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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

Are these red flags? Advice please.

212 replies

goshohmy · 29/11/2019 07:26

...or am I over-analysing things?

I'm trying to work out some things about my (new-ish) relationship. Was single for ages before this and really don't have much experience of men or relationships. I'm 32. I've been googling and reading threads and I just don't know. I'm seeing this guy and for the most part he's very affectionate and we have a nice time but other things make me feel a bit off kilter and I don't know if it's just my imagination or if we're just not suited to each other maybe.
So we usually see each other over the weekend and we plan this in advance but sometimes we see each other on weekdays and this is usually arranged that day or the day before. A while ago he text me in the morning and asked me to go over to his place that night and I agreed and he said he would pick me up after work and drive us to his. I was in work too and at about 11 am I said it would be nice if he picked me up, thanks. He didn't reply again for the whole day and didn't read my message even though I could see he was online. I assumed he was busy and didn't think anything of it. He then called me at the time I thought he'd be at mine to pick me up (6.30 pm) but he said he'd forgotten and accidentally driven most of the way home and he said he could come back and collect me but he didn't sound like he wanted to and then he said I could get the train and he'd pick me up at the train station. I was in such a tizzy that I just agreed because I had to run to catch the train. He lives a 30 minute drive from me and the train is 15 minute walk away and only once an hour and takes 25 mins and doesn't go that close to his place, he still has to drive to collect me.

This is the thing I can't ask anyone IRL. So when he asked me over I'd mentioned I was having my period. He actually clarified that with me later that night. He'd said we could watch a movie and have an early night, which is what we did. Next morning i used his bathroom and toilet - they are separate rooms - and then he went into the toilet and came out and we had this conversation:
Him: is everything okay?
Me: yes.
Him: (just stares at me)
Me: why?
Him: there was a drop of blood on the handle in the toilet. (Stare)
Me: oh I'm sorry.
Him: (just stares)
Me: I'm sorry, I don't know what to say.
Him: (stares)
Me: I'm sorry, I'm really embarrassed.
Him: (stares)
Me: I'm sorry, I really don't know what to say.
Him: (stares a bit more) it's okay, give me a cuddle before we go out.

I should add that my immediate thought was that he was making it up to show me that he was okay with it or something. I know that seems weird but it was just the feeling I got. I felt like he wasn't telling the truth. My period was really light and I washed my hands and dried them in a small white towel. So thinking over it I just don't see how it happened. But even if I did do it I still think it's strange. It's never happened before. So it's not like I'm always doing it and he had to bring it up because it was an issue.

He's made a good few comments about me splashing water next to the sink when I wash my hands so I'm always really careful and I always check that the sink and the floor and towel are clean after I've used them. He's said things like "if you have trouble washing your hands you can do it in the kitchen instead", to which I said "am I splashing a lot" and he said yes. The thing is he's clean but not overly clean but he's reacted in a strange way a few times, once I almost touched the window in his kitchen and he grabbed my arm and said "I have to clean that". Another time he had spilled something in his kitchen and cleaned it up but it was still sticky and as I was walking into the kitchen he was pointing and telling me not to step in it and I thought I was stepping over it and he was a bit "off" that I stepped on it. He never gets angry with me, I always just feel like I've done something wrong or I'm in the way.

Another example is we were cooking, just throwing stuff together from the fridge and he took out some onions to chop but said they made his eyes water so I offered to do it and he walked off and I chopped the onions. He came back and said "you chopped them like that?" And I said "yes". I was confused for a second because I thought there'd been a recipe or I hadn't heard him say he wanted them chopped a certain way. So he took over then and said "my mum chops them like this" and he chopped them up really fine. It was weird because there wasn't really much of a difference between how I'd done it and how they ended up. I also thought it was weird because he seems a bit resentful of his mum. he told me a few times very early on that he was bullied as a teenager because his mum made him think he was better than other people. He said he'd forgiven her though.
Another time I blew out a candle and he showed me the right way to blow it out so I wouldn't get wax everywhere, but I hadn't gotten wax anywhere and it was my candle in my flat!

Writing this out it all sounds petty, but there have been other things, like deliberately misunderstanding questions I'm asking and communication that goes round in circles and never getting a straight answer so giving up, but not really realising what has happened until later, if you know what I mean. And going quiet when we're together. Once it was lashing rain and he took the umbrella from me and held it up but only over his head so I got soaked. When I said it to him he put it over both our heads for about a minute and then back over his own head so I was soaked again. I mean, he held it right down over his own head so that it was almost touching his head and completely away from me, like I wasn't even there. He also seemed annoyed at me but I hadn't done anything wrong.
There are other things. He compares me to his ex sometimes and it's always in my favour but it always makes me feel a bit crap. He never gives me compliments and it's always our behaviour he's comparing. She was very pretty and he has told me a few times she was a beautiful woman but she was too needy. He also broke up with her suddenly because she was sick and needed a doctor and he stayed out at a party all night and she was by herself and got angry at him when he came home. So he just ended it. He's told me this story a few times and he always says he paid all the mortgage and bills and he let her move in because she had nowhere else to live. It's as if he thinks she shouldn't have ever gotten annoyed at him because of that. He also said he thinks she might have cheated on him because she accused him of cheating and he said she was projecting.
This all sounds so stupid. It's just that i don't know if I'm too sensitive and jealous of the way he talks about his ex.

