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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

Not sure if this was ea or if it even matters now...

8 replies

Saltfish · 25/09/2015 17:39

Forgive me if none of this makes no sense but I'm just feeling incredibly confused about my last relationship and need some clarification as there's been some triggers lately...

I was in a 2 and a half year relationship with a woman who had some mental health issues...at the time she was going through a divorce.
I have no idea if it was abusive but it felt like it was...here are some facts about the relationship.

-I lived with her exDh so she could get more money from him and benefits for her children. The whole situation was very weird but I guess I was trying to help out as much as I could. I then had to move out to a shared house because she thought I was having an affair with him. I'm lesbian so no idea where she got that from.

-when I wasn't at work I was cleaning the house, helping with the children and doing everything I could to make the house run well. On my day off I would clean do laundry and organize their wardrobes and make sure dinner was on the table for her. She would flip between saying I didn't do much around the house to that I cleaned up too much. When I left for work one morning she sent me a picture of a pair of underwear i must've forgotten to pick up when I was getting ready. She also complained anytime she had to wash a top or dress of mine. She also said when I went on my diet that she was happy she didn't have to cook for me anymore.

I really got on with her exDh(very lovely) but was always involved in their fights. I never really went out much but one night I went out with an old friend and was accused of cheating from her and he sent me 13 texts..needless to say I left very early that night.

-I was on a grand a month and any tips or extra money I made went to her. I gave her 200£ a month plus paid for an extra room which I never stayed in unless things went bad so she could get more money for the children. I also bought her and the children presents and took her out for food but she always said I never bought her anything or took her out. I was always in the red a couple weeks after payday. At the same time I was paying off some immigration debt so not much was left over. I must say she was a very generous person herself.

-I lost all my friends and was accused of having an affair with the receptionist at work..she would constantly look through my phone.

-I would be sat watching tv then be accused of creating an atmosphere with my face.

-I ended up in hospital because I had a breakdown. she had me stay at my house when I was released cuz she was pissed off. Her exDh told me when I was admitted that she asked for him to come back. It was true and when I confronted her she laughed in my face. I got back with her because I had to take my life in the uk test and couldn't deal with the shit that comes with a breakup.

-she finally dumped me and wouldn't let me have any of my furniture, clothing, books or DVDs. I even said she could just leave it all on the doorstep so she didn't have to see me but no.

It's been over a year since we've split up. Some people become lonely but I feel like I've gone the other way...I've pushed everyone away as I don't trust them. I don't like anyone touching me and the I don't think I ever want to have a partner again. What the hell happened? I feel like I don't really every know if any of my emotions are ok to have.

I have blocked her and while all her friends kept in touch I had to cut them loose because I didn't think it was fair on her to keep in touch with her friends and I wanted to move on. Just recently her exDh began following me on Twitter. I let him but now I just feel like they're watching me or laughing.

Sorry this is so long I've wanted to post this for ages I know it doesn't make much sense but I need mumsnet to slap some sense into me! None of my feelings seems to make sense anymore and I just want to move on.

OP posts:
MatrixReloaded · 25/09/2015 17:54

It does sound abusive yes. I'm sorry you've been treated like that. Abusive people are often disordered in some way. They seek out compassionate kind people. It might be helpful to do some reading about emotional abuse. Lundy Bancroft is very good. I think there's an emotional abuse support thread somewhere.

Saltfish · 25/09/2015 18:00

I consider myself a very strong resilient person but I just feel as if this was all my fault. I really don't like who I've become. I still dream about it.

OP posts:
MatrixReloaded · 25/09/2015 18:07

Emotional abuse is just as bad as physical abuse. It's traumatic. Some people have ptsd symptoms. I did but I didn't know what it was. None of it is your fault. Your not responsible for other people's shit character.

Have you got any real life support ?

Saltfish · 25/09/2015 18:19

Thank you! I just worry what she's told everyone else it really left me a different person. I just don't know how to get over it.

I have a hard time speaking to people about it...I feel like they just think I should just move on. The funny thing was there was no name calling it was just how I was made to feel. I hate that it has so much power over me when I've made so many good steps to improve my life sinc then!

When or how did it get better for you?

OP posts:
Frecklesandspecs · 25/09/2015 20:09

Yes saltfish. I'm struggling at the moment with one (solid plan to leave soon )
This sounds very controlling. It's so hard to put a finger on EA when you are in it but I've had to look at how I 'feel'.
If you're feeling this low and depressed, something is definitely not right however you try to rationalise the behaviour.
I've reacted to my h in a similar way. I've put up a wall, theres no emotion left and I feel emotionally numb.
Just get rid of them all (you seemnto have done it anyway)
You lost all your friends because that is one of their tricks. They cut iff family and friends so you can only rely on them for support.

Frecklesandspecs · 25/09/2015 20:13

Oh and not really namecalling here either. Though said some very spiteful things.
Mine is mostly silent treatment and being made to feel on edge. No physical abuse BUT that feeling of threat in your stomach and the horrid vibes they give off.
So hard to explain.

Saltfish · 25/09/2015 21:05

Yeah I always felt like I was waiting for the ball to drop. It was such a roller coaster of emotions and anxiety. I'm much happier now but I still feel a bit traumatised. It's weird when I was writing my op I thought this is ea but now rereading it I think oh that isn't so bad. It's so confusing! I think her exdh following me on Twitter kicked up some old feelings. I want to block him but I feel bad...ugh why do I doubt myself so much!

OP posts:
Frecklesandspecs · 25/09/2015 21:16

It's a really confusing place to be. That's why it's good to get perspective from the outside.
Most of them are 'generous'. They give you crumbs to keep you going.
If they were nasty all of the time, you wouldn't stay, would you?
I grew up as a child of this kind of stuff, had relationships with it and my now h is the same.
I'm 35 with 3 kids and I'm only just seeing the light!

I'm quite introvert, happier giving than taking and always trying to please others rather than myself. I often feel guilty for silly things I've said or done (when I don't need to) and always afraid of upsetting people.
I also think I have a permanent sticker on my forehead which says it too!
I've done lots of reading up on EA and I want to change myself now instead of wasting time trying p,ease people who don't give a shit about me.

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