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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:
willowpatterns · 09/03/2020 20:07

OK, he's nice sometimes, but then you would never have agreed to go out out with him in the first place if he was unpleasant from the outset, would you?

A lot of the time his behaviour towards you is truly horrible and deliberately spiteful, and calculated to needle you. He belittles you, criticises you, makes 'jokes' at your expense, gives you the cold shoulder, and then when you naturally get offended or upset, he blames you and tells you that you're being too sensitive. So successful has he been that he's even got you bending over backwards to blame yourself and smooth things over.

Please dump him. He's a bastard and he will only get worse.

Therebythedoor · 09/03/2020 20:09

Yes... he will be nice sometimes because if he was nasty, moody and belittling all the time you'd have no problem with giving him the elbow!

dodobookends · 09/03/2020 20:09

I bet he hasn't a clue how annoyed the day made me

Oh he knows all right. He gets a kick out of it. He enjoys making you grovel.

itsjustme555 · 09/03/2020 20:12

I know Sad I just feel so, so disappointed. I know nobody is perfect. And some people may have really thick skin and not mind the jokes. But I guess I cannot tolerate it and he hasn't turned out really to be what I expected (just like I have turned out to be the fantasy that he initially put on a pedestal).

OP posts:
itsjustme555 · 09/03/2020 20:13

@dodobookends not totally sure if he does, or if he is that intelligent to be that manipulative. But I did stop grovelling a very long time ago anyway.

OP posts:
Nofunkingworriesmate · 09/03/2020 20:24

When you share your feeling with a partner it should be met with love and a keeness to make you happy, the fact that you know it will be an argument and you will be put down tells you Everything you need to know
You can do better, so what if he is nice sometimes and buys you gifts - he should!! AND be kind and respectful ALL the time
Your mental health will improve with out him twisting your melon

itsjustme555 · 09/03/2020 20:26

Thank you @nofunkingworriesmate and I will have so much more energy and mindspace to focus on other better things. I feel like my whole life has been about him and the ups and downs since we met.

OP posts:
Dogladyxo · 09/03/2020 20:29

I definitely think this is a case of wrong for each other. It will never change OP

itsjustme555 · 11/03/2020 16:08

Well we haven't spoke since the day (although it ended on good terms) and I have just received a random message with nothing but a hi in it, so I guess now I should just be honest and say I haven't felt like seeing or speaking with him for a few days as he made me feel crappy. And watch it blow up into another argument I imagine.

OP posts:
JudyGemstone · 11/03/2020 16:31

Or instead just say you've had a think and you don't feel you're bringing out the best in each other and best to call it a day.

Nicolastuffedone · 11/03/2020 16:36

Why don’t you just bin him? He’s horrible.

itsjustme555 · 11/03/2020 16:53

I know I know, he is decent a lot of the time too though.

I think I am almost scared slightly to do so yet and waiting until I am in a better place financially as I may need to move (we don't live together but very local).

I replied saying some things that happened the other day bothered me, but I have got to the point where I don't even see if it is even worth trying to discuss as it will probably end in an argument, and I am not sure how I am feeling at the moment.

He replied and said no he doesn't want an argument and then started saying about something else. So no interest at all in finding out what happened or resolving anything.

This is usually what happens when we actually argue as well...we don't communicate for a few days (I enjoy the space frankly) and then everything just carries on as normal and nothing is ever resolved..

So right now honestly I just don't feel like replying back, whether or not that seems immature or rude.

OP posts:
Interestedwoman · 11/03/2020 17:05

Of course they're nice sometimes- if they were 24/7 evil every month of every year, we wouldn't stick with them.

I imagine this is often draining/tiring. Yes, I have no doubt your mental health would be better if you were free of this person.

Don't give him another chance, you've already given him loads. Don't let it slide- life's to short.

You could just send him something like 'This isn't working for me so I think we should draw a line under it. Let's be civil if we run into each other.'

You needn't move unless you don't really like where you're living. If he gives you any hassle, call the police.

itsjustme555 · 11/03/2020 17:16

I am just disappointed he is not even interested to find out why I am bothered or try and resolve it. Apparently I just have to be ok and carry on as normal!

Problem is I have tried to actually end it before (stupidly got back together after he 'hoovered' I believe is the term) I feel like if I try again he will get very angry or not believe I seriously mean it.

I am just not responding for the time being.

OP posts:
Zaphodsotherhead · 11/03/2020 18:05

I think, although I hate it with a passion, that this guy might be a good candidate for ghosting.

If when you try to talk to him he just disregards your feelings and pretends that nothing is wrong (for him it isn't, you're behaving yourself and fitting in with him), then why even bother trying to talk to him?

Nicolastuffedone · 11/03/2020 18:51

Well he can get angry or not believe you mean it all he likes! He can’t force you to be his girlfriend!!!!

itsjustme555 · 11/03/2020 19:23

Yes I wish almost that I could ghost but it is not possible as we do live very near each other and also I would feel guilty as it has been more than a year together on/off considering the arguments.

I know. I just need to grow a pair and donut I suppose as I am not happy he has just blown it off today and isn't even interested in finding out more about what had bothered me (aside from me quickly saying at the times of the incidents in my first person) or talking about it

OP posts:
crystalize · 11/03/2020 20:21

His moods are deliberate, designed to put you on edge, to punish you. He enjoys seeing you appease and apologize. He is abusive OP, a manipulative emotional abuser.

Turning his back on you and mimicking you made me so mad. I understand it's very hard when there has been strong feelings there from the start. It will only be a matter of time until you wake up and realise that this is not right.

Keep reaching out for support on here and read up on emotionally abusive relationships, sulking, silent treatment etc. Hope you end it with this tosser soon.

itsjustme555 · 11/03/2020 20:29

I know, thank you @crystalize
I suppose he expects that in a day or two I will be totally fine and happy to see him again and carry on as normal.
It was just a series of little things that day but it has bothered me so much and with all the other (fairly similar) issues we have had I think it has just been the icing on the cake.

I was trying to remember all our many arguments (they are usually massive blowouts) and I am sure he caused/was responsible for at least 75% of them and I know he has rarely ever apologised if ever and often things turn out to be my fault or the fault of my health issues and nothing is ever resolved.

OP posts:
TaterWaffle · 11/03/2020 20:37

Good LORD woman, just dump him, please.

You have my permission.

itsjustme555 · 11/03/2020 20:44

@taterwaffle Grin

OP posts:
GeekyGirl42 · 11/03/2020 22:10

Honestly, I would run for the hills!! He's showing you so many red flags. I know it can feel like it's overreacting or being over sensitive. It really isn't. Flowers

itsjustme555 · 11/03/2020 22:23

Thanks @geekygirl42 I know, I have known along, but it has been a constant battle with the fact that despite the issues I do really care for him I do find him very attractive in an inexplicable way as he is not my normal type etc etc, although that feeling of attraction is definitely lessening due to all the issues and behaviour

OP posts:
LJenn · 11/03/2020 22:44

Just come out and say it. Look, I don't this is working out. We don't seem to bring out the best in one another.

If he responds with you're "too sensitive" then you just say, well in that case we'll just have to agree to disagree on that one. Some of his comments are just plain insensitive and if he can't see that, well you can't change his behaviour.

tenlittlecygnets · 11/03/2020 23:26

Yuk, he sounds like a bully. This is supposed to be your honeymoon period!!

I'd put this one back. You can do a lot better...