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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

New DP and behaviours. Time to leave or am I being dramatic?!

246 replies

TreasurySr · 13/11/2020 23:34

We moved in after 6 months because of lockdown. I’ve got to know him very fast because of it. These things are bothering me and I can sometimes over analyse so not sure if I’m reading into it all but here goes..

Whenever i leave the house for food shopping (usually) I get back and he is FaceTiming his mum. He will do this for hours at a time and obsesses a lot over her health (she’s currently fine so no particular reason to, and it’s not about covid but about anything to do with her health). One time he called her and she said she was eating dinner so she’d call back later. We started kissing and he stopped sex as he was worried she would call back in the middle of it..

He photos his body parts to check they haven’t changed. This is health and appearance related. Sometimes he even asks me things directly, he gets bothered that his penis looks a different colour. It never does, he just obsesses over it.

When children in need was one (prompted me to post!), he commented about one of the severely disabled kids (the charity advert part) that it was a total waste keeping them here and it was a waste of nhs resources Hmm he’s a doctor and this made me feel really sad!

My gran is currently very unwell with dementia and we’ve been told she will probably die in the next couple of weeks. I’ve been prepared for this for the last year as she’s been getting worse, but my partner hasn’t even asked how she is since we learned she was in hospital on Tuesday.

It’s my birthday soon and recently he said he’d transfer some money to me as it was easier...I’d much prefer something thoughtful than a bank transfer but haven’t said anything as I don’t want to seem ungrateful.

I don’t know if I’m expecting too much? He’s good it lots of ways, cooks every night, we can talk about work together, he’s intelligent, he’s got a good sense of humour. Are these most things I’m focusing on as we are in the house so much? Maybe I wouldn’t notice as much otherwise? Also he does have health anxiety and OCD before anyone points that out but he’s adamant he’s on top of it these days and won’t seek help for that stuff.

OP posts:
TreasurySr · 14/11/2020 06:38

@Lipz your dd sounds lovely, as does your dh. Reading your post is a very nice reminder that there’s decent, kind and good people out there. He is not one of them and the two people I’ve confided in about that comment have been repulsed too. Your family sounds great and I hope I meet someone like your dh one day. Forever hoping it seems!

OP posts:
anxiiousone · 14/11/2020 06:39

@MsTSwift

Some people seem to think doctors are some sort of superior other worldly race they really are not met plenty of weird annoying doctors socially can well believe the op.
Absolutely! I've worked around doctors and psych most of my career ( I am non- clinical staff) so I am not all surprised to read this.

Don't forget the gallows humour!

Sally2791 · 14/11/2020 06:43

If a friend was describing her new partner to you as you’ve described him, what would you advise her?
He sounds cold and selfish to me. And a mummy obsession is not healthy or attractive.

AlternativePerspective · 14/11/2020 06:44

Tbh I would have thought that health anxiety went with the profession of being a doctor and would also explain why he is constantly so concerned about his mother.

I agree that stopping sex in case she called seems awful on the face of it, but this is a man with health anxiety, who is concerned about the health of his mother, and in his job health is a priority, iyswim, so he isn’t switching off from that but needs some encouragement to do so.

The comment about the disabled child again, is awful when said in isolation, especially when applied to all disabled children. But again, as a doctor he will see situations where we fight to preserve life at all costs, and the question must arise as to who we are doing it for, and whether it is always a positive thing. If he has a difficult communication style this could be what he meant or how he is thinking.

IME a lot of doctors lack bedside manner. My cardiologist certainly does, and is blunt in the extreme. But on the plus side he gets things done. He doesn’t pass the buck, he goes down the hall, speaks to someone and the test you would normally have to go on a waiting list for is done there and then. if he wants you to have an appointment on a certain day and the appointments are full he re-arranges and books it himself. His admins must tear their hair out, and his most memorable conversation with me was: “hello, you happy?” And when I responded “yes” he said, “your future is very bleak.” 😂. A comment which I still share with great amusement because of just how direct it was, but someone more sensitive than me would almost certainly have needed some reassurance after.

I’m not defending this bloke, I don’t know him, and if you’re not compatible then you’re not, and there is no need to justify why.

Those aren’t things I would want to live with either, but someone else may have the tolerance we don’t, iyswim, and it’s very easy to conclude that someone is a vile individual based purely on a snapshot when actually there may be reasoning behind the traits.

Ihaveyourback · 14/11/2020 06:44

On his position about disabled children, that would be the end for me. I could not cope with the degree of self obsession or the weird thing he has going on with his mother either.

bumblingbovine49 · 14/11/2020 06:45

I find these forensic posts about people's personalities, listing their faults and asking if the op should drop them really odd. I am not talking about asking support to leave abusive relationships, which is a different thing.

