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At rock bottom- 2 years thrown away on a text

428 replies

yestocarrots · 11/12/2016 22:05

Just hoping for a bit of a hand hold. Sorry this is so long. I'm feeling very bleak right now and have no one to talk to. Please, someone, sanity check me. I am reeling from a turn of events that has put me into a depression worse than any I've experienced in a while.

My ex partner was an army guy. We lived quite separate lives because he was posted the other side of the country to my city, but we saw each other most weekends. He has known my dd since she was tiny (she's now 2). Been a dad to her in every way, it was like we were a family. We argued quite a lot always about the same things- he didn't communicate much at all during the week, often would only text, and would get angry and belligerent if I expressed a wish for this to change. I wasn't perfect- I had bad PND and would get very emotional in conflicts which seemed to frustrate him. I was working full time in a demanding job and running a home and being a single parent and I know I took shit out on him. But I also loved him deeply. Showed it in any ways I could. Keeping the house lovely for when he came, making plans for days out and little holidays, putting on Xmas for him including a stocking and a sack of gifts, sending him packages, kept myself available for him basically every weekend and never asked for more than just more contact in the week (which frankly he never made the effort to change.) Earlier this year he was posted abroad at very short notice. I was devastated and scared but we both mutually agreed we would not let it break us. Both of us were in bits the day he left.
Then it all fell apart. While he was away I got so used to us not being able to communicate at all, I just sort of shut down. But my eating disorder and depression came back with a vengeance. My periods stopped entirely and I nearly lost my job through stress. I found it impossible coping with work, health and my toddler, I missed my best friend and partner so much. I sent him packages but it was all I could do. I had bought him special notepaper to write to me and he never did, when I asked him to once he snapped and ridiculed me as he thought it was such a trivial thing for me to want. When I finally confessed I wasn't coping and didn't know how to deal, told him my health was deteriorating and I just needed to know a rough time of when he would be back, or needed some more support (I don't really have any IRL and I didn't get support from the army as we weren't married.) he was furious when I said all this. Accused me of breaking up with him, saying I had no empathy for the stressful situation he was in, was so angry it shocked and hurt me to the core. It was like the more upset I was the more angry he was. After a week or so of this I suggested we go on a break til he got back as the miscommunication seemed tto be so damaging (I now deeply regret this as feel it was selfish but literally at the time I couldn't stand this anger coming from him and the fact that in fact he had no empathy for me.)
Within a month he had a date to return to the UK. I asked how/when I could come and meet him off the plane at the base. He never got round to letting me know- he was too busy apparently. He didn't let me know he was back in the UK til he had been there almost a week. He then asked on the Wednesday if I was free on the Friday to meet and talk. I had a work commitment I couldn't get out of and said I couldn't, but asked how he was and how the journey was. His response- "Are you serious?! All that bullshit about priorities and you won't meet me. Bye then". I immediately replied asking why we couldn't do the weekend instead. He simply replied "don't bother contacting me again." All by text. I couldn't believe it. I still can't believe he did that. A month later he still hadnt come to his sense. I was missing him terribly but so hurt from his text I hadn't contacted him. Finally got up the courage and texted him. He responded so furiously and verbally abusively and yet we ended up sleeping together twice, him telling me one minute that I had hurt him so much and was a shit person with no empathy, then next that he loved me and was sorry i suffered so much when he was away. I was so confused about how he twisted it into me having done something unforgivable by not being able to see him when he decided I should. After 2 weeks of hell he texted me to tel me he would be no worse off if he ever saw me again. I've been bereft all over again. Calling him in tears- sometimes he answers and is reassuring, sometimes he won't answer but sends angry texts. Texting him how much I love and miss him, how sorry I am for what I did and begging him to see me. He has stopped responding altogether. I just don't know what to do. My dd calls him daddy- he said in a year it would be like he had never existed to her. I miss him so much, I can't bear how this has played out. I feel racked with guilt. I just want him to understand why I shut him out. I'm still having tests for my lack of periods, I'm still suffering terribly with my bulimia but he just accuses me of having no empathy and making his life hell. I feel so guilty I want to just hurt myself.

