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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

Tired of life

39 replies

Frith2013 · 31/03/2024 16:43

Apologies in advance for the huge rant. There is literally no one in real life to tell.

I am going to change one or two tiny details to protect my privacy. Just in case I seem inconsistent later on!

Everything in my life feels like a huge mess. I feel bleak and flat and woke up crying today (as in, I was crying in my sleep) which hasn't happened in a long time.

I met a man in 2022 and he moved in last summer. 95% of the time he was wonderful. He was going through enormous stresses (think legal, family, natural disasters, death in the family, money) and at times would talk about nothing else. He didn't sleep properly and became irritable (sometimes) and often spaced out, shaking or crying. He couldn't sort of sit back and think of solutions to his problems but would come out with random ideas or be paralysed with worry and indecision.

For my part, I listened all the time, did my best to do a bit of research or take the weight off in various ways. Sometimes I got frustrated because it wasn't a very cheerful time and I wasn't really achieving much and a few times I said he needed to listen to my worries occasionally, or I would go off for a walk on my own. No nastiness on either part like shouting, swearing, throwing things or anything like that. I went with him to the GPs twice to talk about anxiety but they really weren't very helpful. Nothing was ever organised with regard to treatment or counselling.

The last 3 weeks of the relationship were appalling with him almost psychotic from stress, saying random things, walking off, sleeping in the car, going to stay at a friend's a few times. Most of the time I was incredibly patient but once or twice it got a bit much. Finally, he moved out (entirely his decision) and we met a few times for a cup of tea and it was OK (although sad).

He then turned up unannounced (very unlike him as he was always polite and quite proper about things like that) and I listened to an hour monologue of his problems and he got quite shitty with me. I barely spoke at all. He didn't apologise for anything in the past or try and hug me or say he wanted me back or that he wanted to move back. It was all a bit strange. He then tried to video call me several times during that evening but we had nothing to say to each other. I then text him to say that day had been too much and that he needed to calm down (I didn't use that term!) and sort his life out gradually. I woke the following morning to 5 messages that I can only describe as poisonous, accusing me of all sorts of behaviour. I was blocked by him on everything.

I was then targeted by a mutual friend. I can only see today that it was a "targeting". Let's gloss over that apart from to say he knew how down I was because I had even used the word "heartbroken" in a message. I had also known him for years and he did the usual spiel about always having feelings for me and I would feel better if I moved on...

I've been left in a more precarious position financially than I was before due to supporting Man 1. It will get back to normal in a few months but I have the stress of that now.

I've fluctuated between not eating at all to binge eating, which is not like me. Somehow, I've managed to put about a stone on over the past few months, which is irritating.

There are a million things wrong with my house that need attention and I don't have the know how or money to deal with all of them.

I've kept myself ridiculously busy. I force myself to go to usual weekly activities and to socialise and it's awful. People are still asking me for updates on Man 1 and are shocked that we have gone from talking about getting married to no contact at all. I've walked so far every day that cumulatively I could have crossed the UK by now! I don't smoke, drink or take drugs so there is nothing else I can cut out really.

I looked at a friend's FB post today and I saw that Man 1 had "liked" it, so I realised he has unblocked me, at least on there. That tiny, tiny thing has put me into a flat spin this afternoon.

I don't have any support. I have been on the Stately Homes thread about my family a few times, but had no reply. Yesterday I saw them for the first time since Christmas Day. It was still bonkers (of course) with my mum pleading with the Golden Child that she wanted to iron his clothes for where he was going out later in the day (he's in his fifth decade) then telling me she was going to make him a "carer" for her and my dad as he is the only person who cares about them. I pointed out one or both of them would have to be disabled to receive carer's allowance... After 3 months of peace, they have invited themselves round here tomorrow and I don't even know how they managed to do that without my noticing where the conversation was going.

My cat has the start of dementia.

I can't concentrate enough to watch a TV programme or read a magazine or to cook anything nice.

I feel very sad but so very stupid.

OP posts:
HopeFloatsAbove · 31/03/2024 17:40

Ok so basically rather than this having been a relationship, this was you providing your ex with emotional help?

No one should live like that.

