Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

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

A yearly reminder that abusers ruin holidays.

51 replies

Pinkbonbon · 24/12/2023 22:16

Just incase anyone is having 'yet another miserable Christmas' because your partner has done or said something that's upset you and this seems to be a pattern for them during the holiday season, or on any holiday or special occasion - a reminder that abusive people like to ruin Christmas.

If you're sat there crying because you have worked your arse off for Christmas and he's obviously totally ungrateful. And you know that tomorrow, you'll wake up to a crappy gift (if any) from him for the umpteenth year running...ask yourself, do you really want to spend the rest if your life this miserable bastard?

If you're worried, because the family are coming tomorrow and he might drink too much and start an argument with them or with you, infront of them.

Or perhaps you think the day is going to be filled with snide little comments and general put downs. And him just being a joy sucker all through Christmas.

Or perhaps he's already put a damper on the day by creating some drama and doesn't give a flying fig that you're upset. Or worse, accuses you of overreacting or being too sensitive.

If this shit is familiar too you

  • This is your wakeup call

It's not normal. You don't need this person in your life. Your feelings, are valid.

You deserve a merry Christmas. But you'll never have one again if you keep people like this around.

And be aware, I use 'him' but just as many abusers are women.

Feel free to post your stories of the experiences you had with abusers during the holiday below to help show people currently going through it, how it can be spotted.

The good news is that many people finally see these sorts for who they really are at this time of year and use it as an insentive to get free.

All the best to those of you leaving abusers this year and to those of you have already made the journey.

Merry christmas everyone!

OP posts:
SilverSprings1 · 25/12/2023 00:31

I just ended it with my abuser tonight, on Christmas Eve. Watching him with my family, being miserable whilst I ran around like a nutcase cooking for everyone and hosting single handedly, only talking when the conversation revolved around him, acting ‘normal’ when I was out of the room and then returning to awkward silent sulking when I came back, ignoring / appearing visibly annoyed by my 5 year old son. This is after two weeks of hell because I employed a local handyman to build flat pack furniture instead of asking DP (who was working / with his kids / couldn’t be arsed). Three previous spoiled Christmases. I wasn’t ready for this to be a fourth. I’ll wake up alone tomorrow with my DS, but it’s a damn sight better than having a knot in my stomach for the next three days.

Rocksonabeach · 25/12/2023 00:32

Good for you!

Beatrixpotts · 25/12/2023 00:35

Well done you love xx Merry Christmas!

thatwassociopathic · 25/12/2023 00:38

Kicked mine out two years ago swearing blind he wouldn't ruin another Christmas. Two years on and he's still managing to shit on this one, but from a distance. I have the sanctuary of my own home now and sweating blind by next year he'll be a distant memory. Life beyond these horrendous devils is so much better, don't wait like I did until they ruined 15 consecutive Christmasses, they're telling you that you need to get out and find peace. Dd1 doesn't want to see her dad tomorrow because "he's ruined every one I remember he doesn't deserve to see me". And she's absolutely right. They never change. Please leave and look forward to a merry Xmas 2024 xx

Gobolino80 · 25/12/2023 00:42

@SilverSprings1 I want to give you a massive hug! here's to not being dragged down by twatty men, I'm in awe of your strength ❤️

Brummymumma · 25/12/2023 00:43

@Pinkbonbon thank you. So important to have this clearly stated as per your title.

Clear, to the point and sadly, 100% true.

I’ve escaped mine, but so many special occasions were ruined by him.

overwhelmed2023 · 25/12/2023 00:44

I've done everything at every step. I wouldn't mind but he is in a bad mood with mean comments and put downs. Very pissed off indeed and not likely to forgive this. I used all my AL to prep for the family Christmas and he has been awful. So disappointing. It's his 60th in Feb I'll be doing nothing.

Forgotmylogindetails · 25/12/2023 00:48

My first one without him.

Been to church , took the kids out for food, they are finally asleep. Santas been me and the dogs are watching Christmas carols and I’m stuffing my face with sweets.

yes he crosses my mind is he lonely , is he going to come and cause a scene in the morning , is he with someone else sounds mad I know.

I hope next year he doesn’t cross my mind.

