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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

Sociapath and breaking people

52 replies

Looxxlooxx · 06/04/2019 22:44

I don’t even know where to start . But I’m dealing with a narcissist/sociapath/psychopath I don’t even know what but he’s wrecked havoc on my life and I feel a shell of myself . It’s been two years of cheating lying manipulation , gas lighting . He’s lost 2 jobs . One I supported him with and gave him money . Which he used to cheat on my on a stag do with a girl he cheated on me wirh six months previous at Christmas . He was on the stag do and she was in Benidorm with her friends and I later found 12 months later he had been wirh her . He has been linked to multiple girls in my town . He had a work wife behind my back . He slept with the girl from Benidorm best friend when we were on a break when he promised me he was not interested in others while my heart was broken. He goes silent for weeks and when I give up crying and accept he would come back round mine. In the most traumatic situations he would be unphased by my pleas. He completely ignores my calls and when he does get in touch he blames me that ‘I’m making stuff in my head ‘ ‘it’s me who needs to change’ the discard previously he did this when his sister told me it was disgusting and he had actually been trying to get wirh another girl while I was ringing him that weekend . When I confronted him broken inside he blocked me on all social media and phone and never spoke to me again for weeks . I was left shattered but I managed to stay away from him for 7 weeks . I was stronger then. I didn’t look for him or snoop after my discard . I stopped anyone from talking about him and even though I was hurting I managed to main a social life and meet others knowing he had been lying and had abused me and gone off and never had the decency to tell me what he did. He then contacted me 7 weeks later by email (which wasn’t a regretting one) he just talked about himself and the ending was ‘and I should just tell you I want to be with you’ . I thought the email was rather selfish and maintained no contact for a week or so. I saw he had unblocked me on social media forums . I let the email get to me and I sent one back angrily saying he was selfish and he choose to lie cheat and go off with another girl . He just said ‘I just needed to tell you how I felt and I’m glad I did ‘ . It became a email argument war for about two weeks. He still had the other girl who he claimed he didn’t like , on social media . He said he never regretted going off as it ‘made him see the bigger picture ‘ and ‘infact he was glad of it ‘ . I can’t process his through process . He blamed me for him going off and said I ‘messed with his head and if I hadn’t he wouldn’t have gone off with all these girls ‘. He some how manages to turn everything around on me. He admitted it ‘was wrong how he just blocked me and what he did wirh the girl ‘ but the relationship was on its knees and ‘we both didn’t want to be together apparently ! He some how managed to get back in my life and say he wanted to spend it with me and go on adventures and it was a clean slate. He said he wanted everything in the open and all truths . So I agreed to tell him who I had met , text dated , which was none of his business because he had left me cheated on me abandoned me but he said he wanted ‘every detail ‘ and ‘not to leave one single detail out’ . When I asked him about things I also felt I needed to know he lied. He said he was not interested in any girl and had only dated text , slept with one. He said I had done far worse . I had his laptop the other day doing assignment work helping a friend and I logged on his Facebook. I could see more girls he tried to get into. It seemed it was 2-4 girls at one time on a two events . That’s two events I know of. I could see him laughing with his cousin in messages of how he had ‘rang this girl a million times on Facebook ‘ (the one his sister told me about which resulted in the blocking of me ‘ . And I quote from him ‘won’t be the first won’t be the last ‘ . I felt sick I was crying and asking him what was wrong in his head . He got up angrily and said ‘right I’m leaving I’m sick of this ‘ ‘your so selfish ‘ I begged him to prove there wasn’t any more girls . I said ‘you’ve lied to me ‘ he said ‘there’s nothing in it ‘he never acted on it , different mind sets . I said ‘it’s 2-3 girls at every event . How could you do this and laugh ? . He point blank refused to resolve and walked home abandonnng me thinking he had been with another girl. The next day I was