Op most of the things posted are minor in my view and absolutely not an indication that this man is awful or anything other than a normally flawed person The comment about the disabled child is the only one that is close to saying anything about the sort of person he is in the sense of values and character.

The key thing here is that you have realised he is not for you .Listen to your feelings and work out a way you can leave ( lockdown or not). There is no need to forensically examine every aspect of the man's personal habits in public to make that decision just because you are annoyed at yourself for making a hasty decision . I know it is a pain but you know you can't stay.with him and you need to face that , make plans to leave and and let him know. It is just a relationship that hasn't worked out. Lesson learned, move on.

Giantsfallover · 14/11/2020 06:46

@MsTSwift absolutely correct.

and

Respected professionals just don't come out with views like this

Behind closed doors they do. You’d be surprised at how many drs hold similar views about the disabled child. They are usually selective about who they say anything too.

anxiiousone · 14/11/2020 06:49

His admins must tear their hair out, and his most memorable conversation with me was: “hello, you happy?” And when I responded “yes” he said, “your future is very bleak.”

😂

Graphista · 14/11/2020 06:52

We moved in after 6 months because of lockdown.

I will NEVER understand the rush by so many to move in with people

People querying his medical credentials clearly don't understand how ocd and health anxiety work.

They are mental illnesses - usual logic doesn't come into it, people with mental illnesses thought processes are disordered - hence obsessive compulsive DISORDER.

He KNOWS medically that his penis (or whatever else) is fine, healthy, normal colour etc KNOWING that logically DOESN'T prevent the obsessive intrusive thought that something IS wrong with it.

I have dx ocd also, the constant need for reassurance is exhausting.

To take an example lay people and non sufferers are more familiar with an ocd sufferer who's contamination worries include cleanliness of hands KNOWS that after washing them once in soap and hot water in a way most normal folk do they are clean - this doesn't STOP the obsessive thought that they are still dirty unless and until we give in to the compulsion of washing them x times in y way - and even then we often have to force ourselves to resist the compulsion to keep washing them indefinitely. Certainly the case for me, I have a "magic number" which is the number of times I have to perform a compulsion. But if I'm really bad I have to double or triple that number.

The number isn't there as a number to go UP to it's a number to LIMIT the compulsion.

Many hcps have ocd - dx and undx and treated and untreated.

As I said at beginning really it was foolish to move in SO SOON. Crazy! Tbh especially with his job at the moment as that will be increasing his stress and increasing your risk of exposure so the lockdown excuse doesn't bear out at all.

The other things - his focus on his mothers health and needs are an extension of his health anxiety and ocd BUT I wouldn't be surprised if she or his father also had (possibly undx) ocd as there is believed to be a strong genetic component - if you're planning dc you may want to consider this

The lack of consideration is something else entirely and this early on I would consider it a red flag - surgeon perchance? Notorious narcissists! But can be true in other areas of medicine too. a & e yep also a tendency to the narcissistic usually a side order of hero complex too. If something isn't a "genuine" urgent or dramatic type they're totally uninterested to the point they'll make you feel you're making a fuss over nothing, UNLESS it gives them the chance to play hero it's unimportant as far as they're concerned. Their view of chronic illness can be very odd too.

His unwillingness to get treated for the ocd may be 2 fold - usual denial/not wanting to face up to things but also because quite honestly (and I fully expect other hcps and associated to refute this but I stand by it) drs with known mh issues careers are fucked by the fact! They won't be sacked but they'll find it very difficult to progress, there's still a lot of prejudice.

Honestly? From a relationship perspective I say cut your losses. It's too much hard work, and he already doesn't prioritise you.

The medical profession seems an odd choice for someone with health anxiety - think about it a little more! It's really not! In many ways it's a perfect choice and a great disguise. Plus it's obviously an area they're interested in.

Plus "physician heal thyself" it's a sort of self treatment by exposure?

People go into certain careers for the least functional reasons:

People who were bullied becoming cops
People who felt or were described as stupid as a kid becoming teachers
People who were abused becoming social workers

People often enter into careers to "parent" the "child" within and fix the issues of the past

Chuck this one back in the sea op, if he seems open to it say he needs to get a LOT of therapy before entering another relationship but it's not your job to sort him

anxiiousone · 14/11/2020 06:58

@Graphista

We moved in after 6 months because of lockdown.

I will NEVER understand the rush by so many to move in with people

People querying his medical credentials clearly don't understand how ocd and health anxiety work.

