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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

Red flags or just a difficult person?

45 replies

Ohhelpmeseesense · 26/11/2018 21:17

I have name changed as this is massively outing, so much so that I’ve just a few little details (no drip feed, honest)

Basically, I have lost all sense when it comes to my ‘marriage’ and I feel like I can no longer see what is considered normal.

I’ve been married a number of years, with a fairly long relationship beforehand. I was a big earner during the first years of our marriage and essentially supported the husband. Paid off his debts, paid majority of bills. I was ok with this as I still earned good money and he was helping me do up my house (owned by me).

Marriage was pretty good, we got on well and felt just ‘easy’.

I then fell pregnant, unexpectedly. I felt that our relationship changed then. We stopped sleeping in the same bed, but still had some intimacy. He always said that he wanted me to sleep well so I thought he was just being caring. Now I’m not so sure?

On a few occasions whilst I was pregnant he was very verbally aggressive and on one occasion he pinned me to the bed. He would often disappear for hours on end to see friends/drink.

But all came to a head when my precious baby was born. I had an extremely traumatic birth and resulted in me very nearly dying. I lost weeks with my baby as I was so poorly. He was AWFUL. He frequently left me alone to care for our baby, even though I couldn’t even lift my baby. He simply didn’t care.

We separated when my baby was just a ew months on and a few years later I still live alone with my child. But over the years we have had a good relationship and he seemingly cares a lot for us. Things were going so well that I considered asking him if he wished to return home.

But there have been a few incidents where I’ve wondered whether the same behaviours will just resurface. He is verbally aggressive on occasions and will refuse to talk things through, he’ll just run away and turn his phone off/block my number til he’s ‘cooled down’. This can go on for 24-48 hours plus.

He can also never accept any responsibility when we have argued and one line he’ll always use if that he ‘won’t take all the blame’.

He has also made comments about not having a share in the house. It almost feels like he just wants something for nothing.

He has also never ever had our child alone. He has never spent more than a few minutes watching him. I asked him to have him for the afternoon a few days back and he’d made a few excuses why he couldn’t.

He comes from a complicated family where he witnessed constant abuse. Can someone like this be ‘good people’ who just need guidance. Or do I need to get over this now? I am so confused. There are so many good points, he has perfect manners, he’s caring and we get on so well.

OP posts:
Redskyandrainbows67 · 26/11/2018 21:20

No do not let him back.

Get him to take your child for regular contact and let him have a relationship there but not with you

OnlyFoolsnMothers · 26/11/2018 21:24

Sorry but first to highlight some points
“He has perfect manners” = verbally abusive
“Caring”= doesn’t want to care for his child

I’m sure people can change and it’s probably unfortunately what he witnessed growing up that he is how he is, but it’s up to him to get help and you and your son don’t need to be living with him in the interim. Has he actually moved home?

Ohyesiam · 26/11/2018 21:24

Interesting definition of perfect manners op. Does he say Thankyou after pinning you to the bed?

What does he have to say about not being able to handle being a father?
If he will own it and is willing to change, then you might be in with a chance. If not, no way.

MrsJane · 26/11/2018 21:26

Not supporting you when you and your ds were at your most vulnerable is something I could never ever forgive. How could he?!

He sounds spiteful, cruel and controlling.

A whole bunting of red flags.

Dirtybadger · 26/11/2018 21:28

If he doesn't want to look after your (now toddler?) I wouldn't push the issue personally. He doesn't sound like he's going to be the most positive influence. I find it utterly bizarre he wouldn't want to spend a few hours alone even playing Disney dad with his own DC. It's less than a friend or uncle would even manage.

Absolutely do not let him back. Verbally aggressive? Nah!

Unfortunately many DC who witness abuse are affected. Turning it inwardly, or perpetuating the cycle. Don't risk your child becoming the next link in the chain.

Shoxfordian · 26/11/2018 21:40

No don't take him back
He was abusive and treated you really badly

MMmomDD · 26/11/2018 21:40

OP - yes, I agree you have lost the ability to see what’s normal.
None of this is.
He isn’t a person you can have around your child.

Don’t bring him back to your life.
Nice manners?????

MessyBun247 · 26/11/2018 21:44

Biiiiig red flags. Massive ones.

Please work on yourself, your self-esteem. Some counselling maybe. You deserve so much more than this.

category12 · 26/11/2018 21:46

I've no idea what reason you could have for suggesting he move in with you again - he's a bully and your turbulent relationship would be damaging for your dc to live with.

It's no good wondering if he could be better with "guidance" - you're not a therapist and your dc's (and your own) lives are too important to experiment with. Also, vitally, he's given no indication from what you say of the kind of self-reflection or desire to get help that would make this in the least bit possible. The "transformative power of love" is a crock of shit - change takes work and motivation - he shows no signs of having either.