built with anger . After two years of destroying me emotionally, any occasion we had, my finances , my love for him and me divulging our ‘clean slate’ I said some mean things to him. I told him I wanted him to die . I hated him he constantly needed narcissistic supply . I was awful in my words and in the last final weeks of this to be honest hit him three weeks previous in another emotional abuse event. I absolutely do not condone violence and I hate myself for it I cried after it thinking what’s wrong wirh me . I now said I hate him and wanted him to die . But after 1-2 days of him unresolving and Ignoring me he blocked me on everything . If anyone has ever been through emotional trauma they will know how I feel and how crazy someone makes you feel . He argued and blamed me in them 1-2 days saying ‘it was banter with his friends ‘ and he never went with anyone and ‘I lied to use his laptop (which I never ) he then has focused all of everything on the fact I told him to just die . I’m sick disgusting and everything . It got to the weekend and low he was ringing someone on his phone stored under a different number 14 times . I know he’s had numbers stored in his phone because he rings Girls desperately after being put drunk. He did it to me. And 3-4 other girls that I am aware and caught . So I know he’s been ringing another girl he’s had stored under his sisters name . He got caught out and refused to tell me and said he didn’t . This was a week after the split . He just sat in my car with no expresssikn just like all the other times and saying ‘you told me to go die’ . I was crying my eyes out trying to resolve and he just calmly wrapped up a charger wire he found in the car of his and got out the car and walked off . I went home . I knew he had been seeing someone and I felt crazy. He’d come back with all these empty promises and then abandoned me again. On the day of me finding the stuff on his laptop he had resigned from his job as he was about to get sacked for gross misconduct . There was several cases made against him one saying he was not seen on cctv at all for 5 hours on a night shift suggesting he was asleep . He put people in danger wirh elective and didn’t use safety procedures and didn’t complete tasks. This is the third job I know he’s been sacked or walked from due to himself. So when he was at my house and I had been on his laptop and found all these lies he said I was selfish after what had happened that day. I’m trying to process all these emotions . I had supported him in the past. It wasn’t to do with any of that . He wasn’t using me . Lying to me . I still wanted the relationship and I did spend the 8-9 days trying to contact him on phone and going round his house but when he walked out my car I tried the next day and in such an emotional mess on the phone he just had no empathy or remorse and was blaming me like all the other times . I said ‘how could you do this ? And he just said ‘bye’ , and hung up. I didn’t contact again. I changed my number and have blocked him on anything I have on social media . It’s been three weeks. We were meant to be going to Peru , it’s his birthday next week . He’s been out every week chasing girls and I know he has. And I feel like Iv been dragged through this torment all again . I know what I have done . So please be gentle wirh me . It’s hard enough as it is. I don’t leave the house . Iv been in the house and trying to maintain working life and functioning. My emotions are a mess. My memory is a mess. I cry at anything. My abuser is out getting new supply and my dreams of Peru have been destroyed . He already had a flight booked for September and we were meant to be going in May so o feel discarded and he’s continuing . I’m too scared to do anything of the stuff I wanted to do with him but I don’t want to let him wreck my life but it’s taking them steps. Does it get better. ?? He’s also kept that he is ‘in a relationship ‘ on Facebook through these past three weeks ‘when I was looking . But we have not spoke in three weeks. Will I be able to achieve doing things without him . I feel ugly . I don’t want to leave the house . People say it gets better in time . I’m 33 and I didn’t want to be doing this . He is 28 and he’s been chasin. After 19 year olds. Does he hate me or using stuff against me ? I cry about what Iv said to him in anger but he’s never given one second tonthink about me. Why did I love this person . I don’t believe in love anymore and I’m certain he’s tossed me aside like I’m worthless for the last time.
I v tried to read so much on sociapaths . He lies , cheats manipulates , no empathy remorse .

