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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

Help needed with CF ex and suitcase

70 replies

Lilyargin · 03/08/2021 23:32

My DD (16) has just come back from her first visit to her Dad in a year. She borrowed my suitcase which he broke while taking her to the station by dragging it over cobbles and charging around. He is the sort of man who strides ahead and expects people to run behind him.
So, he broke the case by knocking a wheel off. DD asked him to stop and go back for the wheel which he refused to do. Instead of apologising, he asked where it had come from. When she said China, he said it was "cheap crap" and that what comes from buying stuff online. DD said it had actually been bought in China on holiday and he asked which shop. Hmm He wasn't asking so he knew where to get a replacement! He does this, leads conversation down blind alleys to confuse and divert attention from the main issue. Anyway, no apology, harassed and stressed DD who had to continue her journey (5 hours with a change of train) with a suitcase which no longer can be wheeled.
I have a broken suitcase and not a word from ex. This is a man who believes he has better manners than anyone else.
My question is, how do I broach this and how do I deal with the inevitable blind alley diversion tactics/rudeness which raising this will unleash?
I just feel I can never get my point across to people who aren't following normal rules of behaviour. I'd like a new case, I'd like the wheel back (it could possibly be mended), I'd like an apology. I know none of this is possible.
I suppose I'm asking for help with dealing with a narcissist, aren't I?
Sorry this long and thanks for reading. Any tactics gratefully received, Mumsnet!

OP posts:
thirstyformore · 03/08/2021 23:41

You don't engage. He's not going to buy you a new suitcase. No point getting riled by trying to discuss it with him.

citycitycity · 03/08/2021 23:45

@thirstyformore

You don't engage. He's not going to buy you a new suitcase. No point getting riled by trying to discuss it with him.
I agree with this. Just leave it.
Notnowkate · 03/08/2021 23:45

Let it go. I know you shouldn't have to nut you already know where this is going. Suitcases are easy to replace. Your sanity isn't.

Lilyargin · 03/08/2021 23:47

Thanks, yeah I really don’t engage with him much, been separated around 13 years, I’m civil - affable even - when we do talk (not often) but in this instance I feel that not saying anything is letting him get away with it and that his behaviour needs calling out, otherwise I’m enabling him to behave how he likes/damage people’s things with impunity.

OP posts:
CheshireChat · 03/08/2021 23:49

Does your DD actually want to go and see him?

If she isn't keen, I'd just say he needs to buy her next suitcase when she's due to go to his.

Or just say he can pick whatever suitcase he likes when he buys her one and refuse to engage any further.

Not sure I'd bother with him tbh.

Umberellatheweatha · 03/08/2021 23:50

No point calling out a narcissist. Nothing you say is going to give him the ability to introspect. Dont waste your energy.

Aquamarine1029 · 03/08/2021 23:50

Why would you waste your time dealing with this arsehole? He is never, ever going to pay to fix this suitcase, so don't bother.

Lilyargin · 03/08/2021 23:54

She wanted to see him because she hadn’t seen him for so long. She went for a week, which I knew was too long because he can’t be nice for a week. Each time she goes she’s less keen to go again. He moved 300 miles away when she was 3 which says it all, really.

OP posts:
BluebellsGreenbells · 03/08/2021 23:58

Then send a clear text.

I understand you caused the damage to my suitcase. It cost £X or a repair for £Y.

Please let me know how you wish to proceed.

Lilyargin · 04/08/2021 00:02

Pretty uniform consensus of opinion here. Thanks for your words of wisdom, I do usually ignore but I’m always gobsmacked by cheeky fuckery and so can’t believe that he could just destroy my nice suitcase, leave DD to struggle home with it and then no one says a single word. It like it’s normalising the behaviour by not mentioning it.

OP posts:
Lilyargin · 04/08/2021 00:04

I like your suggestion BluebellsGreenbells

OP posts:
BluebellsGreenbells · 04/08/2021 00:06

Do not answer any calls, do not get into a discussion, it’s like dealing with a naughty 3 year old.

You have two choices, please make one or I shall make it for you. Bill will be sent to you on completion.

GrandmaSteglitszch · 04/08/2021 00:08

Excellent BluebellsGreenbells !

Onthedunes · 04/08/2021 00:11

Send him an invoice.

Aquamarine1029 · 04/08/2021 00:11

@BluebellsGreenbells

Do not answer any calls, do not get into a discussion, it’s like dealing with a naughty 3 year old.

You have two choices, please make one or I shall make it for you. Bill will be sent to you on completion.

Send all the bills you wish, he still won't pay for it.
Lilyargin · 04/08/2021 00:11

He never calls anyway so that part is easy! But any bill would have to be settled my me in the first instance - I can’t take a case from a shop and say bill it to X (or ex 😆) - and then he won’t pay up.

OP posts:
SeaShoreGalore · 04/08/2021 00:30

I am amazed that you think that any good could come of engaging with him about this!

GrandmaSteglitszch · 04/08/2021 00:32

Don't expect him to actually pay a bill. Put that idea right out of your head, but send the text and the bill anyway - as a statement that his behaviour is not all right.

Whatabambam · 04/08/2021 07:41

It's a wheel. He sounds like a twat but really, it's just a wheel.

blisstwins · 04/08/2021 07:47

You are totally in the right, but have to let it go. He will never change and your daughter will eventually cut him out.

Russell19 · 04/08/2021 07:52

@GrandmaSteglitszch

Don't expect him to actually pay a bill. Put that idea right out of your head, but send the text and the bill anyway - as a statement that his behaviour is not all right.
I agree with this.
Journeynotdestination · 04/08/2021 07:53

I’d switch my mindset to think this:

You have to pay for a new suitcase but no amount of money will ever be able to make him a healthy person and to be so glad you and your daughter are as far away from him as possible. I’d be more invested at this point in my daughter and how she feels after being with this twat.

Personally I’d rise above it and not bother.

ivykaty44 · 04/08/2021 07:57

see me

Id store this up for furture reference

because at some point you may or your dd may well break something of his

and then you pull this out of the bag

cheap crap doesn't last you know......

if he then says is was thousands

your reply is

exactly

bigbaggyeyes · 04/08/2021 08:00

I wouldn't bother, I very much doubt he'll give you any money. You could simply find a replacement, send him a text telling him he needs to forward you the money. But when he then leads you down the alley will that piss you off more than asking him for money makes you feel better ?

It's your dd I feel for, having to make a journey and change trains with a suitcase without a wheel. But I'm sure she'll live, however it's another nail in the coffin for her relationship with her df. These are the things she'll remember.

5475878237NC · 04/08/2021 08:06

He isn't likely to pay so surely you'll feel worse sending a text over it that he just ignores?

I can't imagine she'll go much longer.