Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

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

Victor Meldrew - warning a bit of a rant

78 replies

Funkyannie · 13/07/2014 17:12

I really don't know what to do. I am living with a real life Victor. Everything is a conspiracy, nothing is any good 'these days'. He hasn't worked in 15 years (retired very early on a good pension) but still not of OAP age, however has no regular contact with anyone outside the house and seems to be totally out of touch with modern ways and views. He's quite happy at home with his hobbies.

He used to be a controlling person (as in telling me I couldn't have a bike I wasn't allowed to join an Am. Dram. group, not wanting me to see friends etc.) but that seems to have improved since we discussed it and he even went for hypnotherapy for it. However, I still feel I can't do anything on my own, he has to 'advise' me how to do it. If I kick back and say I want to do it my way I am being argumentative and trying to control him! He will argue black is white at times and refuses to listen to reason or even documented proof! I end up so frustrated I lose it totally.

His idea of humour is sarcasm or taking the mickey to the extreme. He has offended everyone I know at some point when he first meets them usually. I have to go round behind apologising and explaining he doesn't really mean it.

I lost my job a couple of years ago. We were desperate for income but he refused to look for a job, just pushing me to try harder to get one. At that point I lost a lot of respect for him, but I hoped it would return but I still can't let go of it fully.

I work full time while he is at home but I still have to do most of the housework, even though he describes himself as a house husband. I arrange cupboards so everything fits but he refuses to put things away properly as he 'can't remember' even after 5 years! He empties the dishwasher and leaves a lot of it on the side for me, as he got fed up of me nagging (showing him how to put it away so it all fitted and didn't fall out).

He has a high functioning Down's syndrome adult son by his first wife whom he left when the son was 7 because he couldn't cope, he also has a slightly older son too. He sees the older son often but still cannot cope with his other son which I can't fathom as he is adorable and so loving.

When things are good they are great, but we are having major arguments every 6-8 weeks now as he drives me up the wall. We have always had a slightly rocky relationship but I was hoping time would improve things.

A bit of background, I moved in after only 6 months of dating. He is 15 years older than me. We have been together 5 years.

I just don't feel proud of him, is there any hope?

OP posts:
MyLatest · 15/07/2014 16:50

You would be mad to waste any more of your life on this man.

HowardTJMoon · 15/07/2014 17:11

He is always telling me how his world revolves around me totally and that everything he does is for me.

Yes but his words don't match his actions, do they? He says his world revolves around you but he behaves as if the world revolves around him. He gets to play with his toys all day while you go to work. He gets to play with his toys all night, too, while you're doing the housework that he can't be arsed to do.

It's not that he doesn't know how, he's just playing the "bumbling man who can't do anything right" card to get out of having to do anything at all. And it works. He can't be arsed to be polite and friendly to your friends so you have to clean up his messes and apologise for him being twattish to them.

He doesn't want a partner, he wants a house-keeper who will suck his cock (can't remember if it was AnyFucker or SGM who coined that phrase).

He also insists I need to change too

Now that I'd agree with. You need to change how you view this joy-vacuum and instead of feeling sorry for him decide, instead, to go and live your life and leave him to his tedious existence.

LindaMcCartneySausage · 15/07/2014 17:28

He's not physically abusive to you but he's highly emotionally manipulative and controlling of your life. Take your time to plan and manage your escape, organise your possessions so you can uplift them quickly and get all financial information together, then leave. Do not tell him you are going.

I agree with pps that you sound very nice and in control. You work full time with no dependants, so I'm sure you can make a lovely life for yourself once you let go emotionally of this waste of space DP.

He will be hit hard when you go, because he will have no one to put down, to do his housework or otherwise control and belittle.

Funkyannie · 15/07/2014 17:31

You are all so right. He is so boring and tedious! He doesn't want us to move into our own house (we currently live in his and his ex-wife's house which I am not keen on) mainly because his model train are set-up in the huge garden building he has, although they do look good and have taken a long time to build and he spent a fortune on them.
He won't travel anywhere exotic, in fact almost anywhere, especially if I dare suggest it. He doesn't like films/cinema, any music other than film music, theatre, sports, in fact anything that doesn't involve sex or trains!!! I am supposed to be up for it whenever he wants but if I make a move and he's not interested I am being controlling as it always has to be 'on my terms' because I may have dared say no the previous time. He has alienated my sister and her family who hates him. He makes life so difficult when they are around I have avoided it.
I am bonkers to stay there. Sometimes it takes people from outside to show you.

OP posts:
Funkyannie · 15/07/2014 17:35

And he sulks for days if is dare point out he has made a mistake or is wrong.

End of rant, this has been so therapeutic getting it all out :)

OP posts:
HowardTJMoon · 15/07/2014 17:44

Have a read of this and see how many of his characteristics aren't just little quirks but real warning signs of an emotional abuser. I counted at least six just from what you've written here.

Dirtybadger · 15/07/2014 18:06

Ltb. Quick fast.

Got too much craft stuff to take? Someone will happily take that off your hands if you're not bothered about a good price and would like a good home for it.

Arrange for a few friends to come help you out with things (moving, general support). Ask him to go out for the day to move it all. He might not, but don't ask don't get. How old are your kids? They may be of help; I'd do anything to help me mum (incidentally same age as you) get out of a shit relationship. My brother certainly would.