I even found a message to one friend sent years ago saying ‘these girls literally don’t even know who I am, I’m such a good actor’

When Iv confronted him about anything he says ‘I was young , or I was stupid’ or drugs made me do it or Iv learnt from my mistakes .

I’m scared I’m the cause of this . And he’s going to sail off into the sunset with some younger model and I’m left (again) racking my brain trying to get by each day, crying and il never feel the same again.
The fact we had Peru and he’l just still go .
I know Iv gone on but will everything be ok in time ?

Will he be like this for the rest of his life. It says sociapaths get worse . I know i need to work on myself . I keep looking at social media at all these pretty girls around my town and he’s out just cracking into anything and I’m at home a mess and cannot function and feel old . He’s broken me this time .

OP posts:
rosabug · 07/04/2019 09:46

I think you need some tough love. Read your post - you sound demented - everything is perverted and this 'relationship' is grotesque. In fact I would suggest you are too damaged to be in any relationship. He's also likely irretrievably damaged, but ....damaged men tend to project the damage onto women and damaged women tend to internalise and self harm. This grotesque relationship is all emotional velcro. His damaged emotional hooks meets your damaged loops. This is not love - it's abuse - including self-abuse. He, nor any man is ever going to 'save' you. Only you can save yourself.

You are an addict. You need to face up to what you are doing to yourself and not what he is doing to you.

www.amazon.co.uk/Women-Who-Love-Too-Much/dp/0099474123/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&crid=1RK0RQJDJEC2F&keywords=women+who+love+too+much&sprefix=women+who+lo%2Caps%2C179&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&qid=1554626403&sr=1-1

Looxxlooxx · 07/04/2019 10:00

Absolutely easy for people to say , unless they have been in an abusive relationship . I have had a strong friend who was very level headed that got sucked into an abusive relationship flt a couple of years and pulled herself out and couldn’t grasp how she got there in the first place . I know I have issues And I have tried to defend myself . I do stand up to him. At a price. It is so painful knowing Iv been abandoned again for his scum bag ways . It’s processing it all . Knowing I took him back for worse things than a few harsh words. Knowing I have to start again. Scared about the dreams I had with him and how il have to do them alone. Knowing I’m at home in pain and he’s out spending the only cash he has on woman , nights out and probably drugs . Knowing he’s blocked me out his life . It’s a lot to swollow and go through again . And again. Iv remained no contact. Iv been spending time with family and trusted friends . I am not posting on social media. I’v got up and come to work for over time to make money so I can support myself and look into going to Peru on my own . I don’t want him to spoil my life and get to snirk thinking he’s broke me and left me shattered but he’s a sociapath so I highly doubt he cares regardless . But I am human and I have emotions and the victim wants to feel all his bad ways will come and smack him in his face . He won’t expect me to continue going anywhere without him. It’s a hard pill to swollow knowing I mean absolutely nothing to someone who made out they loved me. I’m trying my best .

OP posts:
rosabug · 07/04/2019 10:39

I know it's hard. I've been in addictive relationships. I'm 58 so a long way down the experience line. It was at my worst in my 30's. So from experience I'm saying the real way forward is to admit your culpability in this position you have got yourself into and stop blaming him for everything. What is the point of wishing "all his bad ways will come and smack him in his face" - what is the point of that?? Fantasies like this (and it is a fantasy - as is all ruminative thinking) only keep you 'attached'. And I would suggest to also stop hiding behind the popular label speak - "sociopath" - it's another indulgent fantasy that serves no purpose to you, but no doubt keeps you trawling the internet endlessly trying to understand 'them' and 'him' - am I right? All fantasy. You need some therapy to track why you are so susceptible to filling yourself with displacement fantasy. 'He' does not really exist - he and this horrible relationship are a nightmare of your making. I hope that you can figure it out yourself. I wish you well but it's time to wake up and address the central addiction.

ChristmasFluff · 07/04/2019 10:45

OP, there's a facebook group, Survivors of Sociopaths. They'll get where you are coming from.

Blondebakingmumma · 07/04/2019 11:03

It sounds like he has got you very attached to him. You sound obsessed with knowing what he is doing, seeing, spending his money on. You have broken up. I know it’s hard, but him walking away is the best thing that can happen for you.

I would suggest trying to focus on yourself and not him. Google mindfulness, download an app. What brings joy to your life? Focus your energy on that.
Keep busy, go on walks, see family and friends. Buy yourself a new nail polish/candle/ whatever brings a smile to your face. Set long term goals. What do you want to do. Forget not having the confidence atm. IF you really want to visit Peru, write it down as a long term goal. Have fun researching where you would stay, what local foods you would eat. Don’t wallow in the fact that you were meant to be going together. You need to learn to make yourself happy, not be dependent on going with him.

Give yourself time to heal. By the sounds of it you had healed significantly the last time you broke up. You can get back there.

