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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

"normal" behaviour after bereavement

17 replies

whirleywoo · 07/10/2022 18:26

I don't know how to link my previous thread but it's available via my user name. The synopsis is that I had a decision to make about attending my boyfriends Dad's funeral (15 minutes at the crematorium for 10 people) and my disabled DS's meeting of very professional in his care which had taken 18 months and a court order to organise.

I was worried about choosing my son's meeting as knew how he would react but my OH did know when it was and did not discuss this with his step-mum even though there were alternate times on the day of the funeral. It's also 300 miles away.

After lots of soul searching and the advice here I told OH I could not go. He reacted very badly. Went out and drank heavily, came back to mine vomited all over, had a verbal tirade of abuse and he threw a glass of milk over me in bed. I realise this is not normal behaviour but tried to work through it due to his bereavement. Since then it has been very difficult. To appease him I agreed to go but attend my son's meeting virtually, which would mean missing the Crem service but I would be there before and later. It also involved arranging DS carers for over night, day care and moving his medical and therapy appointments so we can be there Saturday night to Tuesday morning. Funeral is Monday afternoon.

Yesterday his step mum rang to say she wanted go to funeral directors to drop some things off and could OH come back today instead of Saturday. He agreed and then asked I drive myself there and back rather than travel together and share the driving. I am severely sleep deprived as standard and struggle with drives of 4 to 5 hours so arranged to get the train but there's issues this weekend due to strikes and reduced service on avanti. OH offered to come get me if I got stranded anywhere. This then escalated over the evening into OH saying that I clearly did not want to come, I was not supportive and making up reasons not to come.

He left in the end and travelled the 300 miles today to take step-mum to the funeral directors. I have has some abusive messages saying I have planned things so not to have to come as I wanted to go out with my friends instead (In was due to go for a curry with friends tonight but couldn't as moved the respite care so I could go to the funeral) and some things about him feeling sorry for the next poor C**t who ends up with me.

I have experienced this language before but this week has been another level. I have driven myself crazy today explaining he offered to pick me up part way and that I had arranged care so I could come etc and have all the texts and emails to show that. But he is adamant that is not the case.

It's like reasoning with a child. I cannot do it. I have not heard from him all day and he has said I " better not arrive up there for the funeral".

I lost my Dad 6 months ago and was hit hard and still am not in a good place but this reaction seems something else. Is it a suck it up and be patient situation due to his grief or has he crossed a line?

OP posts:
whirleywoo · 07/10/2022 18:29

Apologies for the grammar and typos. It's been a super tough week and not in the best of places.

OP posts:
B1pbop · 07/10/2022 18:29

Absolutely crossed a line. That’s not grief, it’s abusive.

Flighttodayplease · 07/10/2022 18:30

Crossed the line. How horrible, I hope you're okay OP.

corlan · 07/10/2022 18:31

Did you abuse him when you lost your father?
I'm sure you didn't. You know the way he's behaving is not acceptable.

Dinosauratemydaffodils · 07/10/2022 18:33

He's crossed many lines imo. Throwing things, abusive messages and ignoring your child's needs. The fact that you say that he's spoken to you like that before is another massive red flag.

I've also lost my dad so I have sympathy for his loss (and yours) but his behaviour is vile.

CrapBucket · 07/10/2022 18:44

OP I am so sorry- this is not grief, this is abuse. You are not alone and we are all willing you on, wishing you the best for your meeting and for your future.

EvenMoreFuriousVexation · 07/10/2022 19:03

OP, you know his behaviour is completely unaccepable.
When he returns from the funeral, I'd tell him it's over and he needs to go.

Have a think about this:
You stated that regrettably you could not be there to support him due to a pre-existing committment to attend to your son's medical needs
He got drunk, verbally abused you, and physically abused you
You rewarded his abuse by agreeing to prioritise him above your son's medical needs
He then demanded you also commit to an additional 4-5hrs of driving then subjected you to another torrent of verbal abuse

This man is not grieving. He's an abusive cock who is using bereavement as a stick to beat you with.

Darbs76 · 07/10/2022 19:28

His behaviour has crossed the line for sure. Please consider your future with this man

Darbs76 · 07/10/2022 19:28

Reconsider your future that should say above

frozendaisy · 07/10/2022 19:47

His reaction, drunk, verbal abuse, throwing milk is enough.

Step away.

Call this relationship over.

Let him grieve how he likes with his mates that's what they are for.

Any OH that makes you worried about choosing your son over them isn't an OH worthy.

achangeisafoot · 07/10/2022 19:50

Loads of people have lots parents. They don't treat their partners like that.

He is abusive and controlling and will make your sons life worse. For the love of god get rid of him please

Cantthinkofanewnameatm · 07/10/2022 20:03

He might be grieving but that is NEVER an excuse to be abusive.
Do you really want this man in your life when he treats you like this?

whirleywoo · 07/10/2022 20:09

Thanks all. Think I knew deep down. I continually look for excuses for him. Typing it out alone helped loads to see it was not normal. I am quite empathic and have a natural instinct to help, especially after losing my Dad recently. I've wanted to "help" him but it's been massively to the detriment of my mental health. I actually felt scared at points this week. I have a reprieve now for a few days as know he won't be local until mid week. I can spend tome sorting myself and moving on. We don't live together so no issues with not being in contact again.

OP posts:
mondaytosunday · 07/10/2022 20:13

I've lost my father and my husband within a year of each other. I never would abuse someone like that - bereavement is no excuse.

LimpBiskit · 07/10/2022 21:18

What a twat. Don't let him near you again.

MrsKeats · 07/10/2022 21:22

This is a over.
Grief does not equal being abusive.
Just block him and move on.

bloodywhitecat · 07/10/2022 21:28

He crossed the line a long time ago. You deserve better. My DH died a few months ago, I wouldn't treat anyone the way he is treating you, please know you are worth so much more than this.

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