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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’s using me isn’t he?

185 replies

BadApple1 · 07/04/2018 11:07

I met someone on OLD three months ago and I am having serious doubts about how genuine he is. He has been very keen from the get go, showering me with compliments and always wanting to make plans to see me.

However, he never seems to have any money and I’m starting to wonder if he has latched onto me as he knows I’m financially comfortable. I own my own house and earn a good salary. He claims to earn good money but he still lives at home with his parents (we are mid 30s). About six weeks ago he told me we wouldn’t be able to go out much for the next few weeks as he has money problems he needs to sort out. I said that’s fine and on a couple of occasions we went out and I paid for dinner. The rest of the time he’s been coming to my house and we’ve just chilled out here but that has bothered me as I feel like there’s been no effort on his part, it’s as though he’s happy to come round, have dinner and sex and then he goes off to work the next morning. For context I live a ten min drive from his workplace whereas he has a 90 minute commute so I am seeing this as a red flag - it’s so convenient for him to come here and go to work the next day.

He does a lot of overtime at weekends and as a result, he’s not around much so I make plans to see my friends. For example, he told me he was booked in to do a night shift tonight so I’ve arranged to go out for drinks. When I told him this he seemed irritated and said: “well actually I was going to take you out for dinner but don’t worry about it.” Apparently his shift has been cancelled but didn’t think to tell me until I said I had made arrangements. This has happened a few times now where he’s said he’s unavailable then gets shirty if I say I’m doing something. I feel like he’s guilt tripping me and has no intention of taking me out, he’s just trying to make me feel bad.

This morning he has just told me that yet again he has an unexpected bill to pay and it’s going to be another month before he can afford to do anything with me. He’s clearly heavily in debt which I understand is a burden as I used to be in a similar situation but my gut is telling me he sees me as a meal ticket. He’s asked to drive my car on a couple of occasions and I’ve said no, he’s also asked if he can have my NowTv login details so he can watch programmes on his phone when he’s not with me (I said no) and he keeps asking if he can start leaving clothes and other stuff at mine. When we first met he said he was saving up to move into his own place, now he is saying he can’t afford it and will be staying with his parents for the forseeable - I’m guessing he is hoping to move in with me eventually. The thing that rankles is that he can find the money to pursue his hobbies and even book a weekend away with his friends but when it comes to me, he barely puts his hand in his pocket.

I would dearly love to settle down and have a family but i Just can’t see it happening with this guy. I’m not materialistic and am not looking for someone to take me to Michelin starred restaurants but it would be nice to occasionally go out and split the billl. I’ve suggested we go out and do something free like go for a nice walk and he seems keen but this never happens. It doesn’t help that he’s bragged about how much he has previously spent on luxury holidays and nights out with previous partners, I feel like I am getting crumbs in comparison. He says he feels embarrassed that I’ve had to pay for things but My gut is telling me I’m being a mug and I need to get out, would love some opinions please.

Thank you

OP posts:
trappedinsuburbia · 07/04/2018 19:15

He's angry his meal ticket has escaped.
Please contact the police if he continues, save all the voicemails.

coffeeX10 · 07/04/2018 20:20

Well done OP, I bet he didn’t want you going out with your friends in case they told you that they thought he was a massive chancer or in case you met a nice worthy man!!

LimonViola · 07/04/2018 20:25

Are you alright OP? Sounds like a frightening day. What a head case. I hope he didn't show up. I'd keep someone with you for a few days if possible, if he's kicking off he might well wait a few days until he thinks you've relaxed to come over. I don't like the way he's responded at all.

Chocolate123 · 07/04/2018 20:30

Run and don't look back

honeyroar · 07/04/2018 20:58

How wonderful that you feel so much better already for ending it.

I would politely reply that you don't want to see him, he has nothing at your property to collect and you don't want any further contact. If he persists, it may not hurt to add that all emails and messages are being saved and you will contact the police if he continues to ignore your requests to leave you alone?

PeaPodPopper · 08/04/2018 10:08

Op, I'm so glad you ended it with him as you have a right to your own life, to be lived the way you wish it.

I would send him one more text to say that you do not have anything of his at yours, so that he is not to come to your house, and that he must now stop all contact in all forms. Also that if he ignores this message, that he will be reported to the police for harrassment. This is the start of your 'paper trail' should you need one.

That way, if he does continue with being a pain, go to the police and show them the message you sent him, and hopefully they will take action.

