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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

Having no backbone... do I ghost him? Please tell me I’ve been an idiot for believing him

51 replies

iwantalltheplasticsurgery · 23/10/2021 12:32

This is a really long story so apologies beforehand! Basically I have no idea whether I’m overreacting or whether he’s been really disrespectful.

Our “relationship” started 6 months ago. We both do the same university course as mature students. In our course there’s a lot of practical elements and placements which means we also kind of work together. We see each other a lot of the time. He is 5 years younger than me.

Anyway, I have had niggling feelings that he’s not being truthful or honest with me about anything. So basically after we slept together a few times, I made it very clear that if he wanted to sleep with other people, I’d appreciate if he ended our situation. I said I don’t sleep with multiple partners at a time because of health reasons. Personal decision. He said he wouldn’t do that.

I can think of 4 times I’ve basically ended the relationship and he’s found a way to convince me im overreacting.

First time was a day before we went on holiday together. He made a “joke” about sleeping with someone else. I decided not to go on holiday with him, and told him he’s either immature for making the joke or there’s truth to it. He apologised profusely saying it was a joke and he wouldn’t do it again. I was more cautious after that, but my friends convinced me to give it another go.

The second time I found a used condom in his bathroom bin. This was maybe 2 months after the comment he made. I asked what it was, and he said he used it for a “posh wank”. Doesn’t really make any sense to me... however my male friends said they sometimes do this. I just asked the guy to be honest and tell me if he’d slept with someone else. He was adamant he hadn’t. I asked if I needed an STI check. He said no, definitely not.

The third time he was showing me something on his phone and something popped up with a female name. Something didn’t feel right and I panicked a bit... I didn’t get dramatic or even look at his phone. I just ended it saying we want different things. He was really offended saying stuff like she was just a friend, just speaking to each other etc

And then I didn’t speak to him for 3 weeks. He kept trying to talk to me at uni, and eventually messaged me saying that he missed me. Well a course mate told me that just 4 days before this he’d been on Tinder.

I replied just reiterating that I was done. He saw me in person and we ended up having an argument where he broke down saying he fucked things up and it wasn’t worth it, that he really liked me, had fallen for me etc, but he thought I was going to get back with my ex so tried to make it less serious. He then said he really wanted to be with me and that he wanted to make things right. He said he’s sabotaged it.

I asked him outright “did you cheat on me?” He said no. I asked if he’d spoke to other people, he said yeah. I said how does that add up if he likes someone, he said he was just trying to sabotage us. He basically then begged for another chance and said he’d deleted tinder, won’t speak to anyone else. Stupidly I don’t even know why, I said yes.

So then he made a big effort being all expressive and affectionate with me, saying I was beautiful & texting me and calling me all the time. Then when I saw him in person he did a meal for my birthday that he’d missed when we broke up and got me an expensive present. Then the next morning back to low effort, barely speaking. Not being affectionate.

Social media is rammed full of girls I suspect he doesn’t really know, I had to ask 4 times to be added, wish I hadn’t because seeing all that just confirmed what I already knew to be honest. His low effort communication is back, not replying for hours and when he does usually just a few words.

I’ve been an idiot haven’t i? What do I do.. ghost and block? Or am I just reading too much into it. I’m so insecure he makes me think it’s me

OP posts:
OneFootintheRave · 23/10/2021 12:35

The used condom was for sex, not wanking. Wise up

Fireflygal · 23/10/2021 12:41

You have given him too many chances and ignored your instincts but it isn't your fault that you he has lied to you.

It seems he enjoys having his ego stroked. Probadly enjoys the challenge when you go no contact and then reverts to type once he has secured you again. It's him who is dysfunctional but once you know it then your responsibility is to end it.

Your call on how you end. A simple text of "this doesn't work for me, goodbye" and then block would be my approach as then he knows its over.

DoesHePlayTheFiddle · 23/10/2021 12:45

Oh, goodness. You want it to be right, but it isn't. Block and move on. Get tested.

Farwest · 23/10/2021 12:47

Dump, block, move on. And get that STI test straight away. Flowers

EvenMoreFuriousVexation · 23/10/2021 13:04

It seems he enjoys having his ego stroked. Probadly enjoys the challenge when you go no contact and then reverts to type once he has secured you again.

I agree with this 100%.

Get an STI check although if I were you I'd stick to condoms as well anyway - there are so many liars out there.

I'd dump with a simple text then block. If he starts hassling you at college or work placements don't get drawn into any discussion, just say "I'm not going to discuss this. Let's keep it professional." If he persists, speak to your course tutor.

layladomino · 23/10/2021 13:10

He is using a few old lines on you there. The old 'you were too good for me so I tried to sabotage it by chasing other women'... (!)

Some of your concerns, on their own, seem like overreactions. For example dumping someone because a woman's name popped up on their phone, without seeing the contents. Everyone has people of the opposite sex in their phones - friends, family, workmates - so if you reacted like that just on seeing the name then you were way overreacting.

But I suspect you overreacted because you had other worries, a gut feeling perhaps.

