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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

I don't know whether to continue in this relationship - please be blunt!

96 replies

NicolaLesley123 · 01/09/2014 22:52

Hi everyone
I am 40 and my boyfriend is 44. I live in my own place with my 9 year old son, and pretty much it has been me and him since he was about 2 years old. I dated (unbeknown to my son) and then started a relationship with my current boyfriend in December 2012. My bf has lots of positive qualities in that he is very affectionate, always massaging my feet, stroking my hair, telling me that he loves me etc. I am not the most affectionate person in the world (particularly when I have pmt for a week) and it has caused some arguments. When I am not in the mood to be affectionate I am also not in the mood for sex, which again has caused some rows. There have been other stresses from day one which have added to some of our difficulties, namely my bf trying to organise contact with his children through Court. His ex gf has been very difficult (just to point out I met him a year after they split up)

Anyway, we have had 20 months of bickering, some of which has been witnessed by my little boy. When he is around I tell my bf to calm down (which he hates) or I tell him not to swear (it's fucking this and that when he is annoyed) and he continues to do so, saying that my son will hear worse in the playground. I have called the Police twice to our property, both times my son was there. The first time was due to my bf being extremely drunk and more agitating than anything, but his demeanour was upsetting to my son so I had the Police remove him. The second time, we argued and he pushed me onto the floor - though denied it immediately given that he was drunk (he simply couldn't recall it). He then would not let me get out of the property for fear I would call the Police. My son witnessed him standing in the way of the front door and he panicked. I got us out and called the Police. I believed that was it however the next morning when I talked it through with my son he said he felt sorry for him and that we should give him another chance. So we did.

I'm now getting to the crux of one of the issues. Our bickering continued (as you probably expected) mostly about his ex, the kids, my lack of affection and not enough sex. I explained that I didn't have 2 hours a night for sex (he likes to make a meal of it) as I have a full time job which is stressful. Anyway, to cut a long story short, he used my computer to go on Facebook. When he was out watching the match I went on my computer to fin his facebook account still logged in. So I did what any nosy gf would do and looked at it. I saw in the notifications that there were photos synced from his phone. This basically means that he took photos on his iphone which were saved to facebook but not shown publicly. I looked to see what they were and found a screenshot of his email address and hidden membership number for a dating site called "Genuine Affairs", a dating website for married people. I went sick. I then accessed his googlemail account and looked at his emails (I knew his password as he had given it to me previously and I think he forgot that I would have remembered it). Anyway, saved under his personal emails was confirmation of his membership to fuckbook.net and password and user name. I accessed fuckbook using both and found a half hearted profile set up which simply ha his D.O.B, height (2 inches out) and a strap line saying "I love sex". He swore blind that it was his ex that created the profiles and that he has had similar things through before.

We met on a dating site so there is every chance he gets junk mail from them, as I still do, however I have never received something thanking me for joining and my membership number. Anyway, his argument (and tears) was so persuasive I bought it. However, 2 months later it has come back to me as I believe he may be a better liar than I gave him credit for. That brings me onto the second part of my dilemma.

We booked a family holiday to go to Haven just a couple of weeks ago. We bickered leading up to it, so much so that I considered travelling up separately. Anyway, my bf reassured me that he wouldn't argue and that he wouldn't spoil the holiday for my 9 year old son. Anyway, the first night we got there, we went to the club. He got drunk by 10.30pm and I decided to take my son home to the caravan as he said he was bored anyway. My bf followed and started giving me grief for leaving early, for doing everything my son tells me to, and for being a "fucking tight cunt" for not buying him a drink (when he was doing perfectly well getting drunk without my help). In hi anger, as he was calling e all the cunts under the son, he shoved my son. It was an accident and done as he was trying to get to me but nevertheless, I was fuming. I went to bed with my son and the next day me and my son packed and left. We hung around the caravan park for the day (as I wanted to give my son at least one day there) and my bf sent me loads of texts and calls begging for my forgiveness, saying he wouldn't drink again. In the end, he was so distraught he threatened to commit suicide and therefore I called the Police, who removed him from the caravan and took him to the nearest train station where he got a train home. Me and my son remained on holiday for the remainder of the week and my intention was that it was over with my b.