Good luck OP

CuriousaboutSamphire · 07/04/2019 11:24

I think many of us have had relationships with similar issues, so please don't think we're being flippant. We really do know how hard it is to break away.

BUT you need to know, we will keep telling you ..YOU HAVE CONTROL OVER YOUR THOUGHTS it is you keeping yourself in bondage to him.

He can have no power whatsoever once you rinse him out of your mind.

That is the only message. All else is suggestions on how to do that... and a short, sharp jolt to try and help you get up a head of steam.

rosabug · 07/04/2019 11:46

This guy is not a sociopath. There is an epidemic of pseudo psycho labelling going on in the media and here. He's just a common or garden arsehole who is too lazy and unaware of his own damage and therefore dumps on every available woman as a result. 10 a penny and tons on here to read about. Maybe it's comforting to think that you have got involved with one and are not just living out the same old story?

I have met only one sociopath and it's like meeting a unicorn, they are a different breed entirely. A sociopath would not boast to anyone that "they don't even know who I am" (TBH I think your boyfriend probably meant this literally) - he's not interested in friends. He operates largely without emotion. Your guy is driven by unconscience emotion. Just a desperate loser abusing women to elevate himself, causing havoc and tears to make him feel his existence means anything to anyone. This is not a sociopath.

BreakfastAtLitanies · 07/04/2019 21:06

He's not a psychopath or sociopath.

He's a dick though and you need to leave him.

Granted, I skimmed, but he's not following the standard pattern of an abusive relationship (him saying sorry and he'll change etc: he doesn't do this and you still take him back). Sounds more like an addictive relationship to me

Deadsouls · 07/04/2019 22:21

OP I know it is hard.

That's why I write from experience of having gone no contact and surviving.

I put myself in a horribly painful situation with a man, handed over all my power. Been through the depression, grief, feeling stupid, ashamed, humiliated, so angry I wanted to kill him and on and on.

Now a few years down the line, I don't feel triggered by the thought of him. I feel mostly neutral.

I tell you this, because it is possible to get through this, to survive and thrive. I had therapy too. Even though it feels shit and horrible right now, you will survive

Whatisgoingonwithmylife · 07/04/2019 22:28

Deadsouls, can I ask.. how did you overcome the cognitive dissonance? I’m no contact, moving on, not angry but just content that I’m doing the right thing.. but I keep thinking, but what if he really is soulmate and I’m making the biggest mistake of my life! I loved him and I walked away as he was re-idealising me, it’s so hard.

Deadsouls · 07/04/2019 23:40

whatisgoingonwithmylife

I can only speak from my experience. The cognitive dissonance was not so much something I overcame, rather than a process i went through, with different stages.

So, there was definitely at the beginning the obsessive thinking of going over and over it, and having to talk about it to some very patient friends. And the what if's, regrets, why did I say that?, what did he mean when he said x, y, z .
I feel like I literally thought about every second of every day, boomeranging between emotions. So that was intense. And went on for a good long while.
But I did therapy, poor lady had to hear about that arsehole for months!

I suppose realising that it would have been a never ending cycle of idealise, devalue and discard was an insight. And he wouldn't have put a boundary in, so I had to because I simply couldn't continue for the sake of my mental health, as I was suffering so much.

I believe over time that kind of thinking sort of wears itself out as you gradually begin to recover. I think realising also that it's not really about them, but that it's about some old deep seated internal wounds helped. There was something that drew me into that situation and kept me stuck in it, so had to work through that.

None of it is easy though and it was incredibly painful.

There are definitely ways you can help yourself that work for you. You have to find them, whether it's therapy, or running or just realising you're going into a thinking spiral again and saying 'fuck off! Or something, or journaling.

The cognitive dissonance is something that fades with time and the more no contact you have.

And no he is not your soulmate. You'd have been stuck in the cycle ad infinitum until your self esteem would have been on the floor and your emotions crippled. Someone who cherishes you, would not then seek to crush you at the flick.of a switch.

DeeCeeCherry · 08/04/2019 00:03

All this. For the sake of one man in this world?!

Please - go and get some help.

I read an article about a woman who had hypnotherapy to get over a relationship she knew was no good for her yet still craved. Maybe you could try that. She said it was like being set free.

