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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

What do you make of this

89 replies

itsjustme555 · 09/03/2020 10:26

Hi everyone.

I have been with partner a year. Even in this short time it hasn't been easy. We have argued a lot and I have noticed things that have made me try to distance myself a bit whilst I figure out my situation. However I am not perfect myself, I also have some health concerns and other issues that may or may not contribute to the problems we have had.

I just wanted to give an example of how it went when I saw him recently and whether you agree that I may be too sensitive or easily offended (his words) or whether it does sound like shitty behaviour/a shitty day. I probably will give too much detail, I am not sure why he would ever come across this site but if he does and twigs, so be it!

So here is a rundown of what occurred recently:

I contacted him to ask to hang out. He seemed happy to do that and agreed a time later on. However when I arrived it was clear he was in some kind of mood. Perhaps because I have been unwell lately due to ongoing health concern and unable to see him every single blooming day. Perhaps because I am not a huge texter at the best of times (he knows this) and hadn't texted him the day before. However when I asked if he was ok even though it seemed clear he wasn't, he said he was fine and didn't communicate any issues to me.

Anyway he was in some mood but I tried my best to be chatty and chirpy. I started explaining a story but he began mimicking me. I guess he was trying to do it in a jokey way but I found it annoying so I said oh, I won't bother to carry on then. He said something like oh don't be like that trying to appease me, so I begrudgingly finished whatever story it was.

Then I had to nip out to pick up something. I think he knew at this point that I was concerned he was in a mood (as I had asked him if he was ok). On my return, he was suddenly ok and saying hi really nicely etc. It just felt like some sort of fake mask he had suddenly put on.

However because of what had happened earlier, my mood had been dampened so I kept my distance for a while as I was trying to process things. We watched TV for a bit.

Then I told him how I was feeling a bit unwell. He made some comment about how it was because I had been lazing about and not doing anything recently. Yet up to this point he had not actually asked me what I had done that morning or the day before! On the contrary, I had cleaned and done some work. It felt like what he usually does in a roundabout way (making me feel I am to blame). He then made some weird comment about my body and how that is related to me being unwell (won't give further detail just in case). I presume it was a dig about me being too skinny (I have lost a lot of weight since we got together, I know he is concerned about that)

I said it wasn't a very nice comment, and he said I shouldn't take offense so easily. I said oh so my feelings don't matter then, that is ok you carry on then.

...Of course, I am rarely able to find fault/joke with him/disagree with him (not that I do it really at all) without him totally blowing up about it...

This kind of thing would normally have resulted in an argument between us, I could see it could escalate but he was trying harder than normal to control it/control himself to make sure it didn't. He turned it round again to ask well why do I feel unwell then. In the end the conversation just fizzled out.

There were other things too but I am worried that I have given far too much detail already, what can you do though as I would love some advice and need to explain it obviously! Basically I had arrived in a good mood and left feeling crappy, going over and over in my head how the day had turned out disappointing and how annoyed I was by these constant little things. I know there is no point telling him how I feel any more and how that day made me feel, as he will get overly angry, it will just get twisted on me, or I will be told I am too sensitive.

Am I too easily offended? Is it normal for adults to mimick their partners voice, often blame things even tiny things on their partner all the time (eg if keys cant be found, jokingly saying oh you must have put them somewhere even if they aren't my keys), try to make jokes about them (however jokey, subtle or not very harsh they are) and say it was just a joke. I don't know if now I am older I do not tolerate 'banter' like I used to.

The thing is that when we first got together he often complimented me and seemed nice and very into me. I know we have had our ups and downs but now he is normally just joking around with me, usually not very harsh things though but still, then saying it was just a joke. I can't remember the last time he complimented me, the only time I remember is when I fished for it eg asking him if I looked nice. I know I am not perfect by any means and my health issues are a problem. But I still compliment him occasionally, I thank him for what he does for me, I don't mimick his voice or really joke at his expense.

Would this kind of day piss you off too or am I too sensitive? Sorry this is so long!

Thanks!

OP posts:
BumbleBeee69 · 09/03/2020 12:44

honestly... it should NOT be this hard

itsjustme555 · 09/03/2020 12:45

@Alicenwonderland I know but I also question my own behaviour and what I have done and whether maybe I have been somewhat abusive too (eg going distant after big argument or he has put me off, as I need some space)

OP posts:
itsjustme555 · 09/03/2020 12:46

I know @BumbleBeee69! I never had a relationship this up and down before!

