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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'm not sure if I'm being manipulated, abused, or if I'm crazy. Lately I don't enjoy being around him

135 replies

Dorsetmama · 07/12/2015 09:20

I'll try to keep to the relevant information here.... Some back story is needed.

Years ago, 15 to be exact, I suffered a trauma. My mental health was affected and nothing was ever resolved relating to the trauma. I self harmed for years since then. I was also physically and emotionally abused by my mother and stepfather. More so from my stepfather.
I met the father of my children when i was 20, shortly fell pregnant so I finally had a good reason to move out. I was with my ex for 6 years and we had 4 children - sadly he was abusive in other ways. No respect for me, wasted all of our money to the point of eviction and then almost a second eviction before i finally got rid of him, after he cheated on me with a school mum.

A year later, i met my DP. convinced i had finally found the one. He wasn't phased by my 4 unruly kids, all 6 and under, and he seemed to adore me.

He accepted my self harm and mental health problems. Coaxed me to open up to him, tell him all. I did. Then he said the problems were too big and i needed professional help. I sought it, only to get let down by the system... Long story short my paperwork was lost. I waited a year from then for treatment to start. In the meantime things got quite bad. He was continuously wanting to know my every thought, the reason behind every mood. He knew I suffered badly with PMT but could never let me be. He would go into these long sulks where he would disappear into the bedroom for days just leaving me to suddenly cope on my own. He became really strict and controlling over my kids. Which i tried to believe they needed a firm hand... But when it got to him making them pick up lentils from the floor as a punishment i knew it had gone too far.

He smoked too much weed.

We booked a holiday to Italy his home country, for the following summer. And then i fell pregnant. I was quite happy. In the good moments, we had talked about a baby and he said i was the only woman he'd ever wanted to have a baby with in his life, so not even his ex wife! But he was devastated by the news. He said we werent ready. He assumed i would think the same. Then when i expressed i didn't, after alot of arguing he told me if i had the baby he probably wouldn't leave, but he would pretend it didnt exist. He wouldn't help me through the pregnancy. I saw no option. I couldn't be a mother of 4 boys, on my own, with a pregnancy to cope with... And then a baby. It wasn't how i wanted it. So i agreed to abort. But i had to wait until after the holiday. So i had to spend 3 more weeks pregnant getting all the symptoms. It was hell. He came with me to the abortion which i thought was quite supportive. But he complained that the women working there were looking at him badly.

6 months later we moved to a new town. It was hard on everyone. I have one child who is autistic and it was most hard on him.

Things hit rock bottom. We argued every single day. Things got violent though not at each other. Apart from one day. I accidentally hit him when flailing my arms during another heated argument when he was in my face, and he called the police. Then i ended up almost arrested. I think they could tell he lied to them... As he told them i punched him. Walked over to him and punched him.

It all seems to stupid now. He left for a bit after that. Social services got involved but they were satisfied i was okay and the kids were fine.
He was gone 3 months. He stopped the smoking just before he left as i stopped letting him have money for it.

He didn't work you see. As soon as he moved in with me (6 months after we had met) he stopped working.
But he got a job when he moved out. He went 300 miles away. We talked alot and agreed some things needed to change. He came back after 3 months. Promises of no more smoking and getting a job. So far, 6 months later, he smokes again and theres no job. We just live on benefits.

I still want the baby. Some days. I sometimes think it will make me happy enough to not care about the stuff he does.

He is not as strict with the kids now, but some stuff still happens that i dont like. But he says i need to treat him as if the kids are his own, otherwise its not fair. He says i can't just pick and choose when i want his help or advice. He says he doesn't have to check on me so why should I check on him?

He says he wants a baby lots now, we talk about names and everything, but we have to wait. I feel like he uses it as a bargaining tool. Every time i have a bad moment, we have to wait longer for it.

I finally got treatment for my problems, a great psychologist really helped me since we moved, and i feel much better.
But my DP met my psychologist and doesn't like him. Doesn't like the suggestions he made about our relationship problems, and even accused him of fancying me.

I must admit lately, i have been less patient with his moods. Less patient with his lack of activity, and lack of motivation. I get exasperated that he naps every day. I get annoyed that he never does much around here.

I'd like to change my lifestyle, I'd like to drive. I've always wanted to drive. And he never has. Until i express the desire to and now he wants to learn simultaneously... Making it almost impossible to pay for both of us and save for a car.... Maybe it seems trivial?