Pinkbonbon · 25/12/2023 03:12

Forgotmylogindetails · 25/12/2023 00:48

My first one without him.

Been to church , took the kids out for food, they are finally asleep. Santas been me and the dogs are watching Christmas carols and I’m stuffing my face with sweets.

yes he crosses my mind is he lonely , is he going to come and cause a scene in the morning , is he with someone else sounds mad I know.

I hope next year he doesn’t cross my mind.

Doesn't sound mad at all, you're a normal human being with normal human feelings.

You once loved the person you thought he was. The fact that he is not that person...probably doesn't diminish the feeling of loss or sadness. It's hard to let go of a dream. Even when it turns out it was a lie.

But now there is space for new dreams and genuine people :)

OP posts:
Rocksonabeach · 25/12/2023 03:17

Forgotmylogindetails · 25/12/2023 00:48

My first one without him.

Been to church , took the kids out for food, they are finally asleep. Santas been me and the dogs are watching Christmas carols and I’m stuffing my face with sweets.

yes he crosses my mind is he lonely , is he going to come and cause a scene in the morning , is he with someone else sounds mad I know.

I hope next year he doesn’t cross my mind.

He crosses your mind because you are a nice person.

I bought my ex a nice present and a beautiful wooden sign ‘to the best daddy ever from ….. sons name’ which he will show to everyone as proof that he is fabulous as a father and not someone who pays the minimum he can sees him x4 times a year and has a restraining order - doubt that gets mentioned. Did my ex even say thank you to me - nope 👎 😂

TooBigForMyBoots · 25/12/2023 03:32

Thanks for making this thread @Pinkbonbon. And Brew to all you strong women. The ones who've broken free and the ones who are starting to break free.

We have so few Christmases. Make every one count.❤️

bluevelvetbox · 25/12/2023 08:18

Another one here. My ex left two years ago after years of him having affairs. Divorce was sorted a few months ago.

Even though I am a bit lonely this morning, it's so much better than waiting to see what drunken state he comes home in and whether he proceeds to urinate everywhere and what rotten mood he will be in. Christmas used to be awful for him doing that.

Have lovely days everyone.

CurlewKate · 25/12/2023 08:50

Shall we try and keep this bumped?

Pippin2028 · 25/12/2023 11:21

Not in context of exes, but my mother could be really difficult at Christmas over the years and there would always be some big row or her been really horrible and nasty! It took me a long time to enjoy Christmas because it was always high emotional turmoil for years although other family made an effort, for the first part of my 20s I was very blah about Christmas because I couldn't deal with the arguments and stress that I knew would come. The last years I've enjoyed Christmas, I've done it on my terms and spent it with friends and it's been lovely.

I saw a great tiktok that just because a family member acts moody or brings everyone else down or has a drink and becomes nasty, we don't have to put up with it because it's how they are. Why should they have that power over us and ruin things for everyone else who tries to make it nice.

My heart goes out to all those who are having a difficult time with partners, exes, or families in general. Even if this Christmas is difficult, there can be great ones in the future ahead!

treenu · 25/12/2023 11:26

What a kind and thoughtful thread.

Has really helped me today. Thank you.

Usernamen · 25/12/2023 12:29

Every Christmas I am grateful to no longer be a child living in that house with all that misery and tension. It always intensified over Christmas and school holidays generally.

Today I am enjoying great food in the sunshine (on holiday atm!), and so so so grateful for the calm, peaceful life I have built for myself.

Happy, abuse-free Christmas to those of you who escaped, and I hope those of you who haven’t escaped find the strength to in 2024 😊

AlligatorActually · 25/12/2023 12:34

This was my childhood - abusive DF would always manage to do something awful on Xmas day to sabotage the whole thing

and sadly history repeated itself and I have an abusive DP. This was supposed to be our first Xmas without him but he won’t bloody leave. Going to regain my strength after Xmas and get the ball rolling again.

sending love and strength to everyone going through this x

SiblingFights · 25/12/2023 12:35

What a positive and hlelpful thread, I hope you are all enjoying your Christmas.

My last Christmas with XH (2014) was miserable as always - he developed his annual fake illness which left me to do everything for xmas whilst looking after the kids...fake illness would immediately fade at the prospect of a trip to the pub though.

