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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:
Ryder63 · 08/04/2018 21:08

Are you still at friends/rellies, OP? I would stay away from home until the police visit.

LaContessaDiPlump · 08/04/2018 21:08

Sorry you're having all this shit op. We're here to talk you through it and help if we can Flowers

Gemini69 · 08/04/2018 21:08

I wish there was a feature on mobile phones... like my landline that allows you to block calls from unknown/withheld numbers... so they simply don't get through... Flowers

Itscurtainsforyou · 08/04/2018 21:10

I'm so sorry OP, you've truly dodged a bullet by breaking up with him, but this behaviour is awful. Will the police go and speak to him? Perhaps he needs that shock to get him to stop.

Gemini69 · 08/04/2018 21:10

OP you clearly did the right thing... ditching this sponging git Flowers

Zoo33 · 08/04/2018 21:13

OP I went through this recently. I didn't want to change my number as I'd had it forever but didn't feel I had a choice. I found it a massive relief because I panicked every time a withheld number called, even when it wasn't him. Most phone providers give you one free change and it's really quick and easy. Thanks

RavenLG · 08/04/2018 21:19

I’m glad you’ve phoned the police op. His whole family sound nuts and you’ve gotten out at the right time! Stay safe and as a PP said stay at a friends / relatives for a few days Flowers

MadhousMom59 · 08/04/2018 21:20

I have only read the first few lines of your post.dont need to read more. Tell him to get lost.

Ryder63 · 08/04/2018 21:23

Er, OP DID tell him to get lost - hence the visit/ phone hassle now.

loveyoutothemoon · 08/04/2018 21:24

Don't you think the police should now be contacting him to warn him not to turn up at your house again?

BadApple1 · 08/04/2018 21:31

love This is what I don’t understand. The lady I spoke to on 101 didn’t seem overly concerned but I think something needs to be done here. She didn’t mention him or his family being spoken to. I feel seriously unsafe and told her as much.

I’m staying with a friend for the next week, there’s no way I can be at mine with all this going on.

Thank you for the flowers and handholding everyone.

OP posts:
loveyoutothemoon · 08/04/2018 21:36

Maybe call back and ask if they could do this?

Ryder63 · 08/04/2018 21:38

I'm guessing police procedures have to be gone through. They'll be very interested by the voicemail calling you a cunt etc; Angry It's shit you can't go home because of the twat's behaviour, but it won't be forever.

I hope you get a good nights sleep despite having to deal with this craziness.

Redglitter · 08/04/2018 21:46

The lady I spoke to on 101 didn’t seem overly concerned but I think something needs to be done here

Phone back. No disrespect to who you spoke to but she's only a call taker and it's not down to her to decide what's happening. Phone back explain what's happening. You're NOT logging it, you're reporting a crime

Gemini69 · 08/04/2018 21:56

I'd be furious at having to leave the safety of my home because of an immature prick and his family... the Police must act.. particularly as they've advised you leave your home.. WTAF ?! you don't leave your home.... The Police should tell HIM to stay the hell away or he's arrested.... his Family clearly thought they'd hit the jackpot with you Lady.. if this is how hey are reacting..... Flowers

LimonViola · 08/04/2018 21:57

I'm sorry OP. I wouldn't hesitate to ring back and ask that he or his brother are spoken to. See what they say.

I'm gutted for you, I can't imagine the fear of knowing he knows where you live.

I wouldn't personally have blocked as I'd rather have warning if he says he's coming round or escalates threats, what did the police advise?

Do you have many friends near by who'd be willing to stay with you after this week for a bit?

Have you been told by police whether he has a history?

Tisahardlife · 08/04/2018 21:57

Bloody hell! You dodged a bullet there! I suspect what he told you of his life wasn't entirely accurate...

LimonViola · 08/04/2018 21:59

Gemini69 The police are solely concerned with how to keep OP safe, not the most moral outcome re whether she leaves or not.

It's perfectly logical to recommend she leaves the house for a bit to where he can't find her, that reduces the risk to near zero, whereas asking him to stay away certainly gives him more leeway to come back and harass her!

I agree they should be speaking to him to warn him he's on their radar, but advising OP to leave for a bit isn't some shocking advice, it's the safest for her right now.

Gemini69 · 08/04/2018 22:01

and for how long must she leave her OWN home ? a day.. a week.. a month.. a year ?

rightly or wrongly..... I disagree that it's the right course of action by the Police..

LimonViola · 08/04/2018 22:03

To be honest I'm no wuss but I'm very safety conscious, probably as a result of working in prisons. And I'd be looking at the likelihood of moving temporarily, whether I could afford to rent a room in a house share for six months while I sold and moved. Just because I wouldn't want to risk this guy knowing where I lived.

I appreciate that's a knee jerk response and it's not that easy and others have a different appetite for risk and different levels of determination not to be driven out of their homes, and OP owns her home so I'm not recommending it. I'm just saying I'm not surprised it's been advised she leave for a bit and it's sensible to do so as I'd be considering a hell of a lot more than that! OP shouldn't see it as being driven out at all.

LimonViola · 08/04/2018 22:04

She doesn't have to Gemini69. It's advice, not mandatory or enforceable. It's totally up to OP, if she chooses to do so, when she feels safe to go back.

This is all so horrible OP. Thoughts are with you, I'm sorry this is happening to you, what a twat, this is so unfair Flowers

Ryder63 · 08/04/2018 22:08

TBH In OP's shoes I wouldn't WANT to be home for a while after the escalation of harassment by the ex and family until the police were made fully aware of the seriousness of it.This is better done in a face to face police interview, with the phone evidence on view.

Gemini69 · 08/04/2018 22:08

it's a pity I agree.. if she feels she has to do this Flowers

BadApple1 · 08/04/2018 22:11

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Ryder63 · 08/04/2018 22:12

One more hideous example of how vulnerable we are when seeking a new partner Sad