And you kept him afloat financially? This is just enabling him to not do anything about his issues. Said issues were there prior to you knowing him right?

You will really have to see why you like him to come back into your life, as he sounds really unhealthy. He kind of emotionally made you responsible for himself, and financially too. And the reason he is coming back for a "coffee" meetup is that he knows he has access to you, or someone who will put up with him. Sorry to be so blunt OP.

This is clearly making you feel really unhappy and I promise you, you are not stupid, far from it. Your post makes perfect sense and you probably needed to write it down just to have clarity as your ex is taking you for granted, very much so. I am sorry.

OP I went through this in 2019, had given everything to someone who was just a plane old user. It took countless visits to a therapist, and I am finally OK now. But I promise you, YOU DESERVE BETTER.

You can message me if you like, more than happy to chat as I know how heavy it is to carry when you are alone.

Gallowayan · 31/03/2024 17:42

Sorry you are having such a difficult time. I'm not surprised you are feeling overwhelmed.

The first thing that strikes me is that the man you talk about is selfish, deeply dysfunctional, and not what you need in your life now, or at any time. You will never fix him and he will only drag you down and drain your resources. Don't give him any more money.

Could you cancel your self invited family? Again they sound too much of a drain. Then consider setting clearer boundaries. You don't have to please them or go along with their expectations.

Make a list of the house repairs and tackle one at a time when you have saved some money.

See your GP. He/She might be able to provide treatment help you get over this hump.

You are doing well to keep going. You are stronger than you think and can get through this

Ohffsbarbara · 31/03/2024 17:52

You are probably suffering delayed trauma from what that arsehole put you through.
Your family will have done a number on your MH too - come up with an excuse to cancel the visit and don’t rearrange it. You don’t owe them anything.

You need to thank your lucky stars you got out of that awful relationship.

You are doing the right thing keeping busy.

I recently had a relationship with a covert narc who fed me a bunch of lies and promised the world and then it turned out he was still with his wife. It only lasted 3 months but my God has it messed with my head! So I understand, it will take time for you too op but you’ll get there xx

EatCrow · 31/03/2024 17:54

💐 I’m so sorry for your pain OP. My life has been on a traumatic trajectory for too long too and I have no words of wisdom for you.

Frith2013 · 16/04/2024 12:01

It has now been a month since he turned up without warning. Sometimes it feels like yesterday, sometimes like 10 years ago.

We have not been in contact. Annoyingly, lots of letters are still arriving for him here. I have forwarded them to where he was living. I presume he is still there. On one of them (many from the NHS) I wrote "Please update your address with the NHS".

I was so careful when I cleared all his stuff out to give to him (a few days before the final showdown). I have found a few things here and there but only one thing of value. I think I will post that at some point.

Some of our mutual friends still ask me how he is doing. I have no idea. Apparently I have lost a lot of weight. I occasionally hint at what has been going on e.g "Oh, it's the misery diet" or "Well, at least he has stopped blackmailing me now...." (His blackmailing was to say he would message everyone I know in turn and "tell them the truth about me". I think the truth is I'm not very good at getting up in the mornings and I ate too much chocolate).

I went through a strange, paranoid week last week. I don't know why but I found myself checking the garage or even under the bed once or twice in case he had let himself in. I don't know where that came from.

It is all a bit bleak still.

OP posts:
Humanunkind · 16/04/2024 12:35

I looked at a friend's FB post today and I saw that Man 1 had "liked" it, so I realised he has unblocked me, at least on there. That tiny, tiny thing has put me into a flat spin this afternoon.

I understand that. I found that anything at all, any mention, news (good or bad), a like on FB, anything to do with him would unsettle me and make me feel worse. So I did the blocking. He recently popped up somewhere else so I immediately blocked him but the difference is that it didn't affect me. It has been years admittedly but I was pleasantly surprised to realise that I wasn't bothered. It won't seem like it now but you will get there Flowers

I went through a strange, paranoid week last week. I don't know why but I found myself checking the garage or even under the bed once or twice

I still don't trust that there isn't a bug in my house somewhere. I hear you.

I think a good task for you would be to gather anything that is left of him at your place and deal with it, whether that be posting it, passing it on to mutual friends to return to him or binning it. Any mail that comes your way just write "Not known at this address" and put it back in the post box rather than forwarding to him. You owe him nothing, you've already given him so much for which he got shitty with you. When anyone mentions him tell them you don't know and you don't want to know. Don't let them persist in talking about him.

It can take a lot of healing from this kind of relationship, go easy on yourself, do tiny things that bring pleasure, even if it's only sniffing at blossom when you're out on your walk but the main thing will be freeing your life of him, that is the start of the upward trajectory for you Flowers

Pinkbonbon · 16/04/2024 12:46

Firstly, we'll done on removing man one. You should be proud of yourself for saying no to any more bs.

Secondly, I was thinking 'man one is your typical covert narcissist' (often referred to as a vulnerable narcissists due to never being happy and always seemingly going through some shit). Then you mentioned the stately home thread regarding your family. So it all makes sense.

You were drawn to him because you already had similar...fuckers, in your life.

So to repeat - well done for removing him!

Block him on everything. I would recommend reading up on narcissistic abuse which I suspect you are already. Dr ramani on YouTube is good.

Atm your body is readjusting to all of its highs and lows no longer depending on his 'moods'. It's partly hormone readjustment and will take time. You escaping the 'trauma bond'.
You'll feel rough for a time. But remove him and the shit friend completely and in a few weeks to a few months you'll hopefully feel much better. I'd deactivate social media tbh.

It's good you are walking lots. Other things like dancing will help release endorphins too at times you feel this kind of 'can't focus' way.

You'll get through this. You've done so well so far. Be kind to yourself going forwards.

Pinkbonbon · 16/04/2024 13:02

Frith2013 · 16/04/2024 12:01

It has now been a month since he turned up without warning. Sometimes it feels like yesterday, sometimes like 10 years ago.

We have not been in contact. Annoyingly, lots of letters are still arriving for him here. I have forwarded them to where he was living. I presume he is still there. On one of them (many from the NHS) I wrote "Please update your address with the NHS".

I was so careful when I cleared all his stuff out to give to him (a few days before the final showdown). I have found a few things here and there but only one thing of value. I think I will post that at some point.

Some of our mutual friends still ask me how he is doing. I have no idea. Apparently I have lost a lot of weight. I occasionally hint at what has been going on e.g "Oh, it's the misery diet" or "Well, at least he has stopped blackmailing me now...." (His blackmailing was to say he would message everyone I know in turn and "tell them the truth about me". I think the truth is I'm not very good at getting up in the mornings and I ate too much chocolate).

I went through a strange, paranoid week last week. I don't know why but I found myself checking the garage or even under the bed once or twice in case he had let himself in. I don't know where that came from.

It is all a bit bleak still.

Oh gosh the 'tell them the truth about you' is the most textbook narcissist thing ever.
(Like what mate, that I pour the tea in the cup before the milk? xD)

Post those things back NOW. Today. Recorded delivery. Or you're giving him another excuse to come back. Don't rest on your hands with that.

You can also talk to the post office about the mail that isn't yours arriving maybe? Though I think a redirect costs mmoney and only lasts a set time so maybe there's not much to be done there.

Frith2013 · 16/04/2024 13:11

Oh, thank you everyone.

I've walked into town (2.2 miles each way) for a haircut at college.

There is a lot more that I haven't posted. But it's all more of the same behaviour.

OP posts:
Pinkbonbon · 16/04/2024 13:12

And seriously send those items in a way they need to be signed for when he gets them.

I'd even film myself at the post office putting them into their parcels, show his address on the parcels and the post office person taking them. Take no chances.

Ooh and his post - you could just write 'not known at this address' on them in future and put them back in a postbox. Don't bother forwarding them for him. Then he'll have to get it redirected himself.

Pinkbonbon · 16/04/2024 13:19

Frith2013 · 16/04/2024 13:11

Oh, thank you everyone.

I've walked into town (2.2 miles each way) for a haircut at college.

There is a lot more that I haven't posted. But it's all more of the same behaviour.

You must be fit as a fiddle by now!

