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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

Here I am again

56 replies

Stillaweakfool · 14/03/2015 22:56

I'm an idiot.
I've been here before.
I've told my story, had the advice and yet just carried on cos I'm too weak too pathetic. I'm too scared.

I have 2dc, 2.5 and 6months.
I've been married 2yrs. Together 4.
He has screamed at me several times today.
Just now so loud and angrily it woke the baby from a different room.
Today's fight was because I continued doing the washing up when he said would do it. But he didn't do it, and I needed it done so I could start cooking. When he saw me doing it he got the hump and started a row. Which was apparently started by me.
He has screamed at me that I'm a bully and a nagging dog.
He pressured me into circumcising my DS and then has refused to do any of the aftercare. He has not changed a single nappy in over a week. Today he gave me a lie in and said he would do breakfasts. Apparently this didn't include DS who was crying so much when I got up. I breastfed and he fell asleep. H hadn't made him any porridge. How hard is it? Mix milk with the powder, spoon into mouth..... That's cruel.

I don't nag. I wouldn't dare. He would get moody and that's not worth it.

His family live in another country. He has only seen them once in the last 10 yrs. his choice. His sister lives here though. Same city as us. He doesn't see her cos he dislikes her husband.
He screamed at me that I've stopped him seeing his family. It's my fault.
He is lazy with friends. It's like he can't be bothered really, or they are a source of annoyance when they want anything - even if it's a dinner invitation. It's as if he doesn't want to go. It's a chore for him.
He doesn't want to know my family. Isn't interested in coming to family stuff at all.
He screamed at me that I'm trying to stop him seeing his only friend he has left (they were supposed to come for dinner today but after the washing up row he saw me crying, flipped out and cancelled them coming)

He is always - and I do mean every single day - late to work. He has a 0 hour contract and actually that suits his boss ok but he complains about it. He moans about money but he just can't seem to get up, dress and go to work.
He's trying to break into a new career but isn't really trying. He's found one agency who throw occasional work his way.
He is tired. Always. Was before we had kids. Is even more tired now.

He says he is interested in travel and culture and sight seeing or days out etc but whenever I mention anything it's either 'lets just relax' or 'I'm tired' or 'we need to save money' and then cue him buying something he wants but doesn't need

Now I'm tired. I'm tired of the name calling. Tired of the shouting. Tired of it being my fault. Tired of making excuses. Tired of never getting any apologies. Tired of being meaningless. Tired of putting in 2 people's worth of effort and getting nothing in return.
Tired of wanting him to change. Tired of knowing he won't.

But mostly I'm tired of how meaningless I have become. To myself.
How did this happen? I have degraded myself. Hugely. I have lied to friends and family about things cos I'm ashamed and embarrassed.
He's 'such a nice guy' - not he's not. He's a fucking arsehole.

I'm scared my dd will choose a man like him.
I'm scaredmy DS will become a man like him.

I'm scared to do this alone.

OP posts:
lunalelle · 14/03/2015 23:38

He honestly sounds mentally ill. Has he seen a doctor?

janesduffelcoat · 14/03/2015 23:52

God that sounds so miserable OP! Contact Women's Aid & start telling your friends and family the truth. You need some real life support to help you get away from this man!

MummyBtothree · 15/03/2015 00:19

Find strength if not for you for your kids and get out of there. If you stay and put up with that you will let them down. Theres womens aid who have safehouses

Stillaweakfool · 15/03/2015 11:11

Flat is in my name so it is him who has to leave.

I question myself as to why I'm not putting my kids first. I know I should. I'm just so weak. I desperately want to believe he will change.

I told him he has to leave by tonight (me n kids are at my mums for mothers day) n I want him out by the time we get home. He just flew into a rage and said he won't leave til we sell th car as he wants his half of the money. That's the first thing he though of. Not his kids. Just his money :(

OP posts:
ArabellaStrange · 15/03/2015 11:18

I am glad you have told him to leave, as it sounds like an intolerable situation to live in. Please make sure you do make him leave.

