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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

Am I being gaslighted?

91 replies

Happyfaceemoji · 28/12/2021 23:31

I’m so confused. I’m divorced long time ago and not dated as kids were small but I’ve been with my DP just over 2 yrs. He moved in a year ago just after Xmas and it was all lovely. But I think I’m going mad. I’ve gone from feeling totally in control of my life to doubting myself. I work, I pay my mortgage and bills and I wouldn’t say I was stupid. Every time we argue it escalated into him saying it’s over and he is leaving. Followed by him making up and staying. (Kids never witness anything by the way, always when they aren’t here). Recently he has even gone as far as going to stay at a mates for a night or two. I honestly can even recall the reason for the argument but it’s generally because I’ve said or done the wrong thing in some way. Texted my ex too much about the kids, gone out with mates Snd not come home early enough. I used to have a large circle of friends and we’d meet up regularly but I’ve stopped going out, even with covid allowing. I dread any invite and mentioning it to my DP as the comments are generally things like oh going out again oh I hardly see you anymore. I am always the one that makes up and reaches out the olive branch as he can literally sulk for days. I can’t stand being emotionally shut out, I feel abandoned. I don’t know if all the lockdowns made it all worse as obviously stopped seeing people then. I never invite friends over either unless there is a special birthday I can use as a reason maybe. I always feel the fights are my fault, the few times I have fought back and stood my ground he comes back with comments like I don’t like you or criticises me for being bossy or boring or says I’m never here, I hardly go out at all now. If anyone come to do any work in the house he accuses me of flirting with them. I had to find a female tutor for my daughter as when I mentioned there was also a male one he kept asking if they were texting me and how often and did I enjoy the attention. It was degrading.
And I don’t even understand why because I’ve never given him reason to ever doubt my fidelity. And lastly and this is what I am really upset about is that after the rows we have make up sex and I think this is almost the reason why he picks on me… but the last row I didn’t want to have make up sex, I tried to avoid it by turning away etc but he persisted and carried on. I didn’t say no. But my body was saying no snd I feel so fucking useless that I was so weak. And I feel confused and I have literally no one I can tell or talk to. Even when he’s being nasty to me I’m still there saying do you want lunch? Like an idiot. I asked him for a cup of tea and he handed it to me and said I have just spat in that, I’ve never been treated like this. But the kids are attached and I feel like a failure. I don’t really know what I’m
Saying except I had to write this down

OP posts:
Teacupsandtoast · 28/12/2021 23:35

He's awful. You are being abused. He must leave your house. Change the locks. And don't let him wheedle his way back in again

Karmakamelion · 28/12/2021 23:36

He is definitely gaslighting you . Get out before he totally takes all your self confidence.

This is the start of a very slippery slope.

Juniper68 · 28/12/2021 23:37

Shock I hope writing this all down has made you realise?

OhCobblers · 28/12/2021 23:37

You're not going mad. I'm no expert but everything you've said shows him to be a nasty controlling shit.
You need to get rid of him. the kids will be ok and you need to figure out where it's gone wrong for you and your boundaries to help ensure it doesn't happen again.
It's your home - it's not too late to get him out.

ANameChangeAgain · 28/12/2021 23:38

I think by writing this out you are taking the first steps to acknowledging its over. So much of what you have described is controlling, manipulative behaviour. The children aren't attached, they have just adjusted to it, and in the long run you will all be damaged and miserable.
What does he contribute to the household?

JustBkind · 28/12/2021 23:39

Omg he sounds awful! He told you he spat in your tea let alone all the other terrible things he’s done. Leave and don’t look back! You deserve so much more. Good luck! Xx

Spudina · 28/12/2021 23:41

He’s abusing you. Separating you from all your support, gaslighting and abusing you.
You are in no way a failure. This happens time and time again, to successful, clever women. But you see it now and it’s time to stop it.

HairyFanjoBanjo · 28/12/2021 23:42

Get him out, as soon as possible.

It’s very clear that he is an abusive, manipulative arsehole.

LawnFever · 28/12/2021 23:42

He sounds awful, manipulative and controlling.

Can you get him to leave? Is the house in joint names?

You aren’t going mad at all, you’re completely sane and he’s the mad one.

For your childrens sake you need to leave him.

xxxllbxxx · 28/12/2021 23:44

Leave him. You can do better and he is abusive, trust me. Leave

ChocAuVin · 28/12/2021 23:44

Oh OP. Please re-read your post. See the sum total of all these things and don’t question yourself any more.

I know that doubt. The rationalising it to yourself; the questioning whether it’s ‘as bad as you think’, the “well I’m not perfect either” self-talk…

It isn’t right. You don’t have to live like this. Flowers

HairyFanjoBanjo · 28/12/2021 23:44

Maybe tomorrow he will spit in the children’s dinners..

THAT is the type of person he is, he’s showed you. Now you can be 110% sure that it’s got to end.

teaandchocolate1 · 28/12/2021 23:46

He is a psycho

Owlink · 28/12/2021 23:47

Apart from all the other disgusting things he's done, he has separated you from your friends on purpose so he can control you easier. Your friends would tell you he's a spiteful prick but he's made sure you have no friends left.

Chloemol · 28/12/2021 23:54

He’s a controlling bully

Get rid of him

Happyfaceemoji · 28/12/2021 23:54

He doesn’t contribute anything financially to the house

OP posts:
Bogeyes · 28/12/2021 23:56

He is horrible. I agree with everything that has been said by others. You will be happier without this abusive man. Make your plans to end it. Good luck.

Happyfaceemoji · 29/12/2021 00:02

It’s my house and in my name. I’ve never asked him to contribute as i don’t want him saying he’s paid therefore can take half my home. I have tried to end things but somehow it always ends up in reconciliation. Never in all my life have I been in such an emotionally troubled relationship but I can’t even think straight anymore. I’m so embarrassed and just frozen and unable to do anything
Weirdly the tea thing revolted me more that anything as it felt so unnecessary viscious. All I did this time was tell him I didn’t want to talk anymore about inviting his DD over for dinner and even tho I checked with him he later has a go saying it’s not my place so I said fine I will leave it to you to arrange and I don’t want to talk about it anymore (because I’m too tired to fight about it)

OP posts:
LawnFever · 29/12/2021 00:14

It’s good that it’s your house and much as he’s a freeloading shit for contributing nothing financially at least that means that without him you’ll actually be better off financially!

You need to get him to leave, could you enlist some moral support?

Are there friends or family who can be there when you tell him to go, then get your locks changed?

LawnFever · 29/12/2021 00:16

Even if you feel like he’s distanced you from friends, I bet they’d support you if you got in touch and explained what he was doing?

Lilyargin · 29/12/2021 00:21

OP, what would you say to a daughter who was being treated like this? Or a sister, or a close friend?
Exactly.
Also, remember Maya Angelou's words: when someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.
Get this piece of crap out of your - and your children's - lives.
You will all be so much happier.
The fact that you're having to ask if you're being gaslighted says it all.
You deserve better.

Bluebluemoon · 29/12/2021 00:22

This is so sad to read. You are in a very abusive relationship OP. The fact he is acting one way in front of others and doing these things to you when it's just you and him shows he is well aware that his actions are disgusting and wrong so he doesn't want witnesses to his behaviour.

How would you feel if he left? I imagine it would be a huge sense of relief? Well you can have that, you just need to find the strength to boot him out. Lucky you that you own the house and he has no financial hold over you. What purpose does he serve? Imagine how good it would be to have peace and your home to yourself again and to do as you please.

crystalize · 29/12/2021 00:25

Oh love, he needs to go asap. It seems you are finally seeing the wood for the trees... Im guessing there was/is a strong sexual connection. Do not confuse this with love. This man certainly does not love you, he shows you utter comtempt.

Please call Womens Aid for support as you are in an abusive relationship x

Flowers500 · 29/12/2021 00:26

You are absolutely LYING to yourself if you say your children haven't seen this abuse.

58bpm · 29/12/2021 00:32

You have got to dig deep and get him out of your house.

Tell a friend or family member

Change the locks next time he leaves.

You have to dig deep and do this. No one can do this for you.

Also it is not too late to report the rape.

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