He would sit and sulk all day whilst getting more and more pissed and more and more unpleasant whilst I tried to make everything perfect and pretend to the kids that everything was ok.

Life is much happier now for me and the kids. Much as I thought that I tried to hide things from them and make it seem that all was ok, they told me later that they knew, they hated him for what he was doing and felt powerless in the situation hoping that I would leave.

Don't be me, don't let your children live through sadness and misery just to "stay together for the kids / keep the family together" it isn't a family that ought to be kept together.

Almost a decade on, and the DCs are now adults, we have lived in our own home for a few years and now live with current lovely partner.

TooBigForMyBoots · 25/12/2023 16:01

CurlewKate · 25/12/2023 08:50

Shall we try and keep this bumped?

That's a great idea.Smile

Startyabastard · 25/12/2023 16:04

Thankyou @Pinkbonbon for making me feel more heard and included.
My family are abusive cunts that molest and gaslight so I needed that reminder and to feel less alone xxx

Endoftheroad12345 · 25/12/2023 22:17

Great thread @Pinkbonbon

This was my life - every Christmas and every birthday - with my exH. We split in November 2022 and Christmas 2022 was the last one under the same roof. It culminated in ex H screaming abuse at me, the kids sobbing, me texting my family and his friends fearing for our safety and me and the kids sleeping together in my bed.

This year I did everything myself - all the decorating, the shopping, the food, Santa, wrapping gifts, the stockings - but I always did anyway. He refused to help or even pay his half of the expenses “it’s not my problem if you want to do all that for Christmas”. But I didn’t have the additional load of a freeloading adult who did nothing to contribute and actively screamed abuse at me.

Yesterday (Christmas day here in NZ) he had the cheek to wander in (empty handed) after taking the kids for a couple of hours to see his mother. Helped himself to a few beers, eat the food I’d made, chat brazenly to my family. The difference was that after a couple of hours I got sick of the sight of him and told him to wrap it up and go. What a luxury.

TooBigForMyBoots · 25/12/2023 22:29

Merry Christmas to you all.🎄

Toucan1981 · 25/12/2023 22:33

Yep, my ex ruined this whole week because i refused to take my little one away with him to a remote place after we have been rowing, broken up and he then refused to sort xmas out at all and access arrangementd to my little girl. Just stormed off and left. Then he refused to take my calls all week so i could finalise plans, be at peace and we could be amicable. He then returned and bombarded me with texts demanding to see my little one and upsets me and my elderly parents who are seeing me upset every day. He called me xx f-ing, nasty, cxxnt and kepts bombarding me, until i gave in and spent my xmas day in tears so he could be with my daughter all day and was her first xmas too. It upset my parents who had got her lovely little gifts and looked after her for the last five days with me after he upped and left.

I posted on here months ago when pregnant and many of you warned me then. My partner would pick me up after drinking and lie about it but worse it was after i had completed a 13 hr day and commuted back for 2hrs (train strikes went on for months). I am a teacher and my job was really far for 6 months lf my pregnancy. He would knock off early in the day go drinking as we moved tep mins from his office so he had a 2 min commute! I moved because rents were cheaper. Anyway, he would also go out two to three times a week and leave me in out new flat alone and i would get up at 5.30am each day and do it all pver again. I was at breaking point with it all by the time my little one came and he promised to change but he didn't. He left me on day 3 with his mother and her partner all day. I was in pain from the stitches and had not figured out breast feeding. I was ok with them being there for a a few hours but it was all day in the end 11am to 7pm. They live 90 mins away. I didn't know them that well. My partner promised to be there but then left all day and said he had work but saif he would come back and get us lunch. He didn't and then called his mum but not me. At this stage i had not eaten. They did not offer to get me lunch and i didn't know what was going on. I was leaking and to he crude was smelly and needed a wash. Finally, he came bacl but when he did at 5pm he bought a stranger, a mate who he invited over into my bedroom and i had my boob hanging out. No one at this stage offered me a cuppa, any food and i was deep down feeling pretty crappy and worried about feeding. I was also humuliated. He let them all stay longer, for two hours more and then his mum said bye and he said he was off too for dinner down the road with his mate. I couldn't believe it and thought his mum was going to say something to him, suggest to stay in and get us dinner. She didn't and laughed and said, "ok, sweety.." all day they were in touch and messaging and he did not let me know the plan. They all left and I felt relieved but sad. My partner then sent me pictures of his food and drinks. I had aksed him to stay in with us and questioned why they could not get a take away. His mate had met him before it turbnd out for beers before he came up to the flat too so my partner was not even working as he said all day.

