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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

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.

OP posts:
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skyyequake · 21/09/2016 00:07

Oh I hope he's not sleeping well.

I know, I was planning on going down the CAB in the morning. One-Stop Shop is on Thursday and that's where I can really talk about access and stuff.

It's quite surreal that this is really my life right now.

I'm gonna go to bed now before I completely fuck myself over for tomorrow!

OP posts:
Littlelostdinosaur · 21/09/2016 01:40

Awesome, I bet he doesn't know what's hit him! . I like fucknugget, duck nugget as my autocorrect says even more so!! Still no sleeping here! Hope tomorrow goes well x

skyyequake · 21/09/2016 08:57

I took ages to fall asleep last night, head was too much of a whirr...

DD let me sleep in till 8am but little did I know that that was because she'd managed to get into a box I didn't think she could reach through her cot bars... So I woke up at 8am to a baby surrounded by folder dividers Confused

Going to leave for CAB in a little bit to try and get the earliest appointment possible...

Thank you all so much for last night. I know I would have caved without your support. And if I miraculously didn't then I would definitely be a wreck right now!

Brew and Flowers for all of you and Wine for later!

OP posts:
FeckTheMagicDragon · 21/09/2016 09:13

I'm away for a day! Oh sky I'm pleased for you. Such a huge step, well done.

Abrahamkin · 21/09/2016 09:34

You are doing so well. And it was only folder dividers Grin. Not the worst thing ever! And you go some sleep. That's a win-win in my books!

Keeping my fingers crossed for you.

skyyequake · 21/09/2016 09:38

It was actually quite funny Grin the dividers I mean not last night Confused

Standing outside CAB now waiting for it to open Smile

OP posts:
GabsAlot · 21/09/2016 10:29

morning sky

day one of your new life hope it goes well at cab x

hellsbellsmelons · 21/09/2016 11:31

I hope CAB have helped you.
Sometimes they are great and not so great at other times.
Well done - your updates are fantastic.
You are doing so well.
KOKO!!!

skyyequake · 21/09/2016 11:52

They were great! The lady I spoke to was lovely and she gave me lots of info... I have a lot of reading to do about the orders I can get before seeing the family solicitor at One-Stop tomorrow.

She also gave me all the contact numbers for women's aid and refuges in case I need to get somewhere safe and I have a number to call if he keeps harassing me to get an injunction.

She advised me to get supervised access set up plus a child arrangement order and prohibited steps order...

I haven't been through everything yet but she's given me a load of info on legal action I can take to protect myself as well as DD

I'm going to call to get the locks changed in a little bit

I'm starting to feel a bit drained. I'm also feeling like I'm making a big fuss about nothing, I know that's a side effect of my upbringing, but its a persistent and invasive thought.

I've put on a big suit of armour so that I can get everything done. I was pretty calm in the CAB meeting. The lady said I was still in shock.

I'm hoping the rest of the day can be relaxed until he finishes work and then I'm going to have to deal with that if he turns up. Chances are he won't so that I'm stuck feeling on edge for the rest of the evening wondering when he's going to pound on the door. Asshole.

Oh also the CAB lady said she hopes they prosecute him! It all seems very unreal...

OP posts:
GiddyOnZackHunt · 21/09/2016 12:11

You are NOT making a big fuss about nothing. The Police, CAB and MN are in agreement here. Xp sounds like a ticking time bomb.
Well done on today so far. If he turns up and won't leave or just stands outside creating a fuss then it's a police job and it all adds to your 'proof'.
Have some lunch and try to take your mind off things.

skyyequake · 21/09/2016 12:35

I've eaten now, I'm feeling a bit nauseous though...

Still haven't heard from the police Confused

I'm taking a breather but I've got to not lose momentum on this or I'll leave me and DD vulnerable. I'll feel so much better when all the legal stuff is in place.

OP posts:
Mix56 · 21/09/2016 12:57

skyye. One step at a time,
If you think you know what time he will come round leave his clobber on the doorstep & go out !!!
If he is waiting for you as you come back just call the police.
Well done... You deserve so much more, you are your own person, No one gets to dictate how you are.
Onwards & Upwards

ayeokthen · 21/09/2016 13:01

You're not making a fuss about nothing, although I fully get why you feel that way, you've been ground down for so long its second nature. You are important, you DO matter, and you are doing the right thing. On the tough days we're all here to help you fight through, on the good days we're here to share in your newfound freedom and happiness. Well done, keep going!

skyyequake · 21/09/2016 13:21

Thanks guys! Unfortunately I won't be able to go out, unless they come and change the locks today... Otherwise he could just let himself in as the chain wouldn't be on.

