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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To be so pissed off I can’t sleep.

307 replies

Emotionstorn · 08/06/2026 00:02

Context. Me and DD’s father met in 2017. DD
born 2019.

Broke up last year. Reconciling.

Durinf the relationship I put myself on the back burner, we only did stuff if I paid, I bought him clothes etc. he works full time. I paid all the bills.

We live apart now but have been seeing each other and coparenting. Reconciling to an extent.

I get 200 a month CSA. He doesn’t have DD overnight.
He still gets treats off me etc. Has been hounding me to sort DD’s passport out as she’s never been abroad.
I paid the fee. We went to the cinema on Friday paid for by me.
I put petrol in his car. I also do not have a lot of time to myself and virtually no social life as we coparent he doesn’t have DD alone.

He’s messaged me today saying he’s in Benidorm with his friend. I didn’t know anything about this.

I am so upset and hurt.
I know im gonna get harsh comments. I had a very angry dad and an overly critical self absorbed mum so my views on relationships have been skewed. Most men I’ve dated have had issues. I put up with it because I don’t know anything different.

AIBU to be fucking angry at him and myself!
Please give me a shake.

OP posts:
BudgetBuster · 12/06/2026 13:03

Emotionstorn · 12/06/2026 12:55

He’s always done this. I’ve done so much thinking.

He doesn’t let me have boundaries or be annoyed with him. He’s done so many shitty things. And every time he pushes and pushes me. Trying to hug me, lovebombing me and he wears me down til I just agree with him and brush his crappy actions under the carpet.

Have you applied for CMS properly?

Emotionstorn · 12/06/2026 13:06

Yes the collect and pay
I should get it Monday from him but I don’t think I will do

OP posts:
TimeForTeaAndG · 12/06/2026 13:12

Unfortunately, you can't ever be 100% rid of him as you have DD but you can absolutely establish boundaries. He doesn't get to "not let" you have those. You have to be the one to enforce them though.

If you don't want a messaging app set up a new email address and don't have it linked on your phone if possible. Read through, or have someone else, once a week or whatever timeframe you feel is reasonable, and only respond to direct questions about DD. Any requests for money, any "love you"s get ignored completely.
"Love you. Can I see DD on Sunday. Any chance you can ping me a tenner for the entry to the place I'll take her".
"I'll have DD ready to be collected at 10am on Sunday."

There has to be a line in the sand and it sounds like you are drawing yours, just needs to be made a bit firmer.

Triskellion75 · 12/06/2026 14:09

I am so proud of you for finding your rage.

You're not shit, or stupid, or any of the other horrible stuff you've been calling yourself. You're a fucking warrior!

INeedAnotherName · 12/06/2026 14:40

He doesn’t let me have boundaries or be annoyed with him.
These are not for him to allow, these are things you enforce. You don't ask others to respect your boundaries, you tell them and give consequences if they overstep such as hanging up the phone, walking away etc.

I agree with DuckbilledSplatterPuff, I think getting the app will be money well spent until you've learnt how to enforce and keep your boundaries. Especially with this type of man who has already head fucked you so badly. It will be a hell of a lot cheaper than falling under his spell again.

Emotionstorn · 12/06/2026 15:24

Does anyone have an idea how to enforce the boundary?

There absolutely has to be a cut off and this is it. I’ve seen the light. I am going to stick to my guns. I’ve had almost a decade of this he doesn’t take me seriously AT ALL. I want that to change

OP posts:
TimeForTeaAndG · 12/06/2026 15:36

Emotionstorn · 12/06/2026 15:24

Does anyone have an idea how to enforce the boundary?

There absolutely has to be a cut off and this is it. I’ve seen the light. I am going to stick to my guns. I’ve had almost a decade of this he doesn’t take me seriously AT ALL. I want that to change

You enforce it by ignoring things which are not about DD.
You tell him this is the email/app he is to contact you on about DD.
Block him on all other things. Phones, social media (make profiles private and chuck anyone from his social circle off your friends list).
If he calls you do not answer. Hang up immediately if he uses a new number, and block that one too.
Respond solely to questions about DD or requests to see her.

Treat him like a toddler, ignore the bad behaviour (not suggesting you reward the good but it's a decent enough analogy).

Pessismistic · 12/06/2026 15:39

Hi op you just need to be strong send him a message say I’m not doing this I’m done with you I hope your holiday was worth it. stop sending me stupid messages I mean it this time so go fuck yourself and only have contact for dd. He’s taking advantage as he sees you as easy to manipulate. Only you can stop him. Good luck. He’s a cunt and a tight arse as well.

