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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 to get my partner to allow me a girls night out?

306 replies

smokedbacon · 02/02/2020 13:14

Hi I've been with my partner for ten years we have three children under 5 and I'm mid 20s I've never ever been on a girls night out and I really want too.
He said no if I go he has to come or I can't go and I'll be breaking up our family and relationship for the sake of a night out.
I've never ever been out without him only to like the school runs shops or my mums or grandmas. What do I do?
He said if I go out I'll be cheating on him or I can't handle my drink or I'm using a girls night out as an excuse to meet men but I'm not.
I probably would only have two drinks as I don't really like it as much as I used too and plus having the children the next day would be difficult hungover.
I've never gave him a reason not to trust me he keeps telling me I don't love him and I'm a slag if I go but I haven't ever been out with my friends before and I really want to go but I guess it's not worth losing my relationship and family life over a night out is it?
Has anyone experienced this before??? I don't even know why I asked I know I shouldn't have to ask him but I did and it was vetoed straight away now it's gone to shite

OP posts:
Pumpkinpie1 · 03/02/2020 11:13

Start talking and don’t stop
Whether it’s your friend , your kids school let people know what is happening to you
His behaviour is not normal and acceptable
A happy family relationship is not like this
I think you are braver and much stronger than you think
You and your kids deserve a life not dominated by fear and control
Please believe you deserve better and keep talking
Be Safe x

smokedbacon · 03/02/2020 14:29

Hi sorry I didn't update last night I haven't read all the replies yet either my ds2 has been up most of the night coughing so been trying to sleep this afternoon.
Well
He came in from work last night tried to be nice to me which I knew he would to get round me I said nothing has changed your not going to change are you?
He still couldn't understand why a night out is more important than our family, I said to him it's not about a night out it's everything it's the not going gym, it's the not allowed out with my friends, it's things like going into sulks because I might do or say something you don't like.
He then ran a bath which he never ever does when he's straight back from work which was bizarre and packed his stuff and left.

I haven't heard nothing from him and I'm still blocked but I honestly thinks he might just think I'm doing this to prove a point and then he can just come back in but that's not going to happen.
I feel sad that it's come to this but reading all the posts back to me yesterday made me realise I have no quality of life with him half the time we don't even speak we're just in the same room staring at the tv in silence. I really don't want to miss out on any of my life anymore it's been ten years.

OP posts:
smartiecake · 03/02/2020 14:32

Can he come back to the property OP? Can you have the locks changed? Is his name on the property? Take steps to keep yourself safe when he comes back

ilovemyrednosedaymug · 03/02/2020 14:33

wow, good update OP, well done on standing firm. It will be hard but please don't listen to anything that he says, because he will try and put the fear into you that you cannot manage without him.

Keep reading this thread, contact Women's Aid for support, reach out on this thread for support. Talk to your friends, especially the one who has been through this.

He has conditioned you this way, but you can do it without him and have a much happier life. Maybe start keeping a notebook/diary, write down all the little things that you couldn't do when he was here, cross off each one as you do it from now on. Enjoy the little things that you can't do when he is here.

Reversiblesequinsforadults · 03/02/2020 14:36

Stay strong. Make sure you have support from your friends and family. Don't let him back in.

smokedbacon · 03/02/2020 14:36

I haven't called Womans aid yet but will do that after the school run, my friend came up also last night and I told her bits and pieces not the full story and she said she knew from in the summer last year when we was out downstairs in the park,
My friend was talking about online dating and meeting a man and he started making digs about it and saying I bet you've made her get that app too haven't you to get away from me and then done a laugh and said I'm joking.
But she said it was weird so she knew something was up, then she noticed whenever we speak he doesn't say much but is always listening and doesn't leave my side. Just little things I hadn't noticed she had noticed.
Also the fact that we always seem to be together if he's not at work.
She said this is how it started with her, and her ex ended up doing awful things and went to prison it has scared me a bit now and made me want to sort of just stay away from him.
She said to me as well why do you always ask him if he's ok? I said what do you mean she says you always do it.
And it's true thinking of it I always say you okay? Are you sure your okay? It's like a reassurance thing I guess or something

OP posts:
smokedbacon · 03/02/2020 14:40

His names not on my tenancy thank god as he said he wouldn't be going on it so he didn't have to pay rent when I first moved in here so he's done me a huge favour there. And he shouldn't be able to get in I have a secure door and the chains and stuff to put on.
It's weird I don't feel scared of him anymore I do feel a bit uneasy and anxious of what next but I feel a bit lighter if that makes sense. I can't see him paying any child support but I'll deal with that another time

It just feels nice to sort of start again now not sure how to get myself and the kids in to a routine but we done ok this morning and I've got my friend here if I need kids picking up or taking to school as my youngest is still a baby but I think we'll be ok.
Thank you everyone to for the advice and help you've given me x

OP posts:
gamerchick · 03/02/2020 14:41

Good for you OP. The hard part is coming up. Don't hesitate to draw on RL resources and come here for next step advice.