I think exhaustion is hitting me now, though I get little bursts of adrenaline and it's making me feel sick.

I don't feel free right now, I feel trapped. I can only go out when I know he's working, I have to work around when I know he could be hanging around to try and make sure he can't get in or confront me outside. I know it won't be like this forever, but for now it well and truly sucks.

I do appreciate you guys. You're like my rocks right now.

OP posts:
GabsAlot · 21/09/2016 13:22

good that Cab were helpful now youve got some info to be getting on with

can u not ring the local station to get your crime reference number from last night?

Hidingtonothing · 21/09/2016 13:24

That's great CAB were so helpful, you're doing all the right things Star I had an inkling that 'making a fuss about nothing' feeling would creep in though, that's what I meant about the official route seeming extreme. Giddy has it though, everyone you've described his behaviour to is in agreement, he is a ticking time bomb and following through with what you've started is the only way to protect you and DD. Every time you notice that invasive 'making a fuss' thought creeping in read your OP, he is abusive, he is controlling and he is dangerous and the legal stuff is absolutely necessary to keep you and DD safe. I hope you can relax this afternoon, have you told NDN what's happened?

notfromstepford · 21/09/2016 13:30

Oh well done Sky - wow between you and NoCapes it goes to show it can be done - another tower of strength - you are doing amazing and the support from wise Mnetters is fantastic.
Chocolate Wine & Flowers for you

myfriendnigel · 21/09/2016 13:40

Just read the full thread.you and capes should write a book-you are doing great.

skyyequake · 21/09/2016 14:03

I don't know what number to ring to get my number Confused

I know I will get through it eventually, DD is what is keeping me going right now. If nothing else I have to protect her from his selfish and unpredictable behaviour.

I'm missing my DGM massively right now. I just had a good cry in the bathroom because all I want to do is talk to her and give her a hug and let her reassure me everything's going to be ok. This whole thing is making her death much more real, because it's the exact type of thing I would rely on her for. It's all still so fresh.

I haven't spoken to NDN since last night. I get the sense that she's dealing with a lot herself right now. She's a single parent to a DD with SN and she's been through a lot, sometimes everything overwhelms her and I think that's what's happening now. She's gone to Butlins with her DD for some relax time so I will talk to her when she gets back, probably later this week.

I'm going to have to let my dad know soon, and I'm sort of dreading having to go over the entire thing again. He's also not very "touchy-feely" so I'm not sure how he's going to deal with it. Not that I think he won't be supportive, just he's not very good at articulating, so normally ends up with his foot in his mouth!

I'm feeling a bit calmer now, but I'm going to take an ibuprofen because I have a killer headache on the way...

OP posts:
GiddyOnZackHunt · 21/09/2016 14:25

Ring 101 (the non emergency police switchboard) and explain that you spoke to an officer yesterday etc. The officer may not have logged it yet or systems may not have updated.

skyyequake · 21/09/2016 14:35

That's what I'm thinking. He did say that it can take a bit of time, I don't think he realised how late it was getting when he said it might have been last night I would get a call!

OP posts:
skyyequake · 21/09/2016 14:53

So my dad just called out of the blue! (Lots of coincidences happening recently, the woo part of me says it's my DGM looking out for me)

I gave him a brief update. He seems a bit blase, he did say if XP thought he could bully me then he would "sort him out" Confused but I don't think he fully grasps how rough it's been. Probably for the best for now. He's going to come round when he's got a free evening so we'll have a decent chat then.

I don't understand why I keep crying every time I start talking about it... I didn't even cry last night when XP was here getting in my face! But as soon as I start telling anyone about it I get a lump in my throat... Feelings are weird.

OP posts:
skyyequake · 21/09/2016 16:04

Oh god he's going to be finishing work soon (half 4) I'm so on edge I feel sick.

OP posts:
skyyequake · 21/09/2016 16:22

Ok I've put some more of his stuff outside the door. If he hasn't collected it by half 5 I'll bring it in again.

OP posts:
GiddyOnZackHunt · 21/09/2016 16:29

You can do it. Can you put some music on so the silence is oppressive?