BudgetBuster · 12/06/2026 16:00

Emotionstorn · 12/06/2026 15:24

Does anyone have an idea how to enforce the boundary?

There absolutely has to be a cut off and this is it. I’ve seen the light. I am going to stick to my guns. I’ve had almost a decade of this he doesn’t take me seriously AT ALL. I want that to change

It's hard but you just need to ignore and not respond to ANYTHING that doesn't concern your daughter. And even then it's should only be relevant communication.

Next time he asks to see her, ideally you should give him a list of days / times that he gets her. Exchange in a neutral location (shop carpark or library etc) with CCTV.

If he contacts you about anything other than DD, literally ignore. My DH found email much easier to communicate because for some reason it seems not as reactive as a text. So his ex who always caused issues, would be less problematic if she had to respond via email... which was ultimately court ordered anyway due to her constantly bombarding the phone.

Re CMS, if he doesn't pay it, chase CMS straight away. Did he make any comments about you going down this route?

Emotionstorn · 12/06/2026 20:21

It’s actually not hard at all to not reply I won’t lie😂

OP posts:
Emotionstorn · 13/06/2026 12:16

Had 4 missed calls at 4am. He’d back today apparently. Regrets going. Missed me. Blah blah blah

Hes got to go to hospital after he gets back as a varicose vein he’s had for 10 years has apparently burst and his legs gone black.
managed to inform me he went away with £250 and spent it within 3 days, drank a lot

ive managed to hold my own. Asked him to download parenting app. Asked him how any of that sob story is my problem then chopped the call and blocked him via text!

im proud of mysekf

OP posts:
SnugTiger · 13/06/2026 12:19

Well done! Not your problem!

Pessismistic · 13/06/2026 12:21

Good for you op bit late for regrets from him he’s a snake.

Bestfootforward11 · 13/06/2026 12:23

Emotionstorn · 13/06/2026 12:16

Had 4 missed calls at 4am. He’d back today apparently. Regrets going. Missed me. Blah blah blah

Hes got to go to hospital after he gets back as a varicose vein he’s had for 10 years has apparently burst and his legs gone black.
managed to inform me he went away with £250 and spent it within 3 days, drank a lot

ive managed to hold my own. Asked him to download parenting app. Asked him how any of that sob story is my problem then chopped the call and blocked him via text!

im proud of mysekf

Bloody well done! 👏
He is spouting utter nonsense. The focus is all me me me.
Hold strong. You are a queen x

Bonkers1966 · 13/06/2026 12:34

Well done OP. Keep up the good work.

BudgetBuster · 13/06/2026 12:37

Emotionstorn · 13/06/2026 12:16

Had 4 missed calls at 4am. He’d back today apparently. Regrets going. Missed me. Blah blah blah

Hes got to go to hospital after he gets back as a varicose vein he’s had for 10 years has apparently burst and his legs gone black.
managed to inform me he went away with £250 and spent it within 3 days, drank a lot

ive managed to hold my own. Asked him to download parenting app. Asked him how any of that sob story is my problem then chopped the call and blocked him via text!

im proud of mysekf

Fantastic work!

Notquitethetruth · 13/06/2026 12:39

So you should be proud of yourself!! Finally fighting back. Bet he is not only in pain but also in shock. 😁

RandomMess · 13/06/2026 12:48

🥳 well done, keep it up. You & DD deserve so much more.

Bonden · 13/06/2026 12:52

You’re being so forgiving and kind and generous over and over because you hope it will make him love you, and you lovable.
It won’t. He isn’t capable of love - even for his daughter.
AND YOU ARE LOVABLE you don’t need to pay for being loved!!
let you anger look after you. It’s arrived to protect you. Let it.

Emotionstorn · 13/06/2026 12:53

Apparently this holiday was a trial run and now he’s ready for a holiday with me and DD

I genuinely am lost for words

OP posts:
SnugTiger · 13/06/2026 12:57

Yes a holiday he will expect you to pay for!
Don't be fooled!

Emotionstorn · 13/06/2026 12:58

Oh that’s what I said to him
he wants a family holiday so I can fucking pay for everything and occupy DD in a different country

he can get fucked. I needed this week of no contact. It’s done me so good.

OP posts:
dapsnotplimsolls · 13/06/2026 13:00

Well done on telling him to sod off. If you ever feel yourself weakening, come straight here!

Emotionstorn · 13/06/2026 13:00

I did want to say to him you took £250 for a week abroad. Where the fuck did you travel to 1991?!

OP posts:
PotatoLove · 13/06/2026 15:09

Good for you OP!

Notice he's doing the whole "I've got something wrong with me waaaaahhh" crap to get your sympathy? Sod him.