He sounds more trouble than he's worth, and you clearly don't trust him - possibly with very good reason. I don't think you've been an idiot, but you can take control from hereon. You don't need someone's permission to finish with them. You don't have to go back if he asks.

thecatsarecrazy · 23/10/2021 13:29

Get rid love.
Ok giving someone a chance after the first fuck up but when they do it time and time again then they're taking the piss and can never be trusted.

Leftphalange · 23/10/2021 13:41

Yes you need to forget him and move on

Munchkinpumpkin · 23/10/2021 13:49

He sounds totally grubby.. dump him

SleepingBunnies21 · 23/10/2021 14:07

The only definite thing is the used condom, but that's enough.

I don't believe in posh wanks, I'm really taken aback that your male friends say they've done it. Literally know no man who doesn't dislike condoms (for anything).

SleepingBunnies21 · 23/10/2021 14:08

@OneFootintheRave

The used condom was for sex, not wanking. Wise up
She already said she doubted his story.

What an unnecessarily rude, antagonistic post.

iwantalltheplasticsurgery · 23/10/2021 14:39

The one with the phone... it was a woman’s name and then a specific emoji next to it which indicated they weren’t just friends

What gets me is the “I’ve not really spoken to someone since you”

What the fuck does “really” mean.. it means he has. And he must have no luck on tinder so had to come back and settle with fuck ugly me

OP posts:
Yogawankonobi · 23/10/2021 14:45

You are mature students?

HundredMilesAnHour · 23/10/2021 15:09

You should have ended it when you found the used condom. It sounds very one-sided. You like to think you're in a relationship with him and he just goes along with what you say because if he told you the truth (that he's quite happily single and shagging around) then you wouldn't be guaranteed sex on a plate for him. Sorry OP but that's how it sounds.

JovialNickname · 23/10/2021 15:33

Definitely get rid of him!! Also, if you don't mind me saying so, it sounds like you are a rather strange mix of being extremely exacting and boundaried about what you want (verbally being very clear about wanting monogamy, for example) but then completely passive and gullible (sorry!) when it comes to actions - I mean a used condom in the bin, WTF. Your actions are completely not matching your words. Having boundaries means enforcing what you say through followup action, and not tolerating people that try to cross the boundaries you've set. But you've just been rolling over, in the face of incontrovertible evidence. Having boundaries is not just saying the words loudly and repeatedly; it's enforcing them with your own actions, meaning if you say you're going to leave if he cheats, you do that and don't look back.

JovialNickname · 23/10/2021 15:36

As an aside I've always thought the "posh wank" thing using a condom was a myth. I think men keep the idea up (Oh yes I used to do that / know someone that does that) to protect the "brotherhood" - ie fellow men that are cheating!

Pinkbonbon · 23/10/2021 15:44

There's nothing wrong with other than your boundaries aren't where they need to be. Which is normal whilst youre still pretty young (I assuming).

He is scummy. Dump and block and stop being reeled back in. If it helps, you two are not remotely compatable. Relationships are supposed supposed be easy and bring out the best in you. If they don't, then everything else asside, this person is not the one for you.

He doesnt make you happy.
It's time for him to go.

crumpet · 23/10/2021 15:51

Ghosting isn’t very mature. A simple text saying it’s not for you and not to contact you again would be better. Then block if you need to.

Pinkbonbon · 23/10/2021 15:55

And don't give him an 'in' to wiggle his way back with by spouting bs. Just tell him its over because your just not feeling it.

And in future, trust your gut when it screams at you they are no good.

CremeEggThief · 23/10/2021 16:02

Just dump him.by text, OP. Say it's not doing it for you any more and that's that. Not really sure how ghosting/blocking would work if you still have to see each other in person at uni. You've given him another chance, it's not working for you, end of.

Aquamarine1029 · 23/10/2021 16:07

Good grief, op. Where are your standards and boundaries? It's so obvious this man is a liar and a cheat. Get shot of him, ghost and block.

SweetBabyCheeses99 · 23/10/2021 16:30

Ghosting anyone is pretty low (treat others as you’d expect to be treated etc) but even so, it only really works when that person is someone you don’t habitually see!

You’re clearly good at dumping him as you’ve done it 4+ times before so just do it again and then move on.

MadMadMadamMim · 23/10/2021 16:39

Neither of you sounds very mature, to be honest, and this all sounds far too much drama and agonising.

I'd simply calmly and politely tell him that I didn't feel the relationship was for me and wish him well for the future.

That's the adult way to do it. Ghosting is just rude.

Pinkbonbon · 23/10/2021 16:44

I wouldn't ghost because then he can use that to demand 'closure'. Then all it takes is a day where your having a weak point and a text from him for you to think maybe you owe him a chat in person. Which, you don't.

Just text him and tell him you just aren't feeling it anymore so its best you call it a day and draw draw line under things. That's a fair end and one that doesn't need explanation or validation.

IAAP · 23/10/2021 16:47

@OneFootintheRave

The used condom was for sex, not wanking. Wise up
This. Yes block and delete.
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