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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

Being in a new relationship after separation

53 replies

LittleMuffinBabyboy · 27/01/2022 14:29

Hello,
I have thought about posting for a while as am interested in hearing from those who have experienced new relationships after separation.
In a nutshell I separated from my ex over two years ago and about a year ago met a guy who is separated too, has got two kids from previous marriage. I have one child.
We have since the start had a good connection butthere are a few things which overtime have made me very upset.
First his approach with my DS is at times too confrontational. My DS can be very boisterous and doesnt take no as an answer. When my DS has a meltdown my BF answers him back and almost engages with him as if he himself was a child. He always says how I need to be disciplining my child sending him to his room when he misbehaves eg raises his voice or gets angry (behaviours which I am aware of). At times he manages to defuse situation and my DS then calms down.
The other thing that makes me upset is that my BF is hardly ever romantic and at times does not take me seriously. He makes jokes such as 'hey woman go make me dinner' etc which can be funny to an extent. When I bring up my feelings around him being quite sarcastic he says I cannot have this conversation again, ah feelings again, boring etc.
I have suggested we take a break but he does not seem to want it.
I am confused because I love this man but some of his behaviours (eg. how strict he can be with my child and not much inclined to understand my child's feelings and how little he listens to my feelings because he says its not a bloke thing) make me question whether I should continue.
I do not really know how to approach the subject with him without being either mocked or shut down. All I want is for him to be a bit more affectionate and sweet, understanding when it's time to have a joke and when instead it's time to be more serious or more empathetic to other people's feelings.

Has anyone got any word of advice or has found themselves in a similar position please post!
Thank you in advance

OP posts:
Opentooffers · 27/01/2022 18:56

What I'm getting overall is that this is not the man for you. He's just not got a compatible personality. He doesn't behave in a sensitive and romantic way because that just isn't him and never will be. I think you have spent long enough trying to change him, clearly that's not going to happen. What he is, is a sexist 'lad' type, who expects to be the one in charge of any household, even inappropriately yours. It's just not working, make the break permanent IMO. It was all to easy to cling onto someone to stave off the loneliness during lockdown, sometimes it's only during times of freedom that you realise you really aren't bright for each other.

ravenmum · 28/01/2022 07:38

my nature is always been quite inclined to see the good things in people and make excuses for their behaviors
The trouble is that the more excuses that are made, the more people get away with bad behaviour. They never learn. That's no good for their partners - and it's no good for them, either.

LittleMuffinBabyboy · 02/02/2022 20:15

Sorry all, I needed some time to think about things. Also had covid again and started a new job at the same time!
TheFoundation thank you for your comment, what you say makes sense, self respect is crucial. I dont know where my beliefs may come from, definitely something to thunk about.
Opentooffers you put it very simply and brilliantly. Maybe I hve tried to change him and it wont just happen.

Ravenmum yes people just take advantage and learn they will always be forgiven.

I dont know what I am going to do. What I know is that we have seen each other a lot less, I am thinking things through but have had a lot more of quality time with DS somehow, literally have loved the time together and have cuddled him even more. Some of the comments posted here have reminded me of the obvious, how important my son is above everyone else . I know it"s obvious but sometimes when I am stressing about how makw a relationship work I forget how good it feels to just be in my child's company versus trying to please someone or get him to really know my child.

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