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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

Anger when I ask for affection

65 replies

Wishingwell89 · 02/11/2023 08:03

My boyfriends mental issues and problems have always been the center of our relationship. They have always created thus up and down emotion within him. He blames me alot for everything in the relationship. When he's low and down and I dare mention how I feel he goes straight into attack mode. I'm always there with advice and I've lent money and nothings ever too much trouble.

The last 8 or 9 weeks he's been on a massive low. He's mentioned feeling suicidal twice. I helped him sort therapy and he didn't bother answering the phone. I've loaned him money whilst he's too down to work. He has neglected all my needs (I hope that isn't shallow) he isn't walking me home. He's not comforting me and there's no intimacy. I feel starved. I cry alot.

Stuff in my own life is getting big. I'm about to go rent a house on my own after finally selling my house with my children's dad from years ago. It's a big Time in my life. I've felt really down in the dumps this last week. The emotions about my house move and my kids lives changing and me having to start again goes.the bottom essentially alone is massive.

My partner knew I wasn't sleeping the last 3 nights. I've told him I'm so down and sad. I go visit him and he sits next to me stiff as a board. All I want is him to pull me in for a huge hug and reassure me ill be OK.

I walked home in the rain this morning after staying over. He stayed in his dressing gown as always whilst I walked 30 mins in the dark alone for work. He didn't message as I walking like he often does. I phoned him when I was Almost home and said I felt like I didn't matter. I said I would give anything for him to give me a massive cuddle and let me cry in his arms. It was met with anger and him saying I was always starting. He continued telling me that if I'm depressed to go speak to a Dr it isn't his fault and that he has enough of his own stuff to deal with. He said I never listen and he's told me I'm selfish because love and relationships aren't about 1 thing. I said to him it's one thing to not want to have sex anymore but if he can't force himself to comfort me with a cuddle then how does he expect me to feel positive. I said he's refusing to meet any of my needs at the moment and getting angry at me that it's affecting me.

I've supported him all year and been there through all his struggles and now I'm being treated this way.

What are your honest opinions?

I've told him we need to take a break. He often will say he thinks about suicide when we fall out as he has nothing or nobody else. Which is true..but I don't know how to make myself feel loved and valued by him when he's refusing to step up for me.

OP posts:
LoneFemaleTraveller · 02/11/2023 09:24

Wishingwell89 · 02/11/2023 08:58

@OfficerChurlish your words really hit home.

I've messaged him.and said we need to have a break from the relationship as we can't find a balance that works for us both

Do yourself, and most importantly your children, the biggest favour and block him too. Because now he knows his grip on you is slipping he is likely to start making promises he has no intention of ever keeping.

Wishingwell89 · 02/11/2023 18:55

He's been horrible tonight called ne a stupid immature silly child who never stops. He then brought up the fact the other day I said should I wash my hair at your flat later or mine. He said I've told you enough fucking times to do what you want when your here so why ask. He then complained the phones non stop and I annoyed him the other day getting confused at the Chinese menus he was reading out the reviews off.

Never had so much anger spat at me. I told him I'm walking alone in the dark and I call for that reason, and i feel he sounds irritated I'm phoning half the time. He said because we have nothing to talk about. I said well I'm walking to you carrying stuff down youve asked me to bring so it would be nice of you to show you care about me walking at night alone. He once again told me I'm pathetic and told me to leave him alone!

OP posts:
betterangels · 02/11/2023 19:00

You need to get away from him. Genuinely, why would you do this to yourself? Value yourself more.

LoneFemaleTraveller · 02/11/2023 19:23

Honestly op you need counselling. You have some serious boundary issues. Healthy people would walk away.

the fact that you are continueing to allow some shitbag to fuck you over, when you have children to think of, shows how damaged you are. You need to stay single, have counselling, and focus on yourself.

he is a piece of shit. Stop expecting to behave in a way other than shitty.

LoneFemaleTraveller · 02/11/2023 19:25

You were having a break from him THIS MORNING!!!

he will treat you like shit because you think of yourself as a piece of shit unworthy of better. The fact that you have children and they will end up exposed to this shithead at some point is appalling.

