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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

Need to take action. Need a handhold.

114 replies

Goingmad12345 · 25/01/2021 08:53

I’m starting to think I may be in an abusive relationship. It’s reached a point where I need to give an ultimatum and then follow through.

I guess I’m looking for a handhold and confirmation that this isn’t my fault / that I’m not going mad. Here are a few things done in recent weeks:

  1. Came in from taking the baby to the doctor’s and DH on his Xbox. Asked for some help with something. DH said he’d be ten minutes. I sighed I think. Put some music on and was shouted at for distracting him / told I was being passive aggressive for the music. This escalated into an argument. Was told I was always trying to start a fight. I didn’t apologise (normally I do) and this went on for days.
  1. DH offered to take baby whilst I went for a run. Told him great, he just needs lunch and a nap at such and such a time. Came back to hungry tired baby with a dirty nappy. Complained (I used the words ‘lying in his own shit’ which maybe triggered things?) and was told off again.
  1. He has been out of work for probably 75% of our relationship. He is currently in an insecure contract. When I say I am worried about the future I am told I’m unsupportive etc.
  1. Yesterday I said I wanted to figure out a way to schedule a bit of time off for me at the weekends (I do all mornings, he sleeps till 11 at least. He has insomnia so I am sympathetic about that). I was very calm and measured about it (suggesting various options etc). I was told he does enough anyway, helps me more than he should. When I came back from a walk (got out of house to avoid a fight) he was muttering that I was a fucking nag. I stayed at a friends house at that point - said I wanted some space. Was told I was ‘taking his baby away’ (only away for one night) and since I’ve been back he’s been completely ignoring me, no eye contact.

I have said I want a chat later, though he’s ignored me. I am so anxious, not sleeping myself. Baby has a genetic condition and I am always worried about that. I just feel like I’ve screwed up my life really. I can afford to be alone after I go back to work so am very lucky in that respect, but I feel like I can’t get away.

This isn’t normal, is it?

I have never argued with anyone but him.

OP posts:
dramalessllama · 26/01/2021 12:08

It really does feel like you're going mad, doesn't it?

When he blame shifts and turns everything back on you.

When he berates you for calling him out.
When you're the only one wanting to fix things between you.
When he's gaslighting you, resulting in you questioning yourself

Because you KNOW you're being reasonable, and calm, and right, but you start to question yourself and doubt yourself, and one day you wake up an empty, soulless shell.

This is emotional abuse and he sounds like he has some narcissistic traits. He sounds very much like my soon to be ex husband.

He has created this false appearance of who he is, so when you communicate your concerns about a financially insecure future, he takes it as a personal attack. How DARE you question his ability to take care of his family!

Because if he were to admit that you're right, it would mean he's not who he's convinced himself in his mind that he is. And he can't change the fake self image he's created about himself because that would mean he'd have to deal with his own emotional pain or whatever is at the root of his insecurity. So, much easier to blame you!

Please read Lundy Bancroft's book, "Why Does He Do That?" and start reading "Splitting - Protecting Yourself While Divorcing Someone with Borderline Narcissistic Personality." These books have been critical to my healing and knowing what to expect during divorce proceedings.

People who show narcissistic personality disorder traits think differently than most people, so you need to be prepared.

Also, please find a divorce lawyer who has experience dealing with spouses who exhibit personality traits like this. That is extremely important!

And no, he will not change.

Please don't let yourself get hoovered back in with promises and tears or threats of suicide if/when you decided to leave him. If you go back, the abuse will only ramp up because now he knows you're strong enough to leave, so he's going to be even more controlling over you.

You are strong. You can do this! Your child needs you!! xx

Rainbowdash73 · 26/01/2021 12:35

Stay strong OP, I'm rooting for you. Please keep posting for support.

Puzzledandpissedoff · 26/01/2021 12:39

Yes (house) only in my name, but we are married

And he's not worked for 75% of your relationship? Ouch Hmm

Hopefully it won't cost you too much with only being married for 2 years, but you're doing absolutely the right thing consulting a lawyer
Whatever you do don't leave the house if it's avoidable, and talk to him by all means, but you seem to be realising (correctly) that it's unlikely to help
Good luck with it all, because you're going to need it in getting rid of someone like this

Rainbowdash73 · 26/01/2021 17:11

Have you managed to speak to him yet OP?

Itstimetoquit · 02/02/2021 13:37

How are you op x

Goingmad12345 · 08/02/2021 16:46

Sorry for the delayed reply, I was watching it all play out.

He was good when I first got hkme but then it got worse again - he picked on things I’d done which were vaguely annoying at best, attributed rubbish intentions to them and then we had an argument. Then blamed me for ‘always starting a fight.’

I’ve been broadly not apologising and standing up for myself. Today it’s come to a head and he’s left - said I am a ‘bully’ and ‘abusive’ and he’s not putting up with it anymore.

Is that normal? I feel even more guilty now that he’s said that. Is it projection?

I wonder if he just decided he didn’t want this life with my and DS and has done this to get out of it.

OP posts:
Itstimetoquit · 08/02/2021 17:16

He sounds like a child,where has he gone? Has he took all his belongings x

imonyourway · 08/02/2021 17:27

Did you manage to see a lawyer? I know you had booked an appointment.

billybagpuss · 08/02/2021 17:28

wonder if he just decided he didn’t want this life with my and DS and has done this to get out of it

Very possibly, did you manage to speak to a lawyer?

Thatnameistaken · 08/02/2021 17:35

Look up DARVO. deny, attack, reverse victim and offender. That's what he's trying to pull here. He'll try to come back, don't let him, stick to your guns you've got this.

