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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:
Satis · 08/02/2021 20:53

Did you change the locks yet?

Hilarias · 08/02/2021 21:37

I’m so glad he left without too much fuss, Op. First day of the rest of you and your DC’s lives WineCake

billy1966 · 09/02/2021 00:11

@Goingmad12345

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

There is no embarrassment on your side.

"He's turned out to be a waster as a father, and a husband, who has zero interest in his child, who I couldn't leave in his company for an hour as we wouldn't feed or change a nappy. He's a nasty waste of space and I have no intention of allowing him to mess up our lives"......on a loop.

That is who he is.
You have kicked him to touch and are thrilled to be rid of him.

You are a strong woman who will be a wonderful role model for her child.

You don't need this waster dragging you down.

Life will be much calmer, better for you, better for baby.

Flowers
billy1966 · 09/02/2021 00:11

*as he wouldn't

billybagpuss · 09/02/2021 06:04

@Goingmad12345

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

No need to be embarrassed your family will support you 💐
timeisnotaline · 09/02/2021 06:18

I’m sorry he isn’t who you thought he was, but he really isn’t that man you thought you’d met, and you’ve done really well getting him to leave. Can you change the locks?

Goingmad12345 · 10/02/2021 08:23

I’m so tired - this has all happened at the same time as DS deciding to wake up every two hours. It’s so tempting to text him but I know that’s not the right thing to do.

I’m with my parents now. DS is playing with my old toys and it’s making me very emotional. They have such a good relationship and I just assumed I would end up with the same - a happy peaceful home. Instead I feel like I’ve completely fucked my life up.

OP posts:
billybagpuss · 10/02/2021 08:27

Sending more handholds, hope you’re able to relax a bit over the next few days.

Has he moved back to the house? As it’s yours he should be the one to leave although I think getting the support from dm is a good idea in the short term.

Vickles20 · 10/02/2021 08:35

@Goingmad12345

I’m so tired - this has all happened at the same time as DS deciding to wake up every two hours. It’s so tempting to text him but I know that’s not the right thing to do.

I’m with my parents now. DS is playing with my old toys and it’s making me very emotional. They have such a good relationship and I just assumed I would end up with the same - a happy peaceful home. Instead I feel like I’ve completely fucked my life up.

Hey hey.. please cut yourself some slack OP. You have not fucked up anything love. Such is life sometimes. And such is other people who turn out to be no good for you. You could never have foreseen this. You can do this.
Hailtomyteeth · 10/02/2021 08:57

You haven't fucked your life up. You've had a temporary blip with a loser. Six years is nothing till 120 (ie, in a lifetime). You have a home, a good job, a child and parents. You're already strong. You can afford to feel uncertain and vulnerable without losing ground. You'll be ok.

Goingmad12345 · 10/02/2021 10:41

Thanks everyone, posting here really helps.

OP posts:
dramalessllama · 11/02/2021 00:09

I'm so sorry @Goingmad12345 for not responding sooner!

He started living full time in our "dream home" we had purchased Dec. '19, last May. It's 2 hours away, and he was working remotely so could work from anywhere. The "plan" was that I would get my house ready to sell (by myself) and have it sold by July of last year and relocate to our new home.

That time of separation was a godsend. His abuse only escalated once we were living apart. Possibly because it was the only way he could control me from afar? Who knows. His rages increased and were so out of proportion to my perceived missteps. The way he would twist everything around into it being all my fault was truly astounding. His word salad would only confuse me more, to the point I had no idea as to what he was angry about.

From May until September of last year, I was in intense therapy and I also was seeing a psychiatrist. I was a mess, but I was also willing to accept all the blame and do whatever it took so that he would love me again (ugh). If he had suggested I had a brain tumor, I would have gone and gotten tested. As it was, I had my hormone levels tested, and spent my days sobbing, drinking, begging (over text), and wishing I could flip a switch and end the pain.

By September I was emotionally drained from all of that, and my dear friend read me the riot act. She told me that this wasn't love. And that he didn't want to spend time with me. And that I deserved more. She hammered it into my head during a 2 hour walk, and I cried the whole time because I knew she was right. It gave me the strength to tell him that night, over text of course, that I couldn't do this anymore.

Literally the next morning, I felt a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. I was still a little weepy, but incredibly there was a lightness that I hadn't felt in months. Within a week I wasn't crying anymore and I woke up every morning smiling to myself because I could live MY life now without any repercussions. I felt giddy. And I still do. every day I feel stronger.

Some things that helped me: therapy, the book "Why Does He Do That", the book "Splitting: Protecting Yourself While Divorcing someone with Borderline or Narcissistic Personality Disorder", Doing one thing each day, even as simple as making my bed or showering - knowing I accomplished something which was huge, do whatever you need to do to cope, but in moderation (like drinking! lol) Confiding in trusted friends (they will show themselves from the rest) and taking care of myself in the moment. If I felt exhausted, I napped. Some days I slept up to 14 hours, but that's fine.

Anyway, I wish you the best! There is freedom on the other side waiting for you! I haven't cried since September either - at least over him - because I know NOW that he wasn't worthy of me.

Sending love and hugs xx

dramalessllama · 11/02/2021 00:10

(Sorry for the monologue above!!)

dramalessllama · 11/02/2021 00:14

Initially, I was also embarrassed because we had JUST gotten married! Like, less than a year prior! And...I'm older - mid 50s. which was even more embarrassing.

But as I got stronger and more sure footed, the embarrassment slowly went away. Who gives a f*ck what ANYONE else thinks. If they are truly your friends, they will support you 100%! Congrats on getting out now, and not 20 or 30 years from now!!!

Itstimetoquit · 11/02/2021 08:50

Hi op how are you x

Goingmad12345 · 11/02/2021 10:14

Thanks @dramalessllama and well done for getting on. Word salad is such a great word for it! I actually read my dad your post yesterday to explain what I meant by all this and it really helped him get it (he’s been great anyway). I just don’t think you can understand what it’s like from the outside. It’s not him telling me off for not taking the bins out, it’s being told off for not taking the bins out because I want to piss him off and this is really selfish. And the blame for always wanting to cause a fight by, eg, taking the bins out! It’s bloody exhausting even typing that.

I’m still at my parents. His family have phoned me and have been very supportive, though I haven’t really broached the real issues with them and I won’t. I just know they will always be in ds’s life and I want to maintain good relations with them.

He texted yesterday asking me to come home in a very non apologetic way. I texted back saying he had to change things, he started to go down a rabbit hole and I just ignored him.

I think he’s just getting stoned. I can’t help feeling really sorry for him which I know I shouldn’t. He’s a grown man. I’m too empathetic which I think got me into this mess to begin with.

OP posts:
billy1966 · 11/02/2021 10:57

Well done OP for going to your parents.
He needs to leave your house.

He is a waster and he will always be a waster.

You will survive and thrive.
Flowers

billybagpuss · 11/02/2021 15:18

Don't feel sorry for him, you're doing the right thing.

Goingmad12345 · 11/02/2021 16:44

Thanks. Ugh I never thought I would be a single mum. I just don’t know if I’m strong enough.

OP posts:
Icloud54 · 11/02/2021 16:56

What's the alternative to being a single mum? Spending the rest of your days with this man child? I know which I'd prefer

Pokske · 11/02/2021 17:17

I feel sorry for you and the situation you are in.
Why do lazy men make children if they're not going to take care of them ? Why do they couple up if all they want is their peace and quiet ? Because the can ! And they will keep doing nothing, exploiting their partners, as long as you are willing to play their game.
he's not ever going to change, not ever.
Please choose for yourself and your child.
Good luck !

Vickles20 · 12/02/2021 10:26

How are things today OP?

Goingmad12345 · 12/02/2021 18:15

Not great to be honest. I’ve been gaslighted on text message and it’s reminded me how unreasonable he can be, but I also just feel terrible at the thought of losing him. I can’t shake the feeling of wanting to fix things. I’m not sleeping. I have no divorced friends. I just feel like I’ve failed.

OP posts:
billy1966 · 12/02/2021 18:51

I'm so sorry this is so hard.
It's bound to be painful.
But you have not been unreasonable.
You didn't really expect him to admit he's a lazy waster, did you?
He's entitled and sees himself as perfectly entitled to do exactly what he wants.
He's never going to change and be a great husband and father.
He's a lazy waster that would allow his little child go hungry in a soiled nappy.
He's awful.
This is hard, but there is no way you are going to wantbto be in the same place 10 years from now.
You may not have more children but you have one gorgeous daughter.
But there is no reason why you can't have a healthy respectful, supportive relationship in the future.
Don't settle for this arse.
He doesn't deserve you.
Your deserve so much better.
Flowers

billybagpuss · 12/02/2021 20:42

You have not failed. You’ve made the first move at getting out of a situation that was making you miserable.

You can do this