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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

Boyfriend keeps ending the relationship after his dad passed away - am I in the wrong?

65 replies

LAE1709 · 17/08/2021 20:26

I have just joined this forum as I need help and any advice. I feel like I am going crazy. Bare with me, this might be a long one. I will try and make it as short as it can be.

My boyfriend (22) and I (26) have been together for about a year, but we’ve known each other for 3 years. His dad suddenly passed away in July, after having a stroke a few days before. He was fit and healthy so you can imagine what a shock this was. I didn’t leave my boyfriends side. I took him forwards and backwards to the hospital, along with his family. Stayed at his family home and did anything I could to make their lives easier, cooking, shopping, cleaning etc.

To give a bit of context, it’s not always been an easy road for us both. There have been a lot of issues before and we have awful communication. We had been best friends for around 2 years and decided to give a romantic relationship a try. He has trust issues, because of my past, and he cannot seem to let them go, even now, nearly a year after us being romantically involved. This has been the cause of the majority of our arguments. I haven’t done anything whilst being in a relationship with him, but he’s more bothered about the things I’ve done when I was single.
He does have anger issues which were there before me, however he’s been blaming me for his behaviour, which I’ve believed up until recently. When we do get into an argument, everything is always about how he feels and he gets so angry that he starts throwing things around and damaging my items and property and says some cruel and spiteful things to me, ultimately ending the relationship irrationally. This behaviour often leaves me questioning his feelings towards me and doesn’t give me confidence in our relationship. I’ve felt like I can’t have a voice and have to tread on eggshells around him.

Fast forward to the present, after a week or so of his dad passing, his step mother made a few passing comments about his sister and her boyfriend being in the house and how she didn’t want them around anymore as they were annoying and in the way. I expressed how I didn’t want to overstay my welcome either, however she didn’t reply.
This of course made me feel a bit unwanted and awkward there, so I spoke to my boyfriend about it. He got angry and flipped at me, telling me that I’m making it all about me and I’m selfish, I’m unsupportive and I’m a horrible person etc etc. He ended it with me and told me that he didn’t want to be with me anymore and didn’t want me at his dads funeral.
I tried to talk to him but he wasn’t having any of it. I left it a couple of days and reached out as I felt in my heart that I needed to make amends as the funeral was approaching and I did not want him to go through that on his own. After begging and apologising for me speaking about my issues, I went to his, we didn’t talk about the situation at all and just carried on as “normal”.

The days running up to the funeral, he lashed out at me a couple of times but I just took it on the chin and didn’t make anything of it.
The funeral came and it was a lovely send off for his dad. To be honest, I didn’t even see my boyfriend much that day, he was with his friends apart from the times he was talking to family or people who knew his dad. I was with his cousins, his sister and her boyfriend.
That night, he had another little pop at me, but again, I didn’t react. The next day, he was agitated that his step mother was hoovering early in the morning and they had builders doing the kitchen so we went out for some lunch and went to the beach. Whilst on the way to the beach, he mentioned that he wanted to move away. He didn’t just say it once, he said it maybe 3 or 4 times throughout the day. He said he was going to wait for the money from the will and then he’ll be gone, he’ll be much happier away from everyone and everything around him and he’ll do just fine on his own. One of the times he mentioned this was on the phone to his mum. She asked him “well how am I going to see you?” (She doesn’t drive). After the conversation finished, I asked him if he genuinely was thinking about moving away and he replied “yes, why, are you shocked by that?” And I said “of course, what about me, your mum, your sister, your life here?”. He went mental at me. Again telling me how selfish I am and how I’m making everything about me. How I’m an evil person and that he doesn’t see a future with me so why would he involve me in it. He blamed me for not seeing his dad much for the past 10 months as he’s been staying with me and how I’ve wasted his time and that he could’ve spent it with his dad. He ended it with me, again. He packed my belongings that were in his home and chucked them in my car and off I drove. About 5 minutes later, he text me saying that there’s no need for me to go away and think and apologise in a couple of days, the relationship has run its course and that’s that.
To me, there was no need to message me that, he’d already said enough. I couldn’t stand anymore abuse so I blocked him.
We have been in contact since, but he’s still blaming me and still saying that I shouldn’t of made it about me. He was only thinking out loud and that I should’ve been treading carefully and stayed quiet. In the end, I cut contact because he kept going on and on and attacking me and my character, and to be honest, it hurts.