Sorry- I know it was long. I just need someone to tell me I didn't deserve this. He slept with me and told me he loved me just 2 weeks ago. I just want to curl up and cry. 2 years meant nothing to him in the end.

OP posts:
thedogsvagina · 27/12/2016 00:29

carrots this makes an interesting read. It's about maladaptive attachment styles/romantic attractions. I think it might help you understand how you are feeling. Have a read and see if it resonates:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limerence

yestocarrots · 27/12/2016 14:37

Thanks again everyone and for checking up on me vonny/thedogs. I wanted to post on my thread again because i was doing (relatively) well and just spent today and last night feeling crap again. I was NC as I last posted on here, deleted the messages and I didn't block but I hid everything that reminded me of him including on my phone. I felt like I was getting stronger to block and had composed a sort of "goodbye" message to send before blocking to draw a line under it and also claim back some self respect. As you might remember from earlier in my thread he had agreed to see me a couple of times in the last 2 weeks but cancelled on the day both times. Fine-- I didn't think seeing him was a good idea. Then on Xmas day he messaged me saying he hoped me and dd had a good Xmas and that I could enjoy it. I messaged back like an idiot because there was a glimpse of the old nice him and we exchanged a couple of civil messages about how dd had enjoyed Xmas. Late Xmas day night he messages saying he could come to see me ether Boxing Day evening or the day after for a few hours if I still wanted. I said yes, could do either (I know. Like an idiot. I was that easy.)
The next day he messages saying it wasn't a good idea. That he didn't want to see me and it would make him feel shit and it wasn't "easy, cheap or convenient". I felt like I was thrown back into the rejection again. Like a fucking idiot. I messaged back saying I felt really upset, he only suggested it himself 12 hours before, he said he only had because it was "late and he was tired". I embarrassed myself with some upset messages. He said he could come today instead. My head was just reeling. Then what a surprise- woke up to a message saying today wasn't convenient for him and could we reschedule to 31st when he would be in London in the afternoon. My head is spinning. I texted back saying how upsetting it was that he kept cancelling and I couldn't deal with it. He nastily was saying he "wasn't under any obligation to meet up with me". But I don't see why he doesn't just rip the plaster off and block ME. He made it clear nothing has changed and he wouldn't change his mind (it was all him, him, him btw- nothin about me, what I want, what might be "convenient" for me.) its such a head fuck. He js being just awful. And I know he is spending the next few days with his new squeeze I don't have concrete proof but this is his MO when he wants to get out of relationships sharpish to see someone else.
I hate the fact this has ruined my day today and yesterday. I made Xmas really nice for dd and I'm still hurting.
Just need a hand hold today. I know I need to get back my respect and just end this bullshit. I made a good plan for New Year's Eve and I'm going away for a weekend in January. It's just getting past the hurt. Him still saying even yesterday that I can't understand why he was so angry I "blew him off" when he came back from tour. Still maintaining that that was what broke us. Tarnishing 2 years of our relationship.
ARGH

OP posts:
cheekyfunkymonkey · 27/12/2016 14:46

He sounds like hard work. Healthy relationships don't work like this and you know this. Block delete change phone numbers if you can and throw his away. Don't waste another second on him. He is not enriching your life. Set a good example for your daughter.

thedogsvagina · 27/12/2016 14:48

Carrot, did you read the link about limerence?
You really are stuck in an unhealthy thought pattern and unhealthy attitude towards your relationship or rather lack of relationship with this man. It's really not healthy. You need to forget about him and focus on yourself for a whilst.

LyingWitchInTheWardrobe2726 · 27/12/2016 14:48

If you don't block him, carrots you will continue to put yourself through it. It really is that simple. You've made a mistake, yes, but it just means that you have to go through the initial pain again. You're the only one suffering about it, be under no illusions about that. It's up to you to end it.

Block him. Or don't. All up to you from this point on.

vonny81 · 27/12/2016 15:02

Aww no carrots, I have been in the same boat, I met with my ex on the 23rd and we went to York Xmas market, I felt bad he didn't nothing xmasy with our little boy, it was amazing day, it was like back to old times again. Then the next day he's like no, no chance of getting back together. Although my situation is different to yours, I know the block with me is his parents pulling the strings. An absolute mummy's boy. It kills me to see my little boy upset when he comes and goes and I can't believe he will put our boundaries through this because of his parents! I'm scared to death of him getting access through the courts, it's in court on the 24/1 they have absolutely no idea when it ones to babies, more interested in having a drink and their snappy horrible dog that makes him cry!

I'd live to juts change my number and have no contact but I can't due to legalities with contact with our son etc. You have no ties to this imbecile though and you canake a clean break from him. I do fond it gets easier the longer you go NC. I find I go NC for a few days and then he will come out with threats, guilt trips and blackmail into making me engage in a conversation with him. Then gets me hooked again. Reading what I've put I think omg what am I doing, there is not a single good word I have said! So I understand how hard it is carrots. Even if I block him I can read the messages in the 'blocked' folder in my phone!
I have however turned off the 'last seen' part on what'sapp so he can't keep tabs on me there xx

Atenco · 27/12/2016 16:29

Carrots, I am sorry this horrible man is treating you this way. But you will get there and in a year's time you will not understand how you wasted so much time on such a loser.

yestocarrots · 27/12/2016 20:35

His comment about me "blowing him off" by not seeing him at the first opportunity when he came back has just activated all my guilt and crap feelings. I know I have to try and accept that for whatever reason he is done and it doesn't make him right but It's so hard. Xmas has been such a slog.

OP posts:
vonny81 · 27/12/2016 20:59

It wasn't said to make you guilty, he was just gutted that you called the shits so he wanted to make u feel shit

SandyY2K · 27/12/2016 20:59

Carrots

Read and digest this ... "He who cares the least has the most power"

And right now ... that's him. Sorry, but he doesn't give a rat's behind about you.

winkywinkola · 28/12/2016 08:58

Carrots. He's just using that "blowing bom off" thing as a stick to beat you with

Look, normal, reasonable people understand that other people are busy. They have commitments and arrangements that can't just be dropped at a moment's notice.

Normal and reasonable people work with thief friends and lovers to find a way that suits everyone. Compromise. Care. Attention.

This man is mad. He's s total dickhead.

Don't feel guilty because you've DONE NOTHING WRONG.

Don't be a sucker anymore. Block the knobber. He will bring nothing but knobbery into your life. And it will get boring, even for you.

You know what he's like. Have some pride and block him. Don't text him to explain or say goodbye - just block him and find some happiness.

Notmyname123 · 28/12/2016 09:11

For goodness sake, you didn't blow him off, don't feel guilty about it. He gave you very little notice and can't expect you to put your job in jeopardy. He's just using it as an excuse, because he knows it presses your buttons - he must know perfectly well that he's repeatedly doing exactly what he complains about.

I would suggest one more message to him to say you are not interested in meeting him ever again, then block him completely.

yestocarrots · 28/12/2016 11:04

Thing is it wasn't work it was a work evening event where a lot of the networking goes on which is why I wanted to go, it's important in my job. But he has never understood my job as it's so different to the army (but his job always takes precedence.) I wish he would just stop mentioning it because it feels like such a weak reason to have fucked off. Which he did, on a 3 week jolly to Asia during which time he stayed with an ex-- does this seem like someone who was bothered it was the end for us? He had also told me to not bother contacting him again but now it seems like that was just a test (as I didn't contact him til he was back from his holiday.)
I know I sound like a broken record but it helps to just vent vent vent. Need to find the anger again. The anger that he is enjoying his usual month off his "so stressful" job and is likely shacked up with new woman, while I'm back at work now despite me and dd both having been sick. The fact that he has effectively spent the past 3 weeks dangling meet ups to his schedule which he has cancelled with no notice, now running into New Years! And the fact that when I said how upsetting that was he didn't even reply. Painting or relationship as "2 years of pointless arguments and no emotional support for him". If it was that bad why did he make me wait for 4 months when he was on tour, getting more stressed and isolated as a result of losing my family support (which he refuses to accept- I took his side over theirs and it left me completely alone but he accuses me of painting him black to my mum.)
Anger feels easier today.

