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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

Anxiety about trying to leave DP

44 replies

NameChangeofMyOwn · 14/10/2019 15:47

I'm not sure where to start. It's tempting to have a big rant, but that isn't very useful.

Essentially I would like to separate from DP. We have a 3yo DD, and we own a 2 bed flat in London. I am trying to work out if I can afford a 1 bed nearby, and have 50/50 custody of DD.

We get on ok, and do things as a family. I would still be keen to coparent actively, go to events together and have dinner as a family often, but living with him is driving me crazy.

Almost everything I say to him, he rolls his eyes. I know that sounds minor but it is so wearing. He's not interested in doing anything together and he thinks my interests are stupid.

He is very untidy and unclean. He smells really bad and I have to ask him to change his shirt in the evening (he cycles to and from work, in the same outfit, and doesn't shower till bedtime). His clothes hanging in the bedroom and the hall smell badly of BO. I mentioned this to him once and he was really angry and didn't do anything about it. Our bed smells sometimes from him not washing properly.

He never does any chores around the house. I don't think he has ever cleaned the toilet. There is often piss on the floor. I know this happens so I asked if he could just give it a wipe occasionally but he never does.

He gets very angry with me for nagging, but if I ask him to do a task he will agree but then not do it. He also gets angry if I then do the task.
We have a dishwasher now but when we didn't I used to have to rewash all the dishes as they were still greasy, but when he saw me doing it he would yell at me so I would do it when he was out.

This was years ago though when he had a drinking problem and he has stopped now.

After I got sick of the drinking (he had been hiding drink, hiding empties around the house, often falling asleep drunk and spilling beer all over the sofa, etc), we essentially broke up. He was on the sofa for a couple of months, even after he sobered up (with medical assistance). Somehow he ended up back in the bed.

We had some counselling. He didn't want to split. He was very angry with me for not having sex with him (this had been a problem for a while, for a bunch of reasons. I am not blameless...but eventually I just didn't want to, and he was never nice about it, just angry. I didn't like kissing him because his breath smelled, and various other things, cos he wasn't clean...). But after a nice Christmas we had sex again, and I had been suggesting it about every 2 weeks since. Essentially to keep him from being angry. I wasn't enjoying it and it was making me feel really sad. It was also always my suggestion, as he stopped initiating years ago because he didn't like me sometimes saying I didn't want to.

But then recently he said he didn't like it, that I was obviously just going through the motions. This is true. But when he used to periodically yell at me for not having sex with him, he would say i should just do it, to make him happy. But apparently I didn't do well enough.

I can tell he's angry that I've not suggested it since he said that, but I really don't want to. I'm not attracted to him and he's not nice to me. Him touching me makes me feel really nasty.

We do get on as friends and enjoy chatting and watching TV together. I think we could be successful co-parents. He could move on and meet someone new, and I could get some space. But I worry if I suggest it he will be angry. Previously he had said he wouldn't accept not living with DD full time, and implied he would go to court. I don't want that.

Sorry. I don't know what I'm asking. I just feel sick. I'm nervous. I want what's best for DD, and I know it would be hard for such a little one to have parents in two homes, but this is no way to live.

OP posts:
quincejamplease · 14/10/2019 15:55

I'm so sorry. You know he's abusing you, don't you?

Abusive men threaten court and taking children to frighten women into staying. Don't let that stop you. It's a threat.

Women's Aid could talk you through your options and help you figure out what to do. It's really important you plan for your safety. 0808 2000 247

Once you've managed to get away from him, I think doing the Freedom Programme would really help you make sense of everything that's happened so you can protect yourself and build a happier life.

Normal, loving relationships are nothing like this. Freedom Programme can help you understand how a decent partner would have treated you and the things you should have been free to say no to without fear of the consequences. Www.freedomprogramme.co.uk

Coerced sex - what you've just described - is rape. I'm so sorry you've been living this way.

CharlotteCollinsneeLucas · 14/10/2019 15:56

You are absolutely right, this is no way to live. However, it is likely he will get angry, as this seems to be a fairly regular occurrence. To an extent, you're just going to have to ride out the storm, but some planning could help reduce the impact on you while he adjusts to the new reality.

