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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'm future faking someone...

304 replies

futurefakingfornow · 28/09/2017 11:37

And I know I'm a coward but I think I ought to continue for the time being...

Hear me out:

Met a guy last year and fell into a FWB situation. He seemed lovely and the sex was out of this world. 😳 But as time went on he seemed to get more and more attached (I was happy with the casual set up as too busy for anything heavier). He started pushing for us to spend more time together and for more text contact. I couldn't really logistically spare more time at that point despite really liking him. It was causing him to get upset and as we were just starting to argue instead of enjoy our time together, I put an end to things in April.

He really lost it, said I'd led him on and that I was using him for an affair!!! He decided that because my ex partner (and father of my DC's) would look after the kids at my house whilst I was at work some evenings, that actually he must be living there and I was taking him for a mug. This was not true and the ex has a temporary living situation at the moment which should be resolved by the new year. We get on well and he is a good dad so I don't mind him hanging out at mine but I haven't had a relationship with him for years!!! I can see why the new guy got it into his head that he might have been being played - I do have unusual circumstances. But what he did next was unacceptable...

He stormed round to my house whilst I was at work one evening and my ex was looking after the kids and confronted my ex on the doorstep whilst the kids were awake! Basically saying; "she's been taking us both for mugs mate, been seeing us both at the same time - thought you should know the truth." Luckily my DC's were getting ready for bed upstairs and only just missed the commotion but they could have heard it. My ex then told him that we were long split up, nobody was being played and if he didn't fuck off from his children's property in the next 5 seconds, he'd live to regret it... So off he went.

Ex was pissed off with me but also supportive and I was mortified. I sent new man an angry text to say that if he ever came near me, my family or my property again then I would call the police. Then I blocked him on everything. I was pretty heart sore but was so annoyed that he'd done what he did to my ex (and potentially kids) just because he didn't trust me. I really missed him but I thought that was the end of it.

It was for a while. Until I did something really dumb.

I bumped into FWB guy on my way out of the supermarket in July. I tried to avoid him at first but he kept trying to talk to me, so I asked him what he wanted and he apologised for what he'd done. He was very genuinely sorry and said he'd not stopped kicking himself for the stupid way he'd behaved, that he'd grown so attached to me and acted like an arsehole. He said he had got it all wrong and had never behaved so stupidly before and never would again. Said he'd learnt his lesson and had lost out all because he'd let his emotions get the better of him. He said he was sorry he did that to me and to my ex and would never bother us again but just wanted to let me know as I'd blocked him and he felt I deserved sincere apologies. I thanked him and wished him the best of luck with everything in the future and
went on my way but it shook me up a bit as I was just starting to put him behind me and there he was looking all gorgeous and behaving like the gent I first met.

And then 4 days later, on a night out with the girls, I bumped into him again!!! I left a little earlier than my friends as I had a busy weekend ahead so went to the taxi rank at about 11:30/midnight and there he was waiting for a cab at the same time!!! He'd been in the bar over the road all evening apparently. It really threw me and he offered to share a taxi home (he lives about 6 roads away so same direction). I stupidly said yes as he'd been so genuine the night before so I thought - why not? Except almost as soon as we got in the back of the taxi we just looked at each other and started to kiss... (poor driver 🙈). Long story short, we got out at his place, went upstairs and had some seriously mind blowing sex. Twice. I ended up getting a taxi home from his at about 5am!!!

What an idiot. We'd had a bit of a talk in between having sex both times but I unblocked him the next morning on WhatsApp and the messages started again. We both said we should just leave it there as a one off. But we haven't been able to resist and have been sneakily seeing each other ever since. The sex is very addictive.

But just in the last month, despite agreeing to be casual, I can feel him getting pushy again. I realise now that he can't cope with taking things very slowly and that it's not fair to expect him to wait for my logistics to fit in with his. However, he makes me feel very uneasy and the threat of him kicking off and bringing trouble to my door again is still hanging unsaid in the air. He's already starting to sulk if I can't find time to see him every week or if I don't text back quick enough. He's making all these big plans for us for when I move to a new place next year and I have more time in my hands...