He’s making me feel like I’m not allowed to have feelings or ask questions. Was I not allowed to ask a question to make him refocus and think straight? I understand the last thing he probably wanted was the added pressure of reassuring me. But that wasn’t what I was doing. Was I wrong for asking? But why didn’t he have the same reaction when his mum asked?

I know he has just lost his dad and the pain must be horrific. But this behaviour is not new. I would understand more if it was. I understand that people grieve differently, but does that mean I deserve all this spitefulness?

I’m starting to think that he doesn’t want this relationship and he’s using this as a way out of it. But then why keep messaging me? If he hadn’t of ended it because of that question I asked, it would’ve been something else. Even if I turn around now and apologise, it’s not going to change anything. He still doesn’t see a future with me. Of course I don’t want to lose him, I love him. But am I just desperately trying to force him to stay in my life?

I want him to know that I’m here for him. The last thing I want is for him to feel alone. But what can I do when I’m constantly being pushed away? I tried to reach out yesterday, to let him know I’m here, regardless of what’s happened between us, but he claimed that I was only doing it for my benefit. I feel like I can’t win.

OP posts:
AttilaTheMeerkat · 17/08/2021 20:33

Walk away from this dysfunctional man now before you get even more over invested and or hurt. The only person who can help him is him and he does not want your help or support. With all due respect you cannot help him and you will destroy your self worth trying.

Being a rescuer or saviour in a relationship never works. Don’t be his rescuer or saviour.

2tired2bewitty · 17/08/2021 20:34

He’s grieving and lashing out so his behaviour probably isn’t entirely rational BUT, this is a pretty short relationship in your twenties, it’s not supposed to be this hard.

You say you love him but your post contains nothing about why you love him, what joy he brings to your life. Time to block him everywhere and move on.

GreyCarpet · 17/08/2021 20:37

Tbf, he is right. You are only doing it for your own benefit. There are an awful lot of I statements in your post and an awful lot of what you want and what you believe is right and want will make you feel better.

If you want to do what is best for him, listen to him.

And that's without all of the 🚩 🚩 🚩 he is flying.

MadMadMadamMim · 17/08/2021 20:38

He sounds horrible and abusive. And I'm sorry his dad died - but that's not an excuse to behave like this.

Block him and move on. He's enjoying his nasty little bit of power over you. Nothing in your post suggests that he cares about you at all - and I cannot see any reason for you to "love" him. He sounds utterly unlovable.

And anything you did whilst single was fuck all to do with him. Fuck his trust issues. He's just another dickhead.

AttilaTheMeerkat · 17/08/2021 20:38

He is angry because he is abusive, not because he is angry. Like practically all abusive men as well, he is blaming others, in this case you, for HIS behaviour and actions. That is why you are walking on eggshells.

The only acceptable level of abuse in a relationship is none. Never forget this.

gmailconfusion2 · 17/08/2021 20:46

I've been with my husband ten years and only this year has begun to start throwing things and having anger issues and because of it mom making plans to leave. If you are only a year in I'd be running like hell.

EvenMoreFuriousVexation · 17/08/2021 20:48

I’m starting to think that he doesn’t want this relationship

Yes, that's why he's repeatedly ended it. Please gather your self respect and have a think about why you've danced on tiptoe begging him to take you back when he's been such a wanker to you.

Criticising your past behaviour? Fuck. That. You are well out of this.

daisytilly1 · 17/08/2021 20:53

I'm sorry you're going through this you sound like a genuine caring person. You need to walk away from this - run in fact. This guy is bad news it doesn't matter what reasons are behind his behavior- it's abusive and will only get worse with time. Every time you engage with him he loses more respect for you. I've been in a similar situation when I was younger than you. You might look into co dependency issues for yourself. You're putting his feelings and needs before yours. You will have a miserable future if you persist with this.

