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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

Am I being abused?

73 replies

Anon129 · 14/08/2024 09:17

I'm sorry if this gets confusing. I am so low I don't even know how to function anymore. Long story but my fiancé and I have been together for 11 years, we have a child together and he has a daughter from another relationship, I have three children from previous marriage. Since the beginning he has emotionally cheated on me and I have no proof of it ever went further than that but one time he received photos from a colleague. All the women have been either work colleagues or someone he played sports with. (She was the only woman not to flirt back) He started a new job recently and already he's been more friendly than he needs to be with a colleague who is also now seeming interested in him even though she is married herself. Last night he flew abroad for work and she is with him and he was out until 2.30am. He had been sending me mixed messages all day through text calling me sweetheart then being mean to me or ignoring me completely. I asked to have 10 minutes of his time to talk and he said no. A few hours later he called me, as he heard me start to cry he started swearing at me through gritted teeth so I put the phone down as I had a panic attack. He text why I put the phone down so I said I was sorry but I was going to be sick. He didn't ask if I was ok, just replied "why?" I understand it's totally my fault because I don't have trust in him and I do appreciate everything he does like working hard so I get to be a stay at home mum but the fear of him with her is real for me. He pinched a door last week when I saw the message from her on his computer (wasn't shopping he called me into his office to showe something and it was on the screen) I asked very calmly of I could see what's been said (therapist said to communicate) and he absolutely went mad and screaming and swearing at me punched a door and scared the kids. I left his office and went to pay a board game with the kids. Today I text and asked if we are going to work this out? He replied he's not going over shxt again and he's not calling me he has a busy day. I asked of he still loves me and it was just "yes". I have signed up for therapy again as I know this is my fault and I need to trust him but he blames me for everything. He asked for an example of when he has ever started a row (he claims he has never caused any problems) I have him two examples and he flipped out swearing again and saying "yes that's right I'm an awful fxing person Iay as well end it now". But he asked for an example. I'm now sitting here feeling incredibly numb waiting for a phone call from cardiology for my heart issue and I'm trying to hold back tears. I can feel my heart pounding through my chest I just want him to talk to me. Every time I hear my phone I get a mix of hope that it's him and anxiety in case it's him.

OP posts:
Bigcatpaws · 14/08/2024 10:44

Yes you are being psychologically abused.

He is also the cause of the arguments but he goads you so it seems like you’ve started it.
His behaviour towards you is the real cause.

He wants you to know that he’s flirting with other women. That’s why he called you to his computer when the message was there to see.He gets off on your reaction and makes him feel like a prize.

He has power over you because he likes to see you weak and upset and he knows you depend on him for money

You need to take the power back.
You should contact Women’s Aid to get free of him along with your children.
Can you get a job ?

Meanwhile look up the Grey Rock technique.
Give him no reaction and appear disinterested in the lead up to moving out. Don’t ask him if he loves you. He obviously doesn’t !
Act like you don’t love him. Turn the tables on him. Take on a “ don’t give a shit “ attitude towards him and focus your energy on getting yourself ready to leave him.

You owe it to yourself and your children to get out of this relationship.

Do you have family or friends irl who can help ?

Be prepared for him to suddenly become loving and attentive. It’ll be because he’s noticed you’re becoming less tolerant of his bad behaviour and wants to reel you back. This is called love bombing and it’s part of the cycle of abuse (google it)It’s to stop you leaving the abusive relationship. Then the abuse starts again.

Bigcatpaws · 14/08/2024 10:51

Anon129 · 14/08/2024 10:16

I have contacted them and they told me to go to a hostel. I'm not taking my children to a hostel. I own half the house but I now do not work due to ill health and childcare so I'm worried I will lose my home. I have found myself apologising again today but have got no response. If I had somewhere to go andy own money i would becaise I know he doesn't love or care about me but it's very hard to do when you have no one.

You have half the house.

Speak to a lawyer.
Rights of Women have free legal advice surgeries

www.rightsofwomen.org.uk/

Anon129 · 14/08/2024 10:52

AttilaTheMeerkat · 14/08/2024 10:36

Abuse like you describe thrives on secrecy; do you have any friends in your immediate social circle you can talk to (or are they mainly his friends?). You have taken a small but important step in writing about him on here, abuse thrives on secrecy and its time this was busted wide open.

What is the situation re the finances and property?. Are you actually married to this man or is he still your fiance?. If he is, that was likely deliberate on his part too.

I speak to my sister but I have no friends at all. I'm not married to him, but I had to give up my job due to ill health so he supports us financially

OP posts:
Bigcatpaws · 14/08/2024 10:52

Also, stop apologising to him. You’ve done nothing wrong !

Anon129 · 14/08/2024 10:53

Bigcatpaws · 14/08/2024 10:51

You have half the house.