However, I met up with him when I got back and we talked things through. I said I would see him away from my son (once a week when he goes to his dad's) to see if we can have an argument free relationship. He seems calmer and has not drank for over a week. However, my son does not want me to be back with him. Even though he said he is not scared of him, he has no faith that we won't argue in the future. I am so confused at the moment as my bf has lots of good qualities, and sticks with me when I am going through the worst pmt moods possible, and I believe him when he says he won't drink to keep us. But then, the doubts re the dating sites resurface and I wonder how we will have an argument free relationship when all that doesn't add up, and my son feels the way he does. I'm waffling now but would really appreciate your comments on any aspect of what I have said.
x

OP posts:
Fairylea · 02/09/2014 08:06

By the way, it's clear from reading that that your son is scared of him. He is just more scared for you - and feels the need to be strong for you. What a poor example is being set for him about relationships. Honestly op you need to get rid.

valrhona · 02/09/2014 08:06

Get rid of him as quickly as possible.

You (and your little son) will be damaged by having that in your lives.

Alsoflamingo · 02/09/2014 08:08

Also stunned that you have to ask. You must leave this man. It is very simple. Good luck

kaykayblue · 02/09/2014 08:09

Wait a minute - so you get back with a clearly abusive man, who is a terrible example to be setting for your child...because your NINE YEAR OLD felt sorry for him? Are you even kidding me?

Your nine year old is JUST A CHILD. He can't understand how adult relationships work - and he CERTAINLY can't understand what a healthy, happy relationship is like....because you have never showed him what one looks like.

You are a grown woman. You shouldn't be letting your child decide whether to stay with someone or not. Jesus wept.

He called you a cunt in front of your son? And you are still wondering if you should be seeing him?!?!?!?

And his only redeeming quality is...he puts up with your PMT.

Wow. So because you are moody a few days a month, it's okay that he pushes you, swears at you, gets off his face, pushes your son, that you have to call the police on him....

DieselSpillages · 02/09/2014 08:13

I don't think you should be asking your 9 year old son to decide if this man should stay in your life or not.

Your Ds needs the security of knowing that you are in charge and that you are the the one who can make a decision to put both of your wellbeings first and end the relationship.

Lacuna · 02/09/2014 08:16

If you were a friend of mine, and you told me all of this and then said you were taking him back, I'd be calling social services. I've never said anything like that before on a thread but...honestly. This is just shit.

I have a son much the same age as yours. My heat absolutely breaks even at the thought of him feeling the way yours does.

The 'dating' sites are absolutely irrelevant, and your focus on them shows how skewed your perspective is on this so-called relationship. They are a tiny detail in a much bigger picture of abuse, violence and manipulation.

You need to end this right now, today, and start the Freedom Programme (you can do it online) to help you work out why you would ever consider having this waste of oxygen back in your lives.

NicolaLesley123 · 02/09/2014 08:19

Thank you all for your replies. I know what I need to do and I will do it. I think for so long he has called me a cold bitch that it made me wonder whether part of the issuewas me. (Aside from the drinking episodes) I probably haven't realised how bad things were because I grew up in a household where arguing and fighting wasccommonplace. I swore as a child I would never put my own child through that. I've lost myself for a while but now I see clearly. Being single is better than being with someone my son no longer likes and I will embrace it. Thanks to you all x

OP posts:
Fairylea · 02/09/2014 08:25

Can I recommend definitely talking to womens aid and asking about their freedom programme? It's very telling that you seemed more concerned about the Facebook stuff and him drinking than the pushing and sexual bullying - which are far worse abusive behaviours. It might help you to recognise the red flags of abusive relationships in future to have some counselling and remain single for a while.

Good luck.

DieselSpillages · 02/09/2014 08:29

I am glad to hear that your resolve is to end it but I am concerned with Being single is better than being with someone my son no longer likes
It still sounds like your Ds is the one making the choice. You should be leaving this guy because he is abusive towards you and you deserve better. Good luck and keep strong.

captainmummy · 02/09/2014 08:30

OP - you do not need this man in your life. He argues with you stone cold sober. You've had to call the Police 3 times to remove him. He calls you foul names. He's pushed you. He's pushed your son.

Your child is watching and learning how to treat women from this, the only male role model in his life? Great.

Get rid. No question. Don't let tears, entreaties, claims of not-drinking sway you. He needs to go, and stay gone.

Stupidhead · 02/09/2014 08:33

My first thought was WTF are you doing asking your son whether you should take him back (in the first split). He is your son not your best friend, your mother or Dear Deirdre.

Second. He called you a cunt. Pushed you and your son. End this now.

Fwiw my ex (children's father) would call me a cunt when he'd been drinking. After I left him I had to sit down and explain to my then 10yr old boy that I'd rather he (my son) didn't say cunt and told him what it meant. Not nice. Get out now and do EVERYTHING for YOU and your BOY.

Preciousbane · 02/09/2014 08:39

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

ChangelingToday · 02/09/2014 08:40

Oh fgs get rid of him

WhatsGoingOnEh · 02/09/2014 08:43

Do you live with this BF? Does he have a job?
Sorry you're going through this.

seagull70 · 02/09/2014 08:45

The things that your son has witnessed and experienced will probably haunt him for the rest of his life Sad

Someone needs to step in and remove him from this situation. He needs to be protected.

Are you capable of that OP? Read through your post again and pick out all the times you mentioned your son.

He's 9 FFS, he's just a little boy and he must be so frightened right now Sad

As a previous poster said, you are putting a hideous, drunken, abusive man (who clearly hates you), ahead of your little boy.

What are you going to do to OP. Are you capable of protecting your son?

NicolaLesley123 · 02/09/2014 08:45

It's the tears that have swayed me and made me feel like the bad guy. No more x

OP posts:
NicolaLesley123 · 02/09/2014 08:48

No he doesn't live with us but he does have a business. I'm so glad we never took that step now. It will make things much easier.

OP posts:
FunkyBoldRibena · 02/09/2014 08:48

Being single is better than being with someone my son no longer likes and

Er - being single is better than being with a cunt. No matter if your son likes him or not!

Look - you are the adult here. Step up and start behaving like one.

CalamityKate1 · 02/09/2014 08:49

I can't believe you're putting your poor son through this joke of a relationship.

FFS end it.

AnyFucker · 02/09/2014 08:52

I see you have decided to end it. That's a relief, because for a while there I thought you were one of those pathetic women that put a man before the welfare of their children.

AMessageToYouRudie · 02/09/2014 08:56

Get out of this and stay out
Get him away from your boy
He has gone so far over the line there is no going back
Find someone you deserve, no one deserves the crap he is dishing out...
Good Luck x

Lookingforfocus · 02/09/2014 08:59

Nicola from your description you are still suffering the affects of an abusive childhood yourself. Find a way to gain a knowledge of what is a normal, safe and healthy relationship. Women's Aid, good friends with strong marriages/relationships or a counsellor. Get the help you need to not repeat the behaviour and patterns you witnessed. Parentification of children and giving them too much responsiblity for and awareness of the lives of adults is also a form of abuse. This may be normal in your family of origin or background but it is unhealthy and is abusing natural boundaries that should exist between the generations. What needs to change is your own mindset then you would never choose a man such as this and embroil your child in adult affairs and decisions.

Figster · 02/09/2014 09:40

I seriously cannot believe you even feel the need to ask that question when you've had to get the police involved three times.

He has abused you abused your son has no contact with his own children seemingly for a very good reason what is it that you are getting from this relationship?

Your lives and not inextricably linked just get rid of him and move on for the sake of your child and your own self respect.

RegTheMonkey1 · 02/09/2014 09:58

All I could think, reading your post, was 'poor little boy'. I'm glad you now realise you have to have nothing more to do with this man.

RegTheMonkey1 · 02/09/2014 10:00

By 'poor little boy', I meant - just to be clear - your son. What horrible things he has experienced in his short life.

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