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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

Where do I start?

999 replies

skyyequake · 15/09/2016 16:34

I have no idea what I'm expecting to get from posting here, so I guess that I'll just tell the story and you can just shake me/comment whatever you think

When I met DP he was wonderful, we clicked straight away, had lots of laughs and he seemed really down to earth and wonderful. We quickly started spending most of out time together (I worked PT but with lots of overtime, he was unemployed) All my friends had gone off on their second year of uni around this time and so I wasn't spending time with anyone other than him. I was 20, he was 22.

Anyway, I guess I kind of got lost in that world without many outside influences and before I knew it (far too soon and before I really had time for my thoughts to catch up with me) we were engaged and I was pregnant. (I was happy about being pregnant and I wasn't forced into it)

The first time we had a disagreement was about me texting my friend (who was male) he said I was texting and felt like I was more engrossed in my phone than on our time together. I disagreed but compromised and agreed to text less. This quickly dwindled into not texting at all due to DPs sulking every time I sent a single text.

The next time I heard from my friend was when he sent out a mass Christmas text, I replied and we got talking. I mention I was pregnant and he congratulated me. It was at this point that DP went mental because I was smiling at my phone (because I was excited about pregnancy) and I apparently gave him a "look" which meant I must be flirting/cheating or something. I told him I could talk to whoever I liked and this just seemed to confirm to him that I was doing something dodgy. We had a massive argument. He told me I had no self-respect (I had been completely honest about my sexual history). This was the first time he pushed me to break down in tears.

Over my pregnancy, we had a ton of arguments where he would blow up and tell me I was lazy, stupid, naive, etc telling me that he was just trying to make me a "better person". I can't count the amount of times he left me in the bedroom balling my eyes out, cradling my bump and apologising for bringing her into such crap.

During my first trimester I had really bad morning sickness which left me feeling nauseous all of the time, I could barely sleep, and I was still working PT on a shop floor so on my feet all shift. It left me feeling depressed and exhausted. He would complain to me that we weren't having sex, because it made him feel like I didn't care about/love him anymore. One time we were in the middle of doing some sexual stuff and I suddenly had to dart out of the room to literally go and throw up in the toilet. When I got back he was sulking because "it didn't make him feel very wanted"

After DD was born, DP had to go away for a couple of days to paint up and move us into our new flat (we were in a shared house before). It was supposed to be a couple of days and I was in hospital for 3, when he still wasn't done I went to stay with my DGM. It took him (and family members) 3 weeks to complete it. When I would get frustrated that he would give me a "done by" date and then on that day say that they were nowhere near finished, he would yell down the phone at me that he was stressed and exhausted (I was looking after a newborn essentially on my own, whilst DGM did what she could she was nearly 80 at the time).

DGM overheard some of this, and when I told him that he was just stressed etc, she told me to never let him get up with the baby at night, as it only takes one time of anger for him to do something. He's never laid a hand on DD (now 14 months) but I always keep that in the back of my head.

Since we subsequently moved into our flat, DP has left basically everything up to me. He never did night feeds, rarely did nappies, hardly ever did any cleaning/housework. I was left with PND and when we argued he would corner me (although he denies this) and yell in my face whilst I was holding DD. Sometimes he would force me to give her to him, I would resist at first but then give in for fear he would try and snatch her off me and hurt her. Then he would continue screaming at me whilst he held her. He would continue to call me a lazy, naive little girl and would tell me that he had to break me down from what I was in order to build me back up again, and that at least now I had some self-respect.

In between all this he would be lovely. He would apologise for things he had said, citing anger problems as the reason. He said that he didn't mean anything he said during anger, even when I pointed out that that surely is what he's really thinking and he'd just done away with his filter. He denies this.

We broke up earlier this year for three months. It was always temporary, until he proved that he could step up and do his share of housework and childcare. After that amount of time he really seemed to have changed and so I (stupidly) let him back.

Almost immediately he began to fall backwards and has become more and more difficult to try and talk to about it. Telling me I'm nagging/moaning/"the only one who hasn't changed is you". This culminated last night when he accused me of not cleaning to "the same standard he can" and that when I was on my own with DD my "standard of hygiene was unlivable" (I spoke to my NDN today, who was around a lot during that time, she said there was nothing wrong with the cleanliness of my home)

He has also told me on occasion that I'm not really Bi, because you can only be gay and straight, and that it doesn't matter anyway because I'm with him so sexuality is irrelevant. He's also suggested that I'm more likely to cheat on him because I'm Bi.

I have no friends left, I don't know if my dad will understand how bad it is (he usually has excuses for him), and my DGM died in June. I'm NC with my mum, and I have no one left except my NDN who is lovely and probably the only reason I haven't gone insane.

I don't know if I can get him to leave again. The only reason he left before was because I got him to think it was his idea, he won't make that mistake again.

I keep telling him that I want the person I met back, but I don't think that person exists anymore, if they ever did.

Sorry for any typos and that this is so long.

