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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

DP says I’m blunt and rude

75 replies

Arums · 31/12/2019 14:17

But will never give me a specific example. I have begged him to because I genuinely can’t see it and I replay conversations in my head but am at a loss as to what he means. We had an argument today because we’re going on a city break soon that I’m really excited about, I haven’t had a child free break since before my dd 3 1/2 was born and am so looking forward to wandering around peacefully, going to galleries, eating out, all things that are impossible (well not impossible but challenging) with a lively and demanding child. He had been saying the same so this is definitely not all just my idea or all stuff only I want to do. he’s a keen film maker, he has a professional film camera and likes to take hours of footage that he then edits and grades and makes into proper films with a music soundtrack etc. Which is obviously great and he’s done some lovely ones. There have been times however when we’ve gone places and I pretty much haven’t had any interaction with him at all as he’s been filming, and there’s a lot of standing and waiting around. Also he wants to get the latest new fancy camera for this trip. So I tried to very tactfully say, is it ok if there is a bit of a balance between filming and just spending time together and being in the moment and looking at stuff without it always being through a lens. He got very huffy with me so I left it, about an hour later I tried again saying I only meant can we have some time without the camera but obviously it was fine for him to film too and I wasn’t trying to say he couldn’t! But he got angry and said (and this is what ends up being the issue almost every time we row) that it was the WAY I said it and that I’m really blunt and rude. I honestly don’t know how more gently and tactfully I could have said it, without having brought it up at all. This makes me feel like he just doesn’t like me saying anything that he disagrees with, and when I asked how else I could have said it without being ‘rude’ he had no answer and just shut down the conversation. This happens every time. Am I meant to just never disagree with him or ever bring up anything that could be contentious? If I am rude then obviously I don’t want to be that way but it feels like no matter how I try to put things it’s wrong. Was I rude? I’m starting to doubt myself and feel worried about saying anything! I have good friendships and have not been told I’m rude by anyone else. I am, I would say quite direct, as in I don’t hint about things, or meander around a point too much. But I try to be empathic and understanding of other people’s perspective, I absolutely do. Also I have a job that requires me to communicate about very sensitive and upsetting matters with people so I think my communication skills are quite well developed. I just feel like I can’t win. Does he just fundamentally dislike me as a person is what I’m asking myself, in which case it doesn’t bode well for a continuing relationship.

OP posts:
Bjorksswandress · 31/12/2019 15:11

its hard to believe what you are saying is reasonable and valid if you have grown up with a lot of criticism. It’s important though to stand your ground and start practising being assertive and maybe actually to be blunter.

I wonder how he would react to a simple but clear statement such as “ I need you to not use the entire trip we are going on as a photography weekend and to do things together that we can all enjoy?

If he wants to focus on his photography maybe he can save up to go on a designated course/weekend rather than expecting a family break to revolve round his interest. It’s unfair and not ok and he needs to be told that.

The more you are considerate and measured in how you challenge him the more it sounds as if he will try make out it’s your problem not his

AttilaTheMeerkat · 31/12/2019 15:31

We learn about relationships first and foremost from our parents.
Who criticised you when you were growing up; one of your parents I presume.

Did you go onto partner up with someone really just like them?.

You would not want your DD to have a relationship like this would you?

No matter how nicely you put it to him to put down his film camera he will merely turn it around to make out like you are being unreasonable to suggest such a thing.

howdisappointing · 31/12/2019 15:37

ExH (note the ex) used to make the same complaint about me. He was looking for something more 'Stepford' I think.

Chamomileteaplease · 31/12/2019 15:41

@Arums this is bringing back hideous memories of my exH.

You had to think about how to bring it up before you spoke and really tried to say it nicely - ie treading on eggshells. A horrible way to live.

And he can't even back up his argument. It is sooo frustrating isn't it?

I like the PP's suggestion of saying, well maybe, but could we address the issue itself.

Does he use the "blunt and rude" excuse to try to avoid the issue whatever it might be at that time?

FWIW I don't blame you for wanting to get the filming issue sorted before you go - bloody good idea, then you both know what to expect from each other for the holiday. It is what any counsellor would suggest i am sure Smile.

redwoodmazza · 31/12/2019 15:43

My DH is like this. He often [always] says I speak to him in a horrible way. But I don't raise my voice or anything. In fact, I say things in exactly the same way that I would to anyone. However, he can never give me any examples when I ask.

However, he bloody snarls at me - in a nasty, angry way.
I now think what he means is that he doesn't like WHAT I say - as opposed to how I say it. Hmm

aroundtheworldyet · 31/12/2019 15:44

What you said was totally fine. What he did was childish in the extreme. It’s like a 8 year olds reaction.
If he can’t see this then this will be the rest of your life getting progressively worse

RebelWithVerySharpClaws · 31/12/2019 15:47

I'd give him bleeding blunt and rude - selfish controlling twat.

Arums · 31/12/2019 15:52

Thank you all so much, you’re really helping me. And I’m sorry to hear of your similar experiences but it’s a relief to know others understand. Yes I think he doesn’t like being challenged or criticised in any way, and sees or feels criticism when there isn’t any, is hypersensitive to it, which probably stems from his past but that’s his issue to deal with and not fair to take it out on me.

I think next time I actually will be extremely blunt and rude and then maybe there is a comparison for him to see?!

OP posts:
Arums · 31/12/2019 15:57

I’m sorry I haven’t replied individually to each of your posts but I have read each one carefully and thought about them, thank you

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TwentyViginti · 31/12/2019 15:57

Why do so many hobbying men do this? Making everything about their own obsessions.

Dawninglory · 31/12/2019 15:57

He obviously wants to just film the whole time you're away. Didn't like you reminding him it's a couples break to spend time together, which is not fair of him to expect you to trail around after him all day filming. That's why he made the comment to deflect from you calling him out on it. Not rude at all op.

SmileyClare · 31/12/2019 16:02

Stop questioning yourself and trust your instincts. It appears that he has eroded your self confidence.

I agree with pps, he is the blunt rude one. It's inconsiderate to make most of the trip about his filming and frankly selfish. It's not only rude to shut down any conversations regarding this, it's childish.

You should be able to discuss issues with your partner without having to tread on eggshells Sad .

AttilaTheMeerkat · 31/12/2019 16:02

Arums

He is already taking this out on you. Being extremely blunt yourself towards him won’t work.

Do not put up with this from him. I would actually consider your relationship as a whole and consider too whether you want your Daughter to grow up thinking that yes this is how men treat women.
Abusive men treat women like you describe and his actions are all about power and control.

CanIHaveADrink · 31/12/2019 16:10

What @2020yeah said.

Like many men, when he says that you are being rude and blunt, he actually means that you, as a woman, dare holding your boundaries and held him into account.

If I was you, I would carry on ‘being rude and disrespectful’ whilst wondering if you can accept a situation where you are living with someone who doesn’t respect you as a person.

Groovinpeanut · 31/12/2019 16:14

He's succeeded in achieving exactly what he wanted to do. He's made out you're the one with the 'problem' and your criticism as he perceives it of his hobby is you being rude and blunt.
He now knows he has 'raised' your 'faults' so he can shut you straight down when you 'reoffend' him. He's getting you under control and conditioning you.
It might be worth doing exactly what you're being accused of, just say " I hope this break isn't going to be you playing Spielberg on that effing camera again is it?"
Might as well be blunt eh?
Telling him he can shove that bluntness up his arse for good measure to round it off.
Failing that go on your own and have a fantastic time and a lovely break, and leave him with his camera Wink

Windmillwhirl · 31/12/2019 16:23

It might be worth doing exactly what you're being accused of, just say " I hope this break isn't going to be you playing Spielberg on that effing camera again is it?"
Grin

Yes, the above is being blunt and rude (even if understandable).

What you did op was neither.

He is absolutely looking to film the whole break and expects you to just accept that.

YouretheChristmasCarcass · 31/12/2019 16:31

I think you need to step back and take a look at your interactions/behaviour as a whole.

Do you walk on eggshells trying to find the 'right way' to say something to him for fear of his reaction?

Do you tailor or have you changed certain behaviours because you know it'll 'set him off'?

Have you given up things you like or not gotten things you want because you know he'll get arsy/pouty/shouty about them?

Obvs we try to be considerate of our partners and not purposely be rude/belittle them, ignore their needs, or do things they hate simply because 'I want to', but there is a line between being considerate of another simply because we love them and being bullied/coerced because we fear them/their reaction.

Only you can decide what side of that line you're on. And whether or not you want to continue to live that way.

Savingshoes · 31/12/2019 16:45

Being blunt and rude is much better than being fluffy and going round the house.

Takes ages to work out what someone is banging on about and causes unnecessary arguments.

olivertwistwantsmore · 31/12/2019 17:13

This makes me feel like he just doesn’t like me saying anything that he disagrees with
Yup! He wants to train you never to bring up anything he doesn't want to talk about, and never to question him.

when I asked how else I could have said it without being ‘rude’ he had no answer and just shut down the conversation. This happens every time
Because he has no answer! Your post here is perfectly eloquent and polite, so you're probably like that in real life too.

Am I meant to just never disagree with him or ever bring up anything that could be contentious?
Yes, that's what he wants

LadyLightning · 31/12/2019 17:20

You manage sensitive discussions elsewhere - so, it isnt you, its him. He is a selfish man and he is trying to stop you from calling him on his selfish behaviour and get to a resolution - effectively it sounds like. If he cant give you examples, then it is just an opinion - and opinions are like assholes, everyone has one.

KellyHall · 31/12/2019 19:27

My dh used to say similar about me, I just told him I'm not being rude, I'm just giving you my opinions so don't make me responsible for your reactions to what I'm saying.
He recently told me I'm a bit critical at times, I asked him how I could get him to do more without being critical because I'd happily do whatever the alternative is - he laughed and said "ah, I can't tell you that"!
Just keep reiterating that you're not being intentionally rude and hopefully he'll understand one day. Don't take what he says too much to heart either or neither of you will tell each other anything!

Arums · 31/12/2019 20:42

An update to this - he apologised, half-heartedly: ‘I’m sorry you’re upset’ and I normally would’ve accepted it because I hate a bad atmosphere but this time I didn’t. I steadfastly repeated that I hadn’t been rude and all I’d wanted was a compromise. It escalated and escalated with him throwing everything (verbally) that he could, including things from the past and a very personal critique of my many many character flaws. But I stayed with it and kept repeating that I’d simply wanted to enjoy a holiday with him, experiencing it together instead of standing to one side while he had a one on one with his camera. It actually got a bit mental with the things he was saying but I stayed firm and agreed when he said we weren’t suited and shouldnt be together. And I started making plans to leave with dd. Because I don’t want this shit no matter how traumatic leaving and reestablishing a life is. And I was serious. I guess he realised because he has now backed down completely, apologised, explained at length how he knows he’s in the wrong and what he thinks has caused him to be the way he is. He’s been speaking calmly and honestly and acknowledging that all this comes from him. So I appreciate that but my eyes have been opened now and explanations will cut it this time but not again. I’m not his emotional punching bag. I’m not perfect but I’m not wrong on this and I’m allowed to say what feel and to challenge him. So we’ll see but I feel quite liberated and you’ve all helped me regard this dynamic differently. I know I’m not always right but I matter and how I feel matters. It’s such a hard thing to believe sometimes when you don’t have that strong foundation within yourself but I am going to continue to tell myself that: I am important even if only to myself and my dd. Thank you all for your time in reading and replying, you’ve been very kind.

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RandomMess · 31/12/2019 20:56

Good for you.

Don't let his "reasons" excuse bad attitude towards you from now on. He is an adult and responsible for what he says and how he behaves and ensure that you tell him that.

It's so good to read that you know your worth and value Smile

Redshoeblueshoe · 31/12/2019 21:10

Bloody hell, actually sometimes it just takes one incident for everything to become clear.
Good luck.

Arums · 31/12/2019 21:29

@redshoeblueshoe I read a thread about poppadoms yesterday where this was the case so you are so right

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