Would you expect to move out, or would you like him to? How much contact do you think he would like/be able to manage? (Not implying he can't manage, but working around work hours or whatever.) And sure, he says that about not living full time with DD, but it's not a unilateral decision.

quincejamplease · 14/10/2019 15:58

What's best for your DD is growing up in a home free from abuse where her mum is not being ground down and hurt on a regular basis. Leaving is a brave, positive thing to do for both of you.

HollowTalk · 14/10/2019 15:58

I can understand you wanting to leave this fucker, but cannot think for one moment why you'd want your DC to live with him for half of the week. He's horrible and is abusing you. Can't you see that?

CharlotteCollinsneeLucas · 14/10/2019 16:03

Oops, missed the bit where you said about what you'd like to happen! That's good if you want to move out - you have more control about getting away from him, and how much time you have to live with him after he knows it's over. Don't make it very long - it's horrible!

IsoldeIsolde · 14/10/2019 16:10

I (Isolde) have just published a novel 'The Diary of a Divorce', which might help you. It is short, compelling AND full of practical advice. All divorces are different but there are UNIVERSAL themes. Some of the formulaic responses of controlling men are very useful to be forewarned about, particularly if you have children-of any age.
I wish you luck from the bottom of my heart.
Never give up!

NameChangeofMyOwn · 14/10/2019 16:17

Thanks all.

I've heard that before, of course. On here, no less.... this isn't my first thread on this topic (though previous ones were about his drinking (different user name) and I did make progress on that).

I wish I had had MN years ago when it was worse! Though I am glad I didn't leave then as I love DD.

He is a good father. I know that sounds mad maybe, but he adores her and is really good with her. He's just very angry with me. I think for unreasonable things and it borders on abusive, yes. Certainly in the past it was.

He doesn't really have any friends so he relies on me a lot. I do have friends and I go out (for a coffee or to a movie sort of thing) maybe twice a month. He socialises only maybe once every six months, as his one friend moved out of London. When we were younger I hoped we would make friends together but we never did. When he drank he used to be quite mean so a few of my work friends didn't want to hang out with him.

As well as him being a good dad, though, I want to keep a relationship with my daughter's family, his parents and step parents. So I want it to be amicable. Also for me, him and DD to be able to do things to keep it nice for her.

My parents are separated but remained friends and we would still all have dinner together once a week when I was at school, which I really appreciate, looking back.

I have heard of the Freedom Program. I will look into it. I think I have found the confidence, in a way, but maybe not.

He certainly used to gaslight me a lot, but not really now.

I will just have to bring it up.

We are remortgaging soon so I thought it could be a good time to suggest instead we buy another flat and start to disentangle our finances...

OP posts:
NameChangeofMyOwn · 14/10/2019 16:19

I'd be happy for either of us to move. I earn less so if I could get a 1 bed it would make sense (I thought DD could have the bedroom and I could have a bed in the lounge...). He also might be more likely to accept if he gets to stay in what she sees as "home".

We have a family trip planned at Christmas (with his mother too) but I don't think I can wait till after them to raise it...

OP posts:
dogmama · 14/10/2019 16:25

Please leave. You can do this, you deserve to be happy and so does your DD. You all do.

NameChangeofMyOwn · 14/10/2019 16:32

She is happy. If she wasn't, I'd be gone by now.

You're right though.

I know I was happier after my parents split, as my mum was happier.

OP posts:
hellsbellsmelons · 14/10/2019 16:33

This is full on abuse OP.
He is a misogynist.
He is vile.
He has no respect for you.
He gets very angry with me for nagging - No... he gets angry when you don't get on with your 'woman' work and expect him to contribute.
How you have even had sex with this smelly pig is beyond me.
But each to their own.
Can you imagine your DD choosing a man like this for her future partner?
Because if you stay, that is exactly what will happen.
If he's not good enough for her then he's not good enough for you.
I don't think 50:50 would work. He can't even keep a small space clean. He can't clean a toilet. I don't think it would be healthy for her to live with him 50% of the time.
DO YOU!?