DianaT1969 · 26/11/2018 21:54

Do you feel he resented losing his high earning girlfriend when you got pregnant? The one who could bail out his debts and support and house him for the next 20 years?
The baby needed him and he didn't respond. You needed him and he ran in the other direction. Do not move him into your home.

justforthisnow · 26/11/2018 22:00

Red flags all the way. Run a mile.
He thought he had a meal ticket, then pregnancy happened and he flaked out. Run and don't look back. Do not ever give him a share of the house and if it were me I would be looking for supervised contact given history of violence.

PolkaDoting · 26/11/2018 22:04

No, don’t do it.

maximumcarnage · 26/11/2018 22:05

Ask him back? You have got to be joking? I wouldn’t let him within a ten square mile radius of me. He’s got some serious issues and none of it is good news for you.

SpongeBobJudgeyPants · 26/11/2018 22:12

I wouldn't have him back. Nothing you have said has indicated he has taken any responsibility for his abusive ways. In answer to your question, I think 'damaged' people can still be good people. If they accept that they have been damaged, and how their actions affect other people, and if they are prepared to work on it very hard in therapy. Again, not seeing any of that here, sorry.

Evidencebased · 26/11/2018 22:18

He's never cared for your child alone?
So he's only seen his child with you?
( Not that I'm suggesting for a moment that he should be doing so-called he doesn't sound entirely safe).

So he's NOT, except in DNA terms, any kind of parent to his DC? He's just ' the uncle figure' who visits, but takes no responsibility?

For that alone, I'd say don't invite him any further into your child's life? Definitely not to live with.

But someone who's physically abusive to you?
Someone with a temper? And not willing to take responsibility for his actions?

Please. You need him like a fish needs a bicycle.

You deserve better. Your child deserves better.

Abusive behaviour emerging when a woman is pregnant, and worsening after the birth?
I've never seen this type of abuser improve.
If it's programmed into you to go for the vunerable, I don't think change is realistically possible.

Do the Freedom programme, in person or online, as a matter of urgency, before you get involved with him, or anyone else.

Rednaxela · 26/11/2018 22:24

I think by nice manners you mean charming when he wants to be, to get what he wants.

Agree with pp sounds like he will never change. Actions speak louder than words. You are right, he deserves to be out of your life. Sorry OP.

NottonightJosepheen · 26/11/2018 22:29

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

SendintheArdwolves · 26/11/2018 22:33

Christ no. Don't take him back. He's verbally and physically abusive to you and shows no regard for your child together (leaving you to struggle to care for a baby you can't lift isn't just cruel towards you, it's neglectful of the baby).

How long do you think it will be until that verbal and physical abuse starts being directed at your child? My guess is not that long at all.

Thankyounext · 26/11/2018 22:36

I’ve always thought nice manners were overrated. Doesn’t make someone a good person.

How can you say you get on so well when you argue and he treated you despicably after you gave birth?

tallwivglasses · 26/11/2018 22:39

I have nothing to add to the excellent advice already given. Usually someone chimes in with suggestions of counselling. Not on this thread. Go it alone OP. It's not so bad Flowers

BackInTheRoom · 26/11/2018 22:46

Red flags AND he's a difficult person. You know you're wavering, he knows this and capitalises on it. Sounds like he wants a share of the house OP? Anyway he bails when you need him so why you expect him to be any different living together I have no idea. 🤔

Adora10 · 26/11/2018 22:49

Why why why do you want such a horrible person in your life he walks out on you as soon as the going gets tough in fact he’s still doing it!

Count your blessings he’s a fucked up individual and he’ll ruin what’s left of your peaceful life, I wouldn’t trust him alone with my child either he’s hideous.

Blondebakingmumma · 26/11/2018 22:57

Do not let this man back into your life and for the love of god do not let him look after your child alone

TryingMama · 26/11/2018 23:01

I don't want to judge. If he is unable to sit and talk things through with you and if the two of you cannot have an open frank conversation about ALL of these things then NO.
Questions like: why were you abusive? Why are you still abusive? Why won't you look after the baby etc.

You did not mention any sense of guilt or remorse or a hint of change.

You need to think if it will be safe to leave the child with him if he is that irresponsible.

He at least is struggling and not coping with being a father (to say the least). I would not take him back.

He needs help first, you cannot help him.

I can't see it working in the current circumstances.

Talith · 26/11/2018 23:02

It would be a recipe for disaster to permit him back in. You've done well to find a way to parent fairly amicably and maintain contact and your safety and that of your child. Don't risk it. He might not be an evil monster but he's petty and aggressive and not kind or respectful. Dont permit someone like that under your roof again. It's not your job to fix him he's bloody lucky he's got a chance to have a relationship with his son at all the way he's treated you.