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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

He tells me what to do

341 replies

AnotherMrLizard · 26/01/2018 15:49

I've been in two minds about starting a thread about this, but I really need some advice.

I've been dating a man for two months now. He's very sweet and kind to me. But he continually tells me how to act. He talks to me like he's my parent, with instructions as to how to behave. For example, he tells me I am not allowed to put my fingers in my mouth. I've been told both not to chew my nails or to pick my teeth. Or we were in a shop the other day when I accidentally knocked something to the floor and he told me it hadn't been an accident and I obviously wasn't being careful enough. He tells me to be quiet when we are watching films (and no, I don't feel that I was talking excessively).

When I try to raise the issue of there being an imbalance of power in the relationship, he immediately becomes very angry and silences me. If I try to explain that he's hurting my feelings, he tells me my comments are manipulative. He also tells me about how he is right to tell me what to do. If I try again to explain my feelings, he always argues another point to win, for example saying, oh so you think I am a terrible person then.

He says it's my responsibility to perceive his actions positively. He says I'm oversensitive.

Am I really just annoying or should he not do this?

Another thing I've noticed is that he is not kind to serving staff. Which I know is a very bad sign.

OP posts:
mumonashoestring · 26/01/2018 16:06

And now I am dreadfully worried that it is actually that I am genuinely very annoying and have bad manners

That's how it starts. And once you're nicely 'trained' not to argue you'll stand no chance of getting away from this horrible man. Run now.

Jaxinthebox · 26/01/2018 16:06

2 months, get out NOW!

SleepFreeZone · 26/01/2018 16:06

Just dump him, you’re only two months in. When he asks why say he isn’t satisfying you sexually, that should really piss him off 😜

AnotherMrLizard · 26/01/2018 16:07

As in, he says that he won't put up with my bad behaviour.

And then, he will refuse to speak to me afterwards.

OP posts:
tigercub50 · 26/01/2018 16:07

He said “ How dare you?” That’s shocking by itself, never mind all the rest. You need to be with someone who accepts you as you are, cherishes you & respects you. This guy is just out for himself. And my goodness yes it’s abuse

Queenofthedrivensnow · 26/01/2018 16:07

Red flags!!! Block him

expatinscotland · 26/01/2018 16:08

He is abusive. You need to do the Freedom Programme because this guy is waving more red flags than a Maoist convention. What ButteryMuffin said, with bells on.

pallisers · 26/01/2018 16:08

Why on earth would you put up with this? Read your posts. He isn't wonderful - he is an arse and most women wouldn't have lasted past the third date.

Mishappening · 26/01/2018 16:08

Well, unless you have strong masochistic tendencies, it is impossible to imagine why you "really like" him. What planet are you on?

Olddear · 26/01/2018 16:09

What does he do that's wonderful?

TheNaze73 · 26/01/2018 16:09

He has more issues than Vogue & after 2 months, is not worth your time.

Block & Run

AnotherMrLizard · 26/01/2018 16:09

It's escalated quite recently. He was very lovely to begin with. Then it started with little comments that I thought I could deal with. But recently, he says things and my heart just sinks. I feel so dreadful about myself.

OP posts:
pallisers · 26/01/2018 16:10

And now I am dreadfully worried that it is actually that I am genuinely very annoying and have bad manners

Now I am dreadfully worried that even if you get away from this guy you will be fair game for the next abusive arse who shows up and throws you a bit of kindness. Seriously do what Buttery suggested about dumping him and then do the freedom programme.

Glitterandunicorns · 26/01/2018 16:10

OP, this is abusive behaviour. Please leave him now before you get physically hurt.

The fact that everyone responding to your post has said the same thing hopefully helps you to see that his behaviour isn't acceptable and that he's treating you badly. Thanks

wendywoopywoo222 · 26/01/2018 16:10

Please walk away from him. He is an abuser and it will only get worse as long as you allow him to get away with it. He is already making you anxious and it's only been two months. You are worth so much more

pallisers · 26/01/2018 16:10

wow, he certainly read the playbook didn't he.

PNGirl · 26/01/2018 16:10

Men like this should be single until the day they die. Don't be his victim.

PsychoPumpkin · 26/01/2018 16:11

He’snot Worth it. If he’s causing this much trouble so soon, it’ll only get worse as time goes on

KatharinaRosalie · 26/01/2018 16:11

He didn't reveal that he was like this at first

2 months! This IS 'first'. You should be blissfully happy at this stage, not being told off like a naughty toddler. 'How dare you?' WTF

Run like a wind.

bastardkitty · 26/01/2018 16:11

Next time he says he won't put up with your bad behaviour, say 'okay' and block him everywhere and don't have any further contact with him. He is 100% an abuser.

RunRabbitRunRabbit · 26/01/2018 16:12

You are saying he is brilliant except when he is being a total and utter dick? He is being a total and utter dick more and more often.

When he is a total and utter dick he never apologises and attempts to correct his behaviour.

I really don't see your dilemma here.

Why haven't you dumped his pathetic woman hating arse already?

tigercub50 · 26/01/2018 16:12

expatinScotland that did make me chuckle, despite the seriousness of the thread

Secretlifeofme · 26/01/2018 16:13

He sounds quite dangerous, especially with the rapid escalation of abusive and controlling behaviour. Get out now op!

AnotherMrLizard · 26/01/2018 16:13

We're on a break in communication at the moment. I said I needed until the end of the weekend to try to process this. He's given me instructions about how I am not to try to take advantage of him by thinking I can tell him not to make comments to him and basically act with complete impunity. I said why would you even think that I would want to treat you unfairly?

OP posts:
treeofhearts · 26/01/2018 16:13

This post has more alarm bells than ADT. Get out OP. Get out now. Imagine this was your daughter telling you this or your little sister. What would you tell her?

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