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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

Being me. A goal. The good the bad and the ugly.

76 replies

WoodenTrees · 27/07/2016 10:36

This is long. I apologise. However, it's more for my benefit than that of anybody else. I want to be able to look back and tick things off. I have posted regularly under another name, but suspect that name may be monitored so if you recognise, please don't allude to the other name. Thank you.
I have been emotionally abused for many, many years. At the moment, and it's taken time; an exit plan is in place. It's not the exit plan I want (the ugly bit is I want my house to be left in a decent state and it won't be, I want some things that are mine, they will be deliberately destroyed or removed) I am learning to live with this. My sanity is more important.
He has been arrested and cautioned and goodness, and foolishly we let him come home. I paid for that big time, he somehow managed to be the victim in all of this. It was absolute torture for him (his words)! Me, I just quietly posted here, until one or two folk, quite understandably, said enough, do something for the sake of dds, I got worried and stopped posting because I couldn't tell if I was pissing people off! Dds do not want to move, but don't want to be left with him and have asked me to wait until they go off in September to uni. Fair enough. They each have disabilities that make life harder for them than your average teen.
Some days I feel as though I'm barely hanging onto my sanity. I know now that most of what he's told me about his past is a lie. I know that he believes the things he said did happen, equally, I know they didn't. I know how he messes with my head and the more I think about it the worse I get. There are things that have happened that occasionally I get a picture of in my head and I have to box it up immediately because I know, should I follow it, I will go under. (Just out of interest, can anyone tell me, is this what's called a 'flashback')? That's one of the worst bits. I can picture what was going on in every single detail. I have denied this to everybody, including myself for so many years.
I have been bullied, nagged, harassed and hassled for stuff over the years, I have given in. I do everything, I mean he will sometimes do the dishwasher three days in a row, meaning of course that he's been doing it forever! I still have to be grateful for jobs he did ten years ago. He has cooked maybe 30 meals in over 20 years. He doesn't know how to use the washing machine, cooker, tumble dryer, iron. He's never done a school run because he doesn't do mornings. I have lain in a hospital bed and heard him screaming at my daughters about what lazy cunts they are on the other end of the phone. This he 'tidies up' if that makes sense, he just wanted them to tidy up for when I got home. However, it was 7.30 in the morning and they'd not got to bed until 4 because they were waiting to hear whether or not it was a heart attack.(it wasn't, funnily enough, it was stress) Beside the point, apparently. Things are always 'tidied up' to fit his narrative, although he claims that in my police statement I re-wrote history, changed the narrative.
I want to go, I will go. I will be me. Me is someone who used to be funny, and clever and had friends and choices. I think I was nice, I think I was quite witty, I know I was intelligent and read a lot. Oh to read a book without interruption, without being forced to analyse it. Oh to watch a television programme that isn't intellectual, yes, I liked to watch rubbish on occasion, that was me.
I'd like to be able to sing again, without criticism. I'd like to play an instrument again without someone having to be better than me. Or cleverer than me, or more erudite than I. I'd like to not be scared. I'd like to know that when everything is alright, it will remain so, not just last a couple of weeks. I'd like things not thrown back in my face years and years later. I would like not to be blamed for everything that has gone wrong in his life, but I'd also like not to be responsible for his happiness. Does that make sense, I've tried finishing it, that resulted in threats of suicide because he can't manage without me, and threats to me, me calling the police again and the police being bloody useless in that instance. I'd like to be me, sitting quietly, looking out on a garden with a good book and a glass of wine. I have never written so much about what I want. I'm sorry, the pictures were in my head and I needed to get them out. This seemed like a way of doing it.

OP posts:
ConkerTriumphant · 07/08/2016 14:10

Don't falter. Time to hold your nerve against a bully.

Call the police whenever you need to.
What he chooses to do because of your call is completely up to him and you shouldn't be swayed by it.

Id love^^ to see him try and get a harassment charge against you!

