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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

How could I not see this?

152 replies

Wtfareyou · 25/12/2019 01:57

Hi there,

I am a new poster and looking for some support or words of wisdom as my head is fried from a situation I have found myself in. I'll try to explain as well as I can

I moved to another country on a secondment for a year and am now half way through. I have a great friend who I met through the organisation we both work for, although we dont work directly with one another. He lives in the city where I have been seconded to, and he and his partner have been so hospitable and helpful with my transition here. As it is so far from home he invited me to spend Christmas with his extended family in a much more remote part of the country, a few hours by plane. The is a very beautiful place and it was very kind of him to include me. I am there now.

Now, prior to me even coming to the country my friend (let's call him James) would often mention that he thought his youngest brother (let's call him Jack) and I would be great together, even if just for some fun. We have both been single for a while, mid thirties, quite driven when it comes to our careers and not necessarily looking for a relationship but also not entirely opposed to the idea. He lives in this remote location, and I got to meet him twice a few months ago when he was visiting family in the city I'm based. We had a great night out with James, and had another evening out, after which Jack and I got together. All good, we clearly fancy each other and have a good laugh together. He goes back to his remote town and I don't think too much about it. A week or so later he starts texting me about an international sporting tournament we are both following, and there's lots of banter about this, all good. I quite like him but am wary of getting to invested. Our texts start becoming more frequent and some sexting also starts. Again all good, it's super hot, fun etc. I tell him James has invited me for Christmas and does he mind, check with James too that it's definitely okay with everyone. But yes, all good, of course, more fun.

I really look forward to hearing from him, the texts become more frequently, daily in fact. And we start to talk about more personal things, call each other cute little names. He sends me good night texts. He generally starts the conversations each day, and talks about how excited he is to see me, what he'll be cooking etc. If anything I start feeling a bit overwhelmed with the amount of communication as I'm busy and have lots to do with work and life. But figure it's better he's so enthusiastic than the other way round since I'm going to a completely new place with all his family We have a couple of tipsy phone calls not long before I'm due to arrive and loads of texts about how excited he is.

James, his partner and some other family aren't arriving until Christmas eve, but I have the time to go a few days early and spend some time seeing the beautiful surrounding area and generally chill out. Jack says that he will pick me up from airport and will take me to see and do all this great stuff. I'm staying in a hotel nearby, and so is James and his partner once they arrive, as there will be other family at Jack's from Christmas eve onwards.

I get there, very excited and kind of nervous. He meets me, we're both a little bashful but start chatting, he takes me to my hotel. We go for some food, few drinks. Enjoy the hotel facilities, chat away for hours. He seems a bit shy for all his sexy texts, but that's all fine. He's fairly blokey and a bit rough round the edges you might say but we have similar views on some things and both work with marginalised groups. We hook up, fall asleep, all good. Though I notice he doesn't like to be close in bed, all fine.

Next morning I'm awake early, he likes his sleep. Once he is waking up we're chatting a bit about the day ahead. I'm horny, after all this time I was hoping for lots of hot sex but he's clearly not up for it, not responding to any advances by me. Ok, maybe not a morning person. We have all these plans so he gets up, heads home to change etc and will pick me up asap, which he does. We're on a long drive, I'm happy enough. Spend the day doing stuff. He seems standoffish, even though he's spending all this time with me and going out to dinner etc. He starts saying I'm slamming the car door a bit hard, and to stop 'staring' at him. I'm just looking at him when I'm talking to him etc in the car. I start feeling quote homesick and a bit vulnerable somehow. Perhaps I become a little quiet, but I'm also enjoying the beautiful scenery as we drive. He starts making comments about me sulking or having no chat, and then when I try to start conversation he'll make a sarcastic comment that shuts down what I'm saying. Or when I respond to something he says or asks he'll say 'I didn't ask for an essay' or 'didn't want your life story'. It's starting to make me feel shit and I feel tearful, wondering how I should act to make things go smoothly. Sometimes I don't quite hear what he says as he speaks quickly or under his breath, or not looking at me, and then gets rolls his eyes when I ask him to repeat himself. When I say oh ok sorry or whatever he then says something like 'oh lighten up I'm just joking, jeez you're hard work' or something like that. He kind of snaps at me once or twice.

I'm feeling awful by this point but he still seems to want to spend all this time, makes plans to watch a movie at his, still no physical touching at all, not even much eye contact. We go back to my hotel for dinner, some wine. After this we are relaxing on my balcony area and I want to figure out what's going on, so I ask him if I've done something wrong, as he seems very different to his text messages and I'm feeling a bit flummoxed by the whole thing. He immediately gets aggressive, says I'm criticising him, he's been a gentleman taking me everywhere spending time with me even opening doors Hmm. When I ask about the whole lack of intimacy he says he 'doesn't do affection or feelings' that what you see is what you get with him. That he doesn't do relationships because it's always this sort of shit with women. I say it's important to communicate about whatever is going on, and I'm not criticising I'm trying to understand him and where he's at, and Im just asking for the same consideration. He completely shuts me down, says nope, not happening. I even get visibly upset trying to explain how I feel, and being homesick and vulnerable as my dad isn't well etc. About which he was so sweet and kind in messages before I came. He won't have any of it. Says he does listen what more do I want. This is all very aggressively said all whole refusing to even look at me. I'm flabbergasted. Manage to start talking about something else. To be honest I want to bolt, but am essentially trapped in this remote area with him as my only transport. I figure it's best to try and carry on as normal as I actually feel a bit afraid of him. Also my friend arrives in a couple of days and I don't want to create any drama or be labelled difficult.