Have a lovely life OP Flowers

PeaPodPopper · 08/04/2018 10:09

......oh, and throw the shower gel in the bin, best place for it!

Zaphodsotherhead · 08/04/2018 13:46

That wasn't a boyfriend, that was an expensive hobby.

His anger when you didn't sit in pining for him when he went out with his friends was a big red flag. As long as he doesn't turn up and claim that any items of your furniture that he's taken a liking to are 'his'...

Hope that brother is a big bugger and/or the weirdo sees sense and stays away.

FickleHuman · 08/04/2018 13:55

Did he turn up yesterday op??

AngelsSins · 08/04/2018 15:33

If you ever doubt yourself OP, I'd recommend a podcast called Dirty John. It's a real life story about an extreme-ish version of this type of man.

expatinscotland · 08/04/2018 15:41

Also read 'You Didn't Hear It From Us' about how to avoid players like this.

Anyone who makes no effort, you dump.

Hope he doesn't try coming round but if he does, don't open teh door to him, tell him to leave and if he doesn't ring the police.

BadApple1 · 08/04/2018 17:24

It all went very quiet on the weirdo front yesterday afternoon which was good as I thought that was the end of it. Cut a long story short, he turned up this morning when I was on my own in the house and started banging on the door and windows swearing and shouting. At one point I thought he was about to smash the window and try to get in to get me. I called 999 as I was terrified but he scarpered before the police turned up.

The police were fantastic and advised that I text him to say in no uncertain terms that if he contacts me again or turns up here the police will be called so I did that and blocked him again. Haven’t heard anything since thank god. They said if he contacts me again in anyway to let them know as it will be classed as harassment.

They also said they weren’t happy about me being here on my own at the moment and said I should stay with friends or family for a couple of days so that’s what I’m doing. I can’t believe this arsehole has driven me out of my own home 😡

The whole situation is just surreal. I feel like I keep saying this but thank you so much for the kind words and support. It really does mean a lot.

OP posts:
category12 · 08/04/2018 17:28

Sorry you had such a scary morning. At least there's no doubt you've done the right thing ditching him.

AnyFucker · 08/04/2018 17:33

Good for you

Springiscoming123 · 08/04/2018 17:45

as frightening as his behaviour is he has done you a massive favour bothering you

you have done so well nipping this in the bud and have saved yourself from entertaining this unhealthy relationship even more

hope he leaves you alone now he will probably already be on OLD looking for his next victim

honeyroar · 08/04/2018 17:53

God, what a nutter, hope you're ok. I'm glad that you called the police and they took it seriously. Did they contact him, do you know? It would do him good. It's crazy how quickly these blokes can get aggressive. What on earth do they think that they're going to achieve banging on the door like that. Well done anyway, you're handling all of this really well.

GabriellaMontez · 08/04/2018 17:53

So glad you didn't progress to sharing a house with this lunatic.

NotSureThisIsWhatIWant · 08/04/2018 17:56

As upsetting as it is, it is great that you have managed to see the real guy before the relationship progressed further. You have just been spared of a life time of grief.

SuperSkyRocketing · 08/04/2018 19:01

Wow OP, that sounds very scary. Glad the police are involved now.

Just goes to prove that you should never ignore any red flags, whatever they are, even if they don't point directly towards violent tendencies. He was using you financially and as a way to cut down his commute but has turned aggressive now you've ended it. It's all about entitlement and control with men like that.

Well done on spotting it so early. Hopefully that's the last you'll see of him.

feelingfree17 · 08/04/2018 19:17

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Whywonttheyletmeusemyusername · 08/04/2018 19:17

Well done OP. If he carries on harassing, call police. Been there, seen it, got the lifetime restraining order

Dvg · 08/04/2018 19:23

Hahaha he sounds deluded, firstly i'm glad your out, no one wants a man child and secondly you should be able to continue having a life when in a relationship

BadApple1 · 08/04/2018 20:32

This just gets worse. I’ve now had his brother text me asking me to reconsider my decision and to please speak to nobhead. For gods sake what is wrong with these bloody people? Do I just ignore and block or send a message telling him not to contact me again (then block)? I’m really out of my depth here, never come across such nutty behaviour before 😫

OP posts:
AnyFucker · 08/04/2018 20:35

Block the lot of them

Any level of engagement just fuels the drama

MadMags · 08/04/2018 20:35

Block him!