WoodenTrees · 11/08/2016 01:20

This week I have been the subject of extremely abusive texts, not just to me. Apparently forgetting your medication for a few days can do this. I'm actually scared now, his behaviour is completely unpredictable and changeable by the hour it would seem. Today he has behaved as though the texts didn't happen. He has been hyper manic. He has asked for sex again which is odd and scary because we haven't for about six years, and then shouted why don't you love me!
I have told my support worker because I am scared now. A marac assessment will be done and a meeting next week. I will ring the police if I get too scared, as will (adult) dds.
Small acts of rebellion, wearing a perfume I love, he doesn't.

OP posts:
toffeeboffin · 11/08/2016 02:02

Wooden, if you get scared just please call the police. Flowers

WoodenTrees · 12/08/2016 18:46

So today I am the abusive one. He lives with the continual threat of the police. This is not something I bring up, ever. Or threaten him with. This is his head. Unfortunately his BPD is making him more paranoid than ever. Which is concerning. The tale has changed again too. Yes it was torture being in a cell and being bullied by the policemen. They also bullied him and threatened him at home apparently. Not that I believe it, not for one second. It got so bad I left the house. Today's little act of rebellion was to go to the seaside. It was nice. I did have to ring my WA advisor who calmed me down and reassured me that it wasn't me. He really does mess with my head sometimes, but dd was here too and says it's him.
Got back and he apologised, but loads of excuses, so not really an apology.

OP posts:
QuiteLikely5 · 12/08/2016 18:58

Bloody hell! I'm relieved you are making a plan to exit safely and so pleased that you have the appropriate agencies assisting you with that. Please remember staying safe is the most important thing, be careful about rebelling as he can already sense your new found strength and it's scaring him because it makes him feel out of control - which is the worst feeling for an abuser.

Keep posting

QuiteLikely5 · 12/08/2016 19:07

please understand that he won't/can't change, he is dysfunctional and always will be

He tries to be nice to you to give you a false sense of security and once he feels that you have relaxed a little he ramps up his abuse and so the cycle continues

Be brave

WoodenTrees · 12/08/2016 19:28

Thank you QuiteLikely5 Flowers
It is hard, days when he apologises, albeit with caveats, he missed his meds, it was first thing, whatever, you do occasionally wonder if it can be alright, but the reality is, he was arrested months ago and the abuse has escalated. I will get there.

OP posts:
QuiteLikely5 · 13/08/2016 07:45

And your desperation for him to be normal and nice is a normal reaction but it's about understanding that he is completely dysfunctional and unable to maintain normal behaviour. And what abusers do when they are trying to be really nice is go back to how they behaved in the early months, when they first met you and fell in love with you. This is what pulls the woman right back into the trap.

You say you had a variety of interests and hobbies that you have been unable to pursue whilst with him, this is because he feels threatened by you or any joy/greatness/happiness you experience outside of him. He does not see you as a person in your own right, he sees you as an extension of him.

He does not think you will leave him, he believes he can do what on earth he likes and you will tolerate and absorb it.

I'm sure you are aware that there are court orders that can have him excluded from the home, these can be granted rather swiftly, I'm sure you are aware that you are indeed entitled to a refuge place, or indeed temporary accomodation whilst your are allocated a LA property.

Do not worry about coming back here and being embarrassed that you have yet to leave this man, it takes many attempts before you are successful and a lot of that can be around housing/finances or just the habit of being with the abuser.

I think one day you will be free.

I don't know if you were the woman who's dh controlled what her and the children ate? Wouldn't let them have takeaway pizza for years? Is that you OP?

WoodenTrees · 13/08/2016 09:09

Quite, no I am not the woman whose dh controlled the food. He does, but only as far as he is concerned or if it will bugger my day about, usually to pay me back for some perceived slight. Dds are adults and are off soon, but they have disabilities, so I'm trying to keep the house as their base at the moment. In theory it's only another few weeks, although plans are being hastened. They are aware of what's going on and supportive of me.Yesterday's diatribe was, yet again, unbelievable and even if he doesn't lay a finger on me again, I'm still scared, his mental health is very unstable and his mental health team cannot seem to see this. It bothers me that a spare walking stick is next to the bed, though!
My WA worker is fabulous and has promised to check her phone and emails over the weekend. I rather suspect that this is above and beyond the call of duty, she is very kind and patient.
Thank you too, just for enabling me to get this out somewhere.

