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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:
YouJustDoYou · 25/12/2019 10:49

You've done the right thing op. He's a vile misogynistic piece of crap, no one should have to feel forced to put up with that. Good luck 🍀

Musti · 25/12/2019 11:05

My goodness op. What a mental case.

Pinkbonbon · 25/12/2019 11:16

He's a narcissist OP. He was love bombing you and now he is devaluing. He may switch back and forth between those things, trying to imply you are the one with the problem (narcissist 'crazy making').

Gtf out of there and finish all contact as quick as pos!

It is possible that the rest of the family are dysfunctional too. Why the hell would your 'friend' set you up with this nutjob!? I'd distance myself from the whole lot of them tbh.

Wtfareyou · 25/12/2019 11:22

The comments about misogyny and narcissism seem spot on. His lack of empathy is astounding. I can't bear to be on the same room as him. Hearing your words of support and advice is unbelievably helpful and reassuring.

I think this is going to hit me hard later on, both of terms of the affect on my friendship, and who I am as a person. I thought I was a smart intuitive woman, but I'm an idiot Sad

OP posts:
TheStoic · 25/12/2019 11:25

You are a smart, intuitive woman. You’re doing exactly what you should be doing now, and that’s getting away from him as soon as you can. What more could you have done?

You weren’t to know he would turn into a completely different, awful person.

RowenaMud · 25/12/2019 11:27

What country is it OP? Is it the Middle East? You don’t have to say the exact spot. Is it a cultural thing?

onalongsabbatical · 25/12/2019 11:29

You
Are
Not
An
Idiot
He
Is
All
Kinds
Of
Trouble.
Flowers

RowenaMud · 25/12/2019 11:29

You are NOT an idiot. You were played! Leave and once you are back home safely, tell your friend what happened. And block that man forever!

Pinkbonbon · 25/12/2019 11:40

Well he's shown you who he is now and youve realised so I don't see what else you could have done. It's not like you haven't cottoned on and are blaming yourself for his behaviour (like he wants you to). You see him for what he is and you'll leaves as soon as you can. You got your head screwed on fine if you ask me. Smart cookie!

Wtfareyou · 25/12/2019 11:41

Thank you lovely people. I was wavering a little but my resolve is back. I have to make a stand and get out if here, even if only for my own sanity it will matter in the future when I look back on this. I'm in Australia btw

OP posts:
Interestedwoman · 25/12/2019 11:42

You've not made a mistake, you weren't to know that (this is my theory) he considers women to be somehow lowered if they 'give' him sex, and then to be worthy of slagging off and disrespect.

Chalk it up to experience, and think how relieved you'll feel when you manage to escape, and get home. xxx

JustASmallTownCurl · 25/12/2019 11:50

If you feel it will help you leave with less confrontation or upset then I would say there's a family emergency / something that can't wait back home so you need to leave.

I feel so anxious just having read your posts, I can't imagine how unbelievably anxious you must be feeling.

What a wanker, what an absolute wanker. I agree explain to your friend once the dust has settled and Christmas is out of the way!

I'd like to scoop you up and help you run away ASAP, he's such a dick and it's a real shame he's ruined Christmas when he could easily have just said he didn't want to continue things. I don't even think you'd have been bothered at all! He's made it into a big deal by being such a cunt.

Sorry OP, get home safe. I've bailed on a holiday before and felt so guilty and stressed but as soon as I got home the relief was immense. It's 100% the right decision.

If James is a good friend (and he sounds like he is) then he'll likely know his brother has a dick side and won't hold it against you - after all you've done fuck all wrong!

ThanksThanksThanks

ohwheniknow · 25/12/2019 11:51

You're not an idiot. He targeted you.

RowenaMud · 25/12/2019 11:55

Australia. Well that kind of explains it!

Thankfully you are surrounded by Eng speakers. I was worried you were relying on the family for translation.

He is an ignorant ass. I’m so glad you are staying in a hotel and not relying on him for hospitality. He has zero respect for women.

Dcm74 · 25/12/2019 12:10

Australia. Well that kind of explains it!

How so?

Op I'm sorry you find yourself in this position but it sounds like you are a very strong woman and you have your plans in place to get away from this man and not see him again. Good luck and hopefully you'll be out of there tomorrow.

Chunkers · 25/12/2019 12:12

Can you have a quiet word with James’s partner to say that you are happy to leave as soon as he is ready, I’m guessing he won’t be surprised. You might even find you can confide a little on how it’s all been going.