I hope i didnt jump around too much... Does this all make sense?

OP posts:
AndTheBandPlayedOn · 08/12/2015 05:19

Your anger is in response to the circumstances he is fabricating. It is anger born of frustration, rather than predatory anger. Big, BIG difference.

I will guess that if you free yourself from him that your anger will spontaneously dissipate to nothing.

He is manipulating you.
Enough is enough. You do not need his permission to end your relationship and his opinion about it or your future ( with or without him) is 100% irrelevant. Tell him to tell it to the next one. You are done.

Good luck.

AndTheBandPlayedOn · 08/12/2015 05:29

Yes, manipulation; but the erosion of your self esteem with all of the analyzing and monitoring of your behavior is emotional abuse. You are not crazy, but being treated that way is maddening. It is a tactic to sort of prove he is right/you are wrong (superior/subordinate).

Emotionally disconnect as soon as possible, which can happen before physical separation...flip the switch.

He is monitoring you and keeping the conversation about you to keep you on the the defensive so you won't have time/attention to monitor and analyze HIS behavior. But you have done so anyway. Good for you! Star

DoreenLethal · 08/12/2015 07:00

but you know that the 'normal' you have known all your life is in fact abnormal which is why nothing will stop those alarm bells ringing in your head

It is even worse that this - your normal is abnormal and yet even you are thinking it is bad - it is just so much worse than the bad that you think it is.

Remember this - everything he says is to keep you in your place. So stop analysing what he is saying to be a criticism of you, and look at the result of what he says rather than the actual things.

We've had yet another lengthy discussion about my behaviour and our relationship. About the kids. About my lack of trust. He says he understands why i feel like i do because of my past. But also that it's not his fault.

Oh look - all of this points to it being you not him, never his fault and all about your lack of trust of him. What are the chances?

Dorsetmama · 08/12/2015 09:51

Sometimes things seem so normal. Today he took the kids to school and now he is hoovering before we go and buy christmas Decs... This morning he said he is feeling anxious that we are going to argue again, and that he is perceiving my words as an attack towards him... But he said he knows its him and not me, that i haven't done anything wrong this morning. What is that meant to do?

OP posts:
turbonerd · 08/12/2015 10:05

It is meant to put you on edge. And voila, if an argument happens it is your fault. You will be really careful all day. If an argument does not happen it will make you think it was because you "behaved". As if you are a naughty child that riles him up.
It is exhausting to live like that. It hastaken me years to get over abuse like that. It was hard with the kids, and it still is sometimes. I yelled at them, one has ttrouble at school. But you know, gradually it gets better. And with luck you can meet someone who loves you for you. It is an astonishing difference to be loved forwho you are as opposed to always needing to change.
Send him oOut and change the locks.

AndTheBandPlayedOn · 08/12/2015 12:07

He is shaming you for an argument that hasn't even happened yet.

Dorsetmama · 08/12/2015 12:55

Was a fairly harrowing morning.... He declared he felt like he wanted to die every day. This was sparked because he broke the hoover. We went out, he sat separately from me on the bus. He hardly spoke when we were out. Now he's gone to see a friend/buy weed.

I dont even know how to start getting away. The house is a joint tenancy although i am the lead tenant. He has access to my bank card, and would become suspicious if it suddenly stopped.
Im also worried about coping financially until everything is switched over...
Not to mention the lack of independence regarding transport. As an example when he went away, one of my kids got sick, too sick to even walk with us to school, so i had to pay for two taxis a day for 4 days.

I feel i need to be prepared, but it all seems too much.

OP posts:
AndTheBandPlayedOn · 08/12/2015 13:22

It is ok to "play the long game" (we know it isn't a game).
Get a separate account going, save money there.

Weed? Seriously, that is not ok around children. Boot him out for that alone.

The threat of suicide: call his bluff and report to emergency services. You can do that right now.
Otherwise it is just another tool he is using to control you. It is generally thought that people serious about suicide do not talk about it; they just do it...but call it in: he won't pull that stunt again.

