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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

Please help, very tearful, boyfriend says he wants space

34 replies

tryingtogrow · 16/06/2012 21:08

I've been with my boyfriend for a few months. He did all the chasing at the start (I wasn't too keen on him to begin with) but I gave him a chance and grew to really like him - love him, even.

We've had some ups and downs along the way:

I was in an abusive relationship previously (one where I was emotionally abused, raped, stalked and blackmailed) and I am having difficulty trusting him. I always suspect he's going to do something to take advantage of me. We had a huge fight one evening where he said I had embarrassed him as I had been loud after drinking. I drunkenly told him to f*ck off out of my house - I knew it was wrong, apologised profusely and found a therapist to get the therapy I very much need (for myself rather than 'us') BF doesn't believe in therapy though, so I feel my efforts are being trampled on anyway.

He also doesn't like it when I disagree with him on subjects (we work in the same profession, we are smart people, of course we will disagree). He believes I'm being deliberately contrary just to wind him up (funnily enough he said that one of the things that annoyed him about his ex was that she agreed with him too much!)

We were once at a restaurant on holiday and I asked him if he could turn his chair to face me and talk as he was facing the sun and I said it was impolite to just be sat there topping up his tan. From this he hasn't been able to let it drop - apparently I'm 'vindictive and spiteful'. When I call him up on his behaviour (like flirting with a colleague of ours all evening, prompting me to walk off) he says I'm just doing a 'tit for tat' thing.

We had some space from one another and I saw him this week. I thought things were ok, but in the back of my mind, my gut was telling me something wasn't right. I asked what was wrong and he said he doesn't know whether he can move on from me telling him to f-off. He said he wanted space, well no, he actually said he can't stand to be around me at the moment.

So that's that. He dropped me off at my house, he's now at his friend's house watching the football, I'm devastated, my mum is coming to stay with me.

I know I'm worthy of love and affection and I can't believe I have gone from the man who fell in love with me and wrote me poetry to someone who almost hates me. I feel like I've done it all myself.

The worst thing is that a friend of mine who I have known for years secretly liked me and was asking friends if they thought a long-distance relationship would work (we live almost 4 hours apart) but in the same week that he came down to see me to tell me of his feelings - I had got into a relationship with this other guy.

Does anyone have any words of wisdom or advice? Can relationships really survive space, or is he just putting off the inevitable?

OP posts:
Alibabaandthe40nappies · 16/06/2012 21:12

I think you should take the initiative, tell him thanks for the space, now fuck off!

It doesn't sound like a loving and healthy relationship, I think your radar is way off still as a result of your previous abusive relationship and you have got involved with another abuser who likes to put you down all the time.

Ditch him.

tryingtogrow · 16/06/2012 21:18

I was afraid that would be a response. His words are very hurtful, his actions have generally been quite loving but I think I have probably been looking at this with rose-tinted glasses. I'm just devastated that he could treat me so coldly :(

OP posts:
HecateTrivia · 16/06/2012 21:18

I need space is quite often code for I don't want to be with you any more but I've a yellow streak a mile wide.

He really doesn't actually sound very nice, you know. He really doesn't. He doesn't like you to have your own opinion on things, he flirts massively in front of you and he holds things against you for, well, ever.

You are worthy of love and affection, from a man who can give it to you, not from a man who behaves how you have described here.

I agree with Ali that your radar is off. Carry on with the counselling and work on getting yourself to a point where you can feel better about yourself.

fanjoforthemammaries7850 · 16/06/2012 21:19

He sounds very narcissistic to me..you deserve better.

letsblowthistacostand · 16/06/2012 21:20

Quite frankly I think you've had a lucky escape. Tell him so long, thanks for all the fish, and consider yourself blessed to have gotten away from a complete mindfuck so easily.

neuroticmumof3 · 16/06/2012 21:20

I agree with Alibaba. Ditch him. This is not an emotionally healthy relationship.

