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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:
Anonymouseinthecity · Yesterday 09:32

LarksAscending · Yesterday 09:11

@SocialistMummyif he’s Muslim then he shouldn’t be in nightclubs speaking to women. He also shouldn’t have a girlfriend sleeping over especially one who isn’t Muslim/ Abrahamic. He would be breaking all his own religious rules so why would it be part of his culture to live a haram life.

So all those rape gangs were anti-Muslamic? Why didn't the community put a stop to them?

Isittimeformynapyet · Yesterday 09:36

Sunglasses1979 · Yesterday 09:15

The daily calls are definitely something that he does. Started really early on. I can see how he was love bombing me in hindsight.

My ex would text me constantly, even when I was at work, over and over.

Then, when I'd committed one of his imaginary crimes, he would stop, so I knew that I had incurred his wrath again somehow.

I was anxious ALL THE TIME, even when he was absent.

Sunglasses1979 · Yesterday 10:05

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.

I am catching up with all the posts now.

I am really sorry that you went through this. (It is scary that he is in the police)

The thing about starting arguments out of thin air is exactly the same for me.

Also him saying he knew I knew you'd let me down is the same.

My fiancé says he is a great guy because he never beats his girlfriends like how his dad beat his mum. Although at this point it feels odd calling him my fiancé.

OP posts:
user1471465748 · Yesterday 10:09

Sunglasses1979 · Yesterday 10:05

I am catching up with all the posts now.

I am really sorry that you went through this. (It is scary that he is in the police)

The thing about starting arguments out of thin air is exactly the same for me.

Also him saying he knew I knew you'd let me down is the same.

My fiancé says he is a great guy because he never beats his girlfriends like how his dad beat his mum. Although at this point it feels odd calling him my fiancé.

Please leave him asap. Hundreds on here have told you this is extremely abusive. Yes you are afraid but get organised. Change your lock if you need to. Chat to a police officer or domestic abuse charity for advice. Stay with family or friends for a couple of days. Block him on everything once done. TELL him that coercive control and abuse is a crime and you WILL report him to the police if he harasses you. Just get out of this relationship and then do the freedom programme.

Sunglasses1979 · Yesterday 10:10

BellesAndGraces · 01/06/2026 22:34

31 pages and 741 posts and still no indication whatsoever that you actually agree that your DP is abusive and you will at least make
an effort to try and leave him. Some people just love the drama and being the centre of attention, even if it’s just a MN thread. It’s disrespectful to the kind people who have taken the time to share their own experiences and try to help you.

I don't "love the drama" at all, I hate that this is happening.
I meant no disrespect to anyone by starting this thread. And I am grateful for all of the replies.
Also, I have literally said that I am planning to end things.

OP posts:
VickyEadie · Yesterday 10:14

Sunglasses1979 · Yesterday 10:10

I don't "love the drama" at all, I hate that this is happening.
I meant no disrespect to anyone by starting this thread. And I am grateful for all of the replies.
Also, I have literally said that I am planning to end things.

Don't plan too long, please - take the advice offered about seeking support (from Women's Aid, from family and friends - to whom you should be as honest as you've been here, sharing this thread if necessary_and cut him loose asap.

Never look back. No matter what he says about "changing/being better" - put the ring in the post and say in as few words as possible that you never want to see him again.

Sunglasses1979 · Yesterday 10:16

CalmTheFuckDownMargaret · 01/06/2026 23:15

He is gradually exercising more and more control over you and he’s tightening his grip so much now that you can feel it because you’re piecing it all together. Even the things like insisting on picking you up from nights out - they once seemed thoughtful, but now you can see he’s keeping tabs on where you are, when the event ends and whether you leave by yourself. Keeping you awake before important events is sabotage. Trying to divide you and your daughter is his way of trying to make you pick him over every other person in your life.

He’s a troubled man and troubled men can be dangerous so please trust your instincts and your senses. You are absolutely right here. This is absolutely despicable treatment.

Edited

Yes tightening his grip is a good way to describe it. It is getting more and more intense and I am seeing less and less of family and friends. I have missed quite a few nights out etc. recently or as I say left early.
Work is difficult as if I have had an all-night argument with him then I am exhausted but he can just take the day off. If I lose my job it would be awful but lack of sleep and stress of arguments lasting days does impact my job

OP posts:
2chocolateoranges · Yesterday 10:17

I’d rather live alone for the rest of my life than lower my bar to be with a “man” like this.

personally I wouldn’t meet up wih him again, he seems very volatile. I’d text

“This weekend has opened my eyes to the real you and I don’t want to be apart of that life. Please do not contact me again.

Sunglasses1979 · Yesterday 10:21

Icecreamisthebest · 01/06/2026 23:37

@Sunglasses1979 seek some advice from women's aid about the safest way to end this. And remember that your safety is the priority here, not his feelings. He is a dangerous man.

Try emailing them as it can be hard to get through on the phone. I'd suggest that you break up over the phone and go and stay with a friend for a few days immediately afterwards. Also that you block and delete him, change all your passwords and change your normal routine for a while. But women's aid are the experts here and you need to listen to them.

Wishing you all the best, I'm so glad you posted and took on board the comments. You deserve a happy peaceful life.

Thank you x

OP posts:
RisingSunn · Yesterday 10:22

Put the ring in the post with a note (next day delivery) - stating that his aggressive behaviour is not something you are comfortable dealing with.

Do not contact me again.

Following this - block.

Megifer · Yesterday 10:26

Do you have any belongings at his that you really need?

Sunglasses1979 · Yesterday 10:28

Youtookyourtime · Yesterday 06:50

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/amibeingunreasonable/5535981-i-think-my-dh-is-jealous-of-my-adult-children-that-arent-his?postsby=Blondiebeachbabe

the parallels with this thread are remarkable. Perhaps you and the Op could support one another. Both have partners that are jealous of your DD. Both recently had an issue with going out with your DD and her partner and her partner’s father for a meal. Both have partners with mummy-issues. As I say, parallels are striking.

Edited

Thank you, I will check this out.

OP posts:
Sunglasses1979 · Yesterday 10:34

Isittimeformynapyet · Yesterday 09:36

My ex would text me constantly, even when I was at work, over and over.

Then, when I'd committed one of his imaginary crimes, he would stop, so I knew that I had incurred his wrath again somehow.

I was anxious ALL THE TIME, even when he was absent.

Yes I am very anxious too, I can see this now. Either because he is messaging me incessantly and I am not answering quick enough because I am working or something or if he then goes silent I know I'm in trouble and there will be an argument later on.

OP posts:
Isittimeformynapyet · Yesterday 10:35

Don't pay any attention to @BellesAndGraces OP. I found her post massively disrespectful to all of us.

You posted less than 24 hours ago and are processing everything.

The laws around coercive control started after my experience of it. I'd never heard of it until then and spent hours reading through so many lists of signs available online going "tick, tick, tick" and thinking "oh my God! I was with a coercive controller!"

It's now a crime. Your fiancé is a criminal. I would log with police 101 that you are planning to end the relationship - I think they are very aware that this is potentially a dangerous situation. They may have advice for you themselves, or signpost you to an organisation like Women's Aid, as others have suggested.

Take advice from the experts on how to end it.

I wouldn't tell him it's over face to face. And I wouldn't send the ring back in the post (he could claim it never arrived and use that as reason to harass you).

Good luck OP x

Sunglasses1979 · Yesterday 10:37

Megifer · Yesterday 10:26

Do you have any belongings at his that you really need?

Don't think so. Just overnight stuff like hairbrush, tooth brush, a few items of clothing, perfume that kind of thing. There is some jewellery but nothing of high value. So it is a bit annoying but I can manage without.

OP posts:
MrsOvertonsWindow · Yesterday 10:39

Sunglasses1979 · Yesterday 10:37

Don't think so. Just overnight stuff like hairbrush, tooth brush, a few items of clothing, perfume that kind of thing. There is some jewellery but nothing of high value. So it is a bit annoying but I can manage without.

So you're safe and away from him in your own home OP? That's good.

What do you need to do to get some support so you're not dealing with his coercive control all alone?

99bottlesofkombucha · Yesterday 10:43

Good luck ditching him op, life will be better!

Sunglasses1979 · Yesterday 10:43

Bluffinwithmymuffin · Yesterday 09:21

But can you also see in hindsight that you should have swerved a relationship with this man, and are you planning to end it?

Yes I am planning to end it. I am working out how to with the least stress and anxiety as I am quite scared of how he will react. I am not at his at the moment and now I have cancelled seeing him this evening. He is now upset about this. He hates being cancelled on as everything he sees as a rejection is something that makes him kick off.
I am trying to buy a ring doorbell at the moment. As that will hopefully make me feel a bit safer.

OP posts:
Sassylovesbooks · Yesterday 10:49

Seek some professional advice from a domestic abuse charity, on how to safely exit yourself from this relationship. Or even going to your local police station for advice. I can guarantee that your partner isn't going to go quietly. When he realises he no longer has control over you, his behaviour will escalate. I would recommend you requesting a Clare's Law application. Install security cameras at your home, prior to ending the relationship. Keep all text messages/emails etc, as evidence, because if his behaviour does escalate, then you may need to report him to the police. Tell your place of work, what is happening, and when you end the relationship, because he could try contacting you via work. Once you end the relationship, change your routine, even stay with a friend, and block him on all platforms. Tell friends/family, you have nothing to be ashamed about.

MrsOvertonsWindow · Yesterday 10:52

Sunglasses1979 · Yesterday 10:43

Yes I am planning to end it. I am working out how to with the least stress and anxiety as I am quite scared of how he will react. I am not at his at the moment and now I have cancelled seeing him this evening. He is now upset about this. He hates being cancelled on as everything he sees as a rejection is something that makes him kick off.
I am trying to buy a ring doorbell at the moment. As that will hopefully make me feel a bit safer.

Is your house quite secure Sunglasses?
Well done for cancelling him tonight. He will likely ramp up the pressure if he thinks you're slipping away from his control so you'll need some support for that.

Do you have people who can support you? Brilliant as Mumsnetters are at giving support, now is the time to be brave and speak to those who love you. There's no shame in admitting you've finally realised what they saw and I'm sure they'd be willing to come and stay / you stay with them rather than you being alone and scared. Flowers

CerseisWig · Yesterday 10:58

I hope you find the strength to end it. I agree with ringing women's aid. Although those who've been through it are doing a good job of advising on here.

CerseisWig · Yesterday 11:00

@MrsOvertonsWindow is right. Tell your loved ones.

Beachtastic · Yesterday 11:00

He's a fucking lunatic OP, although I'm sure he knew how to behave like a normal person earlier in the relationship.

Definitely do a Claire's Law on him.

And be very careful about how you leave him. Don't reveal your plans. Just focus on making yourself safe.

TreeDudette · Yesterday 11:02

I got as far as him throwing a wobbly because you wanted to do something else important to your daughter for Monday lunchtime. That in itself is completely unreasonable and I would not be in a relationship with someone who behaved so childishly and made me miserble. This one is not a keeper.

Cailin66 · Yesterday 11:04

Sunglasses1979 · Yesterday 10:37

Don't think so. Just overnight stuff like hairbrush, tooth brush, a few items of clothing, perfume that kind of thing. There is some jewellery but nothing of high value. So it is a bit annoying but I can manage without.

That’s brilliant. Nothing important, just forget about those items as they are just “stuff”. What’s more important is that you feel safe, you’re in the most danger while leaving him. Can you stay a few nights with friends of family immediately after you tell him it’s over? Whatever you do, and no matter what he says, do not go back to his place. He’ll need a few days to calm down once you tell him it’s over.

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