Friendlystories · 08/12/2015 17:13

I totally get that you need to put things in order before you 'jump' and that's actually really sensible, the more prepared you are when you do eventually break free of him the less chance there is you'll go back. Pretty sure Women's Aid would be able to help you get the practical stuff in place if you feel up to giving them a ring? Don't beat yourself up for doing this at your own pace, we're here to support you not criticise you for not doing it quickly enough. If you have specific questions about finances, tenancy agreements etc post them here and someone will be able to help or at least tell you who to contact to find out. One other thing, are you safe online? You need to make sure he doesn't have access to this thread, delete browser history etc if he uses the device you log on here with. Considering how controlling and manipulative he is the less he knows in advance about your plans the better.

Allofaflumble · 08/12/2015 19:01

Your poor children. They didn't choose this. Get out for them.

Atenco · 08/12/2015 19:56

"I dont even know how to start getting away"

I think Women's Aid and the Freedom Programme.

Also one of the main characteristics of an abusive relationship is that they cut you off from your friends, it is hardly ever missing. And it works, then you think you love him, because he is the only adult in your life. So I think you need to start building up your social network. Have you thought to get back in touch with your old friends, for example? Are there members of your extended family that you can trust?

Dorsetmama · 09/12/2015 09:04

Thank you for the support.
I know my children didn't choose this... And don't think I haven't considered them. They mostly adore him, like I said. Many of the problems I had with him and the way he was with them don't happen anymore since he went away for the 3 months. There are still issues though.

Its easy to say "get rid" but not always easy to do it. I need strength first. And i need to be prepared.
When he left for 3 months it took 8 weeks for my finances to get back in order because of the change, during which we had almost no money. I'm not prepared to go through that again, so I have to save.
Its not easy to save when he has an eye on the finances though.
The weed.... I know. And I know I enable him. And I know the money shouldn't go on it. I've got no excuses. I can only say that he doesn't smoke in the house and the children know nothing about it.

I also don't know how to cope well and support them through the loss of a parent figure leaving.... When their dad left most of them were too young (only my oldest was affected as he was 5) to even notice. Now they all would. When he went away as it was temporary I could console them with that.

I can't really get my old friends back but I think there are a couple of people I could ask for help. My family is likely to support me, but nobody can in a practical sense. Thats why its so important I can be independent and ready. At least I can be confident that I don't even need him for the practical support.

Today he is being lovely. I got a little upset at seeing myself in a video he had made of the kids jumping about, (weight, appearance, blah blah) and he was really nice about it. He took the boys to school again. He apologised for his behaviour yesterday. He is suddenly affectionate whereas lately he's been cold. In fact he's so different again that I feel guilty even making this thread.
Is it all still his game?

I think I'm pretty safe online. I haven't told him I go on Mumsnet, although maybe I should change my handle as its the same i use everywhere online. I'll do that now.

OP posts:
CharlotteCollins · 09/12/2015 13:22

The being nice is part of the cycle. It keeps you walking on eggshells, wondering what you did wrong, hoping the nice version of him will stay this time.

It is a bit of a break from the coldness, but it's also easy to forget the things he's done that tell you who he really is.

Jan45 · 09/12/2015 14:49

they mostly adore him, kids will love their parents even if they are sitting with a needle in their arm - your kids are being affected very negatively by your relationship with this man, don't kid yourself.

He smokes weed regularly - but never inside, I doubt that very much. Someone as self centred as him would not consider anyone else's opinion, he's an absolute cunt of a man, sorry but he is. Sooner you get financial advice from WA and CAB the better, you will be a whole lot better off, at least your money wont be going on drugs.

Dorsetmama · 11/12/2015 18:59

Jan.... He never does it inside. Well at least when me and the kids are in it. And I haven't been away from the house and left the kids at home with him. I think thats partly down to not trusting him. He goes in the shed to do it.

Last few days he has been annoying to say the least. Mopey, on edge, anxious, downtrodden. I believe it is all an act to try to make me feel bad or something. He tells me I've been nasty lately.

I've made the decision to leave, indefinitely.
I feel a fraud though. I have to keep up appearances as it were with him, so I have chance to prepare myself. If he were to leave tomorrow I'd be in the shit. We have both agreed after Christmas that we are going to start learning to drive... I just need a way to convince him to 'wait' to do his so i don't spend the money on him. I have asked my Mum to save some Iceland food stamps for me, so I've got a fall back for food. I'm going to speak to my grandparents when i have privacy and see if they can help me. I'm going to call Womens Aid next week as soon as I can, to get some advice.

I feel sad. Im also not very good at pretending.

All i wanted was a man who loved me and treated me well.
But i can't keep pretending the nice lasts, because it doesn't.
He also makes me feel like the abuser, with the way he talks about my behaviour.

His Mum is visiting from Europe next year, all paid for, so I feel guilty about that too.

I still see my Support Worker from the MHT, i see her next week so I'll let her know whats happening and she will support me.

I feel like im really going to hurt my kids. I have to hold on to the bad stuff I guess. Just today, my autistic kid got grumpy with one of my other kids because he said no to fetching a glass of water for him... And DP told him that he is lazy, in his face a bit, then said 'are you a little prince now?' then marched off into the kitchen saying 'who the fuck does he think he is?' so I'll remember those moments.

OP posts:
Dorsetmama · 14/12/2015 12:09

This week is the week for anyone reading.
I'm going to start making enquiries. It's another load to handle, as now my ex has started causing problems regarding the children; well, he always had but it comes in waves.

I tell you, I feel like a fucking Jeremy Kyle episode.

OP posts:
shoeaddict83 · 14/12/2015 12:15

havent really got anything to add, just read this thread and wanted to say i hope you manage to be able to get away from this as it sounds like such a bad unhappy situation to be in. Just sending some Flowers

CharlotteCollins · 14/12/2015 16:00

Wishing you strength, OP. It will get better.

KOKO. Flowers

Dorsetmama · 14/12/2015 19:35

Thank you Xmas Smile

OP posts:
NameChange30 · 14/12/2015 19:48

I'm sorry life has thrown some abusive people your way, OP. You didn't deserve any of it.

I think it would really help you to do the Freedom Programme. It could help you to feel strong enough to end this relationship, to heal, and to avoid abusive relationships in future. See if there's a course near you, and if not you could do it online.

I also recommend you contact Women's Aid who will be able to advise you about preparing to leave and staying safe while doing so. From what I've read, I think that removing his access to your bank account is one of the most urgent and important things to do. If necessary could you "white lie" and tell him that you have been contacted by the bank about fraudulent activity so they are cancelling your card(s) and issuing a new one? Then just don't "get around" to giving him your new card or pin.

I think it's really important that you get yourself and your DC away from him as soon as possible, and I hope the above steps will help you to be emotionally and practically ready to do so.

Good luck.

GoldenMama · 14/12/2015 20:00

Good luck with getting organised and getting your freedom.

I know all too well how hard it is to make this decision, it constantly seems like it could get better if you stayed and both worked on things, and it's true that it could. But it's also^^ true that life won't get better until you stand up for yourself and claim your life as your own.

Enjoy your lovely family and be happy, your boys will see this and accept that life is better in the long term even if there's a little upset at first. Thanks

Dorsetmama · 15/12/2015 14:25

I'll have to do the course online, as there isn't one near me. Good idea about the bank card, i think i can do that. He normally just takes it out of my wallet though... Not sure what i can do about that. I want to avoid confrontation as much as possible.
He's already suspicious.... He can tell im not as 'into him' as usual, because i find it hard to be fake, and rather than give me distance like a normal man he persists and almost hounds me all day, continuously probing me about what is wrong and why am i not happy and do i love him, do i still find him attractive... He's even being more physically affectionate than usual, he knows i hated that he usually isnt.
sigh
With this, plus all these problems I'm having with my ex and the kids, i keep getting ill... Its draining.

OP posts:
Dorsetmama · 15/12/2015 14:26

I'd like to be able to tell him to leave almost straight away, but it will make everything too hard. I've been weighing it up. Plus i need to be strong in my understanding of his manipulation first, or i know i will fall prey to his pleadings, as has happened before.

OP posts:
NameChange30 · 15/12/2015 14:38

Have you called Women's Aid yet? If not, please do. The number is 0808 2000 247 and it's open 24 hours a day.

NameChange30 · 15/12/2015 14:43

About your bank card - when he takes it, does he use it to get money out and pay for things in shops etc, or does he use it to buy things online? If he uses the card out and about he won't be able to do so without a pin - so you could simply change it. If he uses it online, it's a bit easier for him, but cancelling the card and getting a new one would help (he wouldn't be able to use any card details he has saved). Also there is often an online password you have to put in, so you could change that.

But, having said all that, if he is likely to get angry when he realises you don't want him to use your card any more, it might be safer to focus on leaving and worry about changing the card when you are away from him and safe.