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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

Support thread for those in Emotionally Abusive relationships Number *9*

999 replies

foolonthehill · 06/06/2012 15:53

Am I being abused?

Verbal Abuse A wonderfully non-hysterical summary. If you're unsure, read the whole page and see if you're on it.
Emotional abuse from the same site as above
Emotional abuse a more heartfelt description
Signs of Abuse & Control Useful check list
why financial abuse is domestic violenceAre you a free ride for a cocklodger, or supposed to act grateful for every penny you get for running the home?
Women's Aid: "What is Domestic Violence?" This is also, broadly, the Police definition.
20 signs you're with a controlling and/or abusive partner Exactly what it says on the tin

Books :

"Why Does He Do That?" by Lundy Bancroft - The eye-opener. Read this if you read nothing else.
"The Verbally Abusive Relationship" by Patricia Evans ? He wants power OVER you and gets angry when you prove not to be the dream woman who lives only in his head.
"The Verbally Abusive Man, Can He Change?" by Patricia Evans - Answer: Perhaps - ONLY IF he recognises HIS issues, and if you can be arsed to work through it. She gives explicit guidelines.
"Men who hate women and the women who love them" by Susan Forward. The author is a psychotherapist who realised her own marriage was abusive, so she's invested in helping you understand yourself just as much as helping you understand your abusive partner.
"The Emotionally Abusive Relationship: How to Stop Being Abused and How to Stop Abusing" by Beverley Engels - The principle is sound, if your partner isn't basically an arse, or disordered.
"Codependent No More : How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring for Yourself" by Melody Beattie - If you a rescuer, you're a co-dependent. It's a form of addiction! This book will help you.
But whatever you do, don't blame yourself for being Co-dependent!

Websites :

So, you're in love with a narcissist - Snarky, witty, angry, but also highly intelligent: very good for catharsis
Dr Irene's verbal abuse site - motherly advice to readers' write-ins from a caring psychotherapist; can be a pain to navigate but very validating stuff
Out of the fog - and now for the science bit! Clinical, dispassionate, and very informative website on the various forms of personality disorders and how they impact on family and intimate relationships.
Get your angries out ? You may not realise it yet, but you ARE angry. Find out in what unhealthy ways your anger is expressing itself. It has probably led you to staying in an unhealthy relationship.
Melanie Tonia Evans is a woman who turned her recovery from abuse into a business. A little bit "woo" and product placement-tastic, but does contain a lot of useful articles.
Love fraud - another site by one woman burned by an abusive marriage
You are not crazy - one woman's experience. She actually has recordings of her and her abusive partner having an argument, so you can hear what verbal abuse sounds like. A pain to navigate, but well worth it.
Baggage reclaim - Part advice column, part blog on the many forms of shitty relationships.
heart to heart a wealth of information and personal experiences drawn together in one place

If you find that he really wants to change
I stay or should I go bonus materials this is a site containing the material for men who want to change?please don?t give him the link?print out the content for him to work through.

The Bill of Rights
bill of rights here is what you should expect as a starting point for your treatment in a relationship, as you will of course be treating others!!

OP posts:
AnastasiaSteele · 08/06/2012 14:51

Less than an hour and it hurts already. I know he'll be arranging to see other girls tonight and that makes me feel so jealous. I love him and miss him already and I don't even know why.

I don't want to be stuck in it forever. It's very hard to get out though...and to stay out. Already I'm thinking 'why isn't he texting?' 'why isn't he phoning?'. Yet if he does, I'll feel sick at the thought of seeing him/hearing from him. I'm so messed up.

I've had a text and he's done what he normally does and listed things I've done wrong to justify his behaviour. I do not want to discuss all this over text. It's immature.

ThePinkPussycat · 08/06/2012 15:20

Sorry am a bit tired, and not taking stuff in much and deffo unfit to give advice. Does not mean I am unsupportive though...