OP posts:
WoodenTrees · 13/08/2016 18:20

Seems I'm in trouble today. He's barely speaking to me. I went out with dd, before he got up. He knew it was happening. Did some shopping, had a coffee out, dropped dd at boyfriend's place. Cried all the way home because whilst out found out he had been texting ds again, awful things he says, ds distressed enough as it is and has asked his father not to do this.
I got the wrong meat today and despite picking up his favourite biscuits, I'm being ignored, uncomfortably so. He's just made himself a coffee and ignored me. It feels like he's going to kick off again, just don't know when.
Don't worry, I won't leave myself vulnerable. I'm just getting this out. I may of course be completely wrong, he may put himself to bed in half an hour and just leave us to worry about when he gets up. He often does this.

OP posts:
WoodenTrees · 13/08/2016 19:37

He's gone to bed because he doesn't want me to push him to the point where I'm at risk. Surely that's a threat?
And yet, he's up there being lively and mucking about with adult dd.

OP posts:
imother · 13/08/2016 22:57

Don't try to make sense of it, it will drive you mad.

Saying you are abusive is a classic ea tactic. As is the cycle of abuse. Be abusive, period of 'normality', period of 'hoovering' you back in by being nice, them wham, being abusive again. Rinse & repeat.

Using sex, money, children, food, friends, cars, house etc etc are all very common too. In fact anything you care about to any degree is used as a way to control you and upset you. (My ea ex even 'pruned' a few plants I'd bought in the garden. Of course he did it so badly all the plants inexplicably died. Stupid fucker that he was.)

In my experience at this stage the best thing you can do to help yourself is take a few concrete steps towards going. When I started surreptitiously packing stuff away (told him I was sorting for the charity shop) my plans started to feel more real. Also started looking for houses to rent gave me a boost.

Keep going Wooden. You WILL win back your life soon.

WoodenTrees · 14/08/2016 08:01

imother Thank you for your experience, it's reassuring. You're right, he is trying all those things. He was claiming financial abuse yesterday because he's always made sure the credit cards are in my name ( he can't be bothered with all that stuff) and now he's saying that I withhold stuff, which is laughable really. He gets everything he wants, he just nags and hassles and harasses until he gets it. He's always been like that. I can say no we can't manage it until I'm blue in the face, but even this week he's managed to get what he wants, although he's creating about it because it's not exactly what he wants, a cheaper version to tide him over!

I called 101 yesterday and reported the escalation, told them I'm worried, just so that it's officially somewhere. Asked them not to come out because it'll make things worse. I'm in a strange situation whereby I almost wish I'd never called the police. I know I needed to, and I know it's my fault because I had him back but dear god, there isn't a day when I don't hear about the hell he went through. Usually, like this morning, around 5 in the morning.

OP posts:
QuiteLikely5 · 14/08/2016 08:41

What is happening about you moving out? Is there a plan in place for that yet? Do you have somewhere to go?

You must keep telling people about what he is doing as that is key to highlighting the abuse to yourself, otherwise you will normalise it and brush it under the carpet.

Emotional abuse is now a crime, can he be arrested after you leave?

Your poor children, he is abusing them too. They must be terrified of him, of upsetting him, saying the wrong thing.........

How you have put up with this I don't know. Stay strong, please don't give up on your plan to break free

WoodenTrees · 14/08/2016 15:41

We've gone from not speaking to me this morning, to behaving as though nothing has happened. Again! I feel like I'm the one going a bit loopy because I never, ever know where I am or what to expect! It's making me really weepy and jumpy.
Quite things are in hand, it has to be done carefully and safely so it's a little slower than things would normally be. If I thought for one second the police would take this seriously, I'd ring when he's off being difficult. The accusations are relentless, the martyrdom is relentless. This being okay will only last a couple of hours. I know this, and then it will be what an abusive, controlling, evil bitch I am and how I'm re-framing the narrative. And how I've conned everyone into being on my side!
I'm so tired.