Life will be so much better for you without this life you've been living.

smokedbacon · 03/02/2020 14:44

It's just crazy that it took me asking for a night out and posting here thinking I was being unreasonable to reading all this and realising wait a minute why have I even asked and felt like I needed to ask? It really upset me reading other posters saying they can just up and go it must feel so freeing and nice to just pop out for the night. I think this is why I feel so stressed all the time because when the kids have played me up or he's stressed me out, other than a hot bath that's all I have to wind down too and it doesn't do anything.

OP posts:
Funkycats · 03/02/2020 14:44

So glad you are OK! The way he treats you is not normal. A good relationship is one where you feel safe, happy and supported in your life. He should be your partner, not owner and director over your life.
Interesting how it's OK for him to just block you and go out. Ask yourself how he'd respond if you did that?
I'm pleased you have spoken to your friend about it and got some validation from her.
Next step, women's aid. You don't have to know exactly what you're going to say when you lift the phone. They are used to talking to women like you who are sad, scared and confused Flowers

Pinkbonbon · 03/02/2020 14:49

Reassurance that he isn't about to throw a strop/get annoyed with whatever you are doing or saying probably.

Also they condition you to always be thinking of them. Their needs, their desires, their feelings ect... so that you never have the headspace to consider your own. Because you're too busy thinking about how to modify yourself and your behaviour to keep them from starting some argument/drama or other.

All a massive headfuck.
And yeah, he is dangerous! Think about it,he got you to the point where you, a grown woman, in 2020 thinks she needs permission to have a fun night with friends. He's fucked with your self esteem and head for years. Who needs a knife when they can just use their words to mess you up?

Stay free!

Whatisthisfuckery · 03/02/2020 14:51

OP, I hope you’re ok. I understand this thread must be a slap in the face. You already know his controlling you isn’t right but it’s quite a shock when so many people are telling you so bluntly.

It is not alright though, the way he is treating you, however I don’t think anyone on this thread just expects you to up and leave just like that. It’s a hard realisation and an even bigger mountain to climb before you’re actually at the point of doing something positive about it. It takes on average 7 attempts for a woman to leave an abusive partner. If you mange it the 1st or the 20th time you won’t be alone though.

I have been in a very similar situation to yours. My ex wasn’t horrible all the time, and he gave the appearance, at least outwardly, of caring for our DS. However like your partner he was very controlling, and would kick off big time if I wanted to do something without him. it was only when I finally decided to leave that I realised just how isolated I’d become, because of him.

My best advice to you would be to arm yourself to the teeth with information. Find out about benefits you’d be entitled to and where you stand legally about housing etc.

Line up as much support as you can get. Womens Aid, local domestic advice service, have a chat to the police if you’re worried, talk to friends and family, the DC’s schools if relevant. The more you keep talking and the more people who know the easier it will be for you to get the help you need it when you need it.Your friends and family might already know what he’s like and just be waiting for you to come to the realisation yourself, but it’s also possible that it might come as a shock to them as well. Please try to be honest with them, because they will want to help you.

I know you’ll be stricken with guilt at the thought of him leaving, or saying awful things about him, but his controlling of you really isn’t acceptable. Your DC will be observing your relationship and that is what they will see as normal. I’m guessing you don’t want your daughter if you have one to end up in a similar relationship when she’s older, and if you have a son you won’t want him replicating his father’s behaviour to his own partners.

I know your partner said he’d up and leave if you insisted on going out, but I can guarantee he won’t, or he won’t stay gone if he does go. Unfortunately you’re going to have a much harder time getting rid of him than that. These kinds of men are all the bloody same, they will say or do anything in order to keep control over their partner’s. He sees you as belonging to him, and he won’t give up his property easily. He’ll cry, threaten suicide, blame you, guilt trip you, accuse you of breaking up the family, get angry, give you the silent treatment. He might also get physical, which you might not believe but then you’ve never pushed him before so you don’t know how he’ll react. That is why you need to get yourself clued up and line up your support. He’ll throw the kitchen sink at you and you’ll need all the help you can get to stay strong.

It’s hard where you are now to be able to see through all the fog and the guilt, but the more you open up to people and the more feedback you get from them the clearer things will become.

I know you’re worried about coping on your own, I know how that feels, I was terrified, but actually it’s not as hard as you think.Feeling on your own can be horrible, but it’s nowhere as bad as feeling alone when you’re trapped with a person you don’t want to be with.

Anyway, I hope you’re ok. Please do come back and talk. There are many women on here, including myself, who have been through similar and got out the other end, so you can bounce things off us or just have a rant, whatever you feel like. We understand, we’ve been there.

Good luck.

billybagpuss · 03/02/2020 14:54

Well done op that’s really positive.

Why did he run a bath! Did he have a bath before he left, that’s weird.

Pinkbonbon · 03/02/2020 14:57

Just a heads up, videos on YouTube from ppl who have had narcissists in their life might be worth a watch (can't remember if i said already). Melanie Tonia Evans is good. Watching a 'what a narcissist does when you leave' might be wise too so you can start arming yourself.

MrsTerryPratchett · 03/02/2020 14:57

You friend sounds great. In future, if you are thinking about another relationship, run everything by her.

You sound great too Flowers

Longwhiskers14 · 03/02/2020 14:57

Great to get an update and hear that you're okay, OP. It does sound like he thinks he's calling your bluff by going, so hold your nerve. Already you sound stronger in your posts! Yes, you might have tough times on your own going forward, but you have totally got this! Have you told your family yet?

I also hope you are planning your first girls' night out as we speak! Flowers

seven201 · 03/02/2020 15:03

"maybe he is quite controlling I don't really know"

He is totally controlling. Abusively so. This is so very unhealthy and an awful environment for your kids. I felt chills reading your posts. If you really want to stay with him then at least try and get him to do some couples counselling.

Please wake up to the abuse and start preparing what you can do to improve your life (leave him).

I'm sorry you're going through this. It must be awful.

oohnicevase · 03/02/2020 15:04

Does he smoke weed? He sounds very paranoid .. it's not normal ... tell him to do one and go out !!

user1465335180 · 03/02/2020 15:09

So pleased you were strong OP and told him all the things you couldn't live with anymore, and he stropped off like a toddler, which is great. Now get all the help you can, tell everyone so he can't tell lies about why he left and loads of good luck to you and your children.

AttilaTheMeerkat · 03/02/2020 15:14

seven201

Couples counselling is never recommended where there is abuse of any type within the relationship

He will merely manipulate the counsellor just as surely as the op herself has been groomed. Op also is not safe emotionally to do such a thing with him

BumbleBeee69 · 03/02/2020 15:20

well done OP Flowers

justthecat · 03/02/2020 15:26

Good to hear but keep strong

Drabarni · 03/02/2020 15:28

You met a controllng bastard when you were 15, you need to leave him now.
This is not right as you've been told by so many people.
You deserve better than this, what made you think he has a say in how you live your life?

Mamato · 03/02/2020 15:28

Id change the locks too op if hes still got his key. Well done for standing strong

astraea · 03/02/2020 15:43

I lived in a relationship the same as yours for 25 years, we have 5 children. I didn't go anywhere on my own for those 25 years apart from work. I also was not allowed to go to the gym, he would say I only wanted to lose weight to get another man. I just adapted my behaviour and convinced myself I didn't want to go out anyway.

5 years ago I discovered he was having an affair which had been going on for a year. I kicked him out.

I would never have left him, but the affair gave me the chance I needed to end it.

The beginning was hard, hardest thing I've ever had to do: I was also 16 when we got together and had never known anything else my entire adult life.

He begged me to let him back but I stayed strong. It will be hard; he will lovebomb you and promise you the world: please don't listen, it never changes and life can be so much more, you get one shot; don't end up like me wasting 25 years!

5 years on, I'm with a man who is kind and loving and treats me with complete respect and trust: (he is also 10 years younger than me and a 6ft 2 hunk compared to me 5ft 7 exh who was 5 years older than me) I go out when I want and go wherever I want and am honestly now living my best life! I'm so so happy and cannot believe I wasted 25 years of my life with that man. I feel so free and happy and content now.

He is still with the woman he cheated on me with. They are always arguing, it's basically the exact same as when I was with him. Nothing has changed and he will never change. He hates that I am happy, he is completely irrelevant to me now.

You can do it I promise!

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