However, I can say in my sleep do not reply to texts. Sounds like you already know this anastasia

TheHappyHissy · 08/06/2012 15:32

No love, you are addicted to him, the nice/nasty cycle does that (and more) to us.

Give it time. You need to give him up. It will be OK. In fact it will be BETTER than OK, but only if you leave him.

HE is not good enough for YOU.

GOT THAT?? Grin

Oh and switch OFF the phone! You don't need to be looking at it. Can you go out and do something to take you mind off? Swimming etc?

AnastasiaSteele · 08/06/2012 15:38

TheHappyHissy - addiction is definitely the word. It feels so stupid. I'm meeting up with friends. I'm hoping that will take my mind off it.

TodaysAGoodDay · 08/06/2012 15:58

Hi everyone Smile

Are we one thread 9 already? Goodness. Welcome to all the new people, pony and bertie and anyone else I've forgotten.

Anastasia that cycle is almost exactly what I went through for the last 10 years of my relationship with FWX, except for the apologies. It just got worse and worse, and there was no apology to me either because of course he was always right.

I was terrified if he didn't phone that I had done something wrong, then when the phone rang I was scared shitless. I still get a teeny tiny bit scared when he phones to speak to DS but nothing like it used to be.

TheHappyHissy · 08/06/2012 19:05

Anastasia, STUPID is only knowing what you know and going back to him.

Tell your friends and they will keep you on the straight and narrow!

EarthInBeautyDressed · 09/06/2012 01:46

I know I don't deserve anything but a swift boot after this post. I didn't follow your heartfelt advice nor trust my gut feelings. I gave it another shot because he was nice to me. I know...

He chipped and chipped away at me the other day. It was odd because we'd had a lovely day. I washed up after we cooked dinner, and as I was putting things on the drainer he would sigh and move things to "it's correct place". I placed my garment bag on his exercise bike (never used) to be met with another tut and again, it was moved.

He laughed at me about a dream I'd had, I'd been vocal during it. It wasn't in a joshing way, he almost interrogated me as to what I'd been dreaming about.
He actually brought to my attention that he'd noticed my underarms were stubbly, but they'd been shaved the night before.

He used the phrase "while you're a guest in my house" quite a few times during the evening, that started after I'd left a used glass in the sitting room. I'm not slovenly, honest.

He also reminded me that he'd been nothing but nice to me and that he hoped I was telling people how well he takes care of me. I held his hand and he then said that the way I held his hand irritated him. I fidget too much. Six months I've held his hand the same way - he's said nothing. In the morning he accused me of moving his towel and did I realise he would have to pick the house to pieces looking for it. It was hidden under his other towel, I hadn't moved it at all.

I, like an idiot, sent him a text the following morning asking if I really annoy him that much. I know, big mistake. Nowt but silence since. That was two days ago. So why do I feel like my heart is aching? My head is yelling at me to stop being so daft but I'm struggling here.

I'm sorry for rambling, I know it all seems really minor things. And I'm sorry I didn't listen to you all. I just needed to get this out.

arthriticfingers · 09/06/2012 07:42

Earth don't apologize for not listening. I spent 30 year with FW Blush
BUT ... listen to this:
'I'm not slovenly, honest.'
You are apologizing for breathing - Stop this Now.
and:
'I, like an idiot, sent him a text the following morning asking if I really annoy him that much.'
So your need him to validate you?
Wrong!
Everything these men say and do is intended to intimidate, degrade and control. He won't make it better; he will only make it worse.

TheHappyHissy · 09/06/2012 09:22

Earth, (((((hug)))))))

You don't live with him right? Then drop him like the sack of shit that he is.

What a freak, talk about Sleeping with the Enemy!

You're listening to us know, please trust us and end this, no matter how hard.

You really have no other option.

It'll be ok.

ThePinkPussycat · 09/06/2012 09:56

WE know those are far from minor things.

Hissy speaks for all of us (if I may make so bold).