Fkalfkfcnmoo59600789 · 02/11/2023 19:33

OP he treats you like shit, do as he asks and leave him alone.
Block him and move on, he won’t change and what he’s doing is emotional abuse.
Theres no excuse for the way he’s speaking to you, stop using his mental health issues as a reason to stay because you might be scared to be alone.

Vintagecreamandcottagepie · 02/11/2023 19:42

Bloody hell.

My first ever dump him on here.

He's awful and brings nothing good to your life. He's cruel.

Your self esteem is at rock bottom putting up with this.

Don't take a relationship break. Dump and block. He. Does. Not. Care. About. You.

Catsafterme · 02/11/2023 20:14

Jesus, leave this guy he's a bastard mental health or not it's abusive, he spat at you too?!

Noone who's genuine treats anyone this way let alone their gf. You deserve better.

jlpth · 02/11/2023 20:18

He sounds like a useless, nasty brat. This isn't to do with MH.

Be free. Be excited about your new start with your DC.

Don't ever contact this loser again. Why do you think he has nobody?? He's horrible. If he threatens suicide, that's his deal.

MrsOvertonsWindow · 02/11/2023 20:19

Have you read the responses on this thread OP? Why did you ring him this evening? Your last post said you were taking a break?

theunbelievabletruth · 02/11/2023 20:23

You need to remember this and repeat it over and over.

MH issues and being a self absorbed arsehole are not mutually exclusive.
It is quite possible to be both.

Your boyfriend is one such person.

Autumcolors · 02/11/2023 20:38

Do you know about The Freedom Programme? https://www.freedomprogramme.co.uk/

Maybe you would find it really helpful.

You should be being treated better than this. Your children should see you being treated much better thank this.

What would you say if you had a friend in your situation?

The Freedom Programme. Learn about domestic violence and abuse

The Freedom Programme. For women who want to learn more about the reality of domestic violence and abuse

https://www.freedomprogramme.co.uk/

Girlswillbetwirls · 02/11/2023 20:39

LoneFemaleTraveller · 02/11/2023 08:31

My boyfriends mental issues and problems have always been the center of our relationship.
this is your very first line. you have children. Why did you even go on a date with him? Why then, having met him, think he would add value to your life?

for fuck sake, op, end the relationship, get some counselling yourself and focus on rebuilding yours and yours children’s lives.

wimen are not fixers of men. It is even arrogance to think you have the knowledge and skills to be.

This. Especially the last sentence .

Girlswillbetwirls · 02/11/2023 20:44

He once again told me I'm pathetic and told me to leave him alone!

OP a guy I was seeing once said similar to me. I took him at his word and deleted him from all social media numbers and deleted his number too. He did call me a couple of more times eventually but I never rang him again and I basically froze him out when he called.

I advise you do the same. NEVER let a man tell you (directly or indirectly ) that he doesn’t want you twice!

He has already lost all respect for you clearly and sees you merely as his support human and emotional crutch .

TomatoSandwiches · 02/11/2023 20:55

Sorry to be frank and rude but it seems like there is something wrong with you op.

Why have you not blocked his number and actually taken steps to have a break from him?
Just stop this nonsense, you have children to consider and your own life to sort out. He will be nothing but a burden who takes your time and money but resents your presence in his life either way!
Get rid of him and his drama and get some therapy to address why you even started a relationship with someone this dysfunctional.

Orio2023 · 02/11/2023 20:56

The problem here is not that he doesn’t care about you or meet your needs.

It’s that you don’t care about you and you don’t meet your own needs.

I really hope you get rid of him and make a fresh start in your new home.

blacksax · 02/11/2023 21:33

A complete random stranger in the street would be kinder to you than he is. Please stop putting yourself through this torture.

"He often will say he thinks about suicide when we fall out as he has nothing or nobody else."

This is about as manipulative as it is possible to get. He is making you feel entirely responsible for his wellbeing, while at the same time forcing you to accept his appalling behaviour and unpleasant treatment of you. He will never allow you to show your own emotions. He doesn't give a flying toss about you as a person.

