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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

Please help me, Is my partner controlling me?

123 replies

Noideawhattodoanymore · 14/08/2016 11:00

Hi all, this is my first post. I just don't know what to do anymore.

My partner of almost four years us making me feel like dirt all the time. He is a vey odd guy, he has a huge ego and desire for everyone to bow down to him.

He decides my emotions and then treats me in accordance with how he perceives I am feeling. For example, he will decide I am in a mood over something, or "niggled", and then punishes me for days by being snappy, standoffish, name calling, distant and listing all my faults. If I tell him he's got it wrong, and I fact I was perfectly happy, he says I am lying or that I am "checking" myself so I don't look bad. He insists on listing every possible fault with me and telling me I should be grateful to be with someone like him. He says my family hate me and I have been over indulged. To add perspective, my family never overindulge anyone. I am entirely independent and my family say it as it is, there is no nonesense or mollycoddling. You have to behave or get told you're doing something wrong. I confided in my sister about the over indulged comment and she laughed it loud and said that couldn't be further from the truth.

It feels like he is smashing my confidence bit by bit.

He upped and left after a row in March this year. The background being that for the previous 12-18 months I had a serious illness requiring 7 operations. He said I was ill for "attention" and called me "sick note" all the time. After the last operation in December (2 weeks before Christmas, which he invited his family round for so I had to cook Christmas dinner for him, mother, brother and sister in law and her family! After I had major surgery on my kidneys) I caught him using an online interactive porn site. The site was with local girls and he paid for the services. He initially lied to my face and said he hadn't used it and made our like I was deranged. Then he said it was an old account from prior to our relationship. I knew this wasn't true as I had actually set up the email account he was registered with. He then said he'd been waiting for too long for sex (5 days since we had last dtd).

So to come full circle, my confidence was destroyed. He, his friends and family crow about his ex fiancé from several years ago and I felt like shit about everything. He started raking up old "incidents", in particular that I didn't go to his sister in laws hen do. Firstly, I was in surgery on the day of the hen do, and secondly on her second hen do, I wasn't invited. For 7 months he had called me an embarrassment and horrible person for not going on the second one. He said his mum and sister in law had repeatedly asked where I was. To put further perspective on this, his mum and sister in law had told me the do was just for the bride to be and mothers. I was categorically not invited, so I know he was lying to me, seemingly to just make me feel shit.

We ended up in a row about the whole thing and he said my lack of confidence annoys him. He finds it irritating that I don't think I am pretty or confident...unlike his ex fiancé and girlfriends.

He told me I would be an appalling mother and wife and he couldn't think of anything he'd rather do less with me. I will also say I am one of 5 siblings and have 10 nephews and nieces. I adore them and look after them regularly and they love spending time with me. I of all the housework, cooking, cleaning, laundry, shopping, bills etc. He literally sits on his backside watching tv and that's it.

He left during the day whilst I was at work. Just moved out. He eventually came back after 4 weeks on the condition that I go to counselling because he thinks I am damaged and I need lots of work. He said he has been trying to fix me for years. He has isolated me from friends and family and expects me to run around after his family and only socialise with his friends.

When he came back, if ever there is a cross word, he says I need to go to counselling more. He says I begged him to come back and should be grateful he's here... I feel shit.

He later said he didn't mean his comments about me being a mother. Said we could try in a year or so for a baby and he wouldn't rule out marriage. He then said he never wants that with me...We went on holiday a month ago and he did the whole determining my mood And then punishing me for it. Eventually I asked what I had done wrong. He said I was expecting a proposal! WTF, I told him he had made it categorically clear he would never do that, or that he would ever want a baby. He then got defensive saying "how do you know I don't propose?". I referred him to his thoughts about me and he dismissed them as me being a "victim" and childish.... Then daily he started saying "if we have a child..." I eventually had to question this and he said he'd never rule out having a child, just never with me.... I mean, as far as I can tell that means, watch your back you're replaceable and will do for now.

We have now booked his dream holiday which has out a fortune, (and means my choice if holiday cannot happen) as soon as it was booked he reverted to Arsy, nasty comments and digs at me. It's too late to cancel the holiday.

His brother had a child yesterday, and ever since my partner has been over the moon about it, but has been treating me with absolute disdain and disgust. He is obnoxious, called me a cun and a fucing bitch. He said that's because I was a prick because I asked him to check with his brother when hospital visiting times were... I cannot win. I don't know what do do. I poured my entire savings into our house and treats for him to keep him sweet (spa last weekend, after which he then treated me like crAp, silent treatment etc...).

Sorry for the rambling message. I don't know what to do.

OP posts:
CiderwithBuda · 14/08/2016 11:31

Run. Run far and fast. He is horrendous and won't change. Nothing you or anyone else do will ever be good enough.