You are addicted, but please end it. The withdrawal symptoms pass quite quickly.

arthriticfingers · 09/06/2012 11:02

Advice again! - Hides blush and excuses from Hissy
Obviously, FW has done the exact opposite of my message Confused - not ...
Was tidying up DD1s room this morning and noticed that she had put FWs post in her bag - big envelopes sticking out - so she's not hiding, and I wouldn't dream of snooping on a nearly 19-yr-old.
But - FW is clearly using her as a kind of go-between between him and the house.
This is so not on - as I have said before she has exams the week after next.
So, what do I do?
I really don't know whether to text FW and tell him to just come and get his f*ing stuff, as I said in my text, or tell DD1 to tell him to just come himself and get it.
She knows I don't want her being used in this way.
He is probably telling her that I am a wicked mad woman (he has that on a loop), and that he 'can't cope with me and arranging to come round.
WTF do I do now? :(

ThePinkPussycat · 09/06/2012 11:06

Erm, say you noticed post sticking out, tell DD gently it is not acceptable for him to use her as go-between, re-address and post on to him? Or don't you know where he is?

As I have some idea where you are, if things haven't changed since friends lived there, maybe they will get lost in the post?

arthriticfingers · 09/06/2012 11:10

Hi Pink Have some idea of which friend he might be staying with, but don't know the address.
You think I should speak to DD, then - not FW?

ThePinkPussycat · 09/06/2012 11:17

Both, I think - talking to DD shows you are in ultimate charge, and you understand why she did it, but no way is it up to her to tell him its inappropriate. You could put a short note in with post if you can get it to friend's?

ThePinkPussycat · 09/06/2012 11:18

Can he get PO to redirect his mail?

arthriticfingers · 09/06/2012 11:25

He could, but he won't. I am only her for another month anyway.
Perhaps I could tell her to say to her father: 'Why don't you come round next week?' and give him a day and time?
All this for a couple of snotty envelopes that he could come and get any time Angry

ThePinkPussycat · 09/06/2012 11:26

Think it would be better coming from you. Perhaps it is time for a v short text? You could run it past us lot first...

arthriticfingers · 09/06/2012 11:28

Ok - Here it is: 'F* off you complete prat!'
Actually, I might want to refine that Wink

ThePinkPussycat · 09/06/2012 11:34

Glanced at my Threads, and thought for a moment that Hissy had posted! Grin

arthriticfingers · 09/06/2012 12:15

Ok - this is what I sent:
'I saw that you asked DD1 to bring you your post. Do not use her as a go-between. The house is yours at any time you want.'
Will say to DD1 that I have to told her father he can come round to get his post whenever he want to.
F FWs and their fing mind games :(
Of course he won't reply.

Amitolamummy · 09/06/2012 13:45

He has won and completely destroyed me. I'm going to hand my children over next weekend at his contact time and not pick them. Can't do it anymore. I knew I would never be free from them all, don't know why I was stupid enough to think I could do this

TheHappyHissy · 09/06/2012 13:46

PinkPussycat: I'm MORTIFIED!

I'd have NEVER have used the word Prat, when TWAT will suit better!

:-D

Fingers: how much about domestic abuse does your 19yo know? Time to educate her FAST. Gently, but explain what these men are capable of, and his getting her to do the post when there's no need, is him trying to undermine you and drive a wedge between mother and daughter. Create the idea that YOU are the monster, when the reverse is true.

arthriticfingers · 09/06/2012 14:00

Amitola :( Get some RL help, fast. Even the local priest/rabbi/vicar, the Samaritans, Woman's aid - anyone, and get talking

ThePinkPussycat · 09/06/2012 14:02

Amitola, deep breaths. Now what has happened? Have a Brew, have a [hug].

TheHappyHissy · 09/06/2012 14:21

Amitola, please don't leave your kids with a monster like this.

Call WA, call everyone that can help you. If he is harrassing you, call the police. Stop contact, fight for your children, fight to keep this bully away from you all.

PLEASE?

Tell us what has happened and we will break it all down and see if we can't make it easier for you to navigate.