Hi, really need some advice. For the past six years I've been in a relationship on and off with a man. He has been emotionally abusing me. Things are great for a while, then the cycle starts. He expects me to answer my phone within a couple of rings, or call him back straight away. If I don't he asks me what I'm doing - as if I'm cheating on him. He also always wants to know who texts me, but doesn't ask in a curious way - it's always in an accusatory way. (I have never cheated on him and would never)
He puts me down and says he’s joking. He criticises me constantly and makes me feel like I never get anything right. He doesn’t ever praise me for the work I do. I feel like I’m walking on eggshells and always worry about everything I say, or if I have plans with others I worry that he won’t like it. He’s never overly aggressive and makes me feel like it’s my fault that he gets annoyed with me.
I have now finally realised that this man is probably a narcissist and I want to end this stupid cycle once and for all. In the past, I’ve always gone back because I’ve missed the good stuff (when it’s good it’s very, very good) But the problem is he lives in the flat downstairs from me, with his parents. (Yes, I know!) I know that in order to move on I will have to literally move. I live in a council flat with my 13-year-old son and I’m not sure how to go about this? I don’t want to implicate him and involve police, I just want to get away.
I feel really anxious all the time in case I bump into him. Please help!