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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:
JustKittenAround · 23/10/2021 17:09

The posh wank is a lie. It really is. Men don’t do that, they keep the myth going to trick gullible women. He’s enjoying making you look the fool…

Get that STI test. He’s been cheating on you, his words mean nothing.

Motherofalittledragon · 23/10/2021 17:54

More trouble than he's worth, dump and block.

iwantalltheplasticsurgery · 23/10/2021 21:07

Feel like an idiot

OP posts:
DrSbaitso · 23/10/2021 21:48

Just throw him back in.

JustKittenAround · 23/10/2021 21:57

@iwantalltheplasticsurgery

Feel like an idiot
Listen, you only feel that way because he took advantage of your trusting nature. He took the good and pure in you and exploited it.

I once found condoms (not used) with my long term partner and he made up some lie about having it for a friend… I didn’t believe him, yet I WANTED to believe him.

Hell, my sister found out her long term partner was cheating THE SAME WAY. These men think they are so slick.

Also those dudes who say they sometimes do the condom wank aren’t your friends. They are lying liars who lie.

Try to find your anger. It will keep you together. I know it seems counterintuitive but the anger will help. Don’t beat yourself up, this guy is a bad person who took advantage of you. HE is the one who should feel like an idiot and one day he will. Not by you, but he will get his.

Frankly I would ghost him. Everyone on here is right that it’s “mean” but he has been cheating on you and gaslighting you. He doesn’t deserve to know what is going on. He KNOWS what he did.

I worked with my cheater and would have to sometimes spend time near him. I just ignored him. He kept trying to say Hi to me and talk to me. I just grey rocked and walked away whenever I could. That worked the best. Later I allowed him to talk with me after dinner and it was the biggest mistake ever. Just allowed him to try to lie and hurt me further. He even made a pass at me! Ewww… these types are scum.

GertietheGherkin · 23/10/2021 22:08

This sounds like a nightmare of a relationship. So much drama, and to-ing and fro-ing. You're ending things all the time, he's snivelling and asking for another chance. It sounds like an immature teenagers set-up.

Your insecurities are high, his bullshitting isn't helping. Just end it, and keep it ended!
Your boundaries need to be strong, everytime you take him back, you give him the opportunity to hurt and mess you about.
Don't ghost, that's silly, just text him and make it very clear it's over, it isn't working for you, and you're moving on. Then block him.
If he starts hassling you at Uni, have a word with your Tutor. All the best.

Walkingalot · 23/10/2021 22:47

Whether he's guilty of anything or not, you'll probably never get proof - you just don't trust him. Listen to your gut instincts and dump him once and for all.

spotcheck · 23/10/2021 22:53

Don't ghost, for heaven's sake, you're a mature person.

Just tell him the relationship isn't working, and leave it there.

CambsAlways · 23/10/2021 23:01

Yuk he sounds vile, I personally wouldn’t give him the time of day, I have high standards, you are surely worth more than this, get rid and get tested, he’s enjoying making a fool out of you op

CambsAlways · 23/10/2021 23:03

Also he’s well aware you are insecure, don’t listen to his lies a minute longer

GiantHaystacks2021 · 24/10/2021 05:30

Just ghost him and block him.
That's all he's worth.

SaltedCaramelIcedLatte · 24/10/2021 06:06

No relationship should be this hard after 6 months...move on!

frozendaisy · 24/10/2021 07:47

@JovialNickname

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!
I'll ask the Mr when he wakes up.

I am 99% sure he is not going to know what the fuck I am talking about!

supercali77 · 24/10/2021 07:48

I would 100% ghost and block him. He knows what he did. Ypuve told him more than once your thoughts. I dont think such people deserve an ounce of further explanation. At best. A simple 'it isn't working' and block.

jelly79 · 24/10/2021 07:59

The more you take him back the more you are telling him this is acceptable.

Whether he has cheated or not, you don't trust him and will forever be on the she

This guy is not right for you x

backtolifebacktoreality · 24/10/2021 12:00

Even if he hadn't cheated (which I'm sure he has) this relationship is not making you happy. Just get out!

HappyDays101010 · 24/10/2021 12:09

Posh wanking is definitely a myth!

iwantalltheplasticsurgery · 24/10/2021 14:20

Thank you everyone, you gave me the kick I needed, I’ve just ended it.

OP posts:
Chocaholic9 · 24/10/2021 14:31

Goodness me, yes. Ghost him, block him and don't look back.

He's an idiot and a cheat. I don't know any guy who would use a condom to wank. Most guys try to avoid them for sex, never mind masturbation. He's having you on.

Chocaholic9 · 24/10/2021 14:33

I also recommend getting an STI test.

backtolifebacktoreality · 24/10/2021 14:34

@iwantalltheplasticsurgery

Thank you everyone, you gave me the kick I needed, I’ve just ended it.
Well done you!

If you feel up to sharing, I'd be interested in his response.

iwantalltheplasticsurgery · 24/10/2021 14:35

He just said “fair enough I can’t convince you to trust me and that’s how you feel. I don’t get your issue about Instagram tho I don’t use it”

OP posts:
Monr0e · 24/10/2021 14:52

Well done OP, it really shouldn't be this hard or cause you so much second guessing.

Don't get drawn in trying g to justify your decision, you've said your piece, no need to reply at all now.

CremeEggThief · 24/10/2021 16:23

Well done, OP. Now avoid him from now on. If you're tempted to give him another chance, re-read this thread and use it to remind you he has never made you happy.

HoardingSamphireSaurus · 24/10/2021 16:41

Don't respond. Ever. Just leave him to his own self.

Block and ignore