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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to think my fiancé overreacted part 2

25 replies

Sunglasses1979 · Yesterday 19:12

A kind poster suggested making a second thread so here it is x

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:
Sunglasses1979 · Yesterday 19:19

Thank you everyone for your posts and advice today I have decided I need to end things as I think he was undeniably BU. I have not called things off other than to kind of take stock and will break things off in a day or so I think.

I am terrified of ending it with him incase it enrages him.

I want to get a Ring doorbell or similar first, and to get someone to stay at mine for a few days. Just in case. He has really done a number on me and I do feel like better for having posted.

I am thinking about the police but not sure what to say as saying he made me go to a bar and watch him get a 20 year old's phone number isn't a crime. I am still reading up on coercive control.

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/5537013-aibu-to-think-my-fiance-overreacted-by-getting-a-younger-womans-number-because-i-double-booked-by-accident-and-threw-my-belongings-about?page=1

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

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 an...

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/5537013-aibu-to-think-my-fiance-overreacted-by-getting-a-younger-womans-number-because-i-double-booked-by-accident-and-threw-my-belongings-about?page=1

OP posts:
itwasyourshowallalong · Yesterday 19:38

Speak to the police - it’s coercive behaviour, and no doubt they will have seen this before sadly

The priority is that you are safe - nothing else matters

Therealjudgejudy · Yesterday 19:52

You have made the right decision op.

Lmnop22 · Yesterday 20:56

Honestly, you’re making the absolute right decision. It will feel borderline impossible now but I promise you your future self will thank you for doing it. If you’re ever feeling weak, just re read that last thread and all the women on there who didn’t leave and had awful experiences at the hands of abusive men who started exactly like this man did.

MrsOvertonsWindow · Yesterday 21:07

Well done OP. You're right to put in place support before you tell him - especially as he scares you.

Maybe decide about the police when you see how he reacts to you telling him it's over? I suspect one of the Domestic Abuse / Women's organisations may be initially more helpful while you decide how to leave the relationship safely. His behaviour is very abusive - trust your instincts and hold on to that knowledge over the next few days:

https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/i-am-planning-to-leave-my-abuser/

Wishing you well and hope that your friends and family step up and are supportive.

I am planning to leave my abuser - National Domestic Abuse Helpline

If you have decided to leave your abuser, it is important that you access specialist support. Call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline.

https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/i-am-planning-to-leave-my-abuser/

Merryoldgoat · Yesterday 21:09

I read your other thread @Sunglasses1979

Absolutely seek advice from the police and Woman’s Aid before acting.

You could also get a Claire’s Law disclosure.

This is the kind of man who kills his partner OP - you need to leave safely.

NameMyyyee3333 · Yesterday 21:12

He’s abusive and this is all very cornering behaviour by him
you absolutely doing the right thing by leaving him and sooner rather than later
its bad you even considered that you might be in the wrong
he is a damaging person to be around
I’m happy to her you are getting away
good Luck

ProfessorRedshoeblueshoe · Yesterday 21:16

You have come a long way, you can do this.

MyArtfulGreySloth · Yesterday 21:20

So glad you have made this decision op. He sounds absolutely awful.

StartingToday010626 · Yesterday 21:33

@Sunglasses1979 awful man. So pleased to hear you’re leaving him.

OneNewLeader · Yesterday 21:40

You’ve made the right decision, but you need to be careful in how you manage your exit. Call Womens Aid to make sure you plan this right. Presumably you can buy yourself a little time with a ‘bad cold’. Assume you don’t live together.

Excited101 · Yesterday 21:43

Well done op, I’m so proud of you!
make sure you get advice on how best to end it- if in person, having someone else there and it being in a public place etc… there will be reams online by professionals.

Safarisagoody · Yesterday 21:45

Op it’s not just about rhe 2o year old, that’s minimising it. It’s everything you listed in your other thread, no one would suggest you go to the police over one isolated incident.

it’s all the arguments before big events, the isolating you, the abuse, the sleepless nights, it’s all of it.

Hapagirl48 · Yesterday 21:52

I read and commented on your other post. You’re making the right decision, well done! I know it’s not easy and it’s scary but your future self will thank you. I’m so glad it’s not further complicated by you living with him or already married to him. It’s the first day of the rest of your life.

Polkadotpompom · Yesterday 22:08

OP I'm pleased you have seen this is emotional abuse and co-ercive control.

Getting a ring doorbell is a really good idea. Would you be able to stay with someone instead of them staying with you? Be careful about your routes and routines too. Mix them up for a good while so he can't accidentally bump into you.

At least it's one small mercy that you don't live together yet! And have nothing of value at his.

Please do reach out to a friend and a sibling. Let people know you have realised it's time to call it a day and need some support. Please don't be hesitant to do this. It sounds like they really care about you, and will want to be supportive and helpful.

INeedAnotherName · Yesterday 22:12

Well done OP, I'm glad you are taking a breather from him first while you get your support system in place. Very wise.

As for the police - tell them you are wanting to break up with someone who has made you feel a bit scared with their behaviour (throwing your belongings is considered physical abuse as it causes intimidation) and you are worried about his reaction. Ask them if they have any advice on how to do it safely. Otherwise ask a DV charity, your council will have a local one listed on their website, or contact Women's Aid etc.

geoger · Yesterday 22:15

OP well done for coming to this decision, pleas stay strong and seek advice from Women’s Aid. You should also contact the police; this is coercive control and they’ll take it seriously
Can you stay with a friend or family member in the meantime?

AcrossthePond55 · Today 01:00

@Sunglasses1979

You really have got this! Your eyes are wide open and you are making wise decisions!

You are right to protect yourself as much as possible before you say anything to him. If you have to, you can plead a D&V 'bug' to buy you a few days.

Talk to the police. All you're doing at this point is seeking information from them as to what they need before they can file anything and/or put a 'marker' on your house.

Ring doorbell absolutely! I would also check your door bolt to be sure it's 'sturdy'. That may be overkill but it can't hurt.

Someone suggested contacting WA and I don't think that's a bad idea either. I'm sure they have valuable information on breaking with an abusive, possessive man.

And this is for 'afterwards, if you need it (hopefully not).

https://www.paladinservice.co.uk/get-support

Paladin National Stalking Advocacy Service | Paladin Service

Paladin provides advocacy support to high risk victims of stalking. Recognising stalking can be difficult as often the individual behaviours may appear insignificant. Stalkers know how to make it appear coincidental making it even harder to access supp...

https://www.paladinservice.co.uk/get-support

CalmTheFuckDownMargaret · Today 10:43

INeedAnotherName · Yesterday 22:12

Well done OP, I'm glad you are taking a breather from him first while you get your support system in place. Very wise.

As for the police - tell them you are wanting to break up with someone who has made you feel a bit scared with their behaviour (throwing your belongings is considered physical abuse as it causes intimidation) and you are worried about his reaction. Ask them if they have any advice on how to do it safely. Otherwise ask a DV charity, your council will have a local one listed on their website, or contact Women's Aid etc.

Yes and I’d also mention the references to hacking and tracking. They need to check your phone for location tracking and pc / tablets for monitoring software etc if you don’t know how to.

Tabarnak · Today 11:30

OP - glad you have started a new thread.

Getting a Ring bell (or equivalent) is a good idea as is finding someone to stay with you or if you can stay with them.

Police, Women's Aid, Claire's Law - all good ideas BUT this may hold you up a lot. Women's Aid are (sadly) inundated and can take a long tome to get back to you if you can't get through to them. I don't know how long it takes to get a Claire's Law disclosure? If it comes back clear that is NOT a re-assuring reason to stay with this man!

Meanwhile, all this delay could be enraging this man, or he will be pushing hard to get you to spend time with him etc. And he might take the timescale into his own hands and turn up at your door anyway. It will be really hard to keep putting off arrangements to spend time with him as the weekend approaches.

I think getting RL support and a Ring Doorbell are priorities. Then - do it! Tell all your friends and family.

If he kicks off in any way you call 999 .

You can always report coercive control later or if he persists in being a nuisance and you need to take out an order against him.

You are allowed to end relationships.

APinkAndSpottyGiraffey · Today 12:08

@Sunglasses1979 Id go to the police, tell them everything, maybe copy some notes of the worst incidents down and give them that. I’d be clear, you don’t expect him charged but you want your experience and concerns formally noted. I’d also do a Claire’s Law request to see if anyone else has reported similar.

The police have experienced officers who can help. They can also put a flag on your address in case of issues and/or issue you with an alarm in case of problems.

You have a lot of support here, keep posting and good luck 💐

Shadesofscarlett · Today 12:44

i agree with everyone - but for a doorbell, Eufy are good and no subscriiption. just link to an app on the phone. v easy.

YourWinter · Today 13:14

With the very many incidents of totally unacceptable and controlling behaviour detailed in your first thread, you need to end the relationship and block contact with this ridiculous man. What a blessing you’ve seen the light before moving in and, much worse, getting married. He’ll move on and make someone else’s life a misery, don’t let him ruin any more of yours. Don’t be fooled by him when he claims it’s only because he loves you, don’t feel sorry when he says he can’t (or won’t) live without you. He’ll be just fine, soon wrecking another woman’s confidence but not grinding you into the dirt through his cruel, coercive and abusive methods. Good luck and well done. You’ve got this.

TheMillionthBeautyAddict · Today 13:16

Read your first thread. Rooting for you. You are making the right decision. My advice is don’t break up with him face to face.

Pearlstillsinging · Today 13:31

What a sensible decision. Stay strong and use your RL support.

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