As for your paranoid week... it might be your body going 'am I really free?'. But just incase...

Did he ever have your house key? If so, change your locks. Wouldn't harm to Google how to find hidden cameras too.

I know it's odd but, I remeber being at a house party once and just knowing I was being filmed in the bathroom. I couldn't see or hear anything but my gut was telling me. He's now in jail for voyeurism amongst other things so, I suspect I was right.

Sorry I don't mean to make you paranoid.
But I would defo change your locks at least.

Rubyred3 · 17/04/2024 21:11

Hi Frith2013
It must feel disappointing when others don't treat us the way we treat them; and disappointing too when the people we should be able to trust (our family) don't behave well. I am in a similar situation. Take good care of yourself and surround yourself with good people and keep others at bay. You'll get your energy back for sure.
I am following some of the tips here. It wont always feel like this https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2024/apr/09/the-vorfreude-secret-30-zero-effort-ways-to-fill-your-life-with-joy

Best wishes

The vorfreude secret: 30 zero-effort ways to fill your life with joy

How can you change your life for the better today? Learn not just to appreciate happiness – but to anticipate it

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2024/apr/09/the-vorfreude-secret-30-zero-effort-ways-to-fill-your-life-with-joy

Andthereyougo · 18/04/2024 09:14

All your anxiety and worry is a reaction to the huge stresses he put on you. Stresses multiple.
It will all even out in time but it takes time. After I disappeared from abusive ex I slept with a knife under my pillow for at least 6 months ( as if I could use it, I can’t even carve a bloody chicken) I scanned the car park when I left work , was convinced he was in the building one day as I caught sight of someone in a similar jacket to his. I hid shaking in a stairwell. The paranoia was short lived.
Tell your friends to stop asking about him “ it’s over, let’s all move on shall we”
Make sure he is blocked on everything. Block anyone who might be feeding him info on you.
And you’re doing everything right, keeping busy. The jobs in the house will wait , get your finances straight again then sort one by one.
It dos get better, promise.

Frith2013 · 18/04/2024 17:56

Another day, another letter arrived for him.

I redirected it but wrote on the back of the envelope, "Name, this is the last letter I will redirect. All letters after this I will return to sender".

I donated the remains of his clothes to charity yesterday. (Just an old t shirt and some socks that I hadn't spotted before in the wardrobe).

I've just got his watch to deal with now.

OP posts:
Frith2013 · 19/04/2024 15:29

Went to work. Felt like shit.

Made myself go to badminton. Someone asked me how my ex is and was I ok now.

I cried so much I had to walk out and drive home. I'm now sitting in my car trying to stop crying long enough to get into my house.

I'm realising now just how much his friend took advantage of me in the days after my ex left... Of course, literally no calls or texts from him since that meet up..... A "friend" of mine for years.

Bloody hell to it.

OP posts:
Pinkbonbon · 19/04/2024 15:41

It's hard to maintain boundaries with crap people still in your life.

How are things with the family? Have you considered going no contact?

Life really is much more peaceful once you've removed all the snakes. Being alone doesn't feel lonely, it feels calm.

Frith2013 · 30/04/2024 15:30

And... today he tried to find an "in".

It only took 6 weeks.

He asked a mutual friend to contact me. The ploy was to ask me for a phone number of a professional person. A person he had spoken to in person, messaged and received emails from.

I have deleted all WhatsApps and emails connected with the ex. Therefore I no longer have contact details for this professional chap.

I'm sure he does have details and the chap is incredibly easy to find on the internet.

I told our friend I had deleted everything.

The ex is blocked or has blocked me on everything.

OP posts:
Gettingbysomehow · 30/04/2024 15:35

You've had a hard life yourself so you need to stop lumbering yourself with people like this.
Flat out block and refuse to see.
This man has done nothing for you except make your life hell.
Get psychiatric treatment, and counselling, if necessary start medication until you feel better.
From now on always put yourself first and other people second.
You cannot keep giving when you are running on empty.
If someone is not improving your life 100% then you don't need them and they will fuck you up.

Pinkbonbon · 30/04/2024 17:29

Tell your 'friend' you want nothing more to do with this guy and that they need to respect that and not be sharing stuff between you with the other party.

