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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:
Teacupsandtoast · 17/08/2021 23:28

He was a cunt before his dad died. Now he just thinks he has an excuse

TheFoundations · 17/08/2021 23:43

[quote LAE1709]@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.[/quote]
Wondering why they behave the way they do is the downfall of abuse victims. I have been there.

Wondering why is staying open to the idea that there is a sensible logical reason for their behaviour, other than 'They want to make me feel like shit' It's staying open to the idea that the reason is there to be had, and it is our failing that we can't see it. But really, looking for a 'why' is a fruitless mission. Even if you found the answer, it wouldn't mean that he's treated you in a way that made you feel good.

After I was a victim of abuse, I stopped looking at people's 'why's. I don't care anymore why people do things. I care about what they do, and how they make me feel. Everybody has the occasional slip up or off day, but all the people in your life should be in it because you feel consistently comfortable around them. Set the bar there.

The endless 'why' question is so dangerous. Accept that you would never treat a person the way he treats you, and so his behaviour will never make sense to you. Let it go. Let him be incomprehensibly different to you. The fact that you can't understand him means you are nothing at all like him. Trying to understand him is trying to be more like him. Do you really want to go along that path? Personally I'd be happy to stay distinct from an abuser, in terms of mental processes. It's what you have to do to maintain your own integrity.

Branleuse · 17/08/2021 23:54

Hes trying to leave. He wants to go and be with his family and cant deal with a relationship right now. Hes treating you dreadfully , but i think hes quite a lot younger than you. 22 is really young still and this is a massive massive bereavement and i think he likely needs to just be back with his family and you need to let this one go.

Pinkbonbon · 17/08/2021 23:56

It's only been a year and the guy is a walking red flag. 'Anger issues' fuck me op, run. Run fast, run far.

Justilou1 · 18/08/2021 00:05

You are choosing to write off dickish behaviour as grief. He’s a user and an abuser. You need to raise your self-esteem and your standards. I would suggest that you do the Freedom Program and learn to enjoy who you are before you think about having another relationship.

CurryLover55 · 18/08/2021 00:06

Very uncomfortable reading OP. You sound lovely & deserve SO much better!

Umbra · 18/08/2021 00:15

'Is the fact that I’m sitting here trying to understand why he feels... .'

Do you think he'd worry about trying to understand you? He obviously doesn't worry about upsetting you.

Do you actually want a boyfriend like this? A husband? The father of your children?
Don't be so focused on him. What do you want? Don't you deserve better?

SleepingStandingUp · 18/08/2021 00:26

He sounds like a dick. You sound too nice. Block his number. Be courteous at work and if he is a dick at work, speak to your boss / HR. Move on and find a man who treats you right x

mathanxiety · 18/08/2021 04:33

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.

See how it goes, log every interaction after you tell him you no longer want to see him or talk to him and that he is not to contact you. If you end up with a log of unwanted communication, go to your HR department, if your employer has one, and ask to speak with someone there. Detail the problems, beginning with, 'I made it clear to him that the relationship is over and that I want no more communication from him'. Provide evidence of that in the form of an email or text to him.

If there is harassment that occurs outside of work, you can get a non-molestation order. You would have to provide evidence of his efforts to get around blocking, and telling him not to contact you. Stalking is an offense.

EveryFlightBeginsWithAFall · 18/08/2021 04:45

He sounds way to immature for a relationship.

tortoiselover100 · 18/08/2021 05:27

Omg, walk away, he's abusive, you'll be doing you both a favour. Please end this now.

youshallnotpass9 · 18/08/2021 05:37

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.

I got this far, before I knew what was going to be said, as PP have said run, run very far away. Do what you need to do to protect yourself at your workplace.

Also do the freedom programme.

alwayscrashinginthesamecar1 · 18/08/2021 05:47

Trust issues. Anger issues. Lashing out. Just no! He is a nasty arsehole and you are completely wasting your time with him. You need to get rid asap.

KihoBebiluPute · 18/08/2021 06:36

Whilst yes he us in the middle of pain and grief etc, it is clear that the dysfunction predates his father's death and there isn't a good and positive relationship dynamic that can be "restored" once he has processed this grief and pain. Fundamentally, unfortunately, he isn't actually a very nice person. You can't fix him and it is not your job to fix him. You do not need him in your life and he doesn't want you in his. Please don't waste any more time and emotional energy on him.

Walk away. Be single for a bit, it is important not to bounce straight from one relationship to the next. It gives you a chance to examine yourself and understand what you really want and need in life. Then you are better equipped to get back on the dating scene and find a decent partner without all this toxic baggage.

Toddlerteaplease · 18/08/2021 06:40

Get out. He sounds awful, nasty and violent. Even before his dad died.

Roselilly36 · 18/08/2021 06:46

Is he having counselling for his grief? A sudden, expected death of a parent is bound to take it’s toll.

