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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

Just don't know why I'm so upset

36 replies

timetogiveup · 19/12/2013 11:52

Background - met OH on line 15 months ago. We are both late 40s. I have a 12yo DS and he has a DD and DS who are teenagers.

We saw each other most days and evenings and he ended up moving in with me in March this year (after 5 months). He sees his children most days. My DS is very easy to get on with, but OH was very resentful and always picked fault with him. OH also has a very short fuse - if he perceives he is being picked on about something he will have a full blown temper tantrum and leave the house. Often not coming back until the next day.

He does not have a job - so I pay for everything. He has chunks of money coming in, but not enough to pay his way by a long shot. When money does come in he does hand it over to me. I have lent him money for a car/ repairs and including rent he still owes me, it comes to about £6.5k.

When he is angry he is verbally abusive and a couple of times has behaved aggressively.

I know I can be a bit "do it my way" but the house is mine and I don't see why I can't make decisions about things like that. I have opinions about most things, and he gets pretty cross if I don't do things his way. Unfortunately (and he agrees) most of the time my ways are better, more considered and his ways are likely to cause damage or go wrong. But I never say that - just let it work it out for himself and when he sees it, he apologises and says I was right. He is always quick to apologise but the stress he gives me because of the anger bubbling below the surface makes for uncomfortable times.

I have just bought a dog - this was intended to bring everyone closer together. What has happened is that OH has become very jealous over the dog (he denies it) and every time my DS tries to play with her or have anything to do with her, he always tells him he is doing something wrong. In fact, he consistently raises eyebrows, sighs heavily or is simply nasty to my DS who is desperately trying to stop OH from picking on him. When he does pick on him, I then get involved and things inevitably go from bad to worse.

Last night DS and I came home about 9ish from a carol concert. As soon as we walked through the door, the dog started jumping around. DS went over to calm her down, and immediately OH said "don't wind her up" in a pained voice. At which point I sighed pointedly and went to put the shopping away. This started up a major argument (well, OH was arguing and I wasn't saying much as I don't shout). He then said he was leaving and taking the dog. At which point DS shot out of his bedroom and told OH that he could not take the dog. As OH bent down he (I think accidentally) elbowed DS in the face. At that point I DID lose the plot, and told him that he had finally hit the point of no return.

During the melee that followed, OH pushed DS, insulted him numerous times about the bullying he had received from people at school and how he deserved it, called him by a girls name, said he was ashamed when people at school saw him picking DS up in case they thought they were related and countless other things. He also insulted me in pretty much every way conceivable. He refused to give me the house keys and garage keys back, and also the dog car carrier (he is the main carer of the dog as he is at home most of the time).

I got DS to lock himself and dog in his bedroom, and then asked OH to leave. I asked for my credit cards back (he is a card holder on them) - he said they were in the car. He went across the road, and I followed - at which point he jumped in the car and drove off with the credit cards, the dog cage, the house keys and garage keys.

He then text me to tell me that I could not look after the dog as I work full time. As he has no money, nowhere to live and no prospects, I fail to see how he could look after her anyway. I suggested that he should have been more concerned with his behaviour to a 12 year old than the dog, but have not heard anything since.

The house is mine, so no worries there. My DS, dog and I have a roof over our heads. He owes me £6.5k and there is no prospect of seeing it.

So why am I so upset? Surely I should be pleased that he is out of our lives. But he could be the most lovely companion a lot of the time. He has to take medication for ADHD and is probably depressed but this is no excuse for us being his verbal punch bags.

No idea even why I am writing - just been reading other experiences and don't know what to do. It only happened last night (I locked the door with a key that he did not have to ensure he did not enter the house without my knowledge) and I have put all his belongings at the front of the house ready for collection.

Should I have made him go to anger management sessions? Would this have worked? I know he misses his DC and obviously is resenting the fact that my DS lives with me.

It is such a mess. I feel like I have lost part of me - even after a relatively short time of being together. It is so hard.

OP posts:
Guiltypleasures001 · 19/12/2013 11:59

Hi op

Sorry I would have called the police elbowed your son in the face by accident really? Sounds like your sons been getting the brunt of this piece of crap for for too long.

IDE suggest you cancel his cards and get all locks changed pronto and not let another man abuse your child like that in future yet alone yourself.

CocktailQueen · 19/12/2013 12:04

Hi OP, It sounds as though your ex threw up so many red flags - aggressive, abusive verbally and physically, nasty to your ds, sulky, no money, no job, resentful, short fuse - was there anything good about him?? Sounds like you're well rid. And especially for your poor ds.

'Should I have made him go to anger management sessions?' Do you honestly think he would have gone??

Perhaps, next time, don't move in with someone so soon.

Get your locks changed, cancel his cards, and if he tries to contact you, block and delete.

timetogiveup · 19/12/2013 12:04

That G - yes, it was accidental. But the shove afterwards was not. He always owns up to things and he was adamant he had not elbowed him. But as you say, that is not the point. I cancelled the cards last night.

When things happen over a period of time, you don't realise how bad they are. Yet I know we are both going to miss him. That is what I don't understand.

OP posts:
CogitoErgoSometimes · 19/12/2013 12:08

I think you're upset partly because you've been through a traumatic experience and come out of the other side and also because you feel bad that you invited a man into your life and your DS's life who turned out to be an aggressive bully. You may miss him short-term but, as time goes on, you'll probably find that changes.

Good luck

EirikurNoromaour · 19/12/2013 12:25

No, you shouldn't have made him go to anger management or do anything. You should really have kicked him out once it became obvious he was a lazy selfish manchild who resented your preteen son but hey. Don't move a man in quite so quickly next time, it isn't fair on the children.

timetogiveup · 19/12/2013 12:27

I agree it seems obvious from the above. What I have missed out are the countless bike rides he took DS on when I was working, playing football in the park, swimming in the river; but it can't make up for what has happened over the past few months.

