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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

Ex is making me feel crazy, am I?!

56 replies

pregnantandfierce · 04/02/2018 15:24

Ex has been described by many as a sociopath, deep down I think I knew he was but I continuously made excuses for his behaviour, rationalising that it wasn’t him, it was his poisonous ex gf that kept driving us apart.

Ex and I split for 10 days over Xmas, in that time he slept with the aforementioned ex gf and started dating another woman. I know this because when we got back together I picked up his phone and there were various messages from said women. When I confronted him he lied, I reached out to one of the women and asked her outright whether he was still in touch with her and whether he had been lying to me. Of course he had been. She described how he was stifling and very full on and that even though they had only had two dates he thought he might be falling for her. Pathetic I thought. The guy is in his fifties so hardly a boy. I asked about the ex gf and again he lied. I found her sock and a used condom under our bed. I foolishly took him back and he made a million promises to me. Up until that point we had been trying for a baby and given the circumstances I suggested I go back on the pill for a while to give our relationship time to stabilise. He was vehemently against this, both in person and via various written communications. He convinced me that happiness was with him and a baby. I didn’t go back on the pill. I own that.

I was around 5 days late for my period and he excitedly suggested we get a pregnancy test, I brushed it off and said I’d wait a few more days and then we could get one as I didn’t really think I was pregnant.

2 weeks ago the poisonous one wrote a letter to him, with the intention of me seeing it. It confirmed all of his lies and still he lied to my face. I was incredibly upset and told him he needed to finally go to the police because we could not get rid of her (despite her having a bloody boyfriend). The next day I called him after work and asked him what his schedule was for the week and he blew up at me, accusing me of spying on him and trying to catch him out. He subsequently broke up with me.

At this I was then 7 days late for my period and decided to take a test; positive. And another test; positive. I tried to call him but he dodged my calls so I emailed him the news. He was vile to me. He told me he wanted nothing to do with the baby or me. That I was a selfish and cruel bitch for bringing a baby into a world where it’s father despises it’s very presence.

I spent a week sobbing as I wasn’t sure what to do. This was a planned pregnancy and as such, I made the decision I wanted to keep the baby. I asked if we could meet up to discuss next steps. He has been abusive and threatening to me and has said that if I continue to make attempts to contact him he will involve the police.

Am I crazy for expecting him to step up to the plate here? I don’t for one second expect him to come back to me but at the very least I expect him to own half of the responsibility and at least speak to me.

We spoke also about telling his family and his kids from a previous marriage. He said that he doesn’t intend on telling anyone in his life and as far as he is concerned the baby doesn’t exist. Am I wrong for having suggested that at some point my expectation is that he will at least tell his kids, all of which are of adult age? I’m not suggested it to cause anyone hurt or pain but surely they deserve to know they are going to have a sibling?

Any advice appreciated as he’s making me feel like am an irrational and vindictive fool.

OP posts:
ThisLittleKitty · 04/02/2018 15:40

Sorry but I can't understand why you planned a baby in this situation.

pregnantandfierce · 04/02/2018 15:47

Because I foolishly believed him when he said he had changed. That spending time with his children had made him realise that all he really wanted was to have a family with me.

OP posts:
SandyY2K · 04/02/2018 16:25

What value will he add to the baby's life?

I'd just tell him you'll need child support and he doesn't have to be involved.

Is this your first child? Was it a case of time running out for a baby?

He's not exactly a young chap himself is he.

Hissy · 04/02/2018 16:33

Get rid of him and don’t proceed with the pregnancy

You don’t want to inflict him as the dad on the poor kid.

AnneLovesGilbert · 04/02/2018 16:44

What do you want to happen?

Knowing what you did, planning to get pregnant is very hard to understand. He’s a bastard, he’s never going to be what you want, he’s a liar, a cheat, a bully, he’s hung up on his ex and he’s not going to stand beside you or be a dad to this child.

If you want to carry on with the pregnancy, you’ll be going it alone. That might be something you’re okay with but it’s going to be a rocky road.

I’m sorry you’re having a rough time. I don’t know what you’d like to happen.

SendintheArdwolves · 04/02/2018 16:50

If you have decided to proceed with the pregnancy, expect nothing from this man. Stay as far away from him as you can.

When the baby is born, pursue child support through the courts and offer him a set schedule of visitation if he wants it. Dollars to doughnuts says he won't want to commit to a regular schedule - but don't allow him to dip in and out when it suits him.

You need to stop thinking this man has any interest in behaving well, or being reasonable or fair, or keeping his word, or seeing it from your point of view. You can't rely on him for anything, so please stop putting yourself in a position where he can hurt you or let you down.

QuiteLikely5 · 04/02/2018 16:59

The relationship with this man was toxic. I know you love him but t he doesn’t love you and your fairytale ending is not going to happen.

Would I have a baby with this man? Absolutely not.

You weren’t enough for him before and you won’t be in the future. Baby or not.

See sense. You can be happy with someone else. Not him though.

SVRT19674 · 04/02/2018 18:14

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

BackInTheRoom · 04/02/2018 19:46

OP, how old are you?

BackInTheRoom · 04/02/2018 19:52

OP, so you ignored the Sociopath red flags...

I'm thinking he 'hoovered' up those women as 'Narcissist Supply' and you've now been 'discarded'?

Have you googled the traits of a Sociopath? If you haven't, you might need to.

BookHelpPlease · 04/02/2018 19:55

You do not sound ready to raise a child an die responsible for another human!

How could you think he has changed within days of his shagging around and you chatting to a woman he was dating? I can't honestly answer no to your title. You sound a bit deranged. That's a slightly peculiar writing style you have there.

BookHelpPlease · 04/02/2018 20:00

A week sobbing after being 7 days late for your period. So you conceived first week of Jan at the latest? But he was shagging his ex and dating a new woman when you broke up for ten days over xmas?

You decided to purposefully get pregnant with a guy who'd had his dick in two other woman just a week before and who lied about it? What made you think he'd make a great father or supportive parter?

FlibFlabFlob · 04/02/2018 20:43

Thanks, this sounds very tough for you OP.

If you go ahead with the pregnancy expect nothing from him, not even maintenance. Also, don't rule out the possibility that he will harass or intimidate you, given what you've said about his character.

Please think really carefully about if you're mentally stable enough to have a baby OP! I have to say that trying to conceive with a man who a week or two before had behaved like that was not at all sensible and not what one would expect from someone with the emotional togetherness to start a family. In the nicest possible way, perhaps you should work on some of your own issues before bringing a new life into this?

Bananmanfan · 04/02/2018 20:53

I would hope that he sticks to his word and doesn't want anything to do with you or the baby. If you want to have the baby accept that you will be doing it alone and rejoice that he has opted out. He doesn't sound like husband or father material to me.

ThisLittleKitty · 04/02/2018 21:11

It is really hard to give advice in this situation that's probably why not many people have commented. Why oh why do people think babies will fix a broken relationship! Instead it's bringing an innocent life into a load of mess. You found used condoms and socks under the bed you share and plan a baby with him weeks after? It is crazy tbh.

Offred · 05/02/2018 08:41

What he thinks about you is really completely irrelevant. I know it doesn’t feel like it because he has wrecked your self worth and manipulated you into feeling only he can give it back but he is messed up - why would you think such a person had anything of value to tell you?

You have two options really, proceed with the pregnancy and be aware that you are probably going to spend the next 20+ years trying to keep yourself and your baby emotionally safe from him. Or terminate the pregnancy, grieve and break free.

NotSoSprightly · 05/02/2018 10:11

Yes, you are crazy for expecting anything good to come of this situation or for expecting him to step up to the plate.

If you choose to continue with the pregnancy you'll be doing it alone, or worse, with a "man" who is a lying, cheating, controlling pig. Do you want that for you and a child?

Merryoldgoat · 05/02/2018 10:36

I'm sorry but you would be insane to have this baby.

Every single decision you have made so far has been utterly misguided. Don't make another one.

Do you want to be fighting and struggling every day for the next 18 years? This baby will tie you to him forever. Forever. Think about the influence he will have, the further lives he will be able to ruin with his shit.