I do think I focus too much on the negatives though. He has been very kind and caring and supportive sometimes.

OP posts:
Lllot5 · 09/03/2020 12:46

I didn’t read all that. Ffs just dump him. Why would you put up with this unnecessary shit.

itsjustme555 · 09/03/2020 12:48

😂 @Lllot5 I tend to agree.

It's hard when you do have strong feelings for them though. Despite the issues!

OP posts:
IceColdCat · 09/03/2020 12:50

To me, this is just a relationship when the two of you are wrong for each other. He sounds annoying, you say you're not perfect either, but IMO this isn't really anyone's fault. It's just not meant to be. You would both probably be happier with a different partner.

anotherfineday2020 · 09/03/2020 13:00

When he contacts you tell him no and why, if it causes an argument then there's your reason to say Sorry I have better things to do. While ignoring any texts or calls, do not be available when he's being like that.
He should be supportive and is it possible to seek others with a similar health issue online or in person for added support,, he won't like that!
If he's being moody or joking like a dick then stop him and leave. Ignore the texts, calls and find someone else.
Ask yourself Do you deserve to live like this?
Whatever is going on with your health your worthy right!

Alicenwonderland · 09/03/2020 13:01

You do blame yourself, that's part of how abusers work. I was in an emotionally abusive relationship for 8 years. It turned violent (although there were violent episodes throughout the relationship) and we separated. I then spent a year of escalating abuse where he verbally assaulted me during contact. I blamed myself, he would be nice for a few weeks, then awful again. I argued and argued with my IDVA (women's aid support worker) that it wasn't abuse. He was stressed, the kids and I were hard work ect ect. I didn't see it for ages and then it finally hit me. It's been three years now and he's taking me to court for the second time in just over a year for custody of the kids. He continues to try and control me and is not great to the kids. One of the reasons I come on here is to try and help and warn women who are with these men. Even if he's not abusive and I'm paranoid it still sounds like a really horrible relationship. You've only been together a year. Find someone who doesn't make you constantly question yourself. They are out there.

Lllot5 · 09/03/2020 13:02

Well then you need to dump and then try to work out why you have ‘strong feelings’ for someone who treats you badly.
It won’t improve, it’s only been a year, dump him.

ThisSistineWontScreamAtItself · 09/03/2020 13:10

God I'm exhausted just reading that!

It really, really shouldn't be this hard.

Not being able to say how you feel (for example that you don't really want to see him today because he pissed you off yesterday) is the same as saying you can't be yourself around him. Do you really want to be with someone like that?

Imagine how twattish he will be in another year, then five, then ten. Ugh no.

It doesn't matter if someone is nice to you some of the time if they're also horrible to you any percentage of the time.

We all have spats and niggles but he's being a dick and it's making you feel shit.

What would you tell a mate to do if they were you?

Babooshkar · 09/03/2020 13:13

Please just end it, there is literally nothing worth staying in this relationship for!

itsjustme555 · 09/03/2020 13:20

Thanks everyone. Thanks @anotherfineday2020 I will just be honest with him and follow your advice. I want to tell him how this has bothered me for two days!

I know and thanks @alicenwonderland. I am sorry to hear about your awful experience. The truth is that actually most of my relationships (bar one!) Have been abusive in some form and I am just realising this. Some were obvious (physically violent) but some less obvious. Like I now realise my dad was quite EA to my mum.

I guess with this one it has been so hard to pinpoint and not very obvious as sometimes he is so nice, doing favours, buying me gifts, and I feel like I don't do that as much in return (can't afford gifts right now) so I should be grateful. But I do know something isn't right and when he next contacts me I will be honest and say I don't feel like seeing him whenever as I didn't enjoy the other day. I shouldn't have to pretend like I am ok and happy or I am something I am not as you say @ThisSistineWontScreamAtItself

Thanks everyone. It's tough as I thought he was so decent to begin with and sometimes I think he still is. Or maybe we just aren't right for each other as @IceColdCat feels. He clearly could do with either someone who is a total doormat who will just do whatever to please him or someone who is very thick skinned and can give as good as he does in terms of the 'jokes'.

The health issues are mostly mental health...sometimes he is understanding and caring honestly. But sometimes I wonder if I would have felt better /improved in health if we hadn't met! 😂

Sorry that it has been an exhausting read for everyone! It has been a rather exhausting relationship too 😂

OP posts:
1forAll74 · 09/03/2020 13:20

It seems that you are wasting your time with this man, If it is you who has to always go apologising to him,and he is always indifferent to your comments,and all the other things you have mentioned, then he is not worth much to you.He sounds quite dull,and is lacking in some proper male behaviour.... I wouldn't let him string you along anymore.

ThisSistineWontScreamAtItself · 09/03/2020 13:30

Even if he is a decent man, he may just not be a good fit for you and that's ok - but means you need to end it. Hope you can be happy either way, FWIW I think you sound ace! Thanks

Alicenwonderland · 09/03/2020 13:33

Don't apologise, it's not exhausting, just makes me want to give you a big hug! Definitely see if you can do the freedom programme, it's a real eye opener and will help you with future relationships. Forewarned is forearmed. It will help you know what too look for in relationships and what the warning signs are. As you say the physical abuse is easier to see but most abusive relationships aren't like this. I see that I have qualities that make me a target for abusers so I've waited three years to actually trust someone enough to date properly. I'm still waiting for him to be horrible to me! That sounds awful but after so many years being abused it's what you come to expect. 💐

TherapistInATabard · 09/03/2020 13:37

OP I wouldn't waste too much time trying to get him to understand how you feel, it sounds like he's incapable. Get rid of him and see if you can access some counselling, as you have recognised that you have had several abusive partners. Be kind to yourself Flowers

Todayisontheup · 09/03/2020 13:48

Hi @itsjustme555,

But he reminds of my ex, who I now realise was a narcissist!

You are wasting your time and could become a shadow of your former self if you stay with him.

Good luck

itsjustme555 · 09/03/2020 15:12

Hi all

Thanks, I know I am wasting my time, especially when trying to explain my feelings. But...when/if he contacts me, I probably will explain why I felt crappy about the other day. I just want one more chance to tell him how I feel! Presumably it will turn into an argument or turn nasty but I will try not to get dragged into it and then like you say not spend any more time on it or him.
@1forAll74 yes he is actually pretty dull!!! No friends or hobbies, nothing much to say, I know sometimes I talk too much (maybe why he doesn't always respond or seems to ignore me) but goodness I feel like if I didn't talk much we would mostly be sitting in silence!
I know it really shouldn't be this hard and whoever is to blame, I'm sick of it. Thanks everyone.

OP posts:
fuckoffImcounting · 09/03/2020 16:29

He sounds like a narcissistic knob. That being so, when you dump him, he may be back to the love bombing for a week or two, before he starts being an knob again. So don't fall for it. Kick his miserable arse right out of your life.

itsjustme555 · 09/03/2020 16:31

Yes I think you are right @fuckoffimcounting
I have tried to end it previously. Soon after we got back together he was getting me little gifts etc but that has slowly tailed off

OP posts:
categoricallycrackers · 09/03/2020 18:54

Your mental health will not improve if you stay with this man. He will bring you down. Here you are blaming yourself, checking out with other people whether he is acting like a dick (he is) because you cant trust your own judgement. This will not improve, you are only a year in, it shouldn't be this hard so early and the more time you spend with him the further you will be ground down and the more time he takes up of your precious life when you could be out there meeting someone who will treat you well.

itsjustme555 · 09/03/2020 19:02

I know @categoricallycrackers ☹️ the past few weeks I feel like all I have been doing is wasting my time and energy worrying/thinking/feeling down about our issues. I don't want to meet another man (rather stay single for a long time) but would certainly be nice to be spending my time doing something else instead of feeling like that.

He has not yet contacted me since the crappy day over the weekend and I have no interest in reaching out to him myself right now

He seemed so nice and caring at the beginning and still is sometimes. Oh well.

OP posts:
categoricallycrackers · 09/03/2020 19:43

I bet he's not doing much soul searching! Onward and upward @itsjustme555

MashedSpud · 09/03/2020 19:48

Get rid. He’s an arse.

itsjustme555 · 09/03/2020 19:52

I bet he isn't at all @categoricallycrackers. I bet he hasn't a clue how annoyed the day made me aside from my initial reactions at the time to everything. He may be getting annoyed/down that I haven't contacted him since but other than that probably just watching TV or playing a video game!

OP posts: