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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

My head is frazzled, am I being abused or just silly?

244 replies

perfecthouse · 15/09/2015 13:42

This is how it is: I don't work at the moment due to illness, I am trying to find a job, I worked right from leaving school but i'm a little limited now...it's just a bit more difficult, not impossible. My partner works. We both have our own homes, we don't live together but he is here much of the time. I have never asked him for anything towards my bills...why would I? It's my home my responsibility. I buy the shopping every week, I cook all his meals. He "borrows" money from me often and then doesn't want to give it back...saying well he takes me shopping and that costs petrol. He also "reminds" me of anything he's bought me in the past (birthday and Christmas gifts).

When he comes back from work the house has to be spotless (difficult with two kids, and a dog who sheds everywhere, brings muddy footprints in and is a complete maniac jumping up the walls and dirtying them. But I try my best. In fact, I spend most of every day cleaning and he still finds fault.

When he comes in, he demands a hot drink and parks himself on the sofa, if i'm tired from cleaning all day he's funny with me, if i'm not, he's funny with me...I haven't done enough. If I've taken any time for myself, he's funny with me because i'm lazy. I'm not allowed time for myself when he's here...i'm not giving him enough attention. I'm not allowed to read a book, use the internet. If I do, I don't love him anymore. He controls the tv, sometimes he'll say "put what you want on" but then he'll huff and puff and make it very obvious he's bored. When he isn't at work he wakes up, I cook breakfast, he goes to sleep on the sofa and does nothing all day, while I run around for him. He deserves it, because he's exhausted apparently.

He constantly whinges that I show him no affection anymore, don't cuddle up to him on the sofa...how can I when i'm squashed up in the corner with his legs on me..so I cant move? Some nights i'm so uncomfortable I go and sit on the floor but he takes that as a personal insult too. He doesn't give a flying fart that I have back problems.

His moods are changeable, sometimes he's "perfect partner", sometimes he's "passive aggressive" and sometimes he's downright bloody nasty, will flip at the slightest thing. Example: the other day he called me up when he was in the bath. I went up, he started shouting at me saying I had more sleep than him (not true), I walked out of the bathroom (didn't want to argue) and I was getting changed into my pyjamas when he runs into the bedroom naked. I was putting my clothes away, he shouted "MOVE". I didn't move straight away, it was probably less than 30 seconds to put my clothes in the draw. He picked me up and pushed me over, saying I was "fucking horrible".

I'm so sick of his moods, sick of treading on eggshells, he's never hit me but he's done some awful things. I don't deserve it, I think i'm a good partner. I wash his clothes, I make his meals, I make his lunch for work, I bail him out when he has no money, I do everything he asks. Where am I going wrong?

OP posts:
eddielizzard · 15/09/2015 16:47

yes, block his number on all your phones. remove is number from school contact list. if he shows up call the police. you have to do this. maybe only once, but you have to show him it's over.

i don't see that you get anything positive at all out of this.

good luck. you are strong. you can do it.

Grumpyoldblonde · 15/09/2015 16:56

This is one of the most worrying threads I have seen on this board tbh, your situation seems, from the outside, so unnecessary for want of a better word. Women on here have escaped from men they are married to, have children with and mortgages with and you don't have any ties to this monster. I guess your self esteem is on the floor, your words in the OP that you have done everything he asks speaks volumes about your sense of self worth. You have done nothing wrong, he is an abuser and sounds rather dangerous frankly. You owe him nothing and he can't force you to stay with him and your children must be aware of the atmosphere at their house with him around.

perfecthouse · 15/09/2015 20:58

I just don't know anymore...I guess i'm so used to the situation I cant imagine anyone else putting up with me. Isnt it just always going to be the same? I have a non perfect house, no money, who the hell would want me?

OP posts:
ImperialBlether · 15/09/2015 21:03

Oh for goodness sake, OP! What do you mean, who the hell would want you? I don't want to shout at you but this loser you are allowing to wreck your life only wants someone he can cadge off and shove around. Can you not see you'd be a million times better alone than with him?

One day you will look back at your opening post here and wonder why the hell you put up with it. You have to take our word for it here if you can't see clearly - this man is a horrible cocklodger and you should kick him out. Nasty, vile man. And yes, block his number on the kids' phones.

perfecthouse · 15/09/2015 21:29

don't shout at me Confused. I told him to get lost earlier and i'm hurting, and scared. I just need to man up a bit I think!

OP posts:
Agadooo · 15/09/2015 21:37

Don't be scared??-how long have you been together? How old are your kids? X

perfecthouse · 15/09/2015 21:40

we've been together just three years but in that time I seem to have forgotten the 15 years prior when I was on my own and had no problem with it.

OP posts:
bloodyteenagers · 15/09/2015 21:41

Don't be scared.
He comes and harasses you, call the police.
If you cannot block his number, let him go to voicemail.

CocktailQueen · 15/09/2015 21:45

Op, your dc will be immeasurably happier without this abusive bastard in your life.

Another one reading this thread in horror.

Op, you deserve sooooo much more from life. This 'man' is a lazy bastard Cocklodger. Kick him out, then block.

What do you get out of this relationship?

Then google the freedom programme...

Good luck.

mysticlogistic · 15/09/2015 21:48

Ahhh bless you. I have so so much sympathy for you. Its so much better to leave him after 3 years (no matter how difficult) and brave it out than to be five times as stuck with him after 15.

What does he offer you?
How much worse does he make life?
You do deserve better. So much better.

My advice.. Right now start noting as much as you can down. Make a diary of everything. Even just from now. Every mood swing, nasty hurtful comment, threat you name it. Put that diary somewhere safe, under a bed or back of wardrobe or something. If needs be do it online, like keep it on an email and email it to yourself so there is no hardcopy to find. That might actually stand up better actually as it will show that you felt like this before you left him. Do it now, tonight! And when you have emailed yourself what its been like so far, everytime it gets worse just reply to yourself. Make plans to leave him. Gather any evidence you need of his abusive behaviour.

Keep your friends close and make sure you have all you need. You know you can be strong. Change your kids numbers. If you call their providers and explain the situation and that its for safety & wellbeing they should help. Threat removed and a worry off your mind.

Get in contact with your local childrens centre and ask to be booked onto a FREEDOM programme. Best piece of advice I could give you. This will empower you and protect you. You don't need to give information you just need to take active steps to protect yourself. If he becomes more abusive after you leave him go to a solicitor, most offer a free initial appt and after that you would get legal aid anyway. You would probably be eligible for a non molestation order to protect your family.

Yes this is abuse. He may not have hit you now but he will one day. It only ever gets worse. If he can't see a problem with his demeanour you are in for serious trouble.

DollyTwat · 15/09/2015 22:05

Perfecthouse you have every right to end this - just because you want to
Your house is your home, your safe place. You can paint it purke and not wash up for 3 weeks if you want. This man had no right to tell YOU what to do in YOUR house

Would you ever say or do the things he has to him? As an equal partnership the answer should be yes. You could berate him for HIS house. He should be cooking YOU meals etc
Why would you let someone else tell you what to do? You're not married or tied to him in any way. Dump him. He's not enhancing your life in any way. Why do you want him? Surely being on your own is 100% better?

DollyTwat · 15/09/2015 22:06

*stupid Iphone spelling mistakes!

trackrBird · 16/09/2015 00:18

You asked who the hell would want you, but I'm wondering who the hell would want your partner.

You are a capable woman who runs her own home, pays her own bills, brings up her children and is seeking work despite adverse circumstances. Whereas he.....well, he is an abusive cheapskate who doesn't deserve a partner, let alone one as great as you.

Saltedcaramel4 · 16/09/2015 00:23

Why are you with this man. Your relationship is not normal. He is abusive. Make him leave

Saltedcaramel4 · 16/09/2015 00:24

You are setting a poor example to your children by staying

MissMarpleCat · 16/09/2015 00:31

Tell him to fuck off and not come back and if he harasses you then report him to the police.

InimitableJeeves · 16/09/2015 01:04

I told him to get lost earlier and i'm hurting, and scared. I just need to man up a bit I think!

Brilliant, you've taken the first step to reclaiming your life and happiness. Just make sure you follow through on it. Have you packed up his stuff and blocked him on everyone's phones?

Agadooo · 16/09/2015 08:51

How you feeling this morning? More positive? It'll be hard but you have to end this relationship and then things WILL get so much better-you'll start to remember how you managed great before him and you can feel relaxed in your own house and happy again. If one of your kids said this was the relationship THEY were in with their partner, what advice would you give them? Then take that advice for yourself. It will be hard initially but you CAN do it, break free ??

OneDay103 · 16/09/2015 09:08

You are being Abused really badly. How can you read all your posts and it not scream out to you that you need to leave?
You have been on your own for 15 years, you can certainly do it again. This man is absolutely vile, who does he think he is.
You have two kids as well, who aren't his kids and it's so unfair and damaging to them to be exposed to him. Get rid off him and you will feel much better in the long run.

hellsbellsmelons · 16/09/2015 09:15

I have a non perfect house and very little money.
My OH doesn't want me for money and a nice house.
He wants me because he loves me and cherishes me.
Unfortunately your Ex only wanted you for your house and money even you had very little.
Get him gone and your self esteem with lift up off of the floor and you will become a very different person.
The reason you don't think you deserve any better is because of your upbringing and also what this vile twat has been filling your head with.
The scales are falling.
Next step - Womens Aid Freedom Programme!

MorrisZapp · 16/09/2015 09:22

If you imagine that your worth is based upon how tidy your house is and how much money you have then you are destined to have unfulfilling relationships.

In your heart of hearts, do you yearn for a man with spotless carpets? Sensible pension arrangements? Of course you don't. Normal people want to meet caring, interesting people to enjoy life with. They don't think ooh, if only I could meet a really good hooverer.

Being single is fucking ace. Be single. Give yourself time before even thinking about another relationship.

sooperdooper · 16/09/2015 09:32

Well done for telling him to get lost, you've done brilliantly - did he leave? What happened, are you ok? Is there a friend you can call to come round today? :)

LoisPuddingLane · 16/09/2015 09:36

Can I also suggest you lock your back door at nights? That will stop waifs, strays, burglars and cocklodgers wandering in and taking photos.

The man sounds an absolute cunt.

suzannefollowmyvan · 16/09/2015 09:39

stay strong OP
you can do it :)

perfecthouse · 16/09/2015 10:12

Lois Smile I do lock my back door at night, it was in the day he did that. I'd been crying because he'd been vile to me and had a nap on the sofa before the kids came back from school.

I feel shit today, like I always do when we row. I've blocked his calls but I cant block the texts for some reason (must look into that). I'm selfish apparently, he has no money or food. I'm selfish and a horrible person. How can that be? when even his friends have commented on how much I do for him?

Those of you in relationships, can you tell me how your day goes just so I can get some idea of how its supposed to be?

OP posts: