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Relationships

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

suggestions for making other party think it was their idea to end relationship?

72 replies

TenderlyLovinglyByAGoat · 01/12/2011 10:42

So am in ridiculous situation, entirely my fault, engaged to someone I don't very much like. Ideally would tell them the whole thing was a crazy impulse, let them rant and rave a bit and then get back to my own life. But I'm too chicken and also can't bear the thought of how humiliating it would be for him (I don't think it's been two weeks since the happy announcement). So maybe it can fizzle out over a month or so, and maybe by then even he will notice that the happier he becomes the more unhappy and trapped I feel.

I really think he needs to be convinced it was his idea, doesn't handle rejection (or bizarre perceived rejection such as me wanting to visit a friend without him) very well at all. Quick and clean would be great normally but phased and uneventful will do nicely.

OP posts:
ItsMeAndMyPuppyNow · 01/12/2011 21:15

Good luck OP.

I've copy-pasted advice on detaching from a "Loser" below:

Ending the Relationship

Remembering that "The Loser" doesn't accept responsibility, responds with anger to criticism, and is prone to panic detachment reactions - ending the relationship continues the same theme as the detachment.

- Explain that you are emotionally numb, confused, and burned out. You can't feel anything for anybody and you want to end the relationship almost for his or her benefit. Remind them that they've probably noticed something is wrong and that you need time to sort out your feelings and fix whatever is wrong with you. As disgusting as it may seem, you may have to use a theme of "I'm not right for anyone at this point in my life." If "The Loser" can blame the end on you, as they would if they ended the relationship anyway, they will depart faster.

- If "The Loser" panics, you'll receive a shower of phone calls, letters, notes on your car, etc. React to each in the same manner - a boring thanks. If you overreact or give in, you've lost control again.

- Focus on your need for time away from the situation. Don't agree to the many negotiations that will be offered - dating less frequently, dating only once a week, taking a break for only a week, going to counseling together, etc. As long as "The Loser" has contact with you they feel there is a chance to manipulate you.

- "The Loser" will focus on making you feel guilty. In each phone contact you'll hear how much you are loved, how much was done for you, and how much they have sacrificed for you. At the same time, you'll hear about what a bum you are for leading them on, not giving them an opportunity to fix things, and embarrassing them by ending the relationship.

- Don't try to make them understand how you feel - it won't happen. "The Loser" only is concerned with how they feel - your feelings are irrelevant. You will be wasting your time trying to make them understand and they will see the discussions as an opportunity to make you feel more guilty and manipulate you.

- Don't fall for sudden changes in behavior or promises of marriage, trips, gifts, etc. By this time you have already seen how "The Loser" is normally and naturally. While anyone can change for a short period of time, they always return to their normal behavior once the crisis is over.

- Seek professional counseling for yourself or the support of others during this time. You will need encouragement and guidance. Keep in mind, if "The Loser" finds out you are seeking help they will criticize the counseling, the therapist, or the effort.

- Don't use terms like "someday", "maybe", or "in the future". When "The Loser" hears such possibilities, they think you are weakening and will increase their pressure.

- Imagine a dead slot machine. If we are in Las Vegas at a slot machine and pull the handle ten times and nothing happens - we move on to another machine. However, if on the tenth time the slot machine pays us even a little, we keep pulling the handle - thinking the jackpot is on the way. If we are very stern and stable about the decision to end the relationship over many days, then suddenly offer a possibility or hope for reconciliation - we've given a little pay and the pressure will continue. Never change your position - always say the same thing. "The Loser" will stop playing a machine that doesn't pay off and quickly move to another.

Follow-up Protection

"The Loser" never sees their responsibility or involvement in the difficulties in the relationship. From a psychological standpoint, "The Loser" has lived and behaved in this manner most of their life, clearly all of their adult life. As they really don't see themselves at fault or as an individual with a problem, "The Loser" tends to think that the girlfriend or boyfriend is simply going through a phase - their partner (victim) might be temporarily mixed up or confused, they might be listening to the wrong people, or they might be angry about something and will get over it soon. "The Loser" rarely detaches completely and will often try to continue contact with the partner even after the relationship is terminated. During the Follow-up Protection period, some guidelines are:

- Never change your original position. It's over permanently! Don't talk about possible changes in your position in the future. You might think that will calm "The Loser" but it only tells them that the possibilities still exist and only a little more pressure is needed to return to the relationship.

