picked up my bags and threw them across the room in anger, they went everywhere as he threw them so hard.

He later continued to use the lunch as an example of me not caring about him enough and prioritising other people over our relationship, and how I like "strange men".

From my point of view, I attended an important family event for a few hours and still made the effort to return afterwards. From his point of view, I had disrespected him and chosen other people over him.

When I told him how much the Uber cost he took offence because I have never gotten an Uber to his even if I am running late; he said he didn't realise I have money in this way.

When I went back to his after the lunch I had to get a standing room only train in the middle of the heatwave; I don't like public transport at the best of times and he kept asking when I arrived what did I want to do; meet his friends in the pub or go straight to his. I said I don't care and was almost in tears as I was finding the journey so stressful. I didn't realise but he had me on loud speaker so all his friends heard me when I said "I don't care" and now he's saying his friends all think I am horrible and rude to him. When it was taken out of context and they didn't know we had been arguing all night and that he'd got a much younger woman's contact details the night before.

Am I missing something or was he overreacting?

euugghhhh what a man child...you deserve better.....get rid

BippidyBoppety · 01/06/2026 22:01

DeathNote11 · 01/06/2026 21:20

Have you had a Clare's Law check completed on him OP? If not, I'd highly recommend one now. It's a dangerous time leaving men like this, better to be informed.

OP, I've read the first page, all your posts and those since your last post. I know you said you're going to end the relationship but I would also recommend Clare's Law - you can go to a Police Station and complete one in person if you need help going through the form. This is important - you need to know the sort of man you are dealing with, what form he has for past relationships and get things in place in case he tries to talk you around. Please, please do this.

MustWeDoThis · 01/06/2026 22:04

Sunglasses1979 · 01/06/2026 12:52

I am trying to work out whether I am being unfair or whether my fiancé genuinely overreacts to situations.
I was spending a long weekend with him and we had plans for Monday. Friday to Sunday eve were lovely and we did sightseeing etc. then went to his and were planning to stay there for a few nights.

However, I realised I had accidentally double-booked the Monday because my adult DD had arranged for me to meet her new boyfriend and his father over lunch. It was important to her and had been organised for a while. DD has is ND and has severe MH issues; this is the first "normal" relationship she has had and it's a huge deal for her.

I told my fiancé on Sunday afternoon that I would go to the lunch for a few hours and then come back afterwards so we could still spend the Monday evening together and the following days.

He was furious. He said I was choosing other people over him and repeatedly referred to my daughter's boyfriend and his father as "strange men". He seemed particularly upset that I would be spending time with another man, even though it was DD's BF's dad not just a random stranger.

After I had told him I had double booked and would need to go for a few hours we were arguing about it non-stop for hours. I was crying at one point and I kept saying I was sorry, it was human error, not deliberate. After all this arguing I was tired and wanted to stay in, but at around 11pm he insisted we go out. While we were out he deliberately started talking to a much younger woman, introduced himself to her, claimed he got her Instagram and then repeatedly talked about how he was meeting her for dinner the next day. His argument was that if I was going for lunch with strange men the next day, then why couldn't he meet up with a new person too? Even though it was not the same at all, obviously. The young woman must have been about 20 and we are both in our 40's so it just felt really weird and "off".

The argument continued after we got back to his for most of the night and I got very little sleep. The next morning I had to get an extremely expensive Uber to make sure I did not let my daughter down and miss the lunch. He had said not to come back to his after lunch but then called me when I was in the Uber and asked me to come back to his after all.

The lunch itself was lovely. Afterwards, I travelled back to his. However, when I arrived we had another argument. During it, he picked up my bags and threw them across the room in anger, they went everywhere as he threw them so hard.

He later continued to use the lunch as an example of me not caring about him enough and prioritising other people over our relationship, and how I like "strange men".

From my point of view, I attended an important family event for a few hours and still made the effort to return afterwards. From his point of view, I had disrespected him and chosen other people over him.

When I told him how much the Uber cost he took offence because I have never gotten an Uber to his even if I am running late; he said he didn't realise I have money in this way.

When I went back to his after the lunch I had to get a standing room only train in the middle of the heatwave; I don't like public transport at the best of times and he kept asking when I arrived what did I want to do; meet his friends in the pub or go straight to his. I said I don't care and was almost in tears as I was finding the journey so stressful. I didn't realise but he had me on loud speaker so all his friends heard me when I said "I don't care" and now he's saying his friends all think I am horrible and rude to him. When it was taken out of context and they didn't know we had been arguing all night and that he'd got a much younger woman's contact details the night before.

Am I missing something or was he overreacting?

I am utterly baffled why you would apologise to him, go back to him, argue with him, want to be with him...just why!? Don't be so naive, and raise your standards! This man is abusive and you're begging him to see sense! Leave! Run for the hills and have some respect for yourself!

ThatGreenCrab · 01/06/2026 22:06

🚩🚩🚩 Please get out of this relationship. You have basically described an ex of mine, and he only got worse over the years. The more I tried to reassure him, the worse it became. This is psychological abuse to get you to bow to his will.

Alliod40 · 01/06/2026 22:08

Sunglasses1979 · 01/06/2026 21:04

I didn't buy the engagement ring; he did. It wasn't very expensive but he made a big deal out of the proposal, the fact we are now engaged, and so on.

No we don't live together.

I am going to end things but I am quite scared to in all honesty and not sure in what way would cause the least stress.

To the PP who said about keeping me awake all night arguing then him taking the day off work when you had to go into the office, this is exactly what he does to me all the time. Didn't realise that this was a thing till you said it.

I've read all this thread..good luck to you,my daughter was in a relationship very similar but it got alot lot worse unfortunately,luckily we got her away but after a very harrowing time that i wouldn't wish on anyone,I'm glad you are going to end things and I really hope you have a happy life going forward,I don't for a minute think it's going to be easy for hou though but do not let him draw you back in because he will try believe me.. be strong for you and think of your DD and happier times ahead xx

MrsTerryPratchett · 01/06/2026 22:13

Great that you're ending it. Also great you're cautious about his reaction. Make sure it's not a private conversation in a place he controls.

Katemax82 · 01/06/2026 22:17

Fir crying out loud this man is an abusive prick! It won't get better and he will alienate you from your daughter

Calendulaaria · 01/06/2026 22:21

Soon you'll decide that it's just too difficult to meet up with family, as it just causes too much upset for him. Just to keep the peace, you'll start to isolate more and more. Then you're left only with your abuser. That's how the whole thing works.

alimak9 · 01/06/2026 22:24

YABU for allowing this. Bin him asap!

NameChangeMay2026 · 01/06/2026 22:25

This is terrible. No, this is not OK. Not even close. Leave him.

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