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Update on previous post - I've messed up even worse

15 replies

Hxnzxo · 31/05/2025 16:41

Hey again, I wanted to post again as to build up on the other day's post and because I think I've made it much worse. I didn't end up going to hers and she was upset for a few hours. She was even about to break up with me but then changed her mind. Yesterday she said she wanted to come to my house today, in an hour or so.
I would like to thank everyone who helped on my last post, and to update, I got medication and I felt a little better at the end of the day.

However, just before I went to sleep the same thing happened with me getting off to porn, literally that same night. I felt like I betrayed her again because we'd literally agreed I wouldn't do it again. I did acknowledge that this was completely normal though and somewhat of a struggle for me, so I was feeling a little better during the next morning, but it got much worse in the evening.

The day was going fine, but just before midnight, me and a couple of friends went clubbing. We've been before with the same group and this was our 2nd time this year, but at a different club. It was mainly me, 2 guy friends and a female friend. There was also another female friend when we got there, but she left before us as she was with another group of friends too. Me and my girlfriend have both been clubbing a few times separately, with our own friends, so she was fine with it and I'm also not worried whenever she goes, apart from for her safety.

However, throughout different points of the night, the female friend was quite touchy with me. She'd kind of grab my arm, and it happened multiple times, whether it was to talk to me or to show me something, I don't exactly remember but she was more touchy than usual the whole day even. She was saying normal things while doing it and not verbally flirting, but it was still contact. For most of the time at the club we were dancing to the music in a group/circle, and I wasn't exactly thinking about her but whenever she did touch me, I kind of just allowed it and maybe even enjoyed it, which is why I feel so guilty. When she did it it's like I didn't mind and liked it. I didn't do much in response or ask her about it, just moved on with what we were doing. I feel bad because I could've said something or moved away but I didn't.

At one point before we had to leave, the 4 of us wanted to move to a different spot. I told the 2 guys to go first because I didn't feel comfortable with pushing through the crowd out of fear I'd accidentally touch/brush against someone and then my OCD would flare up, as it has these past few months. So the 2 guys went before, then it was me and the female friend followed. However, she then grabbed my wrist, or just above, somewhere on my forearm. I believe it was just to keep track of where we were going so she could follow and not get lost in the people around us since it was quite the crowd. I was initially surprised because I didn't expect her to hold onto my arm, but again on the inside, I enjoyed the contact.

I don't know if it can be intrusive thoughts but the feelings felt pretty real. I just kept moving forward though and didn't say anything again. Just before we got to the end I was even getting thoughts about holding hands with her and I'm really worried that I moved my arm up so our hands could touch or something. I don't think I did and I ignored the thoughts in the moment, but with this whole OCD and anxiety around sex/touch, now I'm even worried that it might have been a crime had I actually tried moving my arm up. I tend to always forget and think what if this what if that, and accept the worst case scenario where I did act upon the thoughts. Again I don't think I did and I hope I ignored the thoughts, but I don't want to deny it incase I'm lying to myself, so I keep it as a possibility.

Anyway, after that we went to buy drinks (we all got water, we didn't drink at all yesterday) and I got an energy drink too. We found a spot to relax and talk in a corner outside, and she was next to me but I didn't do anything like touch or get close. I was pinned up against the corner though, so there wasn't much space to move and I just stayed still and talked, until we moved back in shortly after.

We then went home, and ever since I got home I've just felt so guilty. I shouldn't have gone clubbing at all and I'm an asshole of a boyfriend. The friend knows I have a girlfriend and hasn't ever been like this before, but I feel like I cheated by allowing her hold my arm and not saying anything and even enjoying it on the inside. Yes I didn't kiss nor have sex nor flirt with her or anyone else, but I think she was probably thinking about it after the touching too and might have been subtle flirting between the two of us. I'm not sure. Today of course I regret it and wish I didn't even go, because there were tons of girls there too and I was looking at times and I just feel horrible. I didn't talk to anyone or flirt or anything like that, it was just the touching and me letting it happen and even liking it. I really need a therapist.

My girlfriend is supposed to be coming over in literally an hour or so and again I'm super terrified. I fucked up so bad, I know it and you can grill me.
I asked if it's fine to not have sex today and she said of course, but I know for a fact we'll be at least cuddling or touching, and I'm scared that this will be a crime, because (same concept like last time) if she knew what happened at the club she definitely wouldn't want to touch or have sex or do anything with me, so I feel like if we do it and I don't tell her it could be sa or something, since she wouldn't have consented if she knew what happened.
It's the same as the other day but this time it's not non-issues like me venting to people, but borderline cheating. I don't think I can do anything with her today because I know if I do cuddle/touch with her I'll overthink that it's a crime since she doesn't know what happened.

I'm sorry if this changes your previous view of me. I don't think I'm this nice guy that should give himself a break or relax, yes I have OCD but I basically cheated on her, at least emotionally. I really shouldn't have gone to that club. I feel so bad, I should have at least told the friend to just hold onto my jumper or shoulder or something, not allow her to grab my arm 5 times in one day.
I think I have to break up with her for her sake, but it's too late to call off her coming to my house today. Would I go to jail if we do stuff today and I don't tell her?

OP posts:
MiloMinderbinder925 · 31/05/2025 16:48

Would I go to jail if we do stuff today and I don't tell her?

I believe that's highly likely, best not touch. As for your guilt over a woman touching your arm; get some help.

SunflowerTed · 31/05/2025 16:51

You need help! Go and see your Doctor.

SummertimeFeelingFine · 31/05/2025 16:56

You need to book yourself in to see the doctor and get a referral for medication and/or therapy.

You really cannot be having sex or trying to be in a relationship right now.

It's not good to attempt to assuage guilt/intrusive thoughts through assurances from people on the internet. It will make your OCD much, much worse.

SummertimeFeelingFine · 31/05/2025 16:57

that's taking your posts at face value, which I'm not sure I should but I'm feeling generous today

Richandstrange · 31/05/2025 17:05

Honestly OP none of this is normal and it has nothing to do with your gf, sex or consent, it's a MH issue and the only people who can help you are MH professionals. You don't have to live like this, it must be utterly exhausting and awful for you but it won't improve until you get some proper help. By all means talk to us here about possible treatment options and to get support whilst you recover but posting here isn't tackling the root of the problem, only your GP can get that ball rolling. You deserve to live a life free from all this overthinking and anxiety, please, please see your GP asap.

Lostworlds · 31/05/2025 17:07

You didn’t cheat physically or emotionally here. You might have liked some attention from the friend but that’s all.

I haven’t read any of your other threads but I think you need to get some support with your mental wellbeing and might be a good idea to be single to focus on that. The pressure you’re putting on yourself isn’t good.

Nothing you have described would send you to jail.

Hxnzxo · 31/05/2025 17:08

Richandstrange · 31/05/2025 17:05

Honestly OP none of this is normal and it has nothing to do with your gf, sex or consent, it's a MH issue and the only people who can help you are MH professionals. You don't have to live like this, it must be utterly exhausting and awful for you but it won't improve until you get some proper help. By all means talk to us here about possible treatment options and to get support whilst you recover but posting here isn't tackling the root of the problem, only your GP can get that ball rolling. You deserve to live a life free from all this overthinking and anxiety, please, please see your GP asap.

Thank you, I know I need it too, but I can't today since she's meant to come over. If I cancel she'll probably be in tears again and completely broken.

I'm completely lost for what to do.

OP posts:
FortyElephants · 31/05/2025 17:11

Reassurance seeking is a key aspect of OCD and giving reassurance to the sufferer is NOT helpful and prolongs the rumination stage. I strongly recommend posters DON'T engage in reassuring OP and OP I strongly recommend you seek professional help asap.

MiloMinderbinder925 · 31/05/2025 17:12

Hxnzxo · 31/05/2025 17:08

Thank you, I know I need it too, but I can't today since she's meant to come over. If I cancel she'll probably be in tears again and completely broken.

I'm completely lost for what to do.

She'll be 'completely broken' if you change plans? That's not normal behaviour either. It sounds like neither of you should be in a relationship.

See your GP and try BACP for a therapist.

Dery · 31/05/2025 17:23

@Hxnzxo - you have an illness (OCD) that needs to be brought under control - and it can be, with MH exercises, therapy and medication. As PP have said, reassuring you won’t help you because it ultimately feeds your anxiety. Seek medical help. You’re not in a position to date at the moment because you are too unwell. Your OCD is fixable, OP, and you will feel better again - right now that needs to be your focus.

Hxnzxo · 31/05/2025 17:28

MiloMinderbinder925 · 31/05/2025 17:12

She'll be 'completely broken' if you change plans? That's not normal behaviour either. It sounds like neither of you should be in a relationship.

See your GP and try BACP for a therapist.

It's because we haven't seen each other since the 22nd. She said she misses me and wanted to see me, but I called it off two days in a row already and she was quite upset, hence why I made the first post the other day.
She nearly broke up with me after that because she thought I didn't even make an effort to go see her and I don't want to see her anymore, but changed her mind and wants to see me today, so if I cancel again, especially since I've agreed to her coming and waiting for her to tell me she's on her way, I imagine that would be the end.

I feel really bad because she genuinely loves me while I'm here clubbing, telling people our business, hiding it and not wanting to see her.

OP posts:
MrsTerryPratchett · 31/05/2025 17:39

FortyElephants · 31/05/2025 17:11

Reassurance seeking is a key aspect of OCD and giving reassurance to the sufferer is NOT helpful and prolongs the rumination stage. I strongly recommend posters DON'T engage in reassuring OP and OP I strongly recommend you seek professional help asap.

THIS. OP seek help. Not here, not from anyone who isn’t qualified.

Posters please don’t try to help by being reassuring. It is harmful, not helpful.

Hxnzxo · 31/05/2025 17:52

MrsTerryPratchett · 31/05/2025 17:39

THIS. OP seek help. Not here, not from anyone who isn’t qualified.

Posters please don’t try to help by being reassuring. It is harmful, not helpful.

Thank you, I get that and I’ll be talking to my gp, but what do I do now about her coming over?

OP posts:
Lostworlds · 31/05/2025 17:59

no one here can tell you what to do.
If you want to see her and spend time with her then invite her over. If you don’t want to see her then cancel.

You need to focus on yourself and that’s okay to do that, It’s not selfish, you don’t need to put her emotions first right now.

CCmumsnet · 31/05/2025 18:32

Hi OP, Sorry to jump on here but we've had a few reports from Mumsnetters concerned about this thread. While we're amazed daily by some of the excellent advice and support offered on Mumsnet, there's really no substitute for proper medical attention – we'd never want to discourage anyone from seeing a doctor when need proper support and guidance. We're going to move this thread to the Mental Health section shortly.💐

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