Cacklingmags · 25/12/2019 12:58

You are doing the right thing to get away OP, this man hates women and could be risky to sleep with again. You have done your best to protect yourself in a vulnerable situation. Get on the flight and return to your own very good life.

YouJustDoYou · 25/12/2019 13:05

YOU. ARE. NOT. AN. IDIOT. And repeat to yourself over and over and over.

He said lovely things to you ann came across as genuinely nice. That's not your fault. He's a sly, nasty gaslighting manipulator and more than likely doesn't let his hatred of women show to his male relatives....or he has slipped out the odd comment and they've brushed over it. Anyway, none of that is your fault- none of it. Escape when you can, breathe a sigh of relief when you're on that plane, and explain EXACTLY what happened and WHY to your friend. If they're a true friend, they'll understand, and if not, well, that's not your fault either.

AllyBamma · 25/12/2019 13:22

I KNEW you must have been in australia!

I say this as an Australian (and yes I realize this is a huuuuge generalisation) but my experience with Australian men has been the worst!! I know I’m tarring a whole country of men with the same brush and I’m sure there so many great Aussie guys out there but, the kind of guy you describe is just so typical of the boys out there.

They’re all manchildren, immature, insecure, toxic masculinity drenched idiots who have no idea how to treat women.

If he lives and works in a remote part of the country he probably has even less opportunity than the city guys to interact with women. Not that that’s a valid excuse for behaving like an absolute dip shit but trust me when I say, it is 100% not you, it’s him. I’ve dated sooooo many clones of him over the years until I stopped dating Australians altogether and got engaged to a scotsman.

Good on you for getting the flight out. Just chalk this one up to experience, block him immediately and one day it will all be a funny story to tell. Don’t bother trying to explain your point of view to him, he will never understand and will just write you off as ‘some crazy chick’.

You have my sympathies OP, I know exactly how you’re feeling right now xx

Wtfareyou · 25/12/2019 13:51

Omg YES people. Especially to the last two posters, youjustdoyou and allybamma...I feel like my subconscious thoughts have somehow crystallised and become personified in you wonderful strangers.

Funnily enough I'm on secondment from Scotland Grin

OP posts:
Sparklfairy · 25/12/2019 14:01

You poor thing. I'm so pleased that you're getting out of there and not taking his shit,but it's awful that you're uncomfortable enough around him that you're moulding yourself into what he 'wants' (quiet, meek, don't argue) so as not to antagonise him. I like to think I'd have squared up and told him exactly where to go, but in your situation in fucking Australia?! Hell no. You're doing exactly the right thing.

Flowers for you. He's an arsehole.

AllyBamma · 25/12/2019 14:10

@Wtfareyou my experience with British men has (obviously) been much more positive! I honestly don’t know what it is or why really, so many Australian men... or boys really, have this over the top macho bogan thing going on. Especially younger guys in their 20s. You’re working against a whole generation of fuckwits really, hence my giving up on the lot of them.

Can I ask what city you’re headed back to?

JingsMahBucket · 25/12/2019 14:10

Funnily enough @RowenaMud I never pictured the Middle East and immediately thought it was Australia based on the clues the OP gave. Try not to always assign misogyny to the ME. Lots of westernized countries are full of it too. It is also very much a “cultural thing” in westernized countries so that dog whistle doesn’t work.

@Wtfareyou while reading your posts I started wondering if he had started seeing someone else and was being a jerk about it to push you away. As you continued posting I thought, “Nah, he’s just a psycho.” Definitely tell James’ partner you’re not feeling comfortable. I have a feeling he’s had run ins with Jack before. There’s a reason that lovely man doesn’t like his partner’s family...

OldWomanSaysThis · 25/12/2019 14:25

It's interesting how quickly he was able to bring you under his control - but the isolated setting was in his favor.

He had the long distance build-up and then at the meet-up he had you totally vulnerable and dependent on him for an extended period of time.

I think I would have probably feared for my life had I been there which would have made confrontation impossible. Once you get past that initial "Uh-oh" then past the "Am I imaging this?" and then too much of "Is it me?" and then you finally get to, "How do I get out of this situation safely?" you just kind of do what you need to do until it's over.

You are not an idiot. It's not you. Once back home, I would totally "out" the guy to everyone. Someone may try and set him up with another unsuspecting woman.

SoleBizzz · 25/12/2019 14:27

I met an Australian man lastvweek and he was so rude! We met in a group and if he provokes me again I'm going to tell him to watch his mouth! He seems naive to speak to me like that ahha

Hide in your room and pretend to be unwell then leave