My DH really struggled when he lost his dad at 19, we were living together. His pain was so bad, he suggested we split up, as he didn’t ever want me to go through how he was feeling etc. We have been happily married now for 27 years and have two DS’.

Anger is part of the cycle of grief, it is not acceptable for him to take his anger out on you, he needs to find a way to manage this emotion.

You sound a very supportive person OP, and have given to support him through this crisis. Good luck Flowers

TeapotCollection · 18/08/2021 06:48

OP please listen to me 💐

I could have written almost exactly the same as you 31 years ago when I was 17. Honestly an almost identical situation except it was his Mum who passed away

I went on to waste the next 14 years of my life in an emotionally abusive relationship. Please don’t make the same mistake as I did

You deserve so much better

AnyFucker · 18/08/2021 06:52

You can’t “win” with an abusive piece of shit

Walk away. Value yourself, because he certainly does not.

Shoxfordian · 18/08/2021 06:59

He’s abusive but he’s done you a massive favour by breaking up with you again so don’t go back under any circumstances

Have you done the freedom programme if this has happened in other relationships? It will help you avoid similar abusers in future

None of this is your fault
Call women’s aid for some advice as well if you can
Be with your family or your friends
Be very very kind to yourself

Balonzette · 18/08/2021 07:18

It sounds to me like he is unhappy with you and his dad's death is both making him more emotional and also giving him an excuse to treat you horribly.

His regular emotions are emphasised due to the bereavement, but there were obviously doubts and problems in his mind regarding the relationship before the death, and he is now just openly showing you his feelings because of his anger and hurt regqrding the death.

He is treating you disgustingly - from judging you for your past to exploding at you so often. His behaviour is totally not normal and not okay, yet because his dad passed away you are tolerating it. His dad's death isn't an excuse for this behaviour. Things aren't going to improve because honestly it seems like he just isn't that happy in the relationship and isn't certain about you even independently of the death - the things he is saying and doing don't come from nowhere. It's just that he's open about it now - if he was sure about you, he wouldn't see the time spent with you and not with his dad as a waste. But he does.

I am not saying this to be horrible but because I think you need to call it a day, for your own mental health and dignity. If you allow him to treat you so hideously you will gradually get worn down to the point where yoh believe you deserve this treatment. It seems that even his family are witnessing him treating you with little respect and love and that's just not nice for you, it is humiliating and degrading.

It seems like you're already making excuses for him by trying to blame this behaviour on his dad's death when, to be honest, adult's parents die. That happens, and it is awful and sad. But most adults don't turn on the person they're supposed to love and become abusive because of a death.

When someone repeatedly shows you and tells you that they don't value you or want to be with you - believe them. Don't keep making excuses because it's painful to accept. You deserve better than this Flowers

Balonzette · 18/08/2021 07:24

I really need to add that, when I say he isn't happy with you/the relationship, I don't mean because there is anything wrong with you or because you have done anything wrong. You clearly haven't. I don't know why he's behvaing so appallingly, but the issue I'm trying to get across is that, whatever the reason for his hideous behaviour, his dad's death is not the cause, and so it won't get better as he starts to heal from the bereavement. He's not a nice man, and reading your replies just makes him seem even more awful and abusive.

Onelifeonly · 18/08/2021 07:37

Putting the bereavement to one side, re- read the third paragraph of your original post OP. Does that sound like a description of a happy fulfilling relationship? As soon as I started to read that I could see you needed to leave him. The ins and outs of what has happened since his father's death, that you have agonised over, are irrelevant to the core issue.

You should have left as soon as he expressed "trust issues". And if not then, as soon as you realised there were too many "arguments". (My DH and I never argued until we actually got married after 4.5 years, and that was only because we were adjusting to living together full time.)

ShuddaBeenMe · 18/08/2021 07:37

He is an absolute prick

It's awful his dad died but there's no excuse for him to saying things like tread carefully.

Block him. Ignore him at work. Go live a happy life.

And his stepmum was trying to tell you you had overstepped too, just for future reference.

Leave the whole lot of them to it Thanks

Dozer · 18/08/2021 07:42

From the info in your OP was emotionally abusive, and the relationship a bad one, well before his dad sadly died. And as PPs say, it’s escalated.

You unfortunately missed ‘red flags’ about him.

The best thing for you would be to be single, with no contact with him at all, and to read up on emotional abuse and reflect on why you entered the relationship and stayed.

Continuing to pursue this will just mean more pain and upset for you.

Dozer · 18/08/2021 07:46

For example, it sounds like you mean that he judged and was repeatedly nasty to you about your life before your relationship, and argued that because of your past actions, in which he wasn’t involved, he doesn’t trust you.

That alone is awful and should have given you pause, the first time it happened.