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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 has invited ex to friend's memorial but not me

29 replies

littlebadger38 · 24/06/2020 01:24

This may sound trivial but it's really upset me.

Have been seeing DP for a year. His best friend died from suicide two years ago and he was the last person to see him alive. It has been terrible for him and I can't imagine his pain. I have tried so hard to be supportive and have been there for him through some dark times.

It's been a really important part of his grieving process to have a memorial gathering each year to mark his friend's death. They go to where his ashes were scattered and then go for drinks or a meal somewhere.

His previous relationship ended a year or so before we met. They weren't together when his friend died but he invited her to the funeral as his support. From what I can gather she is very unstable and has a lot of problems. But she is also stunningly beautiful and 27 (I am 42 and he is 38). I have told him that I don't feel comfortable with them meeting up for drinks and her coming to his flat. There was also a point where she was calling him incessantly when he was at my house. It really hurt me and I told him that it wasn't ok. He told me that he would tell her to stop calling and that they wouldn't meet up anymore.

She has been in the background the entire time I've been seeing him. He claims he has no feelings for her but still cares about her wellbeing. He also admitted she came round to his flat in the very early stages of our relationship and tried to sleep with him, too which he said no. He showed me the message exchange afterwards where he told her he was really angry with her and that he would never be unfaithful to me. He said he told me about it because he wanted to be truthful and transparent.

He has just told me that she wants to come to his friend's memorial this year. From what I gather it is a handful of friends (all of whom I've met several times and they all know about me). He says he can't say no to her coming and that she was friends with his friend who died during the time my DP and her were together. I get the feeling he wants her to be there ( I am not invited, which I understand as I didn't know him).

I know he is grieving and I feel Ive played an important part in helping him this year. My father died in a mountaineering accident when I was young so I do understand to some degree.

I don't know why I feel so upset and excluded. I think it's because I know how important this anniversary day is to him and yet he wants her there and not me. He has been very non-committal about his feelings for me to be honest, but he says that is just the way he is.

AIBU to be really really upset by this?! Or am I just being an insensitive, insecure idiot? I should add that I'm divorced after discovering my ex DH was being unfaithful so trusting people is really hard for me.

Any advice appreciated.

OP posts:
FortunesFave · 24/06/2020 01:30

There are two issues here....separate them.

The first is that you don't have any place at the memorial. You didn't know the man. This other woman did know him.

You're unreasonable to want an invitation to it...it's not a social gathering.

The second issue is your partner's inappropriately close relationship with this other woman.

It definitely sounds "off" does she still call him all the time? Or did he do as he said he would and ask her not to?

If she's stopped all that, then there's nothing you can do about her attending the memorial.

He may indeed want her to go as she was part of his friend's life. And that's ok.

NoMoreDickheads · 24/06/2020 01:33

YANBU really.

I think he's flattered by her attention so to an extent likes to keep her hanging around.

NoMoreDickheads · 24/06/2020 01:35

You're unreasonable to want an invitation to it

@FortunesFave OP said she understands and didn't expect an invitation.

littlebadger38 · 24/06/2020 01:47

Also, I should add that another friend is taking his girlfriend who didn't know him. It's also more of a meal and piss up type thing, rather than a formal memorial. It's more that it's very important to him but he doesn't want me there. That's what bothering me.

OP posts:
AnneOfCreamCables · 24/06/2020 02:24

He has kept his ex in the background for your entire relationship. He showed you texts to prove she was still interested in him. He's non-committal about your relationship. It sounds as though he likes you unsettled and doing the pick-me dance but you don't need to play. You deserve better.
Who attends the memorial is just a symptom of the bigger problems.

birdy124 · 24/06/2020 02:30

A young unstable stunningly beautiful ex who still wants to sleep with your non committal bf? Hmmm

I don't think the memorial issue is a huge deal. I can understand wanting to just be with my friends who knew the person (even if others bring new partners).

But I would worry about this ex in the background. Sounds like it could be a lot of drama....

HypatiaCade · 24/06/2020 03:10

There is no real need for the memorial to be kept so small that you can't go. Tell him that you would like to go, and clearly others wouldn't have a problem with you going as there is another new person there. I think him not wanting you there, and his ex going are more linked than he would like to admit.

headsinaspin · 24/06/2020 06:16

I don’t get why you can’t go? Personally I think if you’ve been a massive comfort to your boyfriend while he deals with his loss he would want you there. Also if you do feel uncomfortable with his ex being there (after she’s tried it on with him!) then he should reassure you by offering for you to come!

If this ex has never gone to one before I don’t really get why she needs to be there now. I don’t really get why they are in contact at all. Unfortunately my boyfriends ex is just 25, 12 years his junior and stunning. They have a child together but like you she was ringing all the time and he seemed flattered by her attention. You need t set boundaries now and if he can’t see your side or make it clear you’re priority and he doesn’t want to hurt or lose you then it’s time to walk

NoHardSell · 24/06/2020 06:22

Don't make it about the memorial

There is an issue here. Everyone else can see it. It suits him to have you insecure and on the back foot but does it suit you? I would start looking at your need to 'rescue' actually - it reads like this relationship is more about you supporting him through emotional crises than about him making you feel happy. There's probably something there to explore

SpillTheTeaa · 24/06/2020 06:28

Non committed DP but can commit to the unstable beautiful 27 year old? Something doesn't add up and you know it. Get your stuff and leave. You'll only end up hurt.

RantyAnty · 24/06/2020 06:32

The memorial isn't really the issue here.

What do you mean by non-committal?

What were you hoping for when you first got with him and where did you want the relationship to go at this point?

MsDogLady · 24/06/2020 07:42

I have tried so hard to be supportive and have been there for him through some dark times.

He has been very non-committal about his feelings for me to be honest.

You are the giver in an unbalanced relationship with a man who is non-committal and who enjoys having 2 adoring women in this triangle he has set up.

I would walk away now.

Fidgety31 · 24/06/2020 07:43

There’s nothing wrong with him wanting to see friends without you there. I wouldn’t expect my new boyfriend to attend a memorial of my friend that they’d never even met . I would want his time alone with my friends.

The issue with his ex still hanging around is separate. Maybe he likes the attention . Most guys would .

UncleShady · 24/06/2020 08:02

He hasn't invited you because it's a date with her.

He's just not that into you.

Standrewsschool · 24/06/2020 08:09

I agree there are two issues here, and you are blurring the issues.

The memorial is about his friend. The ex wants to pay her respects, with bf and group of friends. She’s not having a date with him, as such, but joining in with a group activity.

However, don’t be threatened by her looks. Looks aren’t everything, and they must have split for a reason. He is with you now.

He was honest about her visiting in the early days, and told you that she will be at the memorial. He’s not hiding her from you. To be, that’s a good sign and he sounds trustworthy.

NotaCoolMum · 24/06/2020 08:29

@Fidgety31 op has been seeing him for a year so not really a new boyfriend

Ughmaybenot · 24/06/2020 08:55

The memorial is a separate issue, and it makes sense for those who knew him to be there and those who didn’t not to be so let’s set that aside.

The real issue is that he’s actively worked at making you feel insecure, he hasn’t really shut her down, or laid down any real boundaries with her, and he doesn’t commit to you. He’s not the one OP. Staying with him will only delay the painful inevitable.

Thisisworsethananticpated · 24/06/2020 09:01

It’s all a bit shitty to be honest
He likes having both and likes having your care and attention but the thrill of the 27 year old wanting him
He probably doesn’t want the stress of an actual relationship with her
But his lack of boundaries and respect is clear

If he thinks this is OK he is wrong , and what do you stand to gain here ? It’s a relationship but one that makes you edgy and nervous

I struggle to see what you are gaining from this arrangement , does he make you happy ?

OldOakTreeRibbon · 24/06/2020 09:12

This guy is not a prince, he’s a frog. Why not set him free back to the pond.

Ispywithmycynicaleye · 24/06/2020 09:16

She knew the friend. You were his support. I dont understand why he can't invite you both. Is it just a plus 1 event Hmm

I'd be asking this. Especially since other DGF's are invited.

Babdoc · 24/06/2020 09:28

OP, I would consider having some therapy or counselling by yourself. You are possibly a woman who continually picks emotionally damaged men and tries to “save” them, by ministering to their issues, mothering and supporting them, while getting nothing in return.
What did you learn about relationships when you were growing up? How old were you when your dad died? Are you subconsciously choosing emotionally unavailable men, as you fear they may also die, and this way you will be less hurt than losing a loving committed man?
The memorial trip is the least of your worries in my view. Your investment in a man who is at best lukewarm about you, and at worst manipulating you by playing on your insecurity, needs addressing.
Please give some thought to your own needs, rather than his.

Thisisworsethananticpated · 24/06/2020 09:55

Wise words babdoc

PinkMonkeyBird · 24/06/2020 12:06

also agree with @Babdoc

The memorial is a red herring. The issue is the ex girlfriend and your partner manipulating you by relaying things about her. It is game playing and ego stroking. Honestly, it isn't worth it.

Apple1029 · 24/06/2020 12:24

Honestly op, the ages of all 3 of you tells a different story. He is clearly keeping her around for some other reason. She can only be in the picture if he is allowing her?
If another friend is taking his gf who didnt know the friend, then why cant he take you. She isnt his plus one so why does that affect you coming as well?

Gutterton · 24/06/2020 12:55

MrsDogLady and Babdoc have it.

Do you have DCs? Does he? Are there any planned / wished for for the future?