Behaviour like this got worse. Many visits his mum came and knew about it but she started to snap at me and tell me.i knew what he was like and tell me chilsren mean things can't go plan. She told.me i should have thought about it all before my little.girl was born. This os coming from a lady who had a child at 17 and 19 and the father went to prison. She remarried and then the step dad absued her two boys physically and emotionally. She would snap at me on visits until one day i snapped back as i was still working from home. My school got me to write reports and i got paid well and needed the money. One of her visits was on a day i planned a lovely surprise with photos of them all kn special albums, balloons and a cake. I had juggled all this whilst writing reports, looking after my little girl etc and put lots of thoght into it. I asked if she could let me know whay day and time she was coming but she never ever sent me a message and only let my partner know. I explained this to her and still nothing changed. She only messged him. He would.not tell me. One of the days, day of the birthday surprise she came and would not wait 30 mins whilst i finished decorating and barged in my flat and the living room and totally spoilt the surprise.

Eventually my partner went out more and on day 4 even of my daughter forst week went to football for a day of drinking and the match. I had hardly had time to do any shopping and begged him to stay in but he wouldn't. He went and got legless. Left me all day again. Eventually, my parents came and helped but they were reluctant as they wanted me.to have special time with my partner and baby. They knew i was struggling though. Every week his mum would cme but i never knew which day, a thursdsy or friday and what time. When she came we had to entertain and there was no offer of help to do anything and it wad always a 8 hr day. Eventually it was ok as my baby got older and we would go out but it was tiring. I made.reference to my partners antics and how much he was out and she snapped at me saying he worked hard. She was super sweet of.i was nice and agreed with her lots. She got got involved in our affairs and blamed me for a visit i had to cancel as my partner had gone out for a fancy lunch and football one week and becasue of this i asked my parents bacl. They didn't want her to visit as they felt awkward by now and my dad was angry with what he saw as a total lacl of care nut he tried to help my partner be a better dad.

One my weekend he went on a bender again. At this stage it was every week. Multiple times a week and i was.fed up. I had also caught him twice asleep with my baby on the sofa and he had been drinking. She was so small and this caused me.huge anxiety. He would refuse to put her in the cot and fell asleep sp she could tumbke off the sofa or bed. He would take one to one and half hour baths each morning and wake us all at 5am. He would leave my little one on the bed sometimes, the edge and i would wake after a deep sleep and find her there and him in the bath. I called his mum asking her where he was one weekend and she really had a go, saying i had locked him out of his own Home and i explained i did not want him coming in drunk anymore, especially as it was 1am and my baby was 7 weels old or younger. She really got at me. She also said she had rung him one day and admitted to making it worse between us because she thought i cancelled a visit to be nasty.

I found the visits ok but tricky and i started to feel.more uncomfortable as time went on. She would start to moan about my partner's brother's ex too and say she wad awful and had been after hie money. She had my partner's brother living with her until he was 38 and she took over care his son and acted more like a mom than grandma. My partners brother visited and would also get drunk and get my partner in a state too, paraletically.drunk when my little girls was 3 or 4 weeks old, which was not helpful at the time at all. He was overbaring and told my dad he paid too much maintenance and his ex was awful. It all sounded so complicated and sad. Not happy. His mum would visit and always be sad about stuff. I made effort and started to feel sorry for her and warmed to her and paid to visit them a number of times. When we did visit i wad told i had to go pub to pub and they could not come to us even though i found a nice pub. Paid for it etc . Eventually they did come to us but i wad told i was being difficult. It wad super hot and she wad still so tiny at 5 weeks and had colic. I always made an effort but i did not want her in the car aftwr we had driven 2 hrs anyway and i kmew my partner would be tempted to drink and drive. His brother does and his mum does not care. She laughs at this all and treats them like kids.