OP posts:
WoodenTrees · 15/08/2016 13:59

Today we are hyper. We are behaving as though everything is fine. He wants some expensive kit for his new (possible) business venture. We've had these things before. They never come to anything. Like the expensive software and other things, it'll sit gathering dust once the novelty has worn off. I am in a position where I can't say no because that's me being financially controlling, he wants to be able to buy the equivalent of a nice toaster, or fancy kettle as I can do. He can't see that what I buy benefits us all. He perceives that this will benefit us all
Aaarghh!

OP posts:
WoodenTrees · 16/08/2016 16:25

Told him to go today. Can't live like this anymore. So, I'm cruel, vindictive. etc.

OP posts:
Bagina · 16/08/2016 19:46

I'm watching your thread and hope you're OK. What a life Flowers

WoodenTrees · 17/08/2016 12:44

So, lots of tears, lots of drama. Bit of intimidation yesterday, blocking me in one room and shoving me in another. Ignored it, then called him out on it. Wasn't going to push it, I had asked him to leave. He did call his CPN, but I don't know how far we'll get. He came upstairs and woke me up at five so I'm knackered now!
The morning was fine, and yet again I ended up processing and thinking okay, maybe it's given him the shock he needs to listen, but of course I'm wrong, we're back to tearful and aggressive now. The moods change hour by hour, often the way with BPD and of course exacerbated by all of this. So, plans still in place.

OP posts:
TheSilveryPussycat · 17/08/2016 12:51

Even if it had "given him the shock he needs to listen," you would still need to be apart. Hold steady!

WoodenTrees · 21/08/2016 12:03

So, a slightly better day on Thursday, on and off, he fulfilled a promise and was quite helpful and supportive with something I needed. However, once that was done, he was sulky, quiet and difficult. Apparently it's because he doesn't like seeing me worried! Although he's still happy to intimidate and harass, eg. despite my telling him we are skint, and we are, he has hassled and moaned and pushed until I spent over £100 on a piece of equipment he wants, I managed to hold out for five days (see above post)! He's already harassed for other stuff this month, which I said we couldn't afford, but apparently his money is his to do with as he wishes!
Friday he wasn't well, (a slightly off day with a very minor temperature) so he was perfect because he was waited on hand and foot all day, it's easier, trust me! Saturday, sulky because we went out. He managed a row with dd when she'd done him a massive favour, he woke me at four a.m. and six a.m. and yet I still took him coffee in bed this morning because he'd apparently had a bad night. Again, it's easier!
I suspect, despite him being asked to go and despite him moaning and guilt tripping me about it, he's settling in again. I don't think he'll make any of the calls he's supposed to. I think he'll just be a martyr without doing anything.
Just getting things out! Apologies!

OP posts:
WoodenTrees · 21/08/2016 19:11

Feeling a bit low. Cooked for him. Apparently it was nice but he's just spent the whole time he was eating having digs. Sometimes it just seems to erode you, so now I'm a bit weepy.

OP posts:
TheSilveryPussycat · 22/08/2016 00:24

Easier in the short term, perhaps. But isn't this just making things all the harder in the long term?

WoodenTrees · 22/08/2016 08:41

Yes, you're probably right TheSilvery, although he has what he wants for now (new expensive toy) so we're back to being really quite nasty again, well, until he decides he needs something else!
Oh, and it looks like he won't make any of the calls he supposed to be making regarding accommodation etc. because he came to bed when I got up!

OP posts:
TheSilveryPussycat · 22/08/2016 11:45

That doesn't surprise me, does it you?

Is your plan still on track, despite this? Or is it dependent on him finding somewhere to go?

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