- Don't agree to meetings or reunions to discuss old times. For "The Loser", discussing old times is actually a way to upset you, put you off guard, and use the guilt to hook you again.

- Don't offer details about your new life or relationships. Assure him that both his life and your life are now private and that you hope they are happy.

- If you start feeling guilty during a phone call, get off the phone fast. More people return to bad marriages and relationships due to guilt than anything else. If you listen to those phone calls, as though taping them, you'll find "The Loser" spends most of the call trying to make you feel guilty.

- In any contact with the ex "Loser", provide only a status report, much like you'd provide to your Aunt Gladys. For example: "I'm still working hard and not getting any better at tennis. That's about it."

- When "The Loser" tells you how difficult the breakup has been, share with him some general thoughts about breaking-up and how finding the right person is difficult. While "The Loser" wants to focus on your relationship, talk in terms of Ann Landers - "Well, breaking up is hard on anyone. Dating is tough in these times. I'm sure we'll eventually find someone that's right for both of us." Remember - nothing personal!

- Keep all contact short and sweet - the shorter the better. As far as "The Loser" is concerned, you're always on your way somewhere, there's something in the microwave, or your mother is walking up the steps to your home. Wish "The Loser" well but always with the same tone of voice that you might offer to someone you have just talked to at the grocery store. For phone conversations, electronic companies make a handy gadget that produces about twenty sounds - a doorbell, an oven or microwave alarm, a knock on the door, etc. That little device is handy to use on the phone - the microwave dinner just came out or someone is at the door. Do whatever you have to do to keep the conversation short - and not personal.

TenderlyLovinglyByAGoat · 01/12/2011 21:57

wow, that was an interesting link - I think it said what I was wondering earlier, that if he thinks splitting up is (at least partly) his own idea he will take it seriously? Otherwise he will just carry on as if I haven't said anything, if past behaviour is anything to go by.

Even if he is just a perfectly decent person who is unlucky enough to have fallen for me, these things still hold true don't they? If I ever get my life back I'm going to guard it very carefully. Maybe I will look for my old thread and re-read to remind myself of how I got here because it doesn't feel real at all.

OP posts:
TenderlyLovinglyByAGoat · 01/12/2011 22:05

I found this one, what a complete freak I am.

Not the one I was thinking of but it is about him. Why can't I be even just a tiny bit normal?

OP posts:
ItsMeAndMyPuppyNow · 02/12/2011 08:25

You're fine, Goat. You just appear to feel responsible for other people's feelings more than your own. It's a great thing to be a kind and giving person - you just need to make sure not to give too much away, to the wrong people.

And yes, I do believe it is very wise - as was your first instinct - to make your soon-to-be-ex believe that the break-up is for his benefit. it will be hard to make him believe it was his idea, but the advice in the Dr Joe Carver link to appear boring and broken so that he feels he will gain from the break-up is very good.

TenderlyLovinglyByAGoat · 02/12/2011 09:36

Thanks. I like the 'i'm doing you a favour' someone suggested above - I am really. There is no way I could be the person he needs, there are plenty of people out there who would love a partner who is so into them. It's stupid things like, I have cooked something for myself and there is enough for whoever and then he comes in with lots of shopping and announces that 'we' are having oily fish because he's been reading a book about bipolar and it's good for me. And says I can just freeze what I've already prepared. So we eat this stupid fish which isn't even nice and everybody says 'aren't you lucky'. It's that sort of thing. He needs someone who will appreciate microwaved smoked mackerel. When they have already prepared something they actually like.

OP posts:
AvadventKalendar · 02/12/2011 11:51

Good luck today Goat :)

argghh · 02/12/2011 13:24

Yes good luck - and whatever happens you ARE doing the right thing. You are doing absolutely nothing wrong - if he threatens things such as suicide its HIS problem and not yours. Let us know how you get on.

malinkey · 02/12/2011 14:36

Good luck!

cestlavielife · 02/12/2011 15:12

dont go to his place or anywhere where you could be trapped - unless you take a strong person with you.

if he wont give key back then change locks or put internal bolt on when you at home - but that doesnt solve problem of him entering your flat and lying in wait...

if he threatens suicide call 999 and tell them to go round.