OP posts:
fc301 · 28/12/2016 11:09

Block him, why is he yanking your chain?...

ZippyNeedsFeeding · 28/12/2016 11:17

Yes, you need to block him now. It will make him furious, but it will save your sanity and safeguard your health. He is being deliberately cruel to you.

vonny81 · 28/12/2016 11:34

He said not to contact him so you didn't blow it for him and his other woman!
You're his back up plan, if all else fails you will take him back with open arms. Don't say goodbye on text to him he will just think you are trying to gain control of him again.
Just ignore hi., he doesn't exist. My ex will text about something seemingly innocent and it just turns into a load of bollox to get me wound in again. Don't engage in it, he doesn't exist, he is off shagging owt that moves

QueenLizIII · 28/12/2016 11:37

I haven't read the whole thread in detail just skimmed but this stood out a mile from.page 1.

I found out recently that he stayed with an ex-ex-girlfriend just 2 weeks after he initially got back to the UK and dumped me. I'm so confused by how it all happened. I know I should have made time to meet him that Friday but at the time I never thought he just wouldn't agree to see me on a different day. That's been a major accusation he keeps throwing at me and I feel like it's all my fault. He can't see that he was unreasonable.

You lived very seperate lives as he was posted the otherside of the country then abroad.

The lack.of communication smacks of there being others. he stayed with an ex and i trust there were other women too.

My ex did EXACTLY what he did by the way. Behave distant and uncaring and then when I blew up at him for his behaviour he was unreasonable and blamed it all.on me and refused to discuss. The answer was ge was cheating. I found out later.

it is the.oldest trick in the book.
blame it on the woman for something minor so they can lay the blame at your door.

he had someone else already and that is.why he blamed you and refused to back down over something minor you did.

It doesn't sound like you were together much anyway.

he is messing around now leaving you hanging as he has someone else and cant get away.

he is keeping you as an option among one or a few others

LeninaCrowne · 28/12/2016 13:25

Make it a New Year's resolution to block him.

yestocarrots · 28/12/2016 14:06

Do you think the reason for him putting me off repeatedly is to keep me dangling as an option as long as possible? I can't believe anyone could be so calculated

OP posts:
winkywinkola · 28/12/2016 14:10

Carrots, absolutely! He's keeping you dangling. Throwing you a crumb of hope that you seem to feast on like it's a banquet.

Ignore him.

QueenLizIII · 28/12/2016 14:14

Do you think the reason for him putting me off repeatedly is to keep me dangling as an option as long as possible? I can't believe anyone could be so calculated

its been done to me 3 times by different guys.

you were long distance. how would you know what he is doing?

nice to havea back up fuck when you feel low knowing she will always have you.

sorry to be harsh but you need to get it.

prettywhiteguitar · 28/12/2016 14:17

Yup when's bored he txts you as he knows you will reply.

Block him and promise yourself that you are going to have a back bone and concentrate on yourself. He has had too much of your thoughts and you need to stop this before it drags on and on

LeninaCrowne · 28/12/2016 14:36

Yes, he was trying to keep his options open.

OP, please don't waste your time thinking about his motives and actions. Do stuff for you and your DD,.

Allalonenow · 28/12/2016 15:01

If you had blocked him back on the 11th December, think how much calmer and happier your Christmas would have been with just you and your little girl.

You often say about him that you "have gone NC" but what you mean by that is that when he phones you, you let it ring a few times before answering him. That isn't what No Contact means!

You will never have any peace of mind or freedom of spirit until he is out of your life. Have you started the Freedom Programme yet carrots? If not, make that your number one New Year Resolution.

QueenLizIII · 28/12/2016 15:12

its so hard though. dont underestimate how hard it is to cut someone out like this.

its like kicking an addiction. little by little op try and introduce more things into your life.

you say in your first post that you lived independent lives anyway, so there you go. Youve never really had him in your life and you can do just fine without him. You're tougher than you realise.