Please get away from this awful relationship as soon as you can.

GreigeO · 02/11/2023 22:28

He has told you more than once to leave him alone!

determinedtomakethiswork · 02/11/2023 22:43

This has to be the same guy that you've written about before, the one who lets you walk home on your own in the dark? Everybody told you to dump him. Why did you decide not to?

PaterPower · 03/11/2023 05:33

We’re all telling you to block his number and end the ‘relationship’ (it’s not really one, but I’m not sure what else to call it).

HE is also telling you to stop calling him (ie to end the ‘relationship.’)

It couldn’t be any clearer. Work on your self esteem before you go looking for another potential boyfriend.

FredintheShed · 05/11/2023 12:04

It doesn’t seem to be any kind of factor for OP that you are not putting your DC first at all. Zero acknowledgement. The man is abusive and you have a whole thread where not one person thinks this relationship is good for you or going to work out.

FredintheShed · 05/11/2023 12:07

The message OP sent him was never a break up message it was so open ended that he doesn’t even take it seriously at all. ‘We can’t find a balance’ is probably the most underplayed statement of all time. He’s even asking you to leave him alone and you still going back for more? OP something is seriously wrong here

EXpressEPO · 05/11/2023 12:08

Experiencing anger when you ask for affection can be a complex and challenging emotional response. It's important to understand that people may have varying reasons for reacting this way, and it can depend on individual circumstances and the dynamics of your relationships. Here are some potential reasons why someone might respond with anger when you seek affection:

  1. Unmet Needs: If the person you're asking for affection from is not meeting your emotional needs regularly, your request might trigger their anger or defensiveness. They might feel guilty for not being affectionate enough or resentful about the perceived pressure.
  1. Communication Issues: Effective communication is crucial in relationships. If there are communication issues between you and the other person, they may misinterpret your request for affection as criticism, which can lead to anger.
  1. Personal Boundaries: Some people have different boundaries when it comes to physical and emotional affection. Your request might encroach on their personal boundaries, causing discomfort or anger.
  1. Stress and Emotional State: The other person's emotional state at the time you ask for affection can also play a role. If they are stressed, anxious, or dealing with their own emotional issues, your request might be overwhelming, leading to an angry reaction.
  1. Past Experiences: Past experiences and relationships can influence how people respond to requests for affection. If they have had negative experiences with affection or requests in the past, it may affect their reactions in the present.
  1. Misunderstandings: Sometimes, a simple misunderstanding can lead to anger. It's possible that the person didn't fully grasp what you were asking for or why it was important to you.

To address this issue, consider the following steps:

  1. Open and Honest Communication: Have a calm and open conversation with the person about your feelings and why affection is important to you. Use "I" statements to express your needs and emotions without making it sound like an accusation.
  1. Listen to Their Perspective: Give them an opportunity to share their feelings and concerns. Understanding their viewpoint can lead to a more constructive discussion.
  1. Seek Compromise: Find ways to compromise and meet both of your needs. This might involve discussing the types of affection you desire, the frequency, or the timing.
  1. Consider Professional Help: If the issue persists and causes significant problems in your relationship, couples counseling or therapy can be a helpful way to address and resolve these issues with the guidance of a trained professional.

Remember that emotions are complex, and addressing issues related to affection and anger may take time and effort. Prioritizing healthy communication and understanding each other's needs can lead to a more positive and fulfilling relationship.

MaryJanesonabreak · 05/11/2023 12:39

Having mental health issues doesn’t exclude him being an arsehole.

If his MH issues were resolved, he would still be a deeply unpleasant man.

Organise some counselling for yourself and do it until you feel much stronger.

JustGotToKeepOnKeepingOn · 05/11/2023 13:36

@EXpressEPO all well and good if you're in a long term relationship that's going through a rough patch. This 'relationship' is a non-starter. Please don't give OP guidance on how to fix something that she doesn't need to fix. OP needs to walk away. Fast.