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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

In such a mess

110 replies

GracieLoo · 24/03/2014 17:55

I'm seeing someone who I've know for quite a while. We first met a few years ago, when I was young, free and single. I fell for him, thought it was going well. Then he suddenly ignored my calls and texts, then I think he did text but sent a bit of a nasty text when I cancelled a date.

Fast forward a few years, I met someone, had dd but now a single mum. About a year ago it heard from this bloke again. He apologised, and we met up, again I thought it was going well, he stayed over, we went out for meals. Then he texted saying he wasn't in a good place, so needed time to think etc, etc.

I left it then, I was struggling myself with depression and couldn't deal with being messed about. But being vulnerable, when he started begging me to meet up, saying we'd be good together and he missed me, I fell for it. But had doubts, I don't completely trust him. I feel a bit used, he never buys me anything, pays for meals (not that I care too much about that, but a bottle of wine, flowers would be nice) Sometimes I haven't felt up for dtd, but he's not taken no for an answer. He's done stuff I didn't like, but he didn't listen.

He always comes to mine, I know nothing about him really, yet he talks about living together, our dd's meeting each other. I feel he's just going to ignore me again, yet he seems keener than me.

If you've got this far, I haven't even said why I need advice. I'm pregnant, early days. He doesn't know. I'm scared, I don't know what to do. I know I need to tell him but I don't want to. He could turn around and be supportive and move in (once he's got to know dd, not rushed), but then I'll always feel insecure. Or he'll not want anything to do with it. I am ok with the idea to being a single mum to two dc. I have friends and family for support. He's coming over tonight, but I really don't feel like sex. I'm tired and nauseous. I know I've been very stupid, it's my fault, my mess, but I'm really confused. I should talk to him tonight but I don't feel able to.

OP posts:
GracieLoo · 26/03/2014 17:53

wouldn't be so on/off

OP posts:
LavenderGreen14 · 26/03/2014 17:54

Please don't see him tonight.

SabrinaMulhollandJjones · 26/03/2014 18:47

Gracieloo, my lovely, you can cancel again if that's what you want. You don't have to anyone you don't want to see.

This is the way abusive relationships work - nice one minute, horrible the next - and that's why you're feeling so messed up and insecure. Here's why, from your own opening post:

-He's already dumped you twice at least, as far as I can tell, so he's totally unreliable.

-He sends you nasty texts when you cancel dates (nobody should do this! You have a right to cancel)

-He's a freeloader, he never pays for anything and always comes to yours.

-He doesn't take no for an answer during sex, does things you don't like and has raped you at least once.

This is not ever going to be a proper relationship for you - he just picks you up when he feels like it, and drops you again.

So sorry. You're obviously in a vulnerable place, and I think he's taking advantage of you. I still think you should have no more contact with him.

Logg1e · 26/03/2014 18:48

I am not seeing him as a monster. I'm reading what you're writing and I'm picturing a well-turned out man, loving father, says nice things and has a successful job. I also picture the same man as a man who ignores your words and body language because he wants to have sex, or perform a sex act you don't want. I see a man who blows hot and cold, leaving you confused and questioning your own judgement.

OP, in a normal relationship you should feel safe and secure. Your partner is your best friend who you can trust completely, relax with completely and who you know is always there for you. By pursuing a relationship with this complete bastard, you are stopping yourself from having the truly loving relationship.

Logg1e · 26/03/2014 18:49

If he's on his way, just text, "Sorry, I won't be seeing you tonight. Will be in touch soon". Don't open the door if he still turns up.

tipsytrifle · 26/03/2014 19:50

there must be 'something' if we're still in contact

Please question what that something is ... with me it was an unavailable father, despite his coming to my room at night (no, didn't go that far but emotionally? yeah) and being labelled as "the other woman" by my mother. My mad/bad choice in men was set by that ... go figure ... pfft ..

The past kinda makes the present .. we can only really grab the future by the scruff of the neck and say: cosmos, "it's going to be like this"

You are reaching for straws, reasons to stay. Understandable but truly dangerous. If you can't hear your true self then Listen to Logg1e if you won't hear others ...

GracieLoo · 26/03/2014 19:50

YNK I've just read that link, and it actually describes my ex very accurately.

OP posts:
YNK · 26/03/2014 19:52

What Logg1e said! ^

tipsytrifle · 26/03/2014 19:53

*ahem .. YNK says some pretty cool stuff ...

YNK · 26/03/2014 20:05

Blush thanks tipsy

YNK · 26/03/2014 20:08

I can't take the credit for Joe Carver, Gracie. I got it from mn!!! Wink

Logg1e · 26/03/2014 21:14

Has he been around tonight OP?

GracieLoo · 26/03/2014 22:03

Yes, it was fine. I think it's actually me with the issues. Not saying what happened it right, but I bet it happens to more woman, I just panicked about everything. I don't feel threatened.

OP posts:
YNK · 26/03/2014 22:21

Are you going to see him again Gracie?

SabrinaMulhollandJjones · 26/03/2014 23:12

GracieLoo - you're right. It happens to many women. It happened to me. I was in a relationship with him. I have only told a very few people. It doesn't make it right.

I'm not in relationship with him any more. This was 20yrs ago. He wasn't a monster either - he wasn't even anything like as bad as the man you describe. We were committed, living together, planning marriage. To all outsiders he adored me - he thought he adored me - but it was still rape. Because I didn't consent.

Logg1e · 27/03/2014 05:24

Did you mention the pregnancy?

Poppy67 · 27/03/2014 05:58

Do you actually know where he lives? Have you been there? Have you ever been out on a date, not just at your place?

As for the forced sex, no other reason is needed to say walk wast from him now.

He sounds very creepy.

GracieLoo · 27/03/2014 06:50

After his divorce last year, he moved back with his parents while the house etc got sorted. He wants us to meet each other's friends, so hopefully that will happen. I didn't tell him yet, it's still early and I'll do it when it feels right.

OP posts:
Logg1e · 27/03/2014 07:07

Gracie I just feel so, so sorry for you.

GracieLoo · 27/03/2014 07:28

It's fine, we had a good chat and got a few things out I. The open. I'm not sayings it all perfect now but I'm going to see how things go and make sure he treats me ok. The whole consent thing is hard. What about if you say no at first as not feeling great, or just don't feel like it, but he keeps on then you get carried away with it? It's not like you sign a consent form beforehand?! And you don't protest as you're actually dtd?

OP posts:
Logg1e · 27/03/2014 08:17

What about if you say no at first as not feeling great, or just don't feel like it, but he keeps on

Then he doesn't have your consent and it's rape or sexual assault. Over time, with persistence and denying what he's doing, he breaks down your barriers and leaves you not knowing which way is up.

TheShimmeringPussycat · 27/03/2014 11:00

I used to take a while to get started, so have had sex while not really feeling sexy at the start, and then getting into it. But it was ALL consensual sex.

I was mildly abused in my teens, and sometimes would have flashbacks while DTD. Or would suddenly lose the moment and want to stop. My H stopped every time - he was not like yours in that way, though he came to be emotionally abusive.

The female body is designed to respond to certain stimuli, even when under sexual attack - to be blunt, this is evolutionarily designed to minimise the woman's chances of being killed. War rape must have been going on since time began Sad

How are you going to make sure he treats you OK?

bubblegoose · 27/03/2014 12:37

What about if you say no at first as not feeling great, or just don't feel like it, but he keeps on

Then it is rape.

GracieLoo · 27/03/2014 18:45

I don't know what to do now. I feel I'm the one mucking him about.

OP posts:
Logg1e · 27/03/2014 19:44

How have your thoughts changed today?

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