If they can't respect that, step away from the friendship.

Frith2013 · 11/05/2024 19:30

This doesn't get easier very fast, does it?

I have vaguely been seeing someone else (yes, yes, too soon, but it was distracting at first). That has plummeted to him not contacting me for days (up to a week) at a time.

Today we met up, after nearly a fortnight. Turns out he only had 2 hours free today (after saying he was free all evening) and would I drop him off at his friend's at 7pm?

I'm so angry with myself for crying feebly because there is literally no one in the world who I can ask to watch Eurovision with me! Or the aurora. Or anything else at all. I don't even have a next of kin with the NHS because there is NO ONE.

I know I need to get rid of the new man (not have him taken out, just dump him) but he hasn't done anything wrong. I will then not even have him.

I also went back to where I used to live yesterday (a large city) and of course had to go there by myself and had no one to tell about it when I got home.

What sort of a life is this?

OP posts:
Frith2013 · 07/07/2024 21:12

It's got easier.

It took just short of 4 months. I can't believe it took so long! The first 3 weeks were appalling. The next 3 were just a normal sort of bleak sadness. I think there were another 3 weeks after that when I was OK, but would have sudden fits of crying.

Plus a creeping feeling that he was hiding somewhere in my house or might be waiting for me in my car! Lots of dreams about him. (I did have a dream last week that he was swimming and I couldn't swim out to him because I didn't have a swimming costume with me, but that wasn't too bad).

I'm still in debt (that he built up) but am paying off the utility bills that I could not make.

I am remembering terrible things he said and did all the time.

Someone mentioned him today (someone I don't know well) and I could see my friend who was with me tensing up on my behalf. Afterwards, she said he had been texting everyone asking for insert absolutely outrageously greedy and grasping thing here. He is showing more signs of paranoia.

I'm changing a few details here as it is outing but I have remembered:

Pretending to be in or going into a diabetic coma if I tried to raise a problem with him.

Telling me his friend would come round and discuss how I would have to behave if I was to be his wife. (His friend actually did come round but could not understand what his "task" was so just spoke to me normally!)

Telling me he would hit my (adult) child if they spoke to him disrespectfully.

Giving up on all jobs and opportunities because he "didn't like them".

Bloody stupid 50 minute showers.

The one thing I asked for (in the future) was that no family member would ever come and live with us - his or mine. Obviously, apart from days or a week or so. About a week later, he started nagging that his mother should come and live with us (forever) and I should think about converting the garage. MY garage!!

Never giving me a minute to myself.

The terrible sex. I don't know how to describe it. It wasn't anything that the police would be interested in hearing about but it was rough and just cold and strange. I've never encountered anything like it with any other man, and I've been out with some quite bad tempered men.

OP posts:
Pinkbonbon · 08/07/2024 19:54

He only wanted to move his mum in because you'd just told him he couldn't and 'no' is like waving a red flag to a bull at his sort. You didn't want it and his goal was to ruin your mental health and trample all over your boundaries so, he suggested it. They use your fears and dislikes against you.

That's good you're free and feeling better op!
It's almost comical if it wasn't so...enraging (When you remember the things they did that you suffered through).

But we live and learn! And now you've a life, free from his bullshit to look forwards to.

TangerinePlate · 09/07/2024 00:01

Oh @Frith2013 . You finally got rid of this manipulative,lazy cocklodging leech.Well done.

Is there any chance you could limit your exposure to your mutual acquaintances? If not then answer “I don’t give a fuck” or something equally rude to anybody who asks you about how he is.This should discourage them from asking you again about your ex. Last thing you need are constant reminders of him,that’s not doing your MH any good and delays your healing.

Best wishes 💐

Frith2013 · 10/08/2024 11:12

I just saw him, for the first time.

Luckily I was in my car and I don't think he saw me. He was walking.

He looked fine, but incredibly pale. I even said out loud "Ooo, new coat!" in my shock.

It was a huge shock.

OP posts:
Pinkbonbon · 10/08/2024 11:19

Suppose he's probably mooching off someone else now.

Glad you got free.