LAE1709 · 17/08/2021 20:53

@2tired2bewitty
I guess there was a very short time where we were happy, in between all the arguments and break ups. When we are good, he just seems to make everything better; even the little things like food shopping.
We had been close for so long and got on so well, I really thought he was my person. He’s seen what I’ve been through before and promised he’d never hurt me. But I should’ve known that was a lie when he was treating his ex horribly. I feel like I’ve been blindsided.
I just haven’t wanted to face the truth that this relationship has failed and now I’ve not only lost my boyfriend, but my best friend too.

OP posts:
PermanentTemporary · 17/08/2021 20:53

I don't really believe in trust or anger 'issues' as such separate from the person - he's an angry, suspicious and sometimes violent man. He's never going to show up at his best in this intense grief but he is perhaps doing you a favour ending it.

TheFoundations · 17/08/2021 20:53

He’s making me feel like I’m not allowed to have feelings or ask questions

You should have been taught this when you were little: if anybody makes you feel like that, you leave.

What example did your parents set you of what an adult relationship looks like? Were they disrespectful of each other? Did they make you feel that your feelings were important?

AlmostSummer21 · 17/08/2021 20:56

Did you hold a gun to his head so he stayed with you and didn't see his Dad?

I'm guessing not.

His Dad was relatively young & healthy, he didn't know he was going to die, he didn't know his time with his Dad was limited, so he didn't behave as if it was. Blaming you for that is just him lashing out because he's hurting. That I understand.

As for the rest of it, he's a self centred twat who only cares about himself. Let him crack on with that. You're young, learn not to be a rescuer ... really, it's invaluable in relationships.

Put this down to a lesson learnt, walk away. I know it doesn't feel like it now, but you're young, there will be other men & other loves

Honestly, put this behind you and look forward!!

Sleepyhungryfattyanddoc · 17/08/2021 21:05

Read the title and knew I didn’t need to go on

Did read a bit more before giving up

He has trust issues for no reason but continues to make you feel bad?
He has anger issues
He disrespects and mistreats you enough to continuously dump you

He ‘lashes out’ regularly

I’m sure you’re making excuses for him as he is dealing with grief but non of this is acceptable

LAE1709 · 17/08/2021 21:18

@daisytilly1 thank you so so much ❤️

OP posts:
DuchessOfDisaster · 17/08/2021 21:27

he’s still blaming me and still saying that I shouldn’t of made it about me.

Why is he going on about you "shouldn't have made it about me"?? You have bent over bloody backwards when he doesn't deserve it after the terrible way he has treated you. Yes he is grieving, obviously and so will his family be. But this is more than grief. He is a complete mess. Please, please do not get back with him. Walk away. You sound like a super person, don't waste any more time on him. Let him deal with his issues. Please.

LAE1709 · 17/08/2021 21:39

I can’t thank everyone enough. I have been torturing myself for days because he’s making me feel that I shouldn’t of asked those questions “because his dad has just died” and I’m this awful selfish person when all I’ve done this entire relationship is put him first.
I let him live in my home rent free, drop him to and from work, make him lunches and dinner, pick him up late at night after he’d been out, I’d go out and buy him shorts because he’d moaned that he couldn’t go for a walk as he only had joggers at my house and it was too warm. Everything I ever did, revolved around him. Honestly, there is so much.
If I sat here and told you all what we’d argue about, you’d probably all laugh at me. To put it into context, he ignored me for an entire evening and told me to fuck off and leave him alone because I didn’t reply to some of his comments whilst watching a tv programme. That is just one example.
Thank you for making me realise I’m not going crazy and my feelings are valid.

OP posts:
mathanxiety · 17/08/2021 21:42

All of this is classic abuser behaviour. Every single detail of it is sadly predictable. Many women here on MN could have written your post either from experience or from reading on the topic of abuse.

He isn't special and unique and just needing the right sort of love from you to make it all better. Don't kid yourself about that.

He's an abusive man who seeks relationships on order to abuse women.

RUN, do t walk away from him.
Block him on all SM and on your phone.

Never, ever be tempted to go back to him.

LAE1709 · 17/08/2021 21:49

@mathanxiety
You’d think by now I would’ve noticed the abusive behaviour after being in abusive relationships before. But I guess just because he didn’t put his hands on me, it was okay and he was different.