MorrisZapp · 15/03/2015 11:21

Stop covering for him. Tell your friends and family the truth. Get them onside, they will encourage and support you. You don't have to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders.

Stillaweakfool · 15/03/2015 11:28

I've told my mum today. She's heart broken.

This morning I was trying to leave with the kiddies and he just seemed tiger really angry as I was walking away instead rising to the bait and he wouldn't let me close the door. Dd was behind me and I stepped back and knocked her over so she started crying. He immediately told me I'm a using her and an unfit mother. I picked her up and once we got outside to the car I have her a cuddle and said I was sorry and was she ok etc and she said 'it was an accident mummy. I'm not hurt' which just made me cry more.
She asked why daddy was angry with me. She said daddy is naughty for making you cry mummy.
She said daddy doesn't look like daddy today.

I'm such a pathetic excuse for a mum to have let it go this far.
I can't undo what has been seen and heard.
I hate myself for that.
I had one simple job to do - keep my kids safe. And I just fucking failed at it. For my own needs instead of theirs.

Sad
OP posts:
StickyProblem · 15/03/2015 11:31

Flowers OP. Why is your mum heartbroken? I would be cheering that you are kicking him out, he sounds awful. Surely life will be easier without him dragging you and your little ones down.

FlossyMoo · 15/03/2015 11:36

You have not failed as a mum but HE has failed as a father.

He is abusive and it is not your fault. He has done the classic abusive thing of making you feel shit and that everything is all your fault. Please contact womens aid. Look on their website if you can. They highlight all the tactics used by abusers and it may help you see it is HIM and NOT you.

If your name is on the house then he needs to leave and you can force the issue with support.

Children are more resilient than we give them credit for and the best thing you can do is get him out of the house so that they stop seeing him abuse their mother.

You are not weak you are scared and that is natural. You are a good mum and it is clear you are trying to do the best my your children. Please seek help and support OP Womens Aid is a good place to start.

Vivacia · 15/03/2015 11:41

What's your plan for the rest of the day? What will you do if he's still there when you return?

HootyMcTooty · 15/03/2015 11:58

You're not weak and you're not a useless mum. You obviously know this is all wrong, that's the first step. You know what needs to happen, you've told him to leave. Now what you need to do is make a plan for how to deal with him refusing to leave. How will you handle it?

Do you have relatives who can return home with you to make sure he goes?

Stillaweakfool · 15/03/2015 11:59

I said I would call the police if he hadn't left by time we got home. I'm certain he doesn't believe me.
He's been texting me telling me it's all my fault. Has admitted he has an anger management problem but also stated that he wouldn't have that problem if I didn't make him angry - so it's my fault as well.

My mum is heartbroken by the revelations. She knew things weren't all roses but she didn't know how bad.

I am so scared to do this alone. Not scared like afraid but scared like how will I cope? With sleep deprivation - DS is rubbish sleeper still - and money.
I dont doubt my ability to parent alone. Happily. But the sadness of it - no one to share with. Being 'the single mum friend'.....

OP posts:
FlossyMoo · 15/03/2015 12:02

You will cope OP. You have coped living with this nasty man for longer than you should have. You are a lot stronger than you think and you will realise that once you have time to breath and he has left.

mix56 · 15/03/2015 12:16

OP, you are not a weak fool, there loads of things that you are doing right. You have tried to make your marriage function, but the guy is an abusive bastard. Your kids love you, you have realized it has had to stop, you have told him "enough", your only concern is your children's happiness & you are doing exactly the right thing.
Your Mum is coming to terms with the news, she will be on your side.
The flat is yours HOOOOORAH.
He must go, Once he has gone & you are able to live calmly in your home environment, do what you want when you want, The whole dynamic will be so much more harmonious, the kids will be happy with no more agitation & fighting. The baby will soon settle.
WELL DONE, huge hug & don't give up, don't back down, don't give in to any remorseful unfulfillablepromises.
The guy has had all the chances he needs.
This is indeed a Happy Mothers day for you.

Lweji · 15/03/2015 12:22

Good for you for putting an end to it and telling your mum. It's an important first step.

I would make sure he's gone before returning home. Be safe.

I suspect you will actually find it easier to parent without a poisonous adult in the house.

AlternativeTentacles · 15/03/2015 12:34

If he is their father then you will be entitled to maintenance. It all helps.

I would also check he has gone, make sure your phone is charged and if you can, call them on 101 to let them know what is happening so that they can flag your house if you have to call later today.

Good luck and don't let him deflect about the car.

And if he says you cause anything you can always retort with 'actually, your behaviour is your choice, and your decision to make. If that is how you choose to behave then won't be surprised if nobody wants to be near you'.

PuellaEstCornelia · 15/03/2015 12:48

Has it occured to you maybe the baby is a bad sleeper BECAUSE of the tension in the house? Maybe once the arse is gone, and you aren't under such pressure, things will calm down. I know it's hard on your own, but it's got to be better than this!
Good luck tonight and keep yourself safe!

Stillaweakfool · 15/03/2015 13:21

I do intend to call him before I leave to ensure he has left. But he could easily lie.

Might just feel apprehensive but I do feel positive about being a single parent.
He is naturally oppositional. So it's bren hard work parenting dd together because everything I want to do (sleep train potty train etc) he is opposed to and refuses to help. If he was gone I could do it all my way.
But he says that to me. He is always saying that I just want my own way all the time. Has made me feel selfish.
If he was gone though I'd have absolutely no help. No more running. No more lay ins. No more relaxing baths knowing someone is there if the baby cries. No one to help me with the shopping etc.
but it's not a worthwhile cost. This misery and the damage it is causing.

What if he takes them? He isn't English. He has PR l. He could take them out the country and never bring them back?
I have the passports. But can he report them lost and get new ones?

OP posts:
FlossyMoo · 15/03/2015 13:28

I think you can contact the passport office and inform them that you have the childrens valid passports and that if they are reported lost or stolen by anyone other than you another should not be issued. You can also apply for a residency order which dictates the terms of contact for their father and I think can also detail that they should not leave the country.

Seek advice from a solicitor ( free half hour) and raise your concerns regarding him leaving the country with them.

FlossyMoo · 15/03/2015 13:29

Oh and call 101 and explain to the police that you have asked your ex to leave the house before you return but you are concerned he won't and he may become abusive. They will advise you of what to do if he is still there.

Fingeronthebutton · 15/03/2015 13:46

Can I ask what nationality he is? I ask as it could make a difference if the shit hit the fan Re. the children.

Stillaweakfool · 15/03/2015 14:44

He is Algerian. I want to get a solicitor appointment for this week if possible. Juggling the 2 children is hard.

Dd is going to hard work over the next few months. She adores him and he will essentially just disappear. He will come to see her as and when he feels like it I know that. But it won't be regular or routine.
This is why I've stayed so long. Cos I am dreading doing it alone and coping with the emotional fall out.

OP posts:
Vivacia · 15/03/2015 14:50

She adores him and he will essentially just disappear. He will come to see her as and when he feels like it I know that. But it won't be regular or routine

The relationship ending doesn't mean he's suddenly not a father. Have you had legal advice on access arrangements?

43percentburnt · 15/03/2015 14:57

Op keep the texts. In fact try and find a way to keep them safe. Especially if he is admitting an anger problem.

Keep all communication written.

Keep a diary documenting what is done/said, how the children react/behave/what they say.

Expect him to change tactics when he realises you mean it. Do not get drawn in by 'we need to meet and talk'. Etc etc. say it's over, that's my decision and I will not change my mind.

Dd may 'adore' him because she is worried about his moods if she doesn't behave correctly.

You are doing the right thing.

Stillaweakfool · 15/03/2015 15:16

Generally he is a good dad. He usually manages to cover any moodiness informer of her or with her. He can be furious at me and play as normal with her. But what she saw today has rattled her.

He says he won't leave as he nowhere to go and I can call the police if I like. That's my choice.
He says he will leave when I give him the money for the car.
So it's not about having nowhere to go. It's about the money.

Says as soon as he gets he will go to Algeria

OP posts: