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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

Mind games or over?

23 replies

Newyearmoredisappointment · 01/01/2023 00:51

I'm in turmoil and confused.
Bit of background. Been in a relationship 7 years, one 4 year old together.
Found out partner had cheated at the beginning of the relationship. Don't want to focus on this too much but he was dating and sleeping with women (all he pursued) he's told numerous lies since. Worse still is how he treated me since. Won't discuss it because it angers him and he knows it makes him look bad, instead tells me and others I'm mentally ill.

There is more to the relationship but I don't want to go into too much detail.
Things have been difficult as my self esteem is non existent, trust gone and he refuses to reassure me. Told him all I want is for him to say he loves me and he says "I shouldn't need to tell you". To make it clear, I don't ask this often at all.

I think he plays on my insecurities. I don't stop him going out or anything like that. I'm finding it hard to cope with the lies but if the past gets brought up , he gets mad; tells me insecurity is very unattractive and threatens to leave. This happens regularly.

I know the relationship is a disaster but I don't want to be told to leave, I'm not ready. Why I'm posting is for he current situation...

Had partners Xmas family get together 2 days ago at his dad's house. The morning of this he made some comments about me and I (wrongly I know) said something about his cheating. Had a bit of an argument but that was that. Carried on normal the rest of the day, had photos together etc.

I went to bed at 12 that night with our son. He text me at 1am something about me being mentally ill and said "unless you apologise for bringing up the past, our relationship is over".
I didn't reply because it was late, I was half asleep and it was more of a face to face conversation. In the morning, he woke at 11.30 and I had to leave to pick up my eldest child from his dad. We do live together but this get together was at his dad's and I had to leave tlwith our child to collect my eldest.
Before I left partner barely spoke to me and my son said "daddy isn't coming home".
We said goodbye and I left.

Didn't hear from him until 9pm when he asked me to say goodnight to our son (he stays away fairly regularly and never texts this).
He then text me later asking if my son was better and how was I etc. He never asks how I am and generally talks at me!

So by now I'm confused. I'm too scared to bring up what's going on because it'll cause an argument but I've felt sick the whole day and heartbroken, panicking where I'll live etc.

This morning he texts and asks if he should book a light show for us and the kids and then go to Rachel and Dave's (his friends) in the evening. I say we will come over to his dad's, do the lights and stay the night. He can take our child to his friends (his friends daughter loves playing with our child) and I will stay at his dads with eldest who is recovering from illness.

I arrive and he asks for a kiss, is normal with me, hold hands during the light show. However, he's made comments that insinuate he isn't coming home and is staying at his dad's. For instance, sons phone is broken and he said "you should have brought it for me to fix" and I was going to ask his eldest child if he wanted to come over to spend new year with him and our child.
I know I need to speak to him but I'm scared to hear the answer. Plus I can't say anything without him getting angry, so didnt want to ask anything in front of the kids.

I'm feeling shit.

On one hand he's said via text that we are over if I don't apologise but he often threatens to leave. He wouldn't usually then not come home but he was messaging more friendly than usual.
He has form for threatening/saying horrible things and carrying on as normal. Surely we wouldn't have come over to do stuff as a family, kissed etc if we are not together but I don't think he's coming home.

OP posts:
AutisticLegoLover · 01/01/2023 00:56

I'm sorry but the only solution here is to leave the abusive bastard. You and your dc deserve much better than this. Don't waste your time and energy trying to figure him out. Spend your time and energy planning your escape from this abusive relationship. Please contact Women's Aid and they will help.

www.womensaid.org.uk/information-support/

MumCat2020 · 01/01/2023 01:01

You know what you need to do. Don't wait for him to make the decision. End it now and concentrate on being the best mum you can be and letting yourself heal emotionally. Mind games are horrendous and they never end

MumCat2020 · 01/01/2023 01:01

You know what you need to do. Don't wait for him to make the decision. End it now and concentrate on being the best mum you can be and letting yourself heal emotionally. Mind games are horrendous and they never end

category12 · 01/01/2023 01:04

I got nothing other than what you don't want to hear, OP.

Runningfire · 01/01/2023 01:07

im sorry. Call women’s aid for help

pumpkinsareshortlived · 01/01/2023 01:28

He says jump and you say how high. Fgs, this man is controlling and manipulating your life and relationship. Why the hell are you with him? He's cheated, could be still for all you know, this has not been resolved, there is no true reconciliation on his part just you shutting up and putting up while he abuses you by stonewalling, sulking, threatening to leave and refusing to discuss like an adult.

No wonder your self-esteem is non existant. Your relationship is toxic and certainly not fair on your DC.

Wonder what his reaction would be if you turned the tables, told him you're not prepared to live a doormat any longer and threw him out?

Newyearmoredisappointment · 01/01/2023 02:12

pumpkinsareshortlived · 01/01/2023 01:28

He says jump and you say how high. Fgs, this man is controlling and manipulating your life and relationship. Why the hell are you with him? He's cheated, could be still for all you know, this has not been resolved, there is no true reconciliation on his part just you shutting up and putting up while he abuses you by stonewalling, sulking, threatening to leave and refusing to discuss like an adult.

No wonder your self-esteem is non existant. Your relationship is toxic and certainly not fair on your DC.

Wonder what his reaction would be if you turned the tables, told him you're not prepared to live a doormat any longer and threw him out?

You've hit the nail on the head!

I'm in inner turmoil because he treats me awfully but I don't want him to leave me. When he messaged yesterday and said he would leave if I didn't say sorry, part of me felt heartbroken and just thought I should apologise. The other part of me decided I'd be an idiot to apologise. He didn't apologise for putting his hands on me recently but I'm meant to apologise because he hates a reminder that he's cheated.

I know you need to let go of the past to move forward bur because he told so many lies and decided instead that k was mentally ill, I don't feel it has been adequately addressed.

I am constantly insecure as he threatens to leave, tells me he'll leave if I don't do x, y and z... basically if I shut up, do everything without an opinion then he's happy.

OP posts:
Newyearmoredisappointment · 01/01/2023 02:16

@pumpkinsareshortlived I'm generally too scared to call his bluff but when I didn't apologise to him yesterday and left, he did end up messaging me and it was a lot nicer than usual. Honestly it was a shock when he asked how I was. It never happens.

OP posts:
cinnamonpearl · 01/01/2023 06:59

THE PART TIME DOCTOR AGAIN???? Get a fucking grip!! And stop name-changing and gaslighting other women on here!

cinnamonpearl · 01/01/2023 07:03

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

ToBeOrNotToBee · 01/01/2023 07:03

He's a prize wanker.

You know what you have to do here,it will take every last bit of bravery and self-respect from you; but it needs to be done.

You were not put on this Earth to be someone's doormat that he occasionally rubs his shoes on.

cinnamonpearl · 01/01/2023 07:12

ToBeOrNotToBee · 01/01/2023 07:03

He's a prize wanker.

You know what you have to do here,it will take every last bit of bravery and self-respect from you; but it needs to be done.

You were not put on this Earth to be someone's doormat that he occasionally rubs his shoes on.

She won't listen. Honestly the site needs to block her. She's complicit in the abuse of her own children at his hand (her eldest is openly bullied by him) but won't leave.

It's the worst, most disingenuous, disrespectful thing I've ever read on here, yet she keeps posting for tips on how to keep him. He cheated on you with six different women, he abuses your kids, where the fuck is your line??

Ladyof2022 · 01/01/2023 07:17

You are being abused,OP. Your posts are heartbreaking to read.

For your sake, for your children, you have to escape from this horrible situation. It's not a relationship, it's abuse. Stop allowing it. The details of what he does or says are irrelevant. Focus your energy on escaping.

And google "Stockholm Syndrome."

I wish you all the best. x

stillvicarinatutu · 01/01/2023 07:59

I know the relationship is a disaster but I don't want to be told to leave, I'm not ready. Why I'm posting is for he current situation...

Op. You'll NEVER be ready to leave - I was with a similar man whose headfuckery was exhausting. The mental gymnastics absolutely drained me .

One day - after another ridiculous argument, I stood in the kitchen , and just thought could my life be any more miserable without him than with him ?

I left - very halfhearted really - I think I expected us to reconcile.

He went straight online and started dating . Carried on throwing me little crumbs while he decided what he wanted . Carried on playing all the same games . It was hideous. I'd also got pg but he didn't want the baby once he found out she had a disability.

He cast me aside without a backwards glance . And I had been so besotted with him , loved him , tried absolutely everything to please him and nothing ever did .

I knew I had to leave, even though I didn't feel ready - I'd have never felt ready . Truth be told - I still don't .