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ayeokthen · 25/09/2016 18:38

You'll get there Skyye, honestly you will. XH tried to be all flirty with me at drop off today because he's fighting with his fiancée and I literally just looked at him and thought "aye right dafty!" We've been apart 9 years just about, it took a long time before I was over it. But over it I most certainly am, I feel absolutely nothing when I look at him now.

skyyequake · 25/09/2016 18:48

Thank you aye you've given me hope! They were talking about "Mr Right" at Freedom, and whilst I agree he sounds wonderful (Grin) I feel like I really need to prove to myself that I can be fine on my own for a decent period of time before I can begin in a healthy relationship. Obviously no one would expect me to be looking now, but I think I need time with just me and DD for a good few years, to find my independence again!

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ayeokthen · 25/09/2016 18:55

We're singing from the same hymn sheet Skyye! I had 4 years on my own, to put myself back together and heal after nearly 10 years of abuse. I wasn't looking, and met DP while wearing a cardi and joggers (I NEVER wear joggers!!!) and looking like shite. He's restored my faith in men, he's a real diamond, literally perfect for me. I love the bones of him, but I needed those years with DS to get my head straight and be ok in myself first. You remind me very much of me 10 years ago, I remember it all so vividly and I wish I could help you through this. Mind you, you're doing a bloody awesome job on your own! Keep at it pal, you're worth more than him and he knows it!

skyyequake · 25/09/2016 19:18

Aw thank you that is such a compliment you seem like an awesome person! I'm sorry you went through that for so long Shock but glad you've found someone right for you now!

In a way I'm glad this happened whilst I was young as I feel no rush to move on. I've got plenty of time to get on my feet emotionally and financially - I don't think I could go into a relationship again without an independent income for me and DD.

Freedom is going to go over warning signs for future partners in one of the sessions and I might have them tattooed on me Grin

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GabsAlot · 25/09/2016 20:07

well done skye first one over and done

of course hes going to be nice prob overly nice thats what they do-and of course u still have feelings youre not a robot

take your time you'll be ok

ayeokthen · 25/09/2016 20:14

Aw thanks Skyye, that means a lot! The Freedom project sounds great, I wish I'd known about it way back when. You're such an inspiration, just cracking on and building an awesome life for you and your gorgeous DD.

myfriendnigel · 25/09/2016 20:32

Glad she came back ok Skye-and well done for getting through it.first tie is the worst

skyyequake · 25/09/2016 21:45

Thanks everyone Flowers Wine

aye The Freedom Project is really for anyone who's been in an abusive relationship. Doesn't matter how "far along" you are in the process or even if you have a new partner. As long as you think you could gain something from it, but from the sounds of it you're very well-adjusted now Grin If you're interested from a curiosity standpoint it is based on a book (female ex-probation officer/refuge volunteer wrote the book and founded the programme) and I can find out what it's called if you like?

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ayeokthen · 25/09/2016 21:48

That would be great thanks! Haha don't think I've ever been called well adjusted before, I'm fair chuffed with that! It took a long bloody time to be at peace with everything, still suffer with bad anxiety/panic attacks but I've learned to manage them. Not just because of XH, several particularly traumatic events haven't helped over the years. I'd be really interested to read the book though, it sounds really positive. How are you feeling? You've really been through the wringer this week xxx

skyyequake · 25/09/2016 22:21

I'm actually feeling pretty good! I don't have to see XP till Saturday now, I'm looking forward to Freedom. We're going to go to a toddler group on Wednesday (and I actually WILL go this time!) and just really feeling like now is the time that I can start building our new normal. New week, new life! although tomorrow we're chilling because it's been a long week but after the hecticness of last week, I'm going to try and make this week more relaxing and more like as I mean to go on!

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GiddyOnZackHunt · 25/09/2016 22:34

Hey skyye I've just caught up. You did good. Really good :) The sooner you start trying to live the life you want to have, the sooner it will become normal so a really snuggly relaxed day tomorrow followed by a few outings to playgroup and Freedom sounds good. Look at your local library and children's centres for free activities while you get your finances straight. Playgroups might feel a bit cliquey but volunteer to hand round snacks, smile etc. I ran a playgroup and we loved volunteers!!

ayeokthen · 25/09/2016 22:44

You are bloody brilliant Skyye! I love the idea of "new normal", it's really inspiring! Chill out bonding days are all part of that too, we're so busy all week that I love a wee lazy Sunday curled up watching the football or F1 (yes the bairns love it too!) with munchies in our onesies. Chill out days are important. I love how proactive you're being, it's something I struggle with now, getting out and about with the kids, I'm getting over agoraphobia and I still panic leaving the house. I need to "do a Skyye" and just get on with it!!!

skyyequake · 25/09/2016 23:23

I have quite bad anxiety actually, and going out is really hard for me. It's a family thing, my DGM suffered a few episodes of agoraphobia. I'm okayish about going out of the house but I'll usually have a moment of just wanting to run all the way home at some point when I'm out. I try my hardest to push past it for DD, and to give myself at home days to recover in between.

