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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

Am I always in the wrong?

82 replies

elsielake · 19/08/2017 22:52

This is long and I'm not even sure what I'm saying. I don't even know where to start. Me and my dh have two girls, 4, and 4 weeks. We've always had a very passionate relationship. But when we argue, we come to blows. And on several occasions he's tried to dump me. And I am always the one in the wrong and his words are 'I don't need this shit' even to the point of telling me he doesn't love me, causing many a panic attack. Which he doesn't think is a panic attack, tells me to 'calm down we all have anxiety on some level, I just show it different' then takes it back when we've made up. A few examples. I was watching his football match one day, stood talking to one of his friends, who also happens to be a friend of my dsis and dbro. We were chatting and joking, lots of other people there too. Later that night he accused me of flirting, said I can't love him if I flirt with other guys and said he didn't want me and we were done. I begged and cried all night for him not to end it, I had to admit I was wrong and beg for his love and forgiveness. Then another example, couple of weeks ago, he had football and my auntie and uncle who live abroad who he'd never met were stopping at my mums. We were to be there for 430 for dinner, come 440 I see his car go past. Call and ask where he is. He is having a drink at the pub, says Saturday is his day and he can have a drink if he wants to. Come 510 still nothing so I leave dc with my mum and go to the pub to find him. Go over to him, and say 'are you kidding me?' He smiles and walks outside with me. Then outside starts screaming at me that I embarrassed him in front of the pub, he doesn't want me anymore, doesn't love me, is sick of my shit, I'm stood crying begging, trying to stop him leaving, to the point where people come out, his friends come out and tell him to just come with me and see my family. We eventually got there an hour later and my auntie was leaving. I was so embarrassed. Even after that when we got home he continued the argument, saying I'm wrong and should be embarrassed for going into the pub and he doesn't want me anymore. Kept it up til the early hours of the morning refusing to give in til I admit I was wrong and apologise which I only did because I was so exhausted and saw no other way out. We do have amazing times the rest of the time. But when we argue he always threatens ending it. He never admits he's wrong. It has to be me begging and doing the ego stroking. I don't know what I'm asking or saying. Just wanted to talk.

OP posts:
HolaWeenie · 20/08/2017 07:32

It must be exhausting for you op. How are things this morning?

My friends partner used to physically pack everything and he even left a few times. She joked with me she used to get fed up as she'd just ironed and put all the washing away and he'd pull it all out stuffing it into a bag. She realised the more she reacted to him flouncing about the more he liked it. She started to ignore that behaviour. He eventually stopped but things got worse and he tried instead to live like a moody bachelor, coming and going as he pleased with no respect for her or their kids. They've now split up and she's feeling positive about the future.

WingsofNylon · 20/08/2017 07:39

I only needed to read half your post to know that you both need out of this relationship. I've never heard people in good relationshipa describe them as passionate. Exciting, thrilling, dedicated, solid or genuine are more the words people use for good 'alive' relationships.

Passionate,to me, means one or both people swing from showering with praise to ignoring and criticising.

Yes your previous one sounded full but your current one sounds awful and damaging. Damaging not only to you but to your girls. Please get out.

elsielake · 20/08/2017 08:33

Things are the same this morning. I haven't budged so nothing has changed except he's started talking about what days he could have the girls. I know I need counselling and plan on it, just feel like a wreck

OP posts:
Butterymuffin · 20/08/2017 08:38

Just let him get on with it and go. Even now he's hoping to get a reaction out of you. Honestly, things will gradually improve once you're out of this cycle.

Butterymuffin · 20/08/2017 08:39

Is he actually packing? I'm guessing he's keener on saying things to push your buttons.

Mumof41987 · 20/08/2017 08:43

When he says that shit just say fine and walk away . He only does it because he loves watching you squirm and beg for forgiveness . Have some self respect and tell him to fuck off and walk away . He will be so shocked and his mind games will stop

Mumof41987 · 20/08/2017 08:44

Go along with all he is saying . Tell him he has made his choice so it's best if he arranges things through a solicitor , call his bluff

Pollydonia · 20/08/2017 08:45

He's bluffing, but actually love him leaving would be the best thing to happen for you and your DC. He is an abusive headfuck. Honestly.

SonicBoomBoom · 20/08/2017 08:48

except he's started talking about what days he could have the girls.

He's just saying that to ramp it up so you start panicking that he's serious and start begging him to stay and apologise. He won't go easily.

I bet you £100, if/when he does go (or you do) he's then bombarding you with calls and texts of how he's sorry and he'll change.

He's a grade 1 dickhead.

mumofone234 · 20/08/2017 08:51

This is emotional abuse, even if each incident seems 'minor'. He's relying on you caving in and behaving as you usually do, so if you really want something to change it's probably going to be a case of really digging your heels in and drawing on all your reserves of strength. Honestly, you'd be better off without him - even if it doesn't feel like it initially.

thethoughtfox · 20/08/2017 08:54

This isn't arguments. He is behaving unreasonably on both occasions and becoming abusive and threatening to leave you when you confront him about this.

IDoDaChaCha · 20/08/2017 08:54

Get rid of him. Right now. He is abusive. I have been in a relationship with someone exactly like him who got drunk and attacked me one night, after destroying my confidence, isolating me from everyone and telling me constantly how crap I was. He won't change. You are in danger of actual physical harm. And the fact children are present is frightening. Please leave him.

MyDarlingWhatIfYouFly · 20/08/2017 08:59

OP, I have been in an abusive relationship myself so please don't think I'm not understanding - I know full well what you are going through. But you need to stop begging him, stop handing all the power to him.

If he keeps talking about days with the girls etc, just tell him you will sort it all out through a solicitor. Call his bluff. He might see the whole thing through and you'll be well rid.

If he changes tack and apologies kick him out anyway. Take control of this situation.

This behaviour will only escalate and get worse. The good times in between are keeping you on the hook, but they mean nothing, he's an abuser.

You don't want your girls to end up with someone like him. If they see their dad treating you like this it's normalised for them and they could easily end up in the same position. It happened to me. It took a lot to break the cycle, but if my mother had been able to I might not have gone down that path.

IDoDaChaCha · 20/08/2017 09:03

P.s. I'd be careful 'calling his bluff' as that's what I did with my abusive ex and realising he had no control over me any more was what caused him to snap and start attacking me. I'd get a third party involved asap to mediate, do not have the break up conversation alone.

gingergenius · 20/08/2017 09:05

Hate to break it to you but this isn't passion. It's abuse. He wants to control and manipulate you. He wants you to be in his thrall. He doesn't love you. He controls you. Please please get some support via the freedom programme and wake up to the fact that this is NOT a healthy loving relationship. Best of luck OP. I've been where you are. It only gets worse.

babybels · 20/08/2017 09:11

My ex used to do this sort of thing and the last time he did it I asked him where he was planning to stay that night. He said the spare room. I said ok and that was that. 5 months later, 15 months later and 2 years later he tried to get me to reconcile but I wouldn't as I knew I'd have to go back to being a pleading crying doormat. I'm glad I stood firm as it has changed my life for the better. He still tries to control me but it's harder for him now from a distance. ( He moved out a few months later)
He did admit at one point that he couldn't believe I hadn't begged him to go back and was shocked.
I hope it all works out for you. A turbulent relationship is exhausting.

2littlemoos · 20/08/2017 09:19

If he can't have you at your worst, he can't have you at your best... on that note you haven't done anything wrong anyway!

He sounds dreadful OP. Even if he thinks you have done wrong for whatever stupid reason that is no excuse to treat you how he has. He know you'll get upset. And beg. And cry. It really isn't worth being up until the early hours of the morning arguing and begging! It's not healthy and you've got DC to get up with in the morning. A newborn!

Let him leave if he wants to. Stop doing what he expects you to do. I bet he'll soon shut up with the threats. He sounds like a drama queen.

Put your love and energy into yourself and DC. FlowersCakeBrew

mummabear17 · 20/08/2017 09:34

It's emotional abuse at the least sorry think how you would feel if it was your daughter(s) going through this or if you saw one of them arguing with him the way you do.

butterfly56 · 20/08/2017 09:38

He is an abuser. You are being abused. The major problem you have is that you do not see it as abuse. Staying in an abusive relationship is a big mistake.

user1499333856 · 20/08/2017 09:41

Me and DH used to argue like this. We were compelled to fight it out. Madness. DH is lovely but can be an utter arsehole. Incapable of an apology. He would also keep up the argument until I was broken.

It takes a complete change in yourself to break this cycle. Do not react to this kind of abuse. Be prepared for him to sulk. Let him see that this behaviour has no impact on you. He is abusing you and you need to have strength and courage to show him you will not be a victim. Stand up to it.

Joysmum · 20/08/2017 09:46

Please go online and search for tests to identify if you are in an abusive relationship so you can see it for yourself. Here's one with only 14 questions that's quick to do.

www.gosmartlife.com/emotional-abuse-test

springydaffs · 20/08/2017 09:51

He is an abuser. You are being abused.

Yes.

Do the Freedom Programme. Go on their site and click on 'find a course' to find a course near you. Go! You'll be so glad you did lovely.

Thebluedog · 20/08/2017 09:54

I'm afraid his behaviour is typical abusive tactics. My exh used to do this, he liked to see me panic and beg him to stay. It have him control.

I'd remind him he said he'd leave in the morning and ask him what time he intends to go and offer to pack for him.

I also bet he'll start to use the kids, tell you he'll apply for custody etc (which he won't by the way - it's just a threat). He's ramping up already by saying he has to learn to see it the baby and when he can see them. Next time he makes a similar comment remind hi
He's leaving this morning.
Good luck Flowers it'll be a bumpy ride but worth it in the end

Thebluedog · 20/08/2017 09:55

My exh would sulk and keep up this type of behaviour for weeks until I caved and bagged and apologiesed

DownTownAbbey · 20/08/2017 10:20

Google love bombing. Google cycle of abuse.

Words are powerful so don't label this drama as 'passion'. Why are you talking yourself into accepting this treatment by giving it the wrong label?

As all pps have said let him carry out his threat of leaving. He thinks he can play you like a fiddle.

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