I was fortunate to throw my ex out rather than have to move out. He didn't have that much stuff (no furniture, all mine, etc) but it only took me a few hours to box it all up. If you're happy to part with some things you can make a pretty quick break.

Good luck. You deserve so much better. Being alone will be infinitely better! Thanks

Lottapianos · 15/07/2014 18:44

Mothers, you're welcome and you definitely should start your own thread if you feel like sharing. You will get loads of support on here x

Funkyannie · 16/07/2014 13:08

Thanks Howard, that is an eye opener.

OP posts:
Lottapianos · 16/07/2014 13:10

How are you feeling today Funkyannie?

Funkyannie · 16/07/2014 13:44

Scared of the choice I have to make.

OP posts:
Lottapianos · 16/07/2014 13:45

Sad You need to put yourself first here Funkyannie. You deserve so much better than living with a grumpy old man Thanks

Lweji · 16/07/2014 14:09

You don't have to make a choice right away. I'm sure it looks overwhelming at the moment.

But you can start working on a leaving plan.
It will give you more confidence, even if you still want to give it a go, but with the certainty that you can walk out if you're still not happy.

ImperialBlether · 16/07/2014 14:27

You should be excited, not scared. I can tell you I wouldn't want to live with this man and doubt anyone else on here would, either.

Send him up to play with his trains and start to get your stuff together. Tell him you're going to sell all your yarns etc and get them sorted into boxes ready to move.

Tell him you're tidying the house and start to gather your things together. Does he really never go out at all? How long does he play on his trains for?

RoganJosh · 16/07/2014 14:34

If it doesn't delay you too much you could start by sorting your stuff out, selling what you can, giving it away etc.

nocturnal123 · 17/07/2014 08:22

Hello

May I suggest, tell some of your friends or family that you WILL be leaving so that you have some support, even if emotional. Do not tell your partner

Find somewhere to rent or buy, put down a deposit, set a concrete date so that you have something to look forward to !

Personally, I would remove all your craft stuff to somewhere else eg friend or family, or sell it at carboot or ebay or give it to local school or club or put it in one of those pay monthly lock up storage places

Consider leaving your craft items behind, they are NOT important in the grand scheme of things

Consider leaving your craft items behind (yes I am writing this down twice)

Write a list of the good and bad things about your current life, compared to what you hope to achieve in your new life !

In your new life you will be travelling around the world and socialising with new friends and new partner, so you will have no time for crafts ;0)

Do you want to spend the next 30 years with this man ?

If the answer is no, then be very brave and leave !
It seems he will be happy alone with his trains

On the day you leave, get people to help you, even if it removal company

It is up to you if or when you tell your partner, just tell him you are unhappy on the day you are leaving and go !

Goodluck and let us know how you get on ?

BE BRAVE - YOUR NEW LIFE IS WAITING FOR YOU !!!!

HTHelps

nocturnal123 · 17/07/2014 08:27

YOUR CRAFT ITEMS ARE NOT IMPORTANT IN THE GRAND SCHEME OF THINGS OR IN YOUR NEW LIFE !

SORT THEM OUT NOW, STORE, SELL OR GIVE AWAY

START NOW THIS IS THE START OF YOUR NEW LIFE !

GOOD LUCK !

Funkyannie · 17/07/2014 13:17

My craft things are not important! Smile
Thanks again for the support. It is hard to tell my family as I have tried to leave before and backed out, I did do it once about three years ago and moved back in.. I don't know why I have not had the strength to keep away. This makes me feel worse about myself.

OP posts:
Lottapianos · 17/07/2014 13:23

It's not at all uncommon to take several attempts to get out of an abusive relationship. Its a huge step and your self-esteem will have been worn down somewhat by his crap behaviour. So don't worry about that. You can do it again and succeed this time.

LongTimeLurking · 17/07/2014 13:49

ugh, he sounds horrible. Make an exit plan ASAP.

Funkyannie · 19/07/2014 17:17

Whilst I am making plans, what am I supposed to say when he asks if everything is ok between us and do I love him? I am a really bad liar.

OP posts:
areyoumymother · 19/07/2014 19:18

He sounds dreadful.

YourHandInMyHand · 19/07/2014 20:14

FunkyAnnie say things that are true so you aren't lying. Say you are a bit fed up. Say you are tired. Say you feel you need to have a big clear out.

Don't tell him of your plans if it will make life difficult.

This is what I did in your shoes. He knew something was off but was happy to put it down to being about me not him.

I've never looked back BTW. Keep focused on how much your life will be better for making the move.

Katisha · 19/07/2014 20:24

How will you deal with the suicide threats and the stalking this time round? I would suggest calling police for the former and getting the non emergency police to have a word if he tries the latter. I had a family member subject to this sort of behaviour. Took more than one try to leave as these people can be so overwhelming.

He may try a different tack such as extravagant presents, letters, "needing" to return things you have left behind etc. as far as is possible he needs not to have phone numbers for you, email or address.

Tinks42 · 19/07/2014 20:54

OP make a few phone calls, find somewhere to stay and just walk out, leave. He sounds like total dick and you owe him absolutely jack shit. My ex threatened to kill himself, I offered to buy him his preferred means.