Have you seen the film "We Bought a Zoo" Matt Damon again lol there's one quote that I really believe in it's "you only need 12 seconds of complete courage and something amazing can happen" It's a bit idealistic but with anxiety I use it with very simple things, like making phone calls or stepping out the front door. Like you never know what will happen if you just put all that fear aside for just a couple of seconds and take that first step.

It's how I broke up from XP. He said "if you don't want to bother anymore just say so." And I took a deep breath, pushed all thoughts out of my head and said "ok". Once you get the ball rolling it's easier to keep going with it...

"do a Skyye" made me Blush I'm really not worthy of that!

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GiddyOnZackHunt · 25/09/2016 23:37

I have terrible anxiety. I could happily never leave the house. I do. But sometimes I need to hide away to get over having done so.

Grin
ayeokthen · 26/09/2016 00:29

You are worthy of it! I'm going to use the "12 seconds of courage", I need it! I take the kids to and from nursery/school and spend a ridiculous amount of time psyching myself up to do it every day. Paint on a smile and chat to other mums and then run home as fast as I can. Giddy if I didn't have to I'd happily stay in my wee bubble, it's good to know I'm not the only one, sometimes it can feel like it! On here we've all got such amazing support, it's great Smile Skyye you've inspired me!

myfriendnigel · 26/09/2016 07:03

I suffer with anxiety too-totally get what you mean about the 12 seconds of courage and then having to build in recovery time afterwards. I hate having to be mindful of the need to do that all the time but if I try to do too much just now then it ends with an almighty crash.There is something to be said for knowing yourself I think-you have to before you can work on yourself to get better. I would say thats the only positive to come out of my marriage breaking down. I gave myself permission to realise I was doing too much and not being kind to myself. I wouldn't have If I hadn't been going through such a huge thing.It's made a huge difference to me and my outlook.
Thinking of you Skye and hoping you have a good week.

skyyequake · 26/09/2016 08:04

Wow! Can't believe so many of us have the same problem! Everyone always seems so confident on MN Confused

I once heard that the secret to adulthood is realising that no one actually knows what they're doing! And that the same applies to parenthood Grin

I will say though that I'm not looking forward to having to do the school run everyday, especially with the horror stories I hear about the playground drama from other parents.... But I have 3 years to psych myself up for it Grin

Hope you all have relatively non-anxiety inducing days Flowers

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HuckfromScandal · 26/09/2016 08:28

I love that
Tottally stealing it.

I come across as very confident
I know I do. People say - hulk can do that.
Only my real friends know it's all a massive facade.

HuckfromScandal · 26/09/2016 08:29

This is the one I use.

Where do I start?
HuckfromScandal · 26/09/2016 08:32

And here one for you to save and use as your screen saver if you like.

Where do I start?
ayeokthen · 26/09/2016 08:36

HuckfromScandal that's brilliant! Skyye I've spent many years perfecting my facade, only DP, the nursery staff, and close family and friends know I have bad anxiety. I had a massive panic attack the first time I took the kids to nursery on my own and the caretaker was fantastic. My counsellor thinks it's traumatic anxiety although I've always been scared of everything ever since I can remember. Being a Mum makes me brave, because I have to be for them. DD was scared of her own shadow when she was a tiny toddler and I was in bits thinking I'd done it to her, now she's little miss confident and I love it! I meant what I said about having a happy life though, I do, it's just "outside" that is hard. Seeing our kids being confident and making friends means more to me than there are words to describe it, because I so desperately don't want them to ever feel like I do.

skyyequake · 26/09/2016 08:43

I used to come across very confident before XP... Especially in my last years at school, one of my psych teachers thought I had bipolar at one point Confused we were studying different types of depression and we did a questionnaire for bipolar and when he got my results back (something like 19/20) he looked at me like Shock Confused obviously I don't think I am bipolar I was just a teenager going through a lot of crap!

But yes, my friends thought I went a but ott on the confidence thing sometimes... But I was definitely doing the fake it till you make it thing and the times when I actually wasn't faking were great! They made me feel like I really could get past the anxiety/shyness. Of course SOB XP has put me right back to square one Angry Sad

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skyyequake · 26/09/2016 08:44

Maybe it was 20 second I haven't watched the film for a few months Blush

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ayeokthen · 26/09/2016 08:46

I think "fake it til you make it" should be our mantra! I'm going to use all of these tomorrow on the school/nursery run and see if it helps! Skyye, XH set me back years in terms of confidence, the biggest step was getting rid of him (which you've done already!) the rest will come, especially since you're being so proactive about everything. How was last night? Did your wee girl sleep ok? X

skyyequake · 26/09/2016 09:00

I hope it helps aye Flowers

DD slept fairly well although she's started waking up for a nappy change... The girl pisses for England I swear to god!

I really have got to start going to bed earlier! The problem is that when XP was here I would be exhausted from doing everything and him just sucking the energy from me, I'd also want to go to bed to not have to deal with him anymore! Now I keep staying up until gone midnight and its making the mornings unbearable!

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