Unfortunately, we work together, so I’m not going to be able to walk away from this as easy as I’d like. But I’ll have to deal with the work issues when and if they arise.

OP posts:
TheFoundations · 17/08/2021 22:05

I have been torturing myself for days because he’s making me feel

Again, anybody who makes you feel like this, get away from them. Your feelings are always valid.

If you think about it, feelings are really all we have. You can be surrounded by wonderful people and in your own mansion with a swimming pool and all the best food and amazing technology and wonderful library and whatever the world can bring, but if you don't feel good, none of it means anything. Conversely you can have a crap job and no money and live in a shed, but if you feel good, none of it really matters.

Feelings are so important, and respecting our own feelings is a skill that we're meant to be taught by our parents, but parents don't always know they're supposed to do that, or even know how to do it for themselves. We get taught that our feelings are 'silly', or that we shouldn't be 'selfish' by focusing on our feelings, but that's to do with how we respond to our feelings, not the feelings themselves. There's a world of difference between cutting up all his ties/putting his dinner in the dog and actually saying clearly and calmly 'When you did that, I felt bad.'

We only have to state our feelings. Whether or not the other person respects them is the yay or nay to the continuation of the relationship. It's so simple.

Don't question your feelings, OP. They are who you are. They are the true, natural animal of you, and if you live by them, you will be the beautiful natural you, rather than the twisted, eggshell walking, thin-ice skating person he's making you into.

DeRigueurMortis · 17/08/2021 22:22

This relationship was toxic before his father died.

It's simply escalated since then.

You're 26. Do not waste any more time on this.

His gaslighting and manipulating you into doing his bidding whilst simultaneously using you as his emotional punchbag.

It won't get better, it will get worse.

End it. Be professional at work but no more. Block him on social media/phone.

Make plans to look for another job.

Move on. Trade up (way, way up).

doitwithlove · 17/08/2021 22:31

Walk away from him, give him the space and time he has requested. By what you have said leave him to his own devises.

Babyghirl · 17/08/2021 22:47

@LAE1709
Sorry your being treated like this, but you need to walk away tell him your not a frizbe if it's spelt right 🙈🙈🙈🙈🙈 your not getting throw here there and everywhere and deffo not being treated like everything is your fault your worth so much more, yes his dad died thousands of other people's perents have died but don't get on like this and has it was happening befor he died so really not grief taking over he's a vile human and needs to be single for the forsable future, he needs to grow up and take responsibility for his actions. Keep ur chin up and walk away with your dignity and say goodbye to that big problem 💚

LAE1709 · 17/08/2021 22:51

@TheFoundations

Thank you for your kind, kind words.

We only have to state our feelings. Whether or not the other person respects them is the yay or nay to the continuation of the relationship. It's so simple.

I think this is what hurts the most. Is the fact that I’m sitting here trying to understand why he feels that I shouldn’t of asked and that he needed to “pander to me” just because I asked, what I believe was a simple and relevant question. And all I can come up with is that he didn’t want the added pressure of reassuring me when I wasn’t even asking for reassurance.

Besides the point, even if we got back together tomorrow, I would still feel unheard, under valued and alone.

OP posts:
spotcheck · 17/08/2021 22:51

Sounds like you guys want different things. It's not working. Clearly

daisytilly1 · 17/08/2021 22:54

If there's a pattern of abusive relationships please at this stage of your life try and kick that shit out - crumbs of affection are not enough when the bigger picture is so very different. It's so very easy to be pulled back into a false sense of happiness when things might be 'good' or he might be ' nice' to you for a short while and especially if his behavior is unpredictable and he drip feeds you affection. Honestly fuck that shit. And any thing you did with other people before is none of his business. That simple. He's really using you and playing on your empathy and low self esteem. I'm afraid he doesn't want to be with you and every time you take him back or put up with shit from him it just feeds that sense of superiority that he obviously has over you. He is a prick for treating you like this. Doesn't matter if he's nice sometimes. He's a prick and you've been so good to him. Please look into getting yourself some therapy to sort your issues out- don't waste any more time on losers and users. Thanks