We carry on the night as if nothing happened. I even sleep with him again though it feels as if it's to keep the peace or something. I hope that maybe tomorrow will be a bit better, but know it won't. Odd thing is he is still making all these plans and I'm not away from him for more than an hour, when he goes home to feed the dog and change before another day trip. Why not just leave me to it? I also feel I can't ask to have some time along as that will be seen as being precious or moody or ungrateful, and I'll be punished somehow. Which is definitely what it feels like for trying to have an open honest conversation.

Maybe I should mention I'm well educated and speak and dress fairly nicely I suppose, unlike him perhaps. I couldn't care less what someone's background is, just whether they are a good person. There have been a few words I've used he has not understood and immediately just calls me posh and takes the piss etc.

So as you can imagine the next day was worse still. Everything I said he shit down or took the piss out, all u derived the guise of joking around. And when I went quiet or said something about the weather or being tired or whatever he would say 'oh is that you whinging again'. Yet won't leave to be on my own. Honestly, it's so exhausting and upsetting. I've never experienced behaviour like this before. I could go on with the rest but right now I'm just so shocked and sad.

Because the rest of the family has arrived I'm finally now on my own in the hotel for a bit so can regroup a bit.

Please can someone help me figure or what the hell is happening? Or just some kind words of support from someone who understands this?

OP posts:
fligglepige · 25/12/2019 02:02

Oh that sounds awful, I'm so sorry. It sounds like he was just pretending to be nice until he got to have sex with you. What a horrible man. Is there any way at all you can go home?

Aquamarine1029 · 25/12/2019 02:24

What an absolute psycho. Do yourself the biggest favour of your life and never interact with him again. Block him from your phone. If you do see him over the next few days, be very distant and don't engage in conversation. Certainly do not go anywhere alone with him again. I'm so sorry you've had such a horrible experience. Hold your head high and know you are not responsible for any of this.

gumpforestgump · 25/12/2019 02:35

Please straight up tell him what an arse hole he is, and turn on your heals. Do not look back. Block.

Sounds absolutely horrendous. But please take both the lead and pleasure in being confident to tell him the truth. You will feel better. Promise!

justilou1 · 25/12/2019 02:35

He is a manipulative prick of a man who loves to play mind games.

RowenaMud · 25/12/2019 02:43

He is playing you. Please have nothing more to do with him. He sounds completely manipulative. Do not sleep with him again and the fact you felt scared with him is alarming. Trust your gut.

icouldwriteabook · 25/12/2019 02:43

So sorry about all of this op. But he really is bad bad news. Save yourself and block as soon as you get out of there! Have a lovely Christmas don’t let him ruin it xx

S0upertrooper · 25/12/2019 03:04

Hi OP, what a nasty piece of shit this man is. Are you still relying on him for a lift, if so can you have an honest conversation with your friend and tell him you need help to get back without him? Don't worry about how others will see you, your safety and well being comes first. Take care and hope you can enjoy yourself now you're not alone.

Wtfareyou · 25/12/2019 03:31

Thank you all so much. I thought about telling my friend but don't want to ruin his Christmas. Christmas lunch is at Jack's place with all the family. I will get through the day, say I'm not feeling well and hopefully get a lift back to the hotel with my friends partner as he doesn't drink and can drive. He's lovely and not a big fan of any of James's family, and came grudgingly... so will want to leave before too late. Jack will be drinking a lot so won't be driving. There will be children around etc so it will hopefully be busy enough to avoid too much interaction or being alone with him. I also must do my best not to drink much though it's tempting to numb the pain. I don't actually really want to as not feeling festive at all.

I've actually now booked the first flight I could get on on boxing day, the big extra cost was worth it. We are supposed to be all going on a big long day trip to a particular spot and going on a 5 hour small boat cruise on a lake. I just couldn't do it. I'm not going to tell anyone I've done this, say I'm really I'll in the morning after Christmas and to go ahead and I'll see them later. And then just get the hell out if there that afternoon, tell my friend I managed to change my flight.

OP posts:
Aquamarine1029 · 25/12/2019 03:37

Good for you, op. Get the fuck out of there. Please don't neglect to block this arsehole completely out of your life. Never communicate with him in any way again.

RandomMess · 25/12/2019 09:24

How awful for you, great idea to leave as early as you can Thanks

Sharkyfan · 25/12/2019 09:36

Wow. It’s not you it’s him!

gamerchick · 25/12/2019 09:45

I'm not going to tell anyone I've done this, say I'm really I'll in the morning after Christmas and to go ahead and I'll see them later. And then just get the hell out if there that afternoon, tell my friend I managed to change my flight

Really glad to read this.

MooPointCowsOpinion · 25/12/2019 09:46

Urgh! Can you stick a label on him that he’s trash so no other women are tricked by him too. Men like that need identifying to all women!
Safe travels home, plan something lovely for yourself when you get back.

Wtfareyou · 25/12/2019 09:50

Thanks again people. It's Christmas day where I am and we've done lunch, lots of kids around. I've largely been able to avoid him which seems fine...so strange given the months of communication and excitement about finally seeing each other again. I avoid looking at him, or saying more than a brief mumble about how the food is nice. He responds better today, apparently I'm not 'whinging' any more. That's only because I've become a mute little woman, doing the dishes with his lovely gay brother and partner when the 'blokes' sit and drink and smoke.

I grew up in a family of strong women and gentlemen. I'm funny, articulate, love to talk and listen, debate and enjoy being an extrovert who includes people and love to help out. For the first time ever I feel subdued as a woman. That I am supposed to be nice and inoffensive, listen to the men, cook and clean, be pretty. I'm doing all that to get through the day. But the sweet nephews and nieces of this guy have made me cookies and gave me a card and I feel terrible now for the stunt I'm going to pull tomorrow.

Am I being unreasonable?? It's been better today just spending most of my time with my friend and his partner, but a whole other day of driving, and even being in a swim suit around this guy makes me miserable. What should I do argh Confused

OP posts:
ThirtyAndASmidgen · 25/12/2019 09:52

He sounds horrendous. You poor thing. As women, we’re trained to be nice and compliant, but I really think this is a situation where you could have made a scene and done anything you needed to do to get out of there - approached hotel staff or another tourist, perhaps? I’m surprised you slept with him again after how he treated you. I’m not blaming you at all but perhaps this horrible experience could be a learning opportunity for how to handle it differently next time.

ohwheniknow · 25/12/2019 09:53

You're not pulling a stunt, you're protecting yourself from a highly abusive individual.

ThirtyAndASmidgen · 25/12/2019 09:53

Gosh, just read your update. Please stop being “nice” and start being honest about how he’s treated you and why you are leaving early.

ThirtyAndASmidgen · 25/12/2019 09:55

Just to add, I’m still working on assertiveness but I once approached a Spanish couple in a similar situation, begged them to help me (in Spanish) and they did. It got me away safely.

gamerchick · 25/12/2019 09:55

No you're not. In a way, I prefer this type of dickhead. You see from the off what they're about, they're not like the type who can play a whole new person until you're trapped.

Make sure you tell your friend why you've left after you've left. Don't feel guilty about it. He's behaved vile to you while you've been there to make you submit into what a woman should be like in his head.

pictish · 25/12/2019 09:58

Glad you’re getting out of there ASAP- chalk this one down to experience I think. James is clearly a socially inept idiot...what an unpleasant man.

I think this is the risk you run agreeing to spend a few days with a virtual stranger. It puts you in a really pressured and vulnerable position. You were at his mercy really and he treated you like shit.

Gtfo of there. Xx

Racmactac · 25/12/2019 09:58

God he sounds absolutely vile. Get the hell out of there ASAP and then let James know the truth.

Wtfareyou · 25/12/2019 10:06

Part of why I have not left already is because I'm in a very remote part of the country and I can't. I also don't drive so am dependent on getting about. Things are a bit better now there are other people around. I hear what you are saying about me sleeping with him again, and I never thought I'd find myself in this situation...but I honestly feel intimidated and that the best thing I could do until I got out of here is to be compliant. I'm repulsed by him now. And I will tell my friend I'm a few weeks once I'm back and safe, feeling strong and away from this guy. My remaining time here would be so much more awful than it already is if I spoke up any more.

Also I don't want to wreck Christmas for my friend who is very dear to me and clearly had no idea how nasty his brother really is. God I actually feel traumatised it's ridiculous

OP posts:
ThirtyAndASmidgen · 25/12/2019 10:10

Gosh, you poor thing. It sounds horrendous. Wishing you strength until you’re able to get out of there Flowers

Bluerussian · 25/12/2019 10:23

Aquamarine1029
What an absolute psycho. Do yourself the biggest favour of your life and never interact with him again. Block him from your phone. If you do see him over the next few days, be very distant and don't engage in conversation. Certainly do not go anywhere alone with him again. I'm so sorry you've had such a horrible experience. Hold your head high and know you are not responsible for any of this.
.........
Agree with that.

I'm glad you've booked an earlier flight home. The guy sounds like a real arse, doesn't know what he wants. I've heard similar stories about men (particularly men), backing off after they've slept with a woman - actually happened to me once when I was young. It really is insulting but - just put it down to experience and forget him! You will have better times in the future.

onalongsabbatical · 25/12/2019 10:48

What a horrible, vile, disorientating experience OP. And I think you’re handling it brilliantly, spot on just to get yourself out of there. Plenty of time later for explanations to James, the rest of them you’ll never see again, meh, they’ll get over it. Crack right on with your plan and good luck.