Except I'm now moving within the next 5 weeks!!! And further away than originally planned (will have to change one of my DC's school for example). I haven't told him this and don't intend to. I know it's awful and that this is my own stupid fault but he scares me and despite the amazing physical connection, I think he might have abusive undertones. For example, last weekend when I tried to leave his house the morning after the night before, he pinned me down on the bed and said "you're not going anywhere yet!" and kind of forced himself on me! I tried to relax and enjoy the sex but felt afterwards that what he did wasn't right and it was just a reminder that he is physically stronger and likes to remind me of that sometimes.

I've been a real idiot but I don't feel safe and I know I have to end it once and for all. So I guess what I'm asking is, should I pretend to be up for going along with all his future plans for the next month and then secretly move to my new house and finish it with him from afar? Or should I stop being a coward and tell him the truth now and take the consequences even though I have a horrible feeling that he might come and make more trouble for my ex and kids and I just don't feel safe? I know this is of my own making but it feels morally wrong to keep saying "I love you too/yes I can't wait until we can go on holiday/move in/you meet the kids" or whatever. But he just gives me the worst feeling - like I haven't yet seen what he's truly capable of... 😔

Jeez I'm an idiot...

OP posts:
VioletCharlotte · 02/10/2017 10:41

Don't feel sorry for him - That's exactly what he wants. He knows what he's doing.

Don't engage. You've told him it's over and the reason why, that's all you need to do.

Do you have a friend who could meet you from work and make sure you get home safe? Or is there a colleague you trust you could talk to?

solsbury · 02/10/2017 10:57

echoing the above - he will not be able to leave it without "having his say", and also yes, I think he targeted your vulnerabilities, as horrible as this is to contemplate - we don't like to see ourselves as vulnerable. But, it's happened to me, and he sounds eerily similar to the character I was involved with. Any response is oxygen to him - anything at all. I really think it is highly likely he may be waiting for you outside work - either before or after. I think it's a serious consideration to get a colleague to walk you to your car after your shift. If he is there before, do not engage, only to say "if you don't cease, I will call the police" and repeat repeat.

futurefakingfornow · 02/10/2017 11:02

I drive so will park as close as I can to the door in the work car park. I'm wondering if should actually leave my car at home and take a taxi there and back. Because if he does turn up and goes searching for my car (to wait by presumably) and doesn't find it he may just leave.

He wouldn't be violent or anything (too much CCTV outside my work!) but I just don't think seeing him in person is going to help either of us in the long term.

Told ex about the email and he is now furious and has said if he turns up at my work then he's going to personally go and give him a hiding so that he gets the message. I told him not to get himself in trouble and to just let the police deal with it if he does. Although they're hardly going to care about this situation I don't think...

OP posts:
rockabillyruby82 · 02/10/2017 11:14

They'll care! If he does turn up call the police, tell them you ended an abusive relationship and he is stalking you, waiting for you at work. They will send an officer!

GoldenOrb · 02/10/2017 11:19

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Sweetbell · 02/10/2017 11:30

This man doesn't need a list of reasons in person as to why you ended relationship.
A person can end one for any and no reasons at all
You certainly don't have to justify or even list them to this man as what difference would it make? You've broken up!

What he wants is to twist and confuse everything you say to turn the break up into a break instead so he can control it.

I'm not sure if you can leave work earlier or get a taxi to/from or a lift home instead. If he is waiting by car I'd either call a taxi to take you home or be very firm ignore him completely remain inside building and call police to ask him to leave on your behalf.

bonjourbear · 02/10/2017 11:33

Ignore him. Look at how he's trying to manipulate you: oscillating between attacking your character ('very mature!') and trying to tug on your heartstrings. You don't owe him shit. You're ending a casual arrangement, not a marriage! I hope that you feel vindicated now: your instincts about this man were correct and you were right to worry about him. I also hope the posters upthread who accused you of 'enjoying the drama' and 'leading him on' feel bad, because they should.

rockabillyruby82 · 02/10/2017 11:35

Future you need to stop downplaying what has and is happening.
Yes you were daft to re start the relationship but we all have needs!
This man (possibly) tracked and followed you. He then went on to coerce you and manipulate you. He hasn't once listened to you. He forced himself onto you. He's a selfish, narcissistic pig.
Over the coming months you'll remember more things that were said or happened that weren't right.
I've been there myself, a guy who was an alcoholic, coke head, liar. I was too nice, excused the obvious warnings.

EverythingEverywhere1234 · 02/10/2017 11:52

Oh gosh, I think you're dealing with a very nasty piece of work here OP but you already know that. Be very careful, there's some great advice here so I won't repeat it but, please look after yourself and don't underestimate him.

strongasmeringue · 02/10/2017 12:04

Do not reply. What he's doing is throwing a dangerous tantrum until he gets what he wants. You reply. He's got what he wants. He will eventually give up when he finds someone else to control. Ignore. Change your email and number. Stop giving him headspace.

SandyY2K · 02/10/2017 12:10

Take a taxi to work and block him on email. Don't respond.

Why can't he accept it's over. Silly man.

OldEnglishSheepDog · 02/10/2017 12:54

Completely concur with PPs, don't engage. But you could use Clare's Law (if that's the right one) as an opening with the police. If they have anything on him from previous relationships then they can be aware that you may be at risk.

honeyroar · 02/10/2017 13:40

Don't reply, and definitely don't feel sorry for him, it's his behaviour that brought this on. If you see him say"go away. I have nothing to say to you. Stop bothering me or I will ring the police". Don't reply to anything he says back. Can someone from work escort you to your car? If not perhaps a taxi may lessen the stress today. But if you ever see him keep saying, "go away I don't want to see you or talk to you"

Hissy · 02/10/2017 13:40

Most of us would take the blocking as a big enough sign. I say most, but clearly it's not everyone...

We certainly should get the hint from the email then the lack of reply and then blocking that it's done and dusted.

If you sent Ellie's text verbatim, then even though it wouldn't have been my choice of words entirely, it DOES say everything that needs to be said and actually does explain your reasons for ending things.

the problem however is that he doesn't accept this.

What he wants is a reply, it's a feed for his ego I feel. I don't for one second think that he's heartbroken, but he is shocked that you have wriggled free of his 'charms'.

I think he is manipulative, controlling and abusive. People like him put a lot of effort into grooming people like you and to have to be nice to someone else to get his ego stroked will have annoyed him greatly.

The correct course of action is to not reply, to never engage or react.

So far he has sent 2 whatsapp messages, neither of which you have replied to, you have blocked him, he knows this, and now has emailed you. You have to keep disengaged. You have said all you need to say, him refusing to accept it is his issue, not yours.

do you have anyone at work you can talk to about making sure you are not alone at 9pm, that you do have someone to look out for you?

How much longer are you working there?

honeyroar · 02/10/2017 13:42

And just remember, in his messages it's all about how badly he's been treated, how immature and cruel you are, not one ounce of I'm sorry I must have upset you.. It's all about you being wrong, because he is perfect..

Hissy · 02/10/2017 14:08

Hugely valid point there honeyroar

ShiftyMcGifty · 02/10/2017 16:18

Don't walk out of work alone - have a colleague or the security person escort you out. If he tries to approach you on private property of your firm, go back inside and the security person can explain he's treapassing on private property and ask him to leave. If he refuses, police will be called.

If you have no one, I'd have your phone on record and if he approaches you, practice what you need to say specifically. There are websites out there to help... I'm no expert, but it does need to be 2 incidents to make it criminal harassment. One would be he escaladed written correspondence over WhatsApp and email (make sure you've blocked him EVERYWHERE... phone too)... second would be him coming to your workplace. Blocking him everywhere will show he escalated the harassment into showing up in person

KnittyNattyNoo · 02/10/2017 17:29

This 'co-incidence' at the taxi rank was not a co-incidence. Soounds like he is stalking you on good old social media. Block him, get off the internet and move away. You owe him nothing, good luck

SandyY2K · 02/10/2017 17:33

Just wanted to say.... Your Ex sounds like a great guy. Shame you two didn't work out. Smile

VioletCharlotte · 02/10/2017 19:36

I thought the same Sandy Smile

JenniferYellowHat1980 · 02/10/2017 19:45

Agreed. Ex sounds lovely.

GoldenOrb · 02/10/2017 20:49

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

VioletCharlotte · 02/10/2017 22:04

Hope you're ok OP, let us know when you're home safe x

DearMrDilkington · 02/10/2017 22:17

Hope all is ok op.Flowers

RuncibleSp00n · 02/10/2017 22:30

Are you on your way home safely OP?

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