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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:
GoGoGretaDoll · 29/12/2021 00:39

Oh my love, not only are you being gaslit, you are being abused. What a horror he is.

But the GREAT news is that some kernel of your past self has protected you financially. He has no claim and makes no contribution so you know that you can survive financially without him. Many women don't have that. So well done you. And I'd bet my house the kids aren't half as attached as you think they are, I bet they'd be delighted to get shot of him.

What would it take to get rid of him? What support would you need? Women's Aid? Friends? Family? It's OK to wait until next week and kids are back at school/you're at work if that makes it easier too.

Suzi9989 · 29/12/2021 00:40

What is he adding to your life?
Just step back a bit, tell him you need to be on your own.

You deserve to be happy. You only live once

GregTheEgg · 29/12/2021 00:50

I’m so sorry you’re dealing with being sexually assaulted and gaslighted by the person who’s supposed to love you. You don’t have to live like this. You deserve better. Everyone does. He’s a nasty piece of shit. Please reach out to anyone who can help you leave. Friends or family, Women's Aid, keep posting on here. One way or another you will find the strength to get away from this awful abuse Flowers

MolkosTeenageAngst · 29/12/2021 01:09

I’m not sure about gaslighting but this relationship is 100% abusive and the fact he has sexually assaulted you should be the push you need to leave. Please please get out because you do not deserve to be living with an awful man like this.

MsDogLady · 29/12/2021 01:09

I wouldn’t tolerate this contemptuous Abuser in my/my children’s lives and home. They may not hear the cruel gaslighting and arguments, but they will pick up on the tense dynamic, and you cannot be fully present for them when this Loser keeps you so unsettled.

OP, you are doing yourself and your children a great disservice by clinging to this despicable person.

PurpleSapphire · 29/12/2021 01:50

You need to end it op. It'll only get worse. Your children WILL start to see it because the mask slips after a while, abusers get complacent.

My ex was a monster. There was something so very wrong with him, if I even glanced at my phone to see the time he was convinced I was waiting for a text. Ebay notifications would cause a row, he refused to believe they weren't a text from a man even after i'd shown him! If I looked out of the side window as we were going along in the car he'd accuse me of staring at some ex's house. I never gave him any reason to doubt me either. Everything I did was wrong, even down to the way I wrapped his sandwiches or the type of sponge I cleaned with!! That would be enough to set him off, normally ending with him throwing things at me, storming off for days, smashing things up..take your pick. I ended up a nervous wreck. Please dont let it get that far, he wont suddenly change, you'll still have to end it at some point so why let it go on any longer?

tortoiselover100 · 29/12/2021 02:23

This is a Ouse, coercive control and gaslighting. Get rid of him.

tortoiselover100 · 29/12/2021 02:23

Abuse

Dogfacepacer · 29/12/2021 02:26

This is horrible horrible horrible.

Cissyandflora · 29/12/2021 03:06

Get him out. No question about it. Forget about the children being attached. Get him gone tomorrow. Change locks. Be strong.

LadyEggs · 29/12/2021 03:20

He spat in your tea OP. He needs to go and you need to be brave and tell him to leave. Start making plans to do it, confide in a friend? See a solicitor. Anything to help you make the first step. It's incredibly hard, I know, but come on.... Thanks

LadyEggs · 29/12/2021 03:21

(The kids probably don't like him that much but want you to be happy. Have you asked them? They've only known him a couple of years, they will move on quickly).

HomeTheatreSystem · 29/12/2021 04:41

Read Why Does He Do That? by Lundy Bancroft. It's available free as a PDF somewhere on mumsnet (just do a search). Your DP's abusive behaviour is outlined in there, as is the destructive effect it has on you, the partner. You might also want to contact Women's Aid for advice and look at doing the Freedom Programme. There is nothing to be gained by doing relationship counselling with people like this as they use it to pinpoint your vulnerabilities and exploit them to their own gain: good counsellors will not provide their services to a couple as a couple where they can see abuse exists in the relationship.

Separate to that, you have 2 great blessings to your situation! The house is solely yours and you are financially independent. You should get him out ASAP. If he refuses to leave, you can call the police and they will remove him for you. If you feel he's likely to harass you further, look into non molestation and restraining orders.

Totalwasteofpaper · 29/12/2021 04:45

@Teacupsandtoast

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
Yep this and @HomeTheatreSystem Phone the police if he won't go quietly.
violetbunny · 29/12/2021 06:18

Here is a link to the book mentioned by the previous poster: www.docdroid.net/2fZmz40/why-does-he-do-that-pdf#page=16

OP, you need to change the locks and tell him it's over. Block any communication from him. This man is manipulating you. That's what the threatening to leave is all about - it's designed to get you to avoid arguments with him in the future and just go with whatever he says. You need to be strong and get rid.

Weenurse · 29/12/2021 06:27

You know he is wrong for you . next time he ends it, just say” okay” if you can’t bring yourself to say the words.
You will feel better about yourself if you can end it though.

Billybagpuss · 29/12/2021 06:35

You know what you need to do OP and posting is a brilliant first step.

Take strength from these wonderful ladies on here when you’re ready. Today do one thing for. Take baby steps to build up to the big step you know you need to take 💐

couchparsnip · 29/12/2021 07:26

You know what you have to do. The tea thing is vile and you need to hold on to your reaction to it. Whatever he says, it's over in your head now.

Reconnect with your friends if you can. They might be worried about you and able to help you get rid of him. Explain why you've not been in touch. If I heard from one of my friends in that situation I would forgive anything and try to help.

LawnFever · 29/12/2021 10:50

Every time we argue it escalated into him saying it’s over and he is leaving.

This actually gives you a good starting point to say, ‘last time we argued you said you were leaving, I’ve been thinking and yes that is what I want to’.

If you need to get someone to be at the house with you for moral support.

Good luck OP, you’ve made the first step in recognising his behaviour.

RedFlagsAllOver · 29/12/2021 10:56

Next time he leaves make sure he stays gone

ladymuck111 · 29/12/2021 11:05

I've been in your shoes except it took me 12 years, a few physical instances and my kids to be majorly affected before I realised it wasn't me with issues.

Please tell him to leave - if you don't feel strong enough have someone with you at the time.

Your OP could have been written by me.

SukiPook · 29/12/2021 11:07

Yes, read "Why does he do that". Other books which helped me: Verbally Abusive Relationship, the Emotionally Destructive Marriage, Out of the Fog. Women's Aid are SO helpful,they are not just for DV victims, a quick chat on the phone to them when your partner is out, they will confirm that it's emotional abuse, offer you free counselling on getting free from the abuse cycle, they can offer v practical and legal help re getting the person out safely etc and can liaise with police if u need to change locks etc. It can sometimes take a wee bit of time for your mind to fully realise that you amd the kids will be better off. Even if they somehpw haven't directly seen the abuse... it is changing u as q person...kids need their mum to be happy for them to be, too!
You can do this! The jealousy and control are very bad signs. My husband had the anger and criticism just but that was bad enough.

LalalalalalaLand123 · 29/12/2021 11:32

OP you know the answer.
He is awful. He is treating you like shit.
End the relationship.

mewkins · 29/12/2021 11:38

Hi OP
I have been in your shoes. You will never get him to either change in the long term, admit he has a problem or leave voluntarily. You end to get him out, change the locks and not engage with him at all. I would strongly suggest asking one of your friends to help you. Take care x

GentlemanJayFab · 29/12/2021 11:53

Time to call it a day.