The good thing is you are not married and you don't have children so you won't be tied to him in the future.

And you are working and earning your own money.

Sod the holiday.

Do you have any family you could stay with for a bit? If so I would take a day off work and just pack my stuff and leave. You can sort the financial and selling house later. Getting out should be your priority.

Is your salary paid into a joint account? If so get a personal account if you don't already have one and get your salary paid into that. You can then just transfer your portion of the mortgage every month till the house is sold.

MessyBun247 · 14/08/2016 11:35

Call Women's Aid asap. PLEASE get away from this cunt!

So glad you posted. You've taken the first step to becoming free.

Shakey15000 · 14/08/2016 11:35

Fucking hell. He sounds utterly, utterly like a vile person. Have you a friend or relative you can stay with (perhaps in old town) until you sort yourself out?

I wouldn't hesitate in leaving. And I'd be leaving today. This hour.

thewideeyedpea · 14/08/2016 11:36

What about absolute fuckwit. Please leave him. He is the one damaging you. You can (and will) do so much better . You deserve to be happy and not to live your life with a cock who consistently puts you down and makes you feel like shit. Flowers

Lweji · 14/08/2016 11:38

I'd also advise you to try the Freedom Programme. You have put with a lot of crap. It will help you figure out what he is and detach a bit from his behaviour in relation to you, and hopefully help you not put up with a similar relationship ever again.

BTW, for the record, you're not the first person I've said to leave the bastard. I've told many people to do it. At least one in real life too.
And I've also sent many virtual hugs. Have one from me.
Smile

Tinkfromlovejoy · 14/08/2016 11:49

I think you need to make your mind up that you want out. 100%, no question, no "if he could change, then maybe we could try again", just clear in your own mind, I want out.

Then tell him, calmly and rationally. You don't even need to argue with him about it. If your mind is made up he'll see that hopefully. Tell him you're unhappy and obviously so is he and its not working. If you start on with the whys and wherefores it will lead to a row because people like him will never see your viewpoint. He's abusing you and will continue to do so. Being calm and clear and avoiding confrontation is the best way of protecting yourself.

Move into the spare room (of course he should but he won't) and get a solicitor. If he's left before keep your fingers crossed he will again. Get 3 estate agents in, get the house on the market. And most importantly, do not waver.

Wallywobbles · 14/08/2016 11:52

Leave him. He is being horrible and manipulative and will continue being a bastard, if you don't leave him. Don't let yourself be put down by him.
He sounds just like my dad and I'm so glad my mum left him.

ConfusedNc · 14/08/2016 11:55

I made it half way through your post before posting this.

Leave.

Do not look back.

The house can be sold. Yes, get legal advice but if staying will destroy you, then leave. It might seem facile say it's only money but I've lost my home, spent 20k on a divorce where I got about the same back in a settlement. Plus I have stay in contact with ex because of ds.

You are in a strong position. You will be ok. Better than ok without him.

veryproudvolleyballmum · 14/08/2016 11:55

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Confusednc · 14/08/2016 11:56

Sorry,my middle paragraph should have added....and I don't regret it because I know to stay would have killed me. I'm happy now.

Woody096 · 14/08/2016 11:56

Is the mortgage in your joint names? Why should you move out? He clearly has somewhere to go if he stayed away before. He sounds terrible and it must be awful for you. I suggest contacting women's aid, they can offer support and can also refer you to other agencies. I hope you get out of the relationship sooner rather than later. You may have to for go your holiday or maybe go with a friend?

Lweji · 14/08/2016 12:00

Don't stay for the sake of the holiday.
If you paid anything directly, cancel it and get whatever money you can get.
Or change the dates and add the extra cost of single rooms and go by yourself later.
But, ultimately, just consider it the cost of getting free. That and anything else you may lose.

How much do you value your happiness?

Woody096 · 14/08/2016 12:02

Sorry OP I hadn't seen the latest posts. Def get legal advice re the mortgage. I would stay in the property until you had proper advice.

Are you worried about how he will react if you to decide to end the relationship? Maybe tell a close friend/relative when you decide to end it and arrange for them to come over afterwards?
He sounds as though it will be a massive dent to his twisted ego if you do decide to end it. I hope things work out for you!

SavoyCabbage · 14/08/2016 12:02

I read this with my hand over my mouth. Nobody deserves to be treated like this by anyone and the fact that this is the person who should be there for you and that you have chosen to be with makes it so much worse.

You are obviously successful in other areas and with other relationships. You have a job and a family.

My dh wants what is best for me. He wants me to be happy and to enjoy my life.

veryproudvolleyballmum · 14/08/2016 12:04

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

QuiteLikely5 · 14/08/2016 12:13

This is a very, very abusive relationship. You cannot change this man, he is dysfunctional and a danger to women.

You are constantly seeking his approval and that is never going to be forthcoming.

He is jealous of you, he feels threatened by you, by your family, by your friends, and is slowly destroying you.

Going by what you have said, you would have had a child had he been willing? Please, please think twice about this, the child will not change him but in fact make him worse, he will ramp up his abuse,

Your house, it's in his area so don't even think about staying there, all you need to do is go to your family and ring the mortgage company on Monday, explain the circumstances and see what they say.

Tell your ex that you want to sell, or want him to buy you out. Take your name off all utility bills.

You can do so much better, he is a bully. Please know that this isn't love, you don't need him,

Did your therapist not help you see he was abusive?

MrsDilligaf · 14/08/2016 12:15

Leave.

Having been in a toxic relationship and left, I would advise you to make your exit plan and get out as quickly as possible.

Make a list of everything you want from your house; paperwork, items of value to you - monetary or sentiment.

Speak to a solicitor about how things stand legally.

Find a house share or a family member or friend who can accommodate you in the short term.

Book a day off work. Enlist the help of someone you trust. Pack your stuff and leave.

Please leave him. He sounds vile.

I'm sorry you've got to go through this. It must be draining for you and emotionally exhausting.

Ultimately what matters most is your happiness. He is likely to make it difficult for you if you warn him in advance that you want to leave so please be sure that if you do want to end your relationship with him that you have RL support.

Also bear in mind that you do not need his permission to end things.

I'm sorry my post is a bit jumbled about am typing one handed whilst holding a sleeping baby.

((Hug)) & handhold.

BitterAndOnlySlightlyTwisted · 14/08/2016 12:27

I have a feeling that he will not comply with separating and selling the house. Resign yourself to going to court to force a sale. Even threaten to stop paying your share of the mortgage so he'll have to pay it on his own or both of your credit-records will be trashed, so selling up would be the most sensible way to go about it..

But first you need to completely detach yourself from him. Easy to say and very, very hard to do.

He's a very wicked man and you absolutely need to get yourself away from him. No holiday. Absolutely NO HOLIDAY! Let him go on this "dream holiday" alone or with some other mug if he can find one

ImperialBlether · 14/08/2016 12:50

I agree with Bitter - selling the house will not be easy but it's doable.

You need to leave and you don't want to stay in that house in his home town (sounds like he lives in Deliverance country, tbh) - get yourself a solicitor and a flat near to where you work or near to your family and friends.

He's an absolute nightmare and you'd be crazy not to get away from him.

deadringer · 14/08/2016 12:50

I have never said this before but please, please ltb. He sounds like a truly awful man. Get legal advice, if you lose money on the house or holiday look on it as an investment in your future and money well spent. Some day you will look back and wonder how in earth you put up with such a bastard for such a long time.

smilingeyes11 · 14/08/2016 12:51

bloody hell he is vile - get whatever paperwork you need and go - you can see solicitor and claim on the house after leaving? See solicitor first but fgs do not stay waiting for house to be sold! He will destroy you

I would recommend the freedom programme though and some counselling to help you heal after what he has done to you and to restore your self esteem after he has categorically destroyed it

jeaux90 · 14/08/2016 13:01

Sorry OP this is horrible for you and a sustained attack on your well being.

This dude sounds like a Narc. I was with one for 3 years and your only option is to run and don't look back. Go NC.

If it makes you feel better, then believe this. They hate themselves, they are shallow people who have nothing on the inside who are attracted to lovely people because they think it reflects well on them. He sounds like the sort of Narc who has no idea he is one so believe me, the only choice is to run.

Good luck OP. Do counselling once you leave, it will help you xxx

buzzpopprince · 14/08/2016 13:02

I'm so so sorry you have been treated like this, you do not deserve it, not a bit.

He has treat you appallingly and there is no excuse for it. Please please leave him.

Is there anyone to support you in RL, that you can confide in as well as us here?

happypoobum · 14/08/2016 13:05

Definitely LTB

Is there anyone (family?) who you could stay with for a few weeks whilst you sort yourself out?

Do you have a joint bank account? How is the mortgage paid? Given the circumstances you have described, I would not want to pay towards any mortgage or bills in joint names until the house has been sold and you have your share of equity or he has bought you out of your share. Not sure what the financial implications would be though............

Can you get legal advice? Many solicitors will give 30 mins free advice which I think you would find really useful. Please don't take him back, there is a lovely life out there just waiting for you. Flowers

Thanks God you didn't have any children with this wankbadger.

PeppasNanna · 14/08/2016 13:19

I agree with everything & everyone whos posted on this thread...

But, this man deserves a taste of his own medicine, i would plan revenge...

Long lasting, hit him where it hurts, revenge...
Angry
LTB.