They are mental illnesses - usual logic doesn't come into it, people with mental illnesses thought processes are disordered - hence obsessive compulsive DISORDER.

He KNOWS medically that his penis (or whatever else) is fine, healthy, normal colour etc KNOWING that logically DOESN'T prevent the obsessive intrusive thought that something IS wrong with it.

I have dx ocd also, the constant need for reassurance is exhausting.

To take an example lay people and non sufferers are more familiar with an ocd sufferer who's contamination worries include cleanliness of hands KNOWS that after washing them once in soap and hot water in a way most normal folk do they are clean - this doesn't STOP the obsessive thought that they are still dirty unless and until we give in to the compulsion of washing them x times in y way - and even then we often have to force ourselves to resist the compulsion to keep washing them indefinitely. Certainly the case for me, I have a "magic number" which is the number of times I have to perform a compulsion. But if I'm really bad I have to double or triple that number.

The number isn't there as a number to go UP to it's a number to LIMIT the compulsion.

Many hcps have ocd - dx and undx and treated and untreated.

As I said at beginning really it was foolish to move in SO SOON. Crazy! Tbh especially with his job at the moment as that will be increasing his stress and increasing your risk of exposure so the lockdown excuse doesn't bear out at all.

The other things - his focus on his mothers health and needs are an extension of his health anxiety and ocd BUT I wouldn't be surprised if she or his father also had (possibly undx) ocd as there is believed to be a strong genetic component - if you're planning dc you may want to consider this

The lack of consideration is something else entirely and this early on I would consider it a red flag - surgeon perchance? Notorious narcissists! But can be true in other areas of medicine too. a & e yep also a tendency to the narcissistic usually a side order of hero complex too. If something isn't a "genuine" urgent or dramatic type they're totally uninterested to the point they'll make you feel you're making a fuss over nothing, UNLESS it gives them the chance to play hero it's unimportant as far as they're concerned. Their view of chronic illness can be very odd too.

His unwillingness to get treated for the ocd may be 2 fold - usual denial/not wanting to face up to things but also because quite honestly (and I fully expect other hcps and associated to refute this but I stand by it) drs with known mh issues careers are fucked by the fact! They won't be sacked but they'll find it very difficult to progress, there's still a lot of prejudice.

Honestly? From a relationship perspective I say cut your losses. It's too much hard work, and he already doesn't prioritise you.

The medical profession seems an odd choice for someone with health anxiety - think about it a little more! It's really not! In many ways it's a perfect choice and a great disguise. Plus it's obviously an area they're interested in.

Plus "physician heal thyself" it's a sort of self treatment by exposure?

People go into certain careers for the least functional reasons:

People who were bullied becoming cops
People who felt or were described as stupid as a kid becoming teachers
People who were abused becoming social workers

People often enter into careers to "parent" the "child" within and fix the issues of the past

Chuck this one back in the sea op, if he seems open to it say he needs to get a LOT of therapy before entering another relationship but it's not your job to sort him

Well said! 👍🏻
Nailgirl · 14/11/2020 07:00

I know a lot of doctors. And yes you’d be shocked at what some of them really think of the nhs and everything. You’d also be shocked at their salaries.

I know one a and e doctor that is openly anti British (hates the culture, he’s from India) he is also a drunk (banned from driving for 18 months last year - but still working as a locum in a and e) he has a restraining order as he smashed up the house with an axe. He absolutely hates women and told me once to shut my mouth and then my DD as women shouldn’t tell men what to do. Yes my friend (a gp) divorced him but he’s still working in a and e in our local hospital. Fantastic

Windmillwhirl · 14/11/2020 07:00

Some people seem to think doctors are some sort of superior other worldly race they really are not met plenty of weird annoying doctors socially can well believe the op.

This. He is only human after all and just as liable to have awful traits and be an asshole.

His health anxiety may have come about as a result of studies. Anyway, its irrelevant. I've worked in hospitals and met many doctors and health professionals that show little or no empathy, to the point of being cold and blunt, when delivering sensitive news.

This man is obsessed with himself and his life (his mum etc). I hope you walk away from him and tell him why.

TreasurySr · 14/11/2020 07:03

@Nailgirl the chances of people believing that after how much I’ve been discredited for the one comment my dp made, are pretty slim! I can completely believe it, especially as a locum as they’re desperate for staff.
What did you mean about salaries?

OP posts:
zatarontoast · 14/11/2020 07:08

As hard as it is to hear, lots of doctors think children with severe disabilities are a drain on NHS resources. They aren't going to get better ever and some have very limited quality of life yet they are on care packages that cost upwards of £800k per year. As the parent in this situation, after many years I can now understand this train of thinking. There isn't a infinite pot of money to do everything. In saying that, I couldn't be with someone who said it with contempt or was so blunt about it. He also sounds like hard work with his health anxiety, but again this can be quite common for doctors.

GreySkyClouds · 14/11/2020 07:09

@Nailgirl

I know a lot of doctors. And yes you’d be shocked at what some of them really think of the nhs and everything. You’d also be shocked at their salaries.

I know one a and e doctor that is openly anti British (hates the culture, he’s from India) he is also a drunk (banned from driving for 18 months last year - but still working as a locum in a and e) he has a restraining order as he smashed up the house with an axe. He absolutely hates women and told me once to shut my mouth and then my DD as women shouldn’t tell men what to do. Yes my friend (a gp) divorced him but he’s still working in a and e in our local hospital. Fantastic

Hoping you mean you’re surprised by how little they earn given they’re saving lives, and may earn the same as a good PA or finance analyst?
userxx · 14/11/2020 07:13

I don't think I could carry on to be honest, it sounds hard work and you clearly have different views. Imagine 6 years down the line.

LyingDogsLie1 · 14/11/2020 07:15

surely you know doctors are just people and suffer with mental health just like anyone else

I’m bemused PP too - shows a pretty poor understanding of mental health if people really believe Doctors develop some sort of immunity.

OP - he sounds annoying and you don’t sound compatible. You don’t actually have to justify being incompatible, it can be just as simple as that. If it wasn’t for Covid you’d have discovered this before moving in together. It’s a shame you’re sharing a home but you obviously recognise he’s not the man for you.

Indoctro · 14/11/2020 07:23

Dump him and move on he is not the guy for you

Good luck op

Amber0685 · 14/11/2020 07:23

I agree with you OP that some doctors see medicine as a science and people die. I come from a family of drs & my youngest sisters comments when my Father was diagnosed with a life limiting condition held a lot to be desired. Saying that it is not just about that is it.

Nailgirl · 14/11/2020 07:24

[quote TreasurySr]@Nailgirl the chances of people believing that after how much I’ve been discredited for the one comment my dp made, are pretty slim! I can completely believe it, especially as a locum as they’re desperate for staff.
What did you mean about salaries?[/quote]
Don't give a flying monkeys. I picked my friend and her children up at 4am. He was pissed at 4am and the police attended. I picked her and the children up. He then went to work pissed at 7am and they arrested him for drunk driving. At 10am we got a call from her neighbour and went back to the house -it was beyond trashed.

So I really don't care. But honest to God, you aren't half trying to poke a lot of people on this thread. Seriously.

BuddhaAtSea · 14/11/2020 07:27

OP, it’s not a problem, it’s a blessing you realised what he is like so early on. It’s not his fault he is the way he is, but he’s not for you. Let mummy dearest deal with it, you go on and live your life.

And you didn’t make a mistake, it’s just one of those things, it happened. Go on intranet and find a room to share with other doctors.

Sorry about your Gran, it sounds tough. Wishing you strength.

anxiouswaiting · 14/11/2020 07:29

Sounds like maybe he has health anxiety and is a bit thoughtless. I could probably cope with the anxiety, the thouhtlessness so early in a relation would be a big turn off though.

However his children in need comment is disgusting and something I wouldn't be able to get past. And he is a doctor with views like that? I hope he works in an area where his decisions doesn't affect the lives of those with disabilities, I'd be worried that his views impact the level of care he offers if he thinks patient needs are a waste of resources!

Grobagsforever · 14/11/2020 07:31

[quote TreasurySr]@TwentyViginti yes I agree. He’s very proud of his job though and actually filmed people clapping during the pandemic and uploaded it to Instagram saying ‘the people clapping for me.’ I went off him a bit then too.[/quote]
Ewwwwwww

He doesn't sound great OP.

Self obsessed and selfish. Is he fun? Does he make you laugh?

TreasurySr · 14/11/2020 07:31

@Nailgirl I said I believed you... just asked what you meant about salaries.

@BuddhaAtSea thanks. I’ve luckily got my own place so will be going back there today.

OP posts:
BessieSurtees · 14/11/2020 07:34

Why all the disbelief he’s a Doctor? Doctors are people they are not superior beings.

I have heard the disabled child opinion many times (at work) in relation to very premature babies. It is a debate many have behind closed doors, not just doctors but midwives, health visitors, nurses. It is usually around the aspect of quality of life and who is making choices.