Mischance · 08/02/2021 17:47

Why do I feel like I’m at fault? Why do I feel like I have to fix it?

Why do women always think this?

EarthSight · 08/02/2021 17:58

@Whatisthisfuckery

OP, you already know this man is a lazy, verbally and emotionally abusive waster. You’re obviously at the end of your tether or you wouldn’t be on here. Women don’t usually post because they’re a bit miffed, they post because they’ve been a boiled frog for ages and they’ve just realised how fucked up their relationship is.

You need to consult a solicitor, see where you stand with the house etc. Yes you are married but it’s a short marriage so the chances are he won’t be entitled to much if anything. It’s not like he’s even worked to pay the bills.

Also why are you worrying about other men no wanting to be with you because of your child? You haven’t even got rid of one waster yet. You need to get shot of this one, spend some time getting your self respect back and sorting your own life out before you even consider anyone else. Women are way more attractive and attract far better mates when they’re confident, have good self respect and good boundaries. You could dump his ass tomorrow then find someone else on tinder the next day but it would only be another scumbag. Sort yourself out first.

This.

@whatisthisfuckery

billy1966 · 08/02/2021 18:13

Change the locks and do not allow him in again.

OP, you need to cop on and protect yourself.

You own your flat but married a man that hasn't worked 75% of the time.
For goodness sake help yourself.

Change those locks asap and do not allow him in again.

You and your child deserve better.

Do not give a second thought to his claim of abuse.

His family probably couldn't believe his good look in finding a woman with her own home who was prepared to marry when he is obviously a workshy waster.

You deserve better.
Your child deserves better.
You are far too young to be settling for so little, so young.

Harden your heart to this waster and protect yourself and your future.

Get legal advice so that he doesn't cost you to get rid of him.

Get support IRL.
Flowers

Goingmad12345 · 08/02/2021 18:44

Yes legal advice was favourable. I would prob just need to pay him a token amount to get him to sod off. And I would be granted primary custody.

OP posts:
Goingmad12345 · 08/02/2021 18:45

I am almost 40 so not that young but thank you anyway.

I don’t want another relationship I just want peace. With ds’s health problems and a stressful job it just seems like a really hard road ahead.

OP posts:
Goingmad12345 · 08/02/2021 18:46

And I am so upset he’s turned out like this because we get on so well etc. He didn’t love bomb I just had never met anyone I clicked with so well before, and I had kissed many many frogs

OP posts:
Goingmad12345 · 08/02/2021 18:47

@Thatnameistaken

Look up DARVO. deny, attack, reverse victim and offender. That's what he's trying to pull here. He'll try to come back, don't let him, stick to your guns you've got this.
Thank you this is spot on
OP posts:
billybagpuss · 08/02/2021 19:01

Have you changed the locks or at the very least put the chain on?

Good luck

MrJollyLivesNextDoor · 08/02/2021 19:09

@Goingmad12345

I am almost 40 so not that young but thank you anyway.

I don’t want another relationship I just want peace. With ds’s health problems and a stressful job it just seems like a really hard road ahead.

It would be a lot harder having to negotiate and tippy toe around that waste of space!

The longer you stay married the worse he will get. And the more it will cost you financially.

The house is yours and he's left. Change those damn locks ASAP. Do t worry about his claims of abuse etc he's just trying to make you feel bad.

He will do nothing but grind you down further and at least now your DC won't be subjected to a dysfunctional family unit.

You've got this OP Thanks

WorkHardPlayHard1 · 08/02/2021 19:15

Wow he did you a big favor by walking out! Motherhood is tough without another manchild thwarting you and being a lazy so and so. You are in a position of power so organise your life how you want to. Excited for you on your next happier chapter xxxx

MrsBobDylan · 08/02/2021 19:18

Thank Christ he's gone. Honestly, whatever else you do, get the locks changed. His leaving of him own volition is the best thing he'll ever do for you.

Also, every time you find yourself thinking 'I'm stupid for thinking he was nice "We used to be so in love" "He will miss ds" "Where will he live when he doesn't have money" you need to repeat these facts:

  1. He left his son in-fed, in a dirty nappy and did settle him in for a sleep
  2. He never let you have a lie in
  3. He picks arguments with you all the time so he could name call and bully you
  4. He is the biggest cocklodger ever, living in YOUR house, not earning money for 75% of your relationship, wtf???

Get those sodding locks changed op.

MrsBobDylan · 08/02/2021 19:20

...un-fed and he didn't settle baby to sleep

londonbrick · 08/02/2021 19:31

said I am a ‘bully’ and ‘abusive’ and he’s not putting up with it anymore.

Is that normal? I feel even more guilty now that he’s said that. Is it projection?

It is a normal response from an abusive partner - everything he accuses you of is actually what he is doing.

Keep strong OP - you can do it.

billy1966 · 08/02/2021 20:35

Nearly 40 OP, give me a break, you are still a woman in her young prime, and don't forget it.😁

It's only that waster that has made you feel old.

Change those locks and leave your key in all doors until you do, so that he can't get back in.

He will try to get back in.

Don't allow him gain entry.
I think you should ring 101 to register the address with the police and tell them this awful, horrible man has finally left.

Protect yourself.Flowers

Goingmad12345 · 08/02/2021 20:36

Ugh I’m feeling so shit, thinking back on our wedding etc. Feeling so embarrassed that I’ll have to tell people.

@dramalessllama what happened with your stbxh and how long did it take you to feel stronger? I need some sort of evidence that I might survive this shit

OP posts: