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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

I feel so mixed up. Is this controlling?

801 replies

Poppysquad · 07/06/2017 23:10

I am sorry, a bit of a saga.

I have been with my partner for four and a half years and we bought a house together about eighteen months ago. I have a son of 19, who lives with me, he is re-sitting his a levels at the moment. My partner has never had children.
Over our initial twelve months together he broke off our relationship twice. The first time we tried again, the second time it happened I did not contact him and left him alone and after time he came back.
There have been moments - when we took my son and a friend on holiday he told me that he would come home if the kids misbehaved. I ended up telling him that I couldn't guarantee their behaviour and I would rather go on my own. He was fine in the end.Since we have moved in probably every three months, he gets cross and threatens that he will leave. A number of these times are as a result of something my son has done e.g. allowed someone to sleep in his bed, i.e.the bed he brought into the house when we moved in, or using his speaker and letting it overheat. Once we reach this trigger there is a series of things that he says to me, like 'what do I do for him' - and I never support him and I don't do anything, I just come home from work and put the telly on. Just after Christmas we narrowed down the trigger for the rage as being the fact that I did not wipe down the work surfaces sufficiently.
It has built and built and just over a week ago, following a return from a weekend away, when my son wiped the table with bacterial spray and removed the wax and, so my partner says, allowed someone to sleep in his bed again, he just walked out of the house. Taking nothing with him. He just left. He stayed in a number of hotels for three nights. He called each day. Sometimes he seemed cross that I was not falling apart without him.
Then he came home! And here he is in the house, sleeping in the spare room, and I really don't know where I stand.
In terms of the controlling, I am expected to cook tea every night even though I work full time in a demanding job and my partner is at home and retired.
He likes to eat early so I feel under pressure to make sure I am home in time if I've stopped on my way home.
He is with me all the time. If a girl friend calls in, he just stays and joins in the conversation. I don't get anytime on my own.
He tuts and roles his eyes if I make a stupid mistake like dropping something,
He is critical of my driving and I have lost confidence in my ability to reverse completely.On the night before I went into hospital for a cancer biopsy with general anesthetic I knocked over a sleeper in the garden with my car. A silly accident and something I've done probably four times before. He had fixed this and I had broken it again. He was so cross with me that he said that he would stay with my during the biopsy, but he would not be here the following day. So, if the specialist had said that there could be an issue, he was saying he wouldn't be there. All because of a piece of wood. I was shocked.
He says that my son is a lazy s**t, who is totally inconsiderate. He is, to be fair, a typical self centred 19 year old. But he really is not a bad kid.
If I moan about how my son is behaving he tells me that basically it's my own fault as I had bought him up.
I don't know. This just sounds like a rant. I do know that I don't feel that things are right. I am worried that the nastiness could escalate. He is now in the house again, and I don't know what I want I happen. Do I want him to stay or not? Do I want a relationship with him or not?
Help ! Does anyone have any views?

OP posts:
blessedbrianblessed · 15/09/2017 17:34

And also Poppy this thought has just popped into my head - do you think your Ex-DP is, like you are, poring over psychology books, websites and internet forums trying to work out the reasons why you behave as you do, and why you might be upset from time to time?

Do you think he's trying to understand your behaviour and even change himself to help you?

Or do you think he's just thinking that he is right and you are the one that needs to change?

IHeartDodo · 15/09/2017 17:36

He may not realise to be honest...
I doubt a lot of people will sit there thinking "hmm she'll be vulnerable when XYZ happens, that's my time to strike..." (although occasionally it will)
It's more likely he just senses it and then acts accordingly.
It'll still make you miserable, either way!

Poppysquad · 15/09/2017 17:58

Point made Blessed. You're right. I doubt he's that concerned

OP posts:
AcrossthePond55 · 15/09/2017 19:36

That gift wasn't thoughtful. It has an ulterior motive, you may be sure. If he really wanted to see you 'fly', he'd leave you alone to heal and strengthen those 'brave wings'. Instead he gives you little gifts and gestures that make you doubt your own truth and keep you 'earthbound' (tied to him emotionally).