Aside from that - Youve written reams about a man who just sounds like a total dickhead, so weak he craves validation via how many women he can shag. Cringe factor 100.

He sounds so unappealing, like a silly teen whos just djsvovered sex and needs to stick it in every hole. I hope youre making him use a condom when hes with you.

You need to block him and go get a life. Sit on your hands dont phone or text or email. Friends, leisure, hobby, book a holiday if you can. Find something to do.

Youve said you cant go out. Well Desperate Dog is out there lifting his leg and he's not worrying about you so why are you lurking indoors?

Go out and live

AgentJohnson · 08/04/2019 01:44

You’ve made this all about him when it isn’t, it’s about you and why you’re so desperate for whatever crumbs he’ll throw your way that you’ll accept such poor treatment. Applying labels to his behaviour is another example of not taking responsibility for your choice to stay.

You are not without power, you can take back the power that you’ve surrendered to this idiot at any time but it is a choice that you have to choose.

Scarlettmaid · 08/04/2019 09:00

How are you today OP? Block,block, block. Don't answer if he gets in touch. Not even to tell him how wrong he has been. He is beyond repair. You are not. It sounds like you are living in the same town maybe? I was in a similar relationship, thank goodness I ended up moving to an hour away and I haven't looked back. You need to look after yourself. Join the Facebook forum that someone mentioned above. Find out about mindfulness and practise. You say you have friends and family. Talk to them. Have a nice dinner with them. Take up running. Or join a choir. Do stuff that you like. It will get better, but only if you stop focusing so much on him. You are spending a lot of time thinking how unfair it is that he is out having fun whilst you are not. I don't believe people like him are ever truly happy. I wouldn't swap my life for his. He is a massive loser. You really need to have nothing to do with him. Block him on social media. Demand that people don't tell you about him.

Scarlettmaid · 08/04/2019 09:11

AgentJohnson you might as well tell OP to just "snap out of it". Not that simple though.
I think people who fall for that kind of abuser are often damaged themselves from abusive parents.
I know it certainly mine and my sister'case.
Telling OP it is her choice to stay with an abuser sounds a lot like victim blaming.
I agree that OP needs to be strong though.
I am glad to hear you have people around you, and a job. Keep busy. Don't expect a quick fix. Be patient and try not to wish him harm because you are only hurting yourself. Been there, done that. Again, moving geographically was a massive help. If you can afford it, take a week off in Spain or something.

LellyMcKelly · 08/04/2019 09:25

Been there. Dump him. Block him and run for the hills. It’s the only way to get some calm back in your life. You’ll miss the highs to start with, but not the lows. You do not need to be with this man.

Whatisgoingonwithmylife · 08/04/2019 09:31

Deadsouls that’s really helpful, thank you.

OP, I’m hoping you’re finding this thread as helpful as I am. It’s strengthening my resolve.

AnnaNimmity · 08/04/2019 09:32

I agree it doesn't matter whether he's a sociopath or not. This is about you - you can only change yourself not him. Stop looking at his actions and look at yours. Why would you put yourself through that again? He's treated you appallingly, and he should have one chance not hundreds. You're worth more!

I have managed to get myself out of such a relationship, and it's hard, hard to move on, hard to forget (especially with the constant hoovering attempts), hard to make sense of it all (the bloody cognitive dissonance) but you need to think of yourself. Work on yourself and your self esteem, and then you'll see that you are worth more, and this man isn't good enough for you.

Why would you go back to someone who treated you so badly? why would you think that person loves you? (or anyone). Look at what he's done, rather than what he says. Actions truly do speak louder than words. Why would you carry on putting yourself through it again and again? it's hard OP, but counselling and time will help. Stop looking at his social media. No contact and time will help.

I know people that are trapped in such relationships, and they waste their lives, because ultimately, the man will never change.

Closetbeanmuncher · 08/04/2019 10:16

It gave me a headache just reading about that mess. It's not a relationship by anyone's standards op, you're just bring used and discarded at will.

There is no hope of rewiring this revolting individual and no hope of change.

This will only go on for as long as YOU let it. Please be rid of this festering bag of garbage and get a life (said with kindness not malice).

You need to stop engaging FULL STOP and get an STD check asap. Stop listening to the shite he spouts and examine his behaviour. Is this really all you think you deserve??

Go to Peru ALONE and cleanse your spirit of this poisonous mess.

If you keep picking the scab it will never heal and the deeper the scar will be.

S1lverB1rchW7 · 08/04/2019 14:46

You have a goal and that is to go to Peru. Learn Spanish if you don't already speak. Research the best places to visit. Get s second job to save up faster. Do this and you will meet new people and create new memories. I don't think that he had any intention of going on holiday with you. Stay strong, achieve your goal of Peru. Get your travel injections & insurance.

DeeCeeCherry · 08/04/2019 15:18

Absolutely easy for people to say , unless they have been in an abusive relationship

A good number of us have been in abusive relationships and speak from experience.

Its a hard thing in life to face up to yourself and what and who you allow into your life, and why. To admit it, & then do what has to be done to let go.

But if you dont do it you will simply waste your time and good years on nonsensical men.

Sometimes in the end it really is as simple as, you have to put in the self-work. & leave badness alone. No excuses.

BlackPrism · 08/04/2019 15:56

Sociopath* and I think v v few people are actual sociopaths he just sounds like a classic abusive dickhead.

I'm not going to read the whole thing because it's massive but just from the cheating and gas lighting I would ask why on Earth you are keeping him in your life. Get fucking rid he's worthless.

Looxxlooxx · 09/04/2019 11:28

Iv been reading through all the comments and some have been empowering and supportive , hearing how other People have struggled with these type of people. I have to absolutely disagree with anyone who says he is it’s an arsehole.
Iv dealt with ‘just an arsehole’.
My partner has done things can’t even write about because it’s disgusting to hear , then he’s basically laughed about his ways. Iv been sat in turmoil more times than I could count and he Yawns , laughs , sniggers , blames , calmly gets up and moves about while I’m a mess. He has no empathy . Even an arsehole wouldn’t behave like that. There’s no element of emotion to someone’s pain . He lies every day of his life , has no respect for anyone and loses jobs . Another sign of a sociapath. He plays games constantly . I have gone two weeks no contact from when I changed my number . He hasn’t contacted me on email or anything but HE HAS unblocked me on a social media device (hoovering ) which you wouldn’t be doing . Games lies manipulation blame , cheating . He list goes on.
Why I stayed in this relationship ? Because I actually loved him and convinced myself he loved me and I was to blame like he makes me believe when I flip out because my heart cannot take the pain from the lies and hurt so I sit and beat myself up and come on mumsnet. Questioning myself and how angry I got towards someone I loved . Not like my partner , who is out every weekend , meeting woman , going off camping , laughing joking and sifting through his supply like the on off switch he has. That isn’t normal behaviour . My attachment to this person isn’t normal behaviour and yet I’m still trying to force myself to work . I’m here now , holding back tears and breaking down every hour or so . I just don’t want to be at work . I had a full melt down yesterday and Iv gone to tell him what I thought of him so many times and I have stopped myself because it’s nothing but a satisfaction to him that I would contact him. I’m suffering and I’m In pain and I’m just hoping that my most trusting faithful friend Iv ever needed , is right . She has advised that he will always be a monster . And time will help me . But right now I can’t seem to work and I am still missing this monster of a person because I don’t have an off on switch like ‘these types’. Thank you to everyone who posted and I so sorry to anyone else who’s had to deal with these sort of individuals x

OP posts:
Closetbeanmuncher · 09/04/2019 22:29

The best way to show this person what you think of them is stone cold silence...

Discard him like he's discarded you so many times.

He's utter trash, he will live his life as trash and die as trash...

Write down what you think of him in a diary if you have to, but if you truly want this mess to end DO NOT ENGAGE in any form of contact whatsoever. He will no doubt use different tactics to try and get a rise.

Happiness and peace of mind does not lie with this person and never will.

You must keep that at the forefront of your mind, you sound very anxious and distracted so I would also suggest seeing your GP.

The only thing you'll be "missing" by leaving this fool in the past is the chance of catching Chlamydia, herpes (or worse), and being cheated on for the gallizionth time.

LaughingCow99 · 09/04/2019 23:11

What are his good points? The ones you cry over when you break up?