MorrisZapp · 02/12/2011 15:38

I don't agree with the 'I'm doing you a favour' advice. It won't work and may well backfire.

If you try to say 'it's not you, it's me' he will wonder why you're breaking up with him if he's so nice. Also, it isn't up to other people to decide what's best for us - I've had guys in the past say to me 'I'm not right for you just now', well thanks, but I'd rather decide that for myself!

You need to 'man up', it's hard but it won't be for long. Just tell him the truth, or as close to it as you can bear. Don't try to do it softly and kindly - that way lies too much opportunity for him to pick holes in your reasoning.

TenderlyLovinglyByAGoat · 02/12/2011 15:57

Just want it over with. It will be such a relief, I hope.

I will invite him round now, there are people coming at about 9 so that should be plenty of time. If I feel like it we could relocate to pub next door but I think it will be ok, he isn't going to do anything awful. He might cry but I think it will be further along that there would be problems. Maybe not.

OP posts:
Anniegetyourgun · 02/12/2011 16:31

Take care, pet. You can do this.

TenderlyLovinglyByAGoat · 02/12/2011 17:12

That was weird, he said 'okie-doke' and 'well it was obvious from day one but I hoped it would work out' and, in the anti-climax I asked if that was it and he walked out.

Sorry, what a lot of fuss about nothing. I realised a bit too late that he hadn't taken any of his things but there isn't much here. I really do hope he doesn't do anything stupid. Thanks for all the moral support.

OP posts:
malinkey · 02/12/2011 17:17

I hope not but that might be the calm before the storm. Maybe pack his stuff up in a bag so it's ready to go with no malingering round your house while he -whinges to you packs it up.

malinkey · 02/12/2011 17:17

Oh, and well done you.

buzzswellington · 02/12/2011 20:12

I agree with malinkey, get his stuff packed up and ready to go. This may not be the last of it, he's taken the wind from your sails, be careful he doesn't reel you back in through pique.

mathanxiety · 02/12/2011 20:44

Well done and don't get sucked back in even by just curiosity or wanting to ask 'Is that it?' Pack his stuff and start organising a busy social life for yourself for the next few weeks.

Change99 · 03/12/2011 01:13

That was weird, he said 'okie-doke' and 'well it was obvious from day one but I hoped it would work out' and, in the anti-climax I asked if that was it and he walked out.

Just goes to show that all the nonsense and hype some posters have portrayed here by castigating the guy, calling him a loser etc. are completely unfounded and crass remarks. I do wonder just what planet some people are on. Some of you really need to get out more.

tigermoll · 03/12/2011 10:40

Well done, LovingGoat. Now stay strong, be vigilant and DON'T get drawn back into it. You might start feeling guilty and think 'Oh, he's been so nice about it, maybe I owe it to him to meet for coffee/go out 'as friends'/be supportive, but you really don't HAVE to do any of those things. When a r/ship ends its best if both parties have some space for a good long while. If you guys are going to stay friends, then that happens much more easily if some time has gone past for the feelings to all calm down.

Anniegetyourgun · 03/12/2011 10:48

Change99, there is a bit more of a back story to this, he's not your average nice rather wet guy. "The loser" in some cases is actually quite a kind way to describe them, and this is one of those times.

I have a feeling he'll be back, but with any luck the feeling will be wrong. Some people really do know when to cut their losses. Let's hope he's one of them.

TenderlyLovinglyByAGoat · 03/12/2011 11:37

As far as future contact goes I wouldn't be friends with him anyway, I think that's how you decide these things isn't it - were you good friends before, is he someone you would naturally want to be friends with. No.

I think/hope he will be too concerned about saving face to try getting back together. But the saving face thing (plus drugs plus weapons) is what makes me worry about his safety. So will get someone to check on him over weekend.

OP posts:
buzzswellington · 03/12/2011 12:14

Really don't. Tell his friends/family you've split up if you must, but don't start sending people over to check on him - cos then you'll have to hear what the answer is, which gives him a way back in and you a way back.

He's not your responsibility and you need to start cultivating disinterest by the bucketload.

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