There were countless examples of all of this and it got worse and worse and my partner would sulk at me, get nasty if i did not drag my daughter to places. When we did go he would spend the weekend drinking and watching football. I Started to fight back and complain. He would.call me crazy and i started to lose confidence and got down. He made out to his mum i had post natal depression and she seemed to make out i was anxous and over reacting to him. She made it worse as always seemed to condone his behaviour and i found myself becoming quite quiey and apologising to her. She would say that is ok, it is all forgotten but i had not done anything. I started avoiding her visits and seeing friends. I knew i would snap. One of her comments was that i was too head strong and she felt my partner and i clash. She said i needed to sell ideas to him by making out these were his own ideas. I explained this wad impossible when it was abouy safety and not drink driving, or making sure my daughters car seat was fitted properly. He drove off once on a trip to see her and visit his family in local area with no seatbelt arpund her car seat and her in the fron seat and the air bag not removed.

He started to do silly things, more than booze, on nights out and made me feel abd if i chose to go home or not attend. He would sulk at me if i forgot his sugar in his tea and shout till i cried. I wrnt back to work after she was 7 months and he promised to look after my duaghyer for a few days bit he took her to a pub and fell backwards off a chair eith her and returned her to me late at 8pm and it was cold. I wad going undet. If i said something he shouted at me. He called me at work and demanded i just come there and then and watch my daughter as he couldn't even though i had made him promise to stay ay home and work from home. He ignored it and took her out and left her on a floor with a huge bike by her head and it wad not secure. She was crying and looked so sad. It could have fallen on her. I took her back to work with me. It was constant and i am ashamed i had not been stronger. But i was not feeling good. He told me i was crazy. I was wrong. Anxious.

I started to believe it. Eventually i walked away. I snapped. I messged his mum and alsed her for help, to talk to him and said we had left him. But she cried and rang him and said she was too upset. In the end i snapped snd said exactly whst i thought and how she had upset me many times. I said i felt her son was controlling and it was not funn and his past had affected him and was impacting us now too. I said a lot but i felt so low and angry.

Now i feel guilt. Finally. I have had the courage to end it and i am having counselling. But i worry i have ruined her relationship with her extended family. My partner has agrred to get help. He said he did have a tricky childhood and sees he might be contolling and selfish and needs to change. I regret ever involvong her and i feel stupid. I thought she might have talked some sense into him sooner.

Has been worse xmas ever but i am now getting help and will prioritise my gorgeous girl.

me.to - This website is for sale! - Me Resources and Information.

This website is for sale! me.to is your first and best source for all of the information you’re looking for. From general topics to more of what you would expect to find here, me.to has it all. We hope you find what you are searching for!

http://me.to/

CommonSenze · 25/12/2023 22:42

I'm divorced and Ex has kids Christmas Day. Non-negotiable. I have spent most of today on MN. Frankly I am appalled and embarrassed to be a man based on some of the shit I've read today. Where the Fuck do so called men (mostly underdeveloped man-child mummy's boys) get off. Seriously, a partner should be exactly that, equal and you should be each others biggest fan, supporter, advocate whatever.
So many men looking for a replacement mommy with benefits - a bang maid I read earlier. It frankly make me feel sick....
If your male partner does not give you 100% the respect, love and attention you deserve then he is not worth your time.
That doesn't mean he's at your beck and call 24/7 - respect works both ways. but some of the behaviours I have read about today - seriously, its the 21st Century not the 17th....
Rant over...

Temporaryname158 · 25/12/2023 23:38

A really useful thread and one I needed a few years ago. This time 4 years ago my boyfriend who had been sulky, ruined nights out with friends with constant accusations, ruined weekends away with or without him. Ruined a holiday with my kids…..physically attacked me for the first time, grabbing me by the throat several times as I tried to fight him off.

I kicked him out but was foolish enough to take him back. He did it again, I got rid of him, and after months of him pursuing me 8 months after that I finally got rid of him for good. I am thankful every day.

literally every day as he crossed my mind a lot. I wish he didn’t but he comes into my thoughts. I hate him. He ruined so much. He changed me.

if you are with someone who dulls your light and who ruins fun occasions I beg you to leave. It’s not easy and sometimes not quick but my life is a thousand times better without him in it and for that I’m grateful daily!