There have been a few other things and I'm trying to separate it all out but I'd just like to know what people think and if I'm just reading too much into things and I'm too embarrassed to ask anyone.I'd really appreciate any advice or opinions. Thank you.

OP posts:
jamaisjedors · 01/12/2019 19:38

It's not you.

It's not a communication problem.

It felt real but it wasn't.

Please please believe us and walk away.

I'm begging you. I've been there.

MargeSimpsonswig · 01/12/2019 19:47

Anything he does for you (DIY, concert tickets) are a way of him building up your reliance on him and he will use it as a stick to beat you with later. He wants you to owe him.

This may sound harsh but you need a wake up call. Last night was a booty call, he used you for sex and you may wonder why he stayed and why he was 'nice' to you, but it's all part of his game. He drawing you back into the cycle, only now you can't complain that he won't commit because he already told you he can't.

He is very likely sleeping with other women and I wouldnt be surprised if he actually has someone who is his main supply. Did you meet him online? These guys are usually on multiple dating sites. They are predators.

He can't compliment you because he doesnt see you as a human being with feelings. To him you are an appliance and beneath him so he doesn't see the need.

You are playing a very dangerous game with this man and I wish you could see it. He WILL get worse if you allow him into your life. Find the strength to block and try to work on why you are willing to settle for so little in a partner.

loserssaywhat · 01/12/2019 20:58

He won't apologise because he's not sorry. Everything he's done is contrived to mess with your head. He knows exactly what he's doing.

Don't keep hoping for an apology. The kindest thing you can do for yourself is to block him on everything he can possibly contact you on and try to move on.

Wakingupnow · 01/12/2019 21:39

Please block him and don't answer the door to him. The only way to do this no contact at all, as he will wear you down with fake charm. Then let you down again.

MzHz · 01/12/2019 21:59

The only reason he’ll apologise is to set you up so he can hurt you again.

BECAUSE HE ENJOYS HURTING YOU.

Pull me close so I can hit you again.

These people get an emotional hard on when they stamp on people like you.

I’d love to be wrong, but abusers are literally ALL the same.

This man is extremely dangerous.

Block him now, you won’t regret it. You will regret having this man in your life.

AloneLonelyLoner · 01/12/2019 22:04

My abusive ex was absolutely Prince Charming in public. Eventually, when alone, he was comfortable enough with me and I had been gaslighted enough, for him to be his true self-this was an evil, violent, sexually abhorrent man.

Gentle by day. Evil rapist by night.

There is nothing in your posts that make me think your example wouldn't live up to my ex. He was the same.
Seriously.
If you go back to him now, you have been warned aplenty. Please don't.

LassoOfTruth · 01/12/2019 22:12

Trust your instincts. They are sound - everything you describe is a definite red flag imo. Be prepared for him not to take his well-deserved dumping at all graciously. He might be angry, and make you feel shitty. You can power through! He will hopefully show you even more clearly why you should leave and never give him a backward glance or thought again. Good luck!

CharlotteCollinsneeLucas · 01/12/2019 23:08

No, the reason you don't want to block him yet is that you don't want this to be the end. You don't want this to be the story. You want to believe he's damaged, or hurting, or trying to improve. Think about it: what would the apology gain you? It would just open the door to thinking more positively about him, being willing to give him another chance.

Jump off the merry go round. It's much easier to see him clearly after he's been horrible like that. Make use of the momentum that's given you. Block and don't look back.

PerpetualCircle · 01/12/2019 23:24

You said in your opening post that you haven’t been in a relationship for awhile and don’t have much experience
I think he knows this and is playing you. This type man can be devastatingly charming, but you have been smart enough to figure somethings wrong,please follow your gut instinct.
Personally I think he sounds like a sociopath.

AFairlyHardAvocado · 02/12/2019 00:10

@goshohmy

Our original questions have been answered now well and truly.

He's a cunt. A game playing manipulative cunt.

This is next level cruel.

You fell for the lie he sold when he spent the night.

Please don't do it again.

It will increase your pain, make getting over him more difficult and damage your self confidence more and more.

You sound lovely and intelligent - he's done a right number on you. And like many of us he's said everything you want to hear to get what he wanted out of you.

This is a clear case of going no contact if I ever heard one. He isn't your friend, friends don't lead you on then drop you like he has. He isn't your tortured soul of any ex who is wrestling with how to cope when it comes to you.

He knows what to say to get you to do what he wants. It's that simple. And at the moment it's working - prove him wrong, no contact at all and start rebuilding a fun and healthy life that doesn't involve him at all.

ThanksThanksThanks

outherealone · 02/12/2019 01:52

He sounds fucking vile. This is the tip of the iceberg I guarantee. I went out with someone like him after my marriage ended. I ended up being petrified of him.
Please end the relationship now before he really messes with your head.

crochetmonkey74 · 02/12/2019 08:29

OP

He is testing what you will put up with- it's 'look what I can do' NO MAN IS WORTH THIS

It is not a big love story it is not a damaged person you are going to save Please don't waste 15 years like I did

DarklyDreamingDexter · 02/12/2019 09:13

He’s toying with you mercilessly. The best thing you can possibly do is text him one last time to say ‘never contact me again’ then delete his number and block him on everything. If he turns up at your door, absolutely don’t let him in. Your instincts were right and this latest charade is further proof. Break off all contact with this vile, manipulative abuser and never look back.

Zaphodsotherhead · 02/12/2019 10:32

He's getting you addicted.

Fabulous high, it's all great, he's wonderful. Then, it's not so good, he's a bit shitty, you start to see through him. But, oh, he was so good in the past, he can be like that again! Then he's really, truly, spectacularly shitty, you go down as deep and as hard as you feel you can, you're so low, you'd do anything to not feel like this...

...and there he is again. Fabulous, it's all great, he's wonderful.

Rinse and repeat. He gets you on the cycle. And next time - well, you think he was shitty before? Oh, he will be worse. Because the lower the low, the higher the high and you will be even more desperate for him to turn up and be fabulous.

Block. Block him. He is really not the man for any woman. He's already in love with himself.

bibliomania · 02/12/2019 11:11

This is a common tactic known as hoovering OP.

He's nothing special, just following the standard abuser playbook.

Whatdoyouexpect · 02/12/2019 16:40

RUN!

Whatdoyouexpect · 02/12/2019 17:00

He is whacko.

I once dated a guy for 5 months who would say, one minute, 'If I asked you to marry me, would you?' and 'I think you're the one' and then the next 'My ideal woman is round the corner' and 'I haven't found what I'm looking for but I've seen it in my friend's girlfriends'.

It really messed me up for years after. I should have finished with him straight away but because of my character type and my naivety about screwed-up fuckers like this at the time I spent months turning myself inside out trying to prove I was exactly the woman he was looking for.

He was handsome, funny, charming, intelligent, popular and 'spiritual' - what a knob.

You've had a lucky escape!

SonataDentata · 02/12/2019 17:07

This gave me the shivers: “I’m sorry you perceive it that way. That’s not how I see it.” Because it’s exactly what my nastiest ex used to say to me, making it almost impossible to disagree with him!

I’m echoing everyone else by saying that you need to take back control by blocking him everywhere. You owe him nothing - not even an explanation. He will know full well why you’ve blocked him, so don’t let him play the victim card. If he finds another way to contact you, tell him once very clearly not to contact you again and then do not engage any further. If he continues, consider telling the police (I’ve had to do this before with men who wouldn’t take no for an answer).

Good luck.

Lozzerbmc · 02/12/2019 17:14

Quite the charm offensive he put on. Run and dont look back he’s not nice he’s doing it to draw you back in.... Listen to The Archers Helen Archer and her husband coercise control.

Whatdoyouexpect · 02/12/2019 17:33

Yes, look for videos on 'Trauma Bonding'. This is what's happening to you know and it's very real. You become, literally, addicted to them due to the cycle of punishment and reward.

Pukeworthy · 02/12/2019 19:21

OP i was discarded and hoovered by a dude like this a few times over a few months, sometimes you have to stick your hand in the flame to learn, but please DO learn because i have a bf now who's pleasant, understanding and isnt playing these kind of games. Everything is easy and NICE, im not second guessing myself, i feel secure and supported.

Not saying its the perfect relationship and will last forever, just that easier good times await you if you stop being this guys plaything!

Interestedwoman · 02/12/2019 19:48

'He said he thinks he can’t compliment people because he doesn’t love himself enough.'

Does this make sense? Surely the only reason that would be an issue, is if he thought he was the only person deserving of compliments, and so bestowing them on someone else was somehow degrading himself, or something like that? (Narcissism.)

So sorry, you must feel very hurt by him rejecting you again. Don't give him another opportunity to hurt you- which on one level, he maybe enjoys. Hugs xxxxx

Sandals19 · 02/12/2019 19:58

Weirdo.

Nasty weirdo.

Toss him back (or at least dindet him keep hooking you).

Cut him off. Go cold turkey. Only way.

You'll meet someone else sooner or later.

Sandals19 · 02/12/2019 19:59

*don't

Sandals19 · 02/12/2019 20:01

Read "he's not that into you" - surprisingly good book with cheesy title and "why does he do that" by Lundy Bancroft.

It's primarily about physical abuse but covers a types of "odd" and abusive behaviour v well indeed.

www.docdroid.net/py03/why-does-he-do-that.pdf

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