LapisBlue · 16/06/2012 21:21

OP

From your post, quite frankly, he doesn't sound like the good, kind man you clearly deserve, not only in yourself, but for all the terrible things you went through with a previous partner and Alibaba (above) speaks very good sense about your radar not being quite in tune.

I bet he loved it when you apologised constantly for swearing at him, didn't he? I bet he was chuffed when you got yourself some therapy (and I bet he brings it up quite often). He doesn't like you to disagree with him - well, there's a thing and I think the expression is WTAF? He just loves to be RIGHT, doesn't he?

Please get rid of him for good.

He doesn't love you. He loves himself. You surely know this xx

madameO · 16/06/2012 21:23

to be honest you sound like very hard work OP, its no wonder he needs space

mosschops30 · 16/06/2012 21:23

Oh dear, he doesnt sound nice, you deserve much better.
People shout and swear at each other, but then they make up, you dont 'need space' because of it.
IMHO 'i need space' = i dont want to be with you/but am not ready to make a clean break because im a coward/havent found anyone else to shag me yet/ will keep shagging you because i know i can

Get rid, tell him he can have as much space as he likes and not to come back!

tryingtogrow · 16/06/2012 21:26

Thank you all for taking the time to respond. My head feels like a complete mess. I know I can get through this as I have been through much worse, but I am sick of having to go through the hurt again and again, especially for someone I didn't really like that much at first. Was I just being stupid being swept off my feet or am I just daft for giving him the benefit of the doubt.

I feel pretty foolish in that I thought I had a honed twat-radar after the last one. I was doing so well, I read so many useful books to help myself, I travelled alone and loved it, I found a house to live alone in and moved to a different area. Why did I want this guys love so much? It feels pathetic to say I just wanted to be loved after everything that happened.

I'm seeing my therapist on Tuesday so I guess this will take up most of the hour!

Lapis - that's the thing, I'm not sure if he does love himself, he finds the whole notion of self-love really stupid. I think he's got a lot of anxieties and self-loathing, but he seems happy to live that way. Not my problem to fix.

OP posts:
HecateTrivia · 16/06/2012 21:26

The other thing to note is that it is quite a common trick to walk away for a few days to make you cling more desperately and modify your behaviour to please them in future out of fear they will leave you again. When they come back and decide to forgive you for the list of terrible things you've done (which they will list), you know to not do any of it again.

If you fall for that shit, of course. Which I hope you won't.

Thistledew · 16/06/2012 21:28

It is a trite form of consolation to tell someone at the end of a relationship that they could do much better, but REALLY you can do MUCH better.

Whatever you do, don't get back with him. Take a bit more time and maybe take some more therapy. Your radar for abusive relationships is still very weak.

LaurieFairyCake · 16/06/2012 21:29

I agree he thinks he's got you right where he wants you.

Bin him - relationships only a few months old should still be fabulous.

If its not you're quite simply dating an arsehole or someone not right for you.

Alibabaandthe40nappies · 16/06/2012 21:31

madame that is a seriously insensitive post. The OP has suffered horrible abuse - physical and mental - in a previous relationship. Show a little heart, for goodness sake.

OP - you were neither stupid nor daft. The most balanced and self-assured person can be taken in.

It sounds like you were doing very well before you met him, so you can again. Take confidence from that.

tryingtogrow · 16/06/2012 21:31

Hecate: I was thinking about that. We didn't see each other for a few days last week and when we saw each other again, things were great and he didn't mention any of that stuff, but I think that's mainly because he was trying to suppress it all - that's what he says anyway.

I'm by no means perfect and constantly treating someone as if they're going to screw me over will drive anyone away. I really wanted to show him that by getting help and generally looking after myself better he'd be willing to give things a shot, I'm just really perplexed as to how he could be so unforgiving about this. My mum has been really kind and has given me some good advice too.

OP posts:
HeathRobinson · 16/06/2012 21:32

And, how handy that he 'needs some space' at the time the football's on. Hmm

He just doesn't sound very nice.