But I live alone now , in total peace and tranquillity. It's absolutely lovely, not pussyfooting round on eggshells all the time , not having a churning stomach wondering when the next row will be or what thing I'll do next that enraged him .
The peace is healing.
For whatever reason, I'll always love that man - but he didn't love me . If he had , he wouldn't have treated me the way he did . I'd rather be single and living in peace than go back to that .

You won't be ready - but you will only heal once you've left him .

You have to be a role model for your son or he'll just grow up modelling the arse his father is .
Dont inflict that on your child , or his future partners.
Make plans . Talk to friends and family . Save some money . Don't think too far ahead - just plan the day you leave . The rest will follow. Trust me .

stillvicarinatutu · 01/01/2023 08:08

cinnamonpearl · 01/01/2023 06:59

THE PART TIME DOCTOR AGAIN???? Get a fucking grip!! And stop name-changing and gaslighting other women on here!

Really unhelpful- if it were as easy as saying just leave there would be no women in abusive relationships would there and we'd all be frolicking with rainbows and unicorns.
I think it's massively unhelpful and unkind to suggest blocking what could be someone's only support- if you've left an abusive relationship you should also know it's hard to do. No one knows the ops financial or work situation, housing - I suggest you scan the relationship boards now and then and you'll see this op is not the only one in an abusive relationship and afraid to jump .

SLS500 · 01/01/2023 09:27

If you can't do it for yourself do it for the sake of your children.

Dig deep because as bad as you feel now and as scary as leaving him feels, nothing will feel worse than how you feel now.

This is no way to live and certainly not an environment for your children. Protect them.

Bedazzled22 · 01/01/2023 09:38

You must and can end this abusive relationship once and for all. Think what its doing to your poor children - you want them to learn this behaviour is ok, and be like that too?

Bananalanacake · 01/01/2023 10:11

So he's not coming home, great, he won't be able to abuse you any more.

Newyearmoredisappointment · 01/01/2023 10:53

cinnamonpearl · 01/01/2023 06:59

THE PART TIME DOCTOR AGAIN???? Get a fucking grip!! And stop name-changing and gaslighting other women on here!

No idea what you mean? I'm not a doctor and I'm not sure what that has to do with anything, no need for.the anger.

OP posts:
Newyearmoredisappointment · 01/01/2023 10:55

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

This is not my post and nothing to do with me. I came here for a place to talk, but evidently shouldn't have bothered.

OP posts:
Newyearmoredisappointment · 01/01/2023 10:59

stillvicarinatutu · 01/01/2023 07:59

I know the relationship is a disaster but I don't want to be told to leave, I'm not ready. Why I'm posting is for he current situation...

Op. You'll NEVER be ready to leave - I was with a similar man whose headfuckery was exhausting. The mental gymnastics absolutely drained me .

One day - after another ridiculous argument, I stood in the kitchen , and just thought could my life be any more miserable without him than with him ?

I left - very halfhearted really - I think I expected us to reconcile.

He went straight online and started dating . Carried on throwing me little crumbs while he decided what he wanted . Carried on playing all the same games . It was hideous. I'd also got pg but he didn't want the baby once he found out she had a disability.

He cast me aside without a backwards glance . And I had been so besotted with him , loved him , tried absolutely everything to please him and nothing ever did .

I knew I had to leave, even though I didn't feel ready - I'd have never felt ready . Truth be told - I still don't .

But I live alone now , in total peace and tranquillity. It's absolutely lovely, not pussyfooting round on eggshells all the time , not having a churning stomach wondering when the next row will be or what thing I'll do next that enraged him .
The peace is healing.
For whatever reason, I'll always love that man - but he didn't love me . If he had , he wouldn't have treated me the way he did . I'd rather be single and living in peace than go back to that .

You won't be ready - but you will only heal once you've left him .

You have to be a role model for your son or he'll just grow up modelling the arse his father is .
Dont inflict that on your child , or his future partners.
Make plans . Talk to friends and family . Save some money . Don't think too far ahead - just plan the day you leave . The rest will follow. Trust me .

I'm so sorry for what you went through. He sounds awful and so cruel. I can imagine that in many ways you feel so free now you have left. Is he still in your life for your daughter?

OP posts:
category12 · 01/01/2023 11:22

Is what you're afraid if you split up that he wouldn't keep up a relationship with your child?

category12 · 01/01/2023 11:25

There should be an of in that sentence, dang it.

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