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Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

Feeling a little controlled/restricted

57 replies

CleanDiana · 20/04/2011 20:09

A few weeks ago I went on a night out with girls from work. It was the first night out I'd been to since DP and I got together. He nagged and nagged me to allow him to pick me up afterwards even though it would have been far easier for me to get a lift with my friend's boyfriend (who had offered to pick us both up and drop me off at home). I tried to explain this to him but he ended up convincing me and although he didn't tell me what time I had to come home, I did feel restricted all night, as if I had to keep giving him updates on what time we were likely to be leaving. Towards the end of the night he was texting every 5 minutes going on about how late it was getting and how he was worried and can he come and pick me up yet etc. Ok so it was 3am by the time I left but if he'd just let me come home with my friend it wouldn't have been an issue and I could have stayed out until whatever time I wanted and not had to feel guilty over it! We don't live together so it's not as if he was waiting up for me or anything.

So anyway he picked me up at 3am whilst making it clear he wasn't impressed with the time I'd chosen to leave and tried to get me to agree on an acceptable time of 12am for both of us in the future. But I shouldn't have to feel restricted like this! My children were at their dad's house and I had nobody to "wake up" when I got home so IMO I should be free to just come home whenever I want!

The issue has arisen again. This coming Saturday I am due to attend a leaving do for a good friend who I'll probably never see again after. The idea is we all go for a meal and then go for a drink or three. DP has again insisted that he pick me up but it would be so much easier for me to just make my own way home as I don't know what time I'll be leaving and I'd rather not be timed!! He's already started going on about me leaving early so we can spend some time together later in the night but I'll never see this friend again, it's a big deal for her and I do feel guilty leaving early. When I put this to him he makes out that I'm being unreasonable and he's only trying to be helpful but already I'm feeling restricted for this night out.

In his defense we don't see each other often as we both work full time and we're not involving the kids yet so the only time we really get to see each other is every other saturday night when my kids are at their dads and he can stay here. This night out has fallen on one of these weekends so I can kind of see why he's wanting to pick me up but he doesn't seem to realise how restrictive it makes my evening.

Am I being selfish?

OP posts:
garlicbutter · 21/04/2011 15:20

Fantastic post, SGB.

welshbyrd · 22/04/2011 08:46

Alarm bells ringing here, speak to him about it please, before it becomes to serious
Control is coming to mind

SueSylvesterforPM · 22/04/2011 20:11

'So anyway he picked me up at 3am whilst making it clear he wasn't impressed with the time I'd chosen to leave and tried to get me to agree on an acceptable time of 12am for both of us'

Is he your dad??
alarm bell would be ringing to me
ask him honsetly, why is it such an issue for me to come home by myself? You do realise I have been on many nights out before and got myself home okay?
You ask me to shorten MY night out for your convinience how do you think that makes me feel??

seriously ask him that, i know its sounds a bit hippy but its poilte but assertiver he cannot accuse you of being unreasonable. if he objects use examples like your quote

Bumblequeen · 22/04/2011 20:12

This reply has been deleted

Withdrawn at poster's request.

Jux · 28/04/2011 11:13

CleanDiana, can you give us an update? What did you do? Did he come and get you? Did he stay at your place while you went out?

AttilaTheMeerkat · 28/04/2011 13:00

CD

There are so many red flags here re controlling behaviour on his part that I have lost count. Controlling behaviour as well is abusive behaviour.

You need to dump him before he completely ruins your life by controlling every aspect of it. He will do this if you let him in. These men are not open at all to any reasoned argument you put to them and they do NOT change.

I would also suggest you read "Why does he do that?" written by Lundy Bancroft.

Zanette · 28/04/2011 13:44

Ok, let's not let this all get out of hand here.

Yes, he sounds controlling and they've only been on a few dates, but I'm sure the OP is a sensible woman who can decide if and when she wants to dump him.

My take on this would be to have a word with him and let him know that the night is mine and I'll be home when I chose. If he choses to pick me up, he has no right to complain.

I think there is no need for other posters to be doom-sayers and talk about abusive relationships, calling the police, changing the locks (who said he had a key anyway???) & finishing a relationship with what may be a nice man because of one hiccough.

I suspect there's alot of warnings due to others EX's behaviours but not all men are evil bastards. Maybe he is genuinely concerned for her and genuinely wants to pick her up to ensure she's safely home. Let's not always assume the worst.

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