I think you need to ask yourself why you're so invested in understanding him. His motivations and/or understanding (or lack thereof) don't mean jack. It's the results of those motivations and/or understanding that matter. For a while I wondered why my ex-husband abused me. Was he evil or was he ill? Did I really bring it on myself? But then I realized that it didn't matter why. The pain hurt just as bad either way. And once I stopped wondering 'why', it was the major step in getting the hell out and the first step in healing myself.

Hermonie2016 · 15/09/2017 19:55

Poppy, you may recall I also questioned if your ex had ASD as some behaviours similar to my ex.

His personality and upbringing will also influence how he is as a person.An ASD therapist told me that the NT person has to change/adapt not the person with ASD.

We often have to accept that someone is not who we want them

Hermonie2016 · 15/09/2017 20:06

Oops, pressed send.

Want them to be.

Poppysquad · 15/09/2017 22:14

Don't worry the gift wasn't from my ExP. it was from someone I am close to who is really thoughtful and caring who' is encouraging me.

And Hermonie you're right. I had forgotten your previous comments on ASD. So sorry. I'm hearing you Across and understand how stopping this analysis and concentrating on looking after myself is a step forward. I am getting there. It loops around a few times but I am heading in the right direction

I've a busy day tomorrow shopping for the last bits and pieces for my son to take to uni.

OP posts:
AcrossthePond55 · 15/09/2017 23:48

Oh, well, in that case, it was a truly thoughtful gift and you have a lovely friend!

Grin
Poppysquad · 18/09/2017 23:17

I am in a selfish, looking after me frame of mind. I have been browsing courses on Mindfulness and Building Self Confidence and Self Esteem. I think I'll try and get something sorted. I am still concerned about being low and lonely after my son leaves.

I was thinking as I was driving home today about how things were a few months back. My son leaving home was always going to be a big change in my life, but I was a lot more positive. Life was going to be different for my ExP and myself. Now it feels negative. My son is leaving, my ExP has left and I don't have a clue what I'm going to do with my life. I don't know where I'll be living, or who who'll I'll be with. Then I have to turn this round. I know I am lucky. I have a good job, good friends, people who care for me, a comfortable home and an amazing holiday to look forward to. I need to stay positive.

OP posts:
Noodles4Me · 19/09/2017 00:31

Seriously? This thread is STILL GOING? 🙈

AcrossthePond55 · 19/09/2017 00:33

Looking after oneself in the way you mean is NOT NOT NOT selfish! And as far as 'who you'll be with', well, you'll be with yourself! And you are very good company!

The last little bird fleeing the nest is a bittersweet moment for all of us. But remember that he'll be back for holidays and very likely when he's done at Uni, at least for a little while. And you will have a home where he is valued, loved, and appreciated. Not a home where he can 'do no right' and is criticized and you are forced to defend him day after day.

Poppysquad · 23/09/2017 09:00

So, today is the day. The house is full of my sons stuff and in a couple of hours we will be setting off and heading off to his university. I want to be brave and not blub too much.

Its also two weeks until I head off on my trekking holiday. I have arranged to see my son very briefly before I go and will pop over and see him the weekend after I get back. So it's not like we won't see each other for weeks.

A very old dear friend visited last night. It was so lovely to see her. She obviously wanted to know a little more about what had gone on with my relationship. Amongst other things I told her about the incident with the sleeper and she just cried. She was so upset about how I had been treated. She said that her husband, who I've also known for most of my life, would have just cuddled her and comforted her and told her not to worry. And I know she's right. That is exactly what he would have done.

I do feel a bit sorry for myself. My son leaving should have been the catalyst for a change - spending more time away, doing great things with a loving partner. Instead of which I feel a bit lost. A bit directionless. and life, just at the moment feels a little empty. But I know it is in my power to do something about that.

Anyway. Onwards and upwards. Wish me luck. I am joining the crowd of empty nesters.

OP posts:
whitehandledkitchenknife · 23/09/2017 09:53

Thinking of you Poppy. It's ok to feel sorry for yourself, particularly if no one else is going to pick up on your need for comfort.That feeling of being abandoned is a tough one. I used to go into my son's room and stroke his duvet cover for months some time after he left for uni. It's a bittersweet time, especially when one's own relationship is nothing to write home about.
Perhaps take some time to stand still, sniff the air and ask yourself "What do I want to do for me? What do I need to do for me?" Keep checking back on yourself. You will navigate through the directionless bit, one step at a time. Pack for your trek with loving care, for you.
Flowers

ChinkChink · 23/09/2017 10:56

Look how far you've come!

Good luck.

Bluebellforest1 · 24/09/2017 14:03

Hi Poppy
I cried buckets when I dropped my sons off at uni (although managed to keep it together until I was back in the car!), but I loved seeing them taking those first exciting steps to independence too.
Look at some of the positives, you can do what you like at home, eat what and when you like, watch what you like, dance naked in the kitchen if you wish. And you've got a holiday to look forward to.
Take care

Poppysquad · 24/09/2017 22:40

It's so quiet! I've called my son and he's fine if a little hungover after his first night at Uni. I won't call him too often I want to give him some space. The tears came this morning. I did feel sorry for myself.
This evening it's been Benedict Cumberbatch and corn on the cob. So watching what I like and eating what I like. No naked dancing yet. And thank goodness for the holiday. I knew I needed something to focus on. I've still quite a bit to sort out for it.
And then there's work tomorrow...

OP posts:
AuroraNinjaMama · 24/09/2017 23:03

I'm not sure if it has already been said - please, before you mention anyone leaving, make sure that you get all important papers out of the house to a place that is secure, things such as passports and legal documents.

AuroraNinjaMama · 24/09/2017 23:05

Oops! Please disregard my last post!

AcrossthePond55 · 25/09/2017 02:00

Remember that it's to your credit that your son is at Uni and enjoying himself. You are obviously a wonderful mum who has given her son the confidence to succeed.

Now, it's your time. Cumberbatch and corn on the cob is a good start. Relax and learn to appreciate the quiet.

Chickenagain · 06/03/2018 21:45

@Poppysquad

Finally I have caught up with this thread. I'm just wondering how you are doing OP and hoping you are enjoying an egg shell free life.

Mary1935 · 06/03/2018 22:10

Hi yes I'm too wondering how you getting on poppy. I hope you enjoyed your holiday.

Poppysquad · 06/03/2018 23:02

Hi. It’s so good to hear from you. I’m doing ok thanks.
The holiday was great. Fabulous group of people although I was the youngest by miles and the only single person. I crumbled initially in my hotel room on my own, but with my sisters help gave myself a kick up the bum and recognised how bloody lucky I was to be there. And going home was not an option.
I’ve still struggled on and off and have gone through the loop of blaming myself for everything a few times. I am getting good support from my counsellor on this.
My ExP is now talking about collecting the last of his things from the house and garage and I feel pretty sad. I’d like to say that I’m embracing single life. Living it up. Enjoying everything. The truth is that although I’m not going through the trauma of ‘is he staying or is he leaving ’ every few months, and I can take it easy at home, it can be very lonely at times and I miss the those elements of support and comfort, that were offered by my ExP along the way. And TBH my self esteem and self confidence have taken a severe battering.
Still I've a good group of friends around me and a supportive family. I do need to get through the next few months sorting out the house. And then....maybe I’ll bookmanother holiday.

OP posts:
Chickenagain · 07/03/2018 07:55

It takes time to heal. It takes time to remember properly who you are.

Spring is coming (apparently) so investigate joining a running group. Train for a triathlon. Take up photography. Start a blog. Borrow a dog. Join the Cinnamon Trust. Volunteer for something. You get one life Poppy, live it. And remember You. Are. Enough.

Poppysquad · 07/03/2018 22:26

Thank you Chickenagain. Running is definitely on the cards along with joining a local walking group. Just plucking up the courage.

OP posts:
Shawaddywaddeee · 17/01/2023 07:00

You need to leave, it'll be hard but you'll eventually be happier for it x
I feel sad for your son :(
He deserves to be able to relax in his own home and to be loved, supported and cared for x
He'll have issues if you stay with someone like your partner.
You're giving him the message it's ok for your partner to treat him this way.
As for you life is too short to not be happy.
I often think if I got diagnosed with a terminal illness how would I want my final years to look?
Also can you see yourself living like this for another 5/10 years?
If answer is no then why waste time?
That is something money can't buy x good luck ❤️