What would you say to your DD if she comes to you when she's older and tells you that she has sex with a man because he yelled at her until she did for an easy life!!???
WAKE UP OP!!!!!
This is fucking awful.
For you and your DD.
Get out and get out fast.
Call Womens Aid and get some advice from them if you are scared.
Do you have friends or family around?
I'm assuming your family aren't around or are toxic, otherwise I cannot begin to imagine why you have put up with this vile creature for so many years.
You've done nothing wrong.
Stop punishing yourself by remaining with this 'man'
Get some counselling. Womens Aid can point you in the right direction!

Shoxfordian · 14/10/2019 16:36

It's just existing, not living
Please leave him

NameChangeofMyOwn · 14/10/2019 16:39

Thanks @hellsbellsmelons...harsh words but I appreciate it.

My family are on the other side of the world. I tried to talk to my mum years ago but she didn't really get how serious it was (esp the drinking). She sympathises now she realises but can't do much.

I do have some good friends but not really nearby.

OP posts:
everytimerickysayscuntIlaugh · 14/10/2019 16:41

Op you don't need his permission to leave. He has to accept it because you're doing it. Go see a solicitor and figure out your first steps before telling him anything. And while it's great that you want to be friends and do dinner with him etc, he doesn't sound like a reasonable or nice person. He sounds like the type of man who will continue to try and abuse you and mess with you. Get legal advice and disentangle your life.

nomoreclue · 14/10/2019 16:43

Crikey. He’s gross. No wonder you want to split! You say he can meet somebody else but unless he sorts that B.O out, who will want him! Although I had an ex who used to sit watching TV while picking his nose and then he’d either eat it or wipe it on the carpet. Yuck. He left me for another woman can you believe! I always wondered if the nose picking turned her on?
Get yourself out of this horrid relationship. In a couple of years you’ll be high fiveing yourself.

NameChangeofMyOwn · 14/10/2019 16:54

Thanks guys.

We do have a lot of common interests and enjoy conversations. I've made him sound worse than he is but you are right I must get out.

You only get one life.

I have called the financial advisor of the flat I am looking at (complicated...) the ball is in motion...

OP posts:
richteasandcheese · 14/10/2019 17:29

You cant make the truth sound worse than it is - it sounds bad because it is bad.

CharlotteCollinsneeLucas · 14/10/2019 18:32

When you broach the subject, remind yourself that you are not "suggesting" another flat etc, and "hoping" he will agree. He will not agree because he's happy with how things are. He'll lose some creature comforts. Hmm Nonetheless, he will get used to it in the end and you can be amicable co-parents if he is willing to cooperate.

AFairlyHardAvocado · 14/10/2019 18:44

You sound lovely and self sufficient OP, you're doing the right thing not just for you but also to show your daughter that this isn't a healthy relationship model.

I hope he can pull himself together enough to co-parent successfully with you, but if not it sounds like you're on the path to creating a happy and safe life with your little one Thanks

Interestedwoman · 14/10/2019 19:00

Well done for doing something with the financial advisor. Don't let it all slide, keep moving forward with your tactics to leave.

Best wishes xxx

NameChangeofMyOwn · 14/10/2019 21:55

Thank you all.

I resisted the urge to go in gung ho tonight, but I said I'd like a proper update on where we are with the mortgage and our respective equity shares. I'll need to know that before I speak to the financial advisor. I need to get as much homework done as I can before I tell him, and present a complete plan with solutions to seeing DD almost every day so he sees he'll not lose her.

OP posts:
NameChangeofMyOwn · 16/10/2019 09:24

I'm viewing a flat this afternoon.

Need to remember it's not a done deal...I run away with fantasies sometimes... But I'm pleased anyway.

OP posts:
hellsbellsmelons · 16/10/2019 09:48

You run away with your fantasies and make them a reality!!!
I hope the flat is nice, if not then just view a few more.
Did he give you an update on the mortgage?

NameChangeofMyOwn · 16/10/2019 11:10

Not really, but I had a look at the statements. He has an excel sheet teaching our respective equity but I can guess an approximate figure.

OP posts:
HappyHedgehog247 · 16/10/2019 11:17

Hi. This is no way to live and I think you can be more assertive about the kind of home and life you want to create for you and DD. He doesn’t get the choice about what you do and where you go. Who does majority of childcare at the moment? With a young DD a 1 bed is fine if . You can co sleep or have 2 singles or a good Sofabed. I think you can be so much happier!