BorisJohnsonsHair · 16/06/2012 21:35

Firstly, don't blame yourself. Lots of relationships don't work out, because basically the two people aren't compatible; doesn't mean it's anyone's fault. I imagine he has realised that it's not the relationship he wanted after all, and so is trying to find fault with you and blame you (oldest trick in the book). You sound very caring and I think you deserve to be treated with a bit more respect (your comment about him not facing you - I would be exactly the same).

Although it's sad, you will be able to get over this and move on. And next time maybe you will meet someone who is more compatible with you. I had to kiss my share of frogs, believe me Smile. Hope you're able to smile a little now xx

Dprince · 16/06/2012 21:36

If he does have his own problems maybe he finds dealing with yours too much? But from what you said he sounds like a dick and you deserve better.

HecateTrivia · 16/06/2012 21:37

you're right, if you're constantly on the defensive, you are going to drive people away. There's no point denying it. But you're getting help for that. You recognise that it's an issue and you're finding a way to change. Good for you! And it's understandable anyway, that this could be an issue, given what you've been through.

tbh, it would probably be best for you to give relationships a break until you have taken a lot of time with the therapy and worked through all the things that are affecting you.

tryingtogrow · 16/06/2012 21:37

Sorry, I'm having difficulty catching up with posts! I honestly thought I had got my radar sorted (I guess reading Lundy isn't enough - I say that partly tongue-in-cheek of course)

Aliba: yes, I know that I'll feel back to my normal self eventually. It's just difficult as we live in a very small community and work in the same place. Gossip is rife - not to mention that he's gorgeous and generally has people falling over themselves for him. I think one of the reasons he liked me at first was because I didn't worship the ground he walked on.

Laurie - I know. I wish everything was still fabulous. I fear that I put him off entirely, but then I think initially, things were great because I was still ideal and abstract in his head. A person who comes with emotions and baggage can be more difficult to deal with in the cold harsh light of day

OP posts:
NarkedRaspberry · 16/06/2012 21:39

With what you've said of your history, I'd let him walk.

Carry on with your therapy, build yourself back up again and get to a stage where you're happy to be on your own. Then start thinking about seeing someone.

Someone who can't cope with you having different opinions to him and who 'doesn't believe' in the therapy you're getting doesn't sound like a healthy person for you to be with ATM.

Puffinsaresmall · 16/06/2012 21:40

I tell my DP to 'f off' about 3 times a week, usually in jest I grant you, but still.

If he really doesn't know whether he can 'forgive' you Hmm for telling him to fuck off once then just get rid.

He sounds like he's playing you - withdrawing affection to ensure you 'toe the line'. Dump seriously OP, and look after yourself, you deserve much better Smile

tryingtogrow · 16/06/2012 21:42

BorisJohnsonsHair: your username made me smile. It hadn't occurred to me that he was just looking for an excuse to want out. I guess I have given him plenty, although if I had behaved in the way he has towards me, he'd find that even worse. I would really, really like to stop kissing all the frogs. I've had a bad run with relationships and it's partly my fault for tolerating so much crap for the sake of wanting things to work out. I guess that's something I need to work on in therapy.

Hecate: thanks. I just wish he could see that I'm really making an effort, but it seems to be falling on deaf ears. I think if he really wanted to be with me then ultimately, he would.

OP posts:
tryingtogrow · 16/06/2012 21:49

Thanks, NarkedRaspberry. I am just sick of being alone sometimes. I enjoy my own company and I've got great friends, but I feel like I've waited so long. I know no one is entitled to a relationship but I felt like I hit the jackpot with this guy (initially, anyway)

Puffinsaresmall: I've definitely felt him withdraw his affections. To be honest, the last month has been horrendous for me, he became very withdrawn it and with work stresses (mutual) I became very very low. I honestly felt that we turned a corner but he doesn't seem to want to try. Whatever his motivation for that is, I'm not sure (nor if I'm sure it matters). I would just like the pain and tears to stop.

OP posts:
Anniegetyourgun · 16/06/2012 22:49

Or... he's just one of those guys who enjoys the thrill of the chase, or whose ego can't stand to see someone not worshipping the ground he etc. He chased you, he got you, now he's cooling off again.

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