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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

Normal or not?

82 replies

Onlyonce · 17/08/2017 11:26

Just wanting some honest views on aspects of Dp's behaviour towards me. A few examples

1.Reading my messages on phone. Wouldn't bother me particularly but would rather he told me as when he reads the unread ones I don't see them highlighted and miss them iyswim
2.Telling me I don't need my handbag when out for the day (actually do need it had to remind him I keep DD inhaler when we go out)
3.Telling me I use too much toothpaste
4.Similarly that I shouldn't put the shower on while I get undressed, should wait untill I have got in
5.Where to put water bottle in compartment on side of passengers door, as in 'dont put it there, move it to there'
6.Taking receipt out of my bag then quizzing me on what I had for lunch (disapproves of diet coke)
7.Asking me what I am eating on a regular basis when he sees me having something
Coming into kitchen as soon as I go in there
8.Turned him down for sex one night after he woke me up. He said he would do it anyway. I said no again. Nothing further happened
9When frustrated saying things like 'im going to break X in a minute' referring to whatever he is holding or trying to deal with. He has never been physically violent with me but have seen him kick or stand on things
10.Regularly saying "are you in a mood" when he picks up on me not being as I would normally be.
11. Saying I have my showers too hot

Sometimes I wonder if I am just being over sensitive so wanting to know which of these would bother others or not. I know some of them seem more of an issue than others

OP posts:
Onlyonce · 17/08/2017 13:58

I didn't like being woken but I never said no except that one occasion. He woke me first, didn't just start touching me while I was asleep. Was more tap me on the shoulder to wake me up.

OP posts:
deydododatdodontdeydo · 17/08/2017 13:58

Sounds like you're scared of him, or his temper (which is the same thing), which doesn't bode well.
I predict he will not respond well to you pushing back.

arousingcheer · 17/08/2017 14:01

Just to be clear I'm not suggesting you should push back, just asking what you think his reaction would be. Sometimes confrontation is where things get worse.

But fearing him is not a good reason to let it go, it's just something to keep in mind while you examine your options.

DodgyGround · 17/08/2017 14:05

1.Reading my messages on phone. Wouldn't bother me particularly but would rather he told me as when he reads the unread ones I don't see them highlighted and miss them iyswim

This isn't normal behaviour, like a PP said, if you had someone else's phone and a message came up you'd hand it back and tell them so they don't miss it. You certainly wouldn't across through and make the phone log it as read, knowing that you may nerve know it's been sent to you! That's selfish (nosey) and disrespectful.

2.Telling me I don't need my handbag when out for the day (actually do need it had to remind him I keep DD inhaler when we go out)

Of course you need a handbag. How else will you carry your purse or phone? Not to mention your dd's inhaler. It's almost like he's trying to strip you of anything that could possibly set you apart from him as an independent person.

3.Telling me I use too much toothpaste

That's your problem, not his! Do you use a pea sized blob? Then rest assured you're right and he's wrong. What would happen if you said you've read the instructions and are following the pea size instructions?! And no, it doesn't say petit pois!

4.Similarly that I shouldn't put the shower on while I get undressed, should wait untill I have got in

That makes no sense, I always get the cold water run off and make sure it's nice and warm before I get in. If he wants to do that, more fool him! But to expect you to do the same is just seriously controlling.

5.Where to put water bottle in compartment on side of passengers door, as in 'dont put it there, move it to there'

Do you ever ask why he requests that of you? Without a good resin it's clearly control.

6.Taking receipt out of my bag then quizzing me on what I had for lunch (disapproves of diet coke)

He needs to seriously back off. This is impingement of your freedom.

7.Asking me what I am eating on a regular basis when he sees me having something

Is it that he wants to share your food or that he wants to control what you eat?

Coming into kitchen as soon as I go in there

Same question as above

8.Turned him down for sex one night after he woke me up. He said he would do it anyway. I said no again. Nothing further happened

I'd be seriously pissed off if some one disrupted my sleep like that. It's a real control thing unless you've made it clear you like that.

9When frustrated saying things like 'im going to break X in a minute' referring to whatever he is holding or trying to deal with. He has never been physically violent with me but have seen him kick or stand on things

That is the perceived threat of violence and is used to make you tread on eggshells. Either that or he has serious anger issues. Does he shout a lot? Either way it's unhealthy.

10.Regularly saying "are you in a mood" when he picks up on me not being as I would normally be.

He's quite suffocating isn't he? Reminds me of an ex who was constantly reaching it for emotional reassurance - which I just couldn't give him. It was so draining. It's a sign of a problem with him and not with you though.

11. Saying I have my showers too hot
Tell him he has his showers too cold and that one man's meat is another man's poison, clearly!

Onlyonce · 17/08/2017 14:09

Understand what you mean arousingcheer

OP posts:
Onlyonce · 17/08/2017 14:14

Dodgyground, no he very rarely if ever shouts.

He hates me picking at food between meals which is why he pops in the kitchen. Most of the time I'm just making a tea

OP posts:
DodgyGround · 17/08/2017 14:17

But it's up to you if you eat between meals. You're an adult!

arousingcheer · 17/08/2017 15:03

Violence vs a whiff of suggestion of violence are not very far apart. I never saw my dad actually being violent.

When an invading army rounds up civilians they don't have to kill them all, they only have to make a show of force - uniformed troops, weapons, property damage, threats etc - for most folk to be quiet and go along with it. Controlling behaviour is meant to make you afraid and do what they want you to do. Actual violence may follow.

arousingcheer · 17/08/2017 15:04

Sorry, this sound awful for you. Flowers

ChickenBhuna · 17/08/2017 15:56

So many negative things going on here OP. I'm sorry you're going through this.

His waking you is particularly cruel. My ex did this to me , he always had a "reason" to stop me from resting. He's keeping you tired and therefore right where he wants you - under his control.

I hope you can find a way out.

TheNaze73 · 17/08/2017 18:26

He sounds horrendous & has more issues than Vogue. He really isn't normal

Fluffypinkpyjamas · 17/08/2017 18:29

None of that is normal or acceptable. LTB.

seedsofchange · 17/08/2017 19:34

Absolutely not normal. My first husband did this sort of stuff (30 plus years ago so not the phone stuff) opened my post, demanded why I was late and to account for every minute I was late, timed how long I spent in the bath, quizzed me on any contact I had with anyone, tried to ration how much shampoo and toilet paper I used (!) He claimed it was to "save money" and that I was "irresponsible"with it. As he was unemployed and I paid all the bills ERM no I don't think so. Demanded sex when ever he felt like it and raped me if I refused. Tried to take financial control but after the rape and that I left him. He was wonderful until we got married, then it all started shortly after we married. I divorced him for unreasonable behaviour, made absolute two days after the minimum five years were up (in those days you had to be married for five years to get a divorce, except in very unusual circumstances). Best thing I ever did. Been married to DH for 30 plus years now, he's a keeper :)

seedsofchange · 17/08/2017 19:35

And yes, he was never actually violent. But I was still afraid he might be and that kept me subjugated, as much as the actual violence might have done.

Onlyonce · 17/08/2017 19:54

At one point I did want to marry him, now I'm glad we aren't to be honest. I don't think for one moment he would ask me either so at least I don't have to worry about what happens if I said no

Like I said he doesn't shout and has never been physical with me

OP posts:
jayho · 17/08/2017 20:06

Mine was never physical with me. When he took my purse because I 'didn't need it' and I realised I was trapped I fought for it. He had me charged with assault (dropped).

Onlyonce · 17/08/2017 20:24

I'm so sorry for everyone who has gone through this

OP posts:
seedsofchange · 17/08/2017 21:45

I'm so sorry about what you are going through ,Flowers

Giraffey1 · 17/08/2017 21:47

Reading this makes me feel quite uncomfortable. He reads your text messages? Why? They're intended for you. Doesn't he trust you?

He tells you when to get in the shower and how hot to have the water? And that you use the wrong amount of toothpaste? That you shouldn't take your handbag with you when you go out? Why ever not!

He monitors what you are eating ? Goes through your belongings to find receipts to see what you've been buying?

None if this is normal partner behaviour. You do know this, don't you? And you sound a bit afraid of him - do you feel this way about him?

IrritatedUser1960 · 17/08/2017 21:48

Oversensitive......what planet are you living on OP, he is a controlling fuck and I wouldn't tolerate that for as long as 5 seconds. He's like that now? Will be interesting to see if he has a dog collar on you in 5 years time. Wake up!!!

FritzDonovan · 17/08/2017 22:40

Sounds like one of those ppl who are convinced they always know best. And will try to make you live by their beliefs. Highly irritating, but they don't see why. Arrogant twits.

Cring · 18/08/2017 03:05

Run a mile.

The sex comment is terrifying I couldn't be in a room with a man who threatened to rape me, jest or not, never ever.

I hate the handbag thing too, all of them in fact. Listen to your gut OP.

iamafraidofvirginiawolves3cats · 18/08/2017 03:43

Why does he want sex in the middle of the night and then wake you up? Does he wake you up to see if you want sex too....even though you are fast asleep? Have you told him that you enjoy six then? Does he ask for sex before you both go to sleep, or only if you are already asleep?
I am sorry that his behaviour is causing you concern. You clearly have an idea something isn't quite right.

Shoxfordian · 18/08/2017 07:31

Morning onlyonce

I agree with all the other posts saying this is controlling abusive behaviour and no way for you to live your life.

I think the reason you're scared to argue is that you've picked up on his aggressive behaviour; even subconsciously and you know on some level that he could be physically aggressive to you.

I think you should talk more with your counsellor and don't be afraid to tell him/her everything that's been happening. Do you have any other real life support too?

Please make plans to leave this relationship; it's so unhealthy. Your daughter will grow up thinking this is normal behaviour from men and could end up in a similar relationship when she's an adult. Please leave to protect her if nothing else. Flowers

AttilaTheMeerkat · 18/08/2017 07:54

"Like I said he doesn't shout and has never been physical with me"

He does not have to; he controls you by words and actions instead. It is but a small step now to physical violence and he could well hit you if he decides you are still not compliant enough under his control.

All 11 points that you list are all examples of controlling behaviours from him. Its not normal and more to the point these are abusive from a desire to have power and control. Abuse stems from wanting power and control over another person, in this case he wants absolute power and control over you. He also controls you by the threat of violence; his temper beneath the surface.

I note too that you were not very confident when you met him and that is what he honed in on. You were targeted by him and deliberately so as well; he saw something within you that he can and has indeed exploited to his own ends. Abuse like this as well is insidious in its onset and it creeps up on people.

What has he kicked and stood on; probably things that do not belong to him. Those are examples of domestic violence as well.

I sincerely hope for your sake as well as your children you can leave this man and asap because they cannot grow up thinking this is how men treat women in relationships. They are learning from you as well about relationships and this is no legacy to leave them.

He won't make it easy for you to leave and he will try and control you from a distance as well once you have separated as "punishment" to you in his eyes for having the gall to leave him. But your freedom of choice will be worth it because the life you are living now is really no life at all. Its a pitiful existence he has reduced you and in turn your children to.
I would read a copy of "Why does he do that?" by Lundy Bancroft and keep it at a trusted friend's house to read. It will further explain what is happening here to you. Womens Aid are also worth contacting too.

BTW what word did you use to your counsellor to describe this individual apart from controlling which he most certainly is.

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