It's utterly heartbreaking to read these threads - I wish I knew what could stop women putting up with this shit treatment.

sassymuffin · 05/02/2018 12:45

It is entirely up to you if you wish to progress with this pregnancy. This is your decision to make but you should be realistic as to what will likely happen. It is not wrong to hope he will take responsibility but I think he has made it clear he does not intend to do this. Like a previous poster has said you can either go it alone and try to keep yourself and a child safe from him or end the pregnancy.

If you continue with the pregnancy and want to receive maintenance in the future there is a good chance he could deny paternity. You may even have to go down the route of a court ordered DNA test which he can still refuse to take but that refusal will be taken into account when deciding if to issue a paternity order.

It is not wrong to also want him to tell family and friends you are pregnant but he has already indicated he does not wish to do so and he is under no obligation to do so.

When you say he has threatened you did he make any threats of harm toward you? If it was threats of reporting you to the police for harassment then I would cease all contact. Even if you decide to proceed with the pregnancy I would not contact him in any way and apply for CMS after you give birth. If he has made actual threats to your safety then log it with police so it is on file if he escalates this behaviour.

He sounds like a thoroughly toxic arsehole and you will be much better of without him in your life. Please do not have any direct contact with him whatever decision you make about your future. He has shown you who he really is in his words and his actions.

category12 · 05/02/2018 13:04

If you want to proceed with the pregnancy, do so under no illusions that he'll step up or help at all.

If he is what you say he is, he would be much better off cutting him out of your life entirely.

Zaphodsotherhead · 05/02/2018 13:11

If you want this baby (I'd guess you do), then move to the opposite end of the country from this 'man'. Do not tell him where you are going and leave no forwarding address.

It's the only hope.

Dustysparrow · 05/02/2018 13:19

OP, I think it sounds as though you have low self esteem which may explain why you went back to a man who deep down you knew was no good. Maybe you took him back because you were afraid of being alone? When you are in the midst of the situation and your emotions are all over the place it doesn't feel as crystal clear as it might do to an outsider.

If you do decide to keep your baby then the only part this man should play in your lives is the child maintenance that he should rightly pay for the child he fathered. Other than that you need to free yourself from him, he will only drag you down, make you doubt yourself and make you unhappy - he will not be a good father, or partner. Focus on your child, they will become the centre of your world instead of him. And over time, once you have had some space and a fresh start, I think you will look back and wonder what the hell you were doing with such a man in the first place. You have it within your power to have a happy future. Be strong. Try and find your self worth, work on your self esteem.

JesterA · 05/02/2018 15:08

OP I was in the exact same position you are right now . Serial cheater, made me believe I was crazy the whole lot. He left two weeks after we found out I was pregnant. He didn't change his ways and after three years the negative effect he had on my ds was obvious. I sent him on his way with a smile and a wave, I've never taken a penny from him and he never offered. For three years I went it alone and cared for my ds until I met DP and we have built a wonderful family and life. No regrets. If you want your baby then have your baby, you are NOT responsible for him or his behaviour, if he chooses to not be a part of this then that's his decision and ultimately his loss.

You say he is threatening you, I would keep a record e.g screen shots of all communication refuse to speak to him on the phone only through text or email so you have evidence and if it continues go to the police.

Good luck to you

Merryoldgoat · 05/02/2018 17:11

Jester A

You'll forgive me but yours is one of the better case scenarios if OP has the child.

My friend was in an almost identical situation. However when the relationship broke down owing to his continual cheating he used their son as a weapon, made false accusations about her parenting to Social Services, taken her to court for custody, refused to pay maintenance at various times and these are just a few examples.

It's been 5 years and there's no end in sight.

JesterA · 05/02/2018 17:22

Merry - I absolutely agree, the man in my case was a selfish arse and he took the opportunity to get out when it was offered, I've seen people go through much worse. What a horrible situation for your friend I hope some resolution is found soon. The point of me sharing was I saw a lot of negatives around op keeping the baby, I just wanted her to see a different perspective

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