OP posts:
TheFantasticFixit · 19/12/2013 12:34

Oh OP, you have been through inch a tote time. Even when you know you have done the right thing (and you have, especially for your DS) you can still feel a sense of grief and loss at the end of any relationship. Try and be strong and look at he positives of not having this stressful bulky in your life - because that is what you have got rid of. He pounds completely odious. The pain of the loss that you are feeling will dissipate - you are still in shock over the events that have unfurled but that will fade, and you will come out stronger as a result. You have so much, you don't need such a loser in your life trying to wreck that with his supposed jealousies.

Good luck Thanks

Blossomflowers · 19/12/2013 12:35

Hi OP I have been going through a similar thing except I have been with my P for 20 years. I finally had the courage to kick the abusive dickhead out. You have done exactly the right thing in protecting your poor son. Keep telling yourself that, I have normalised this kind of behaviour for years, I am ashamed to say. Well done for kicking this horrible man out. Just try not to spend head space on thinking about him and try can have calm Xmas with your son. He will thank you for getting rid of this man.

TheFantasticFixit · 19/12/2013 12:35

Oh goodness. Bad typos.. Should have proof read before posting Blush

I hate autocorrect

JoinYourPlayfellows · 19/12/2013 12:38

How is your son feeling after what that bastard said to him last night?

He must be devastated.

timetogiveup · 19/12/2013 12:49

Join - DS and I talked about it. I told him that most of what had been said were OH's way of getting at me. And that he was always dreadfully sorry afterwards and never meant the things that were said. DS accepted this (whether OH is really sorry or not, I don't care) and is fine. He is sad for me as he can see I am upset.

OP posts:
JoinYourPlayfellows · 19/12/2013 12:52

Good, glad he's not feeling too bad :)

They were such hurtful things to say to a 12 year old :(

You are both far better off without this man in your lives.

Donkeylovesmarzipanandmincepie · 19/12/2013 12:53

I'd have called the police, poor DS! I would not be surprised if ex rolls up on your doorstep feeling sorry for himself or pays a visit to help himself whilst you're at work. Like an adorable pet with sketchy background history he has turned vicious and snapped. Maybe the mother of his teens has been glad he's been out of the picture staying at your place and out of her hair.

AndWhenYouGetThere · 19/12/2013 13:04

Replace house and garage locks. If the car is in his name, there's not much you can do about the £6.5k hassle. A small price to pay to be free of a man like that though.

Blossomflowers · 19/12/2013 13:25

OP don't dismiss so easily what your son feels. My DS (13) heard some horrible things and is now going to counselling. I expect your DS does not want to hurt your feeling

EQ2Junkie · 19/12/2013 15:31

Change all locks and phone the bank and cancel all his cards now.

This man has been bullying your child at least since march probably longer.

Don't have this man back.

BeCool · 19/12/2013 15:48

Change the locks, cancel the cards and stop listening to a word this man says. Don't have any more contact with him - it is pointless.

Your problem, is that you moved an aggressive cocklodger into your home and you need to think about and learn how/why you did this so you don't make the same mistake again.

It is NOT your problem that you neglected to send him to anger management. That is HIS problem. You cannot fix this man. Furthermore he does not want to be fixed.

I understand you are confused - you might find reading the Lundy Bancroft book "why does he do that?" an eye opener and big help in cutting ties with this abusive arse and avoiding getting into a similar relationship in the future.

Give you son lots of time, attention and love. He's been through hell ever since you started a relationship with this man. I went through something similar at a similar age and it was extremely damaging to my self esteem and to me a person. I had no understanding or support from my parents though.

Strangetownblues · 19/12/2013 15:52

I'd say your son is minimising his own upset so as not to make YOU more upset.

Put him first. This is too much of a burden on him.

Oh and APOLOGISE to him for bringing this man into your lives.

Obviously get rid of the man.

OohBridget · 19/12/2013 15:57

I only made it a few paragraphs in. This just screamed at me. Your poor poor son. get out now. Chuck him out. Don't let him ruin your sons Christmas. My mum allowed a man like this into our lives. the jealousy. . thesubtle bullying etc.

Please please please. he is horrible

OohBridget · 19/12/2013 16:01

ok..sorry have read the lot.

cancel your cards. Change the locks and go and give your son the hugest hug and promise to never let this man hurt, insult...near him.

Id be calling the police. He pushed and elbowed your son.

and then take a hug from me. Sorry you've met such a clock lodging shit.

X

Poogate · 19/12/2013 16:05

I really feel for you, OP, and for your son. This man sounds like an aggressive, sponging, bully, you are more than well rid, but it's natural to mourn the good elements of your relationship.

I imagine that your son is more upset than he is letting on; you need to be strong for him now, he has been through enough and he needs to see that you are dealing with this.

Throwing the big black cloud out of your life was definitely the right thing to do and shows a good example to your son.

Nanny0gg · 19/12/2013 16:08

Please don't have second thoughts and let him back.

You should have kicked him out ages ago.

FunkyBoldRibena · 19/12/2013 16:12

Have you cancelled your cards yet? You should have sorted that last night and the locks today.

scottishmummy · 19/12/2013 16:14

Is your child ok?give him a hug and praise for disclosure.
Your boyfriend,well he's been physically,verbally abusive,owes you near£7k
You change locks,tell him to leave,get back any bank card,cheque books.any aggro call police
5 months was quick to move a man in,maybe next time slow down

BeCool · 19/12/2013 16:16

even if you have the physical cards back you need to cancel them as he can still know all the details.