Speak to a lawyer.
Rights of Women have free legal advice surgeries

www.rightsofwomen.org.uk/

Thank you

OP posts:
G5000 · 14/08/2024 10:54

You're an unmarried SAHM, so besides him paying for running costs, you are in no way benefitting from sacrificing your career to do his childcare. No right to his assets, pension, nothing.
As you are engaged, why are you not married after 11 years and children? Because he claims it's just a paper?

Anon129 · 14/08/2024 10:56

Bigcatpaws · 14/08/2024 10:44

Yes you are being psychologically abused.

He is also the cause of the arguments but he goads you so it seems like you’ve started it.
His behaviour towards you is the real cause.

He wants you to know that he’s flirting with other women. That’s why he called you to his computer when the message was there to see.He gets off on your reaction and makes him feel like a prize.

He has power over you because he likes to see you weak and upset and he knows you depend on him for money

You need to take the power back.
You should contact Women’s Aid to get free of him along with your children.
Can you get a job ?

Meanwhile look up the Grey Rock technique.
Give him no reaction and appear disinterested in the lead up to moving out. Don’t ask him if he loves you. He obviously doesn’t !
Act like you don’t love him. Turn the tables on him. Take on a “ don’t give a shit “ attitude towards him and focus your energy on getting yourself ready to leave him.

You owe it to yourself and your children to get out of this relationship.

Do you have family or friends irl who can help ?

Be prepared for him to suddenly become loving and attentive. It’ll be because he’s noticed you’re becoming less tolerant of his bad behaviour and wants to reel you back. This is called love bombing and it’s part of the cycle of abuse (google it)It’s to stop you leaving the abusive relationship. Then the abuse starts again.

I feel like I maybe love bombing him? I know he's upset with me but I find myself begging him to talk to me and apologising. Is that me love bombing him?

OP posts:
Anon129 · 14/08/2024 10:56

G5000 · 14/08/2024 10:54

You're an unmarried SAHM, so besides him paying for running costs, you are in no way benefitting from sacrificing your career to do his childcare. No right to his assets, pension, nothing.
As you are engaged, why are you not married after 11 years and children? Because he claims it's just a paper?

No we just haven't been able to afford it.

OP posts:
Anon129 · 14/08/2024 10:57

Bigcatpaws · 14/08/2024 10:52

Also, stop apologising to him. You’ve done nothing wrong !

I think I'm just scared of the unknown and him having visitation with our child. I don't want to be without her

OP posts:
G5000 · 14/08/2024 11:02

I find myself begging him to talk to me and apologising. Is that me love bombing him?

No, it's begging someone who is not interested because you genuinely want him to love you. Love bombing is manipulation.

Anon129 · 14/08/2024 11:04

G5000 · 14/08/2024 11:02

I find myself begging him to talk to me and apologising. Is that me love bombing him?

No, it's begging someone who is not interested because you genuinely want him to love you. Love bombing is manipulation.

Thank you, I genuinely do want him to love me but I know this isn't love. I just don't want to split my time with my little girl. His parents do not like me and they would bad mouth my step daughters mother in front of her and bad mouth me to her to and I don't want that to happen to my little girl

OP posts:
Sitdownrosa · 14/08/2024 11:15

Anon129 · 14/08/2024 11:04

Thank you, I genuinely do want him to love me but I know this isn't love. I just don't want to split my time with my little girl. His parents do not like me and they would bad mouth my step daughters mother in front of her and bad mouth me to her to and I don't want that to happen to my little girl

The only alternative is living like this for the rest of your life and subjecting your dd to living in an abusive household.

Kbroughton · 14/08/2024 11:16

You poor angel. My heart goes out to you. It is great you own half the house. You may be pleasantly surprised at what you will be entitled to in terms of government support. If at all possible don't leave the house. The next time he shouts and swears, call the police. Straight away. He is a violent abusive man and the only reason he hasn't taken things further is you play the game. You can force him to leave the house because he is abusive but you will need to get evidence. See a solicitor. Most do a free half hour advice service. Also try women's aid who may help financially and try citizens advice who may also have free legal advice. The advice you need is specific: how do you get him iut of the house safely ASAP. In the long run you may be able to afford the house but you may not. Please please believe me when I say your kids will be fine. They will be happier out of this toxic house. I did leave the house and took my daughter. Stayed with my parents then rented a 2 bed flat for 2 years. I was married and getting a settlement was a battle. Had I not left the house it would have been easier but like you I didn't have proper advice and was afraid. Eventually went to Court and I can't tell you what a triumph it was. The judge saw through him and completely took him apart. I am now in my own house which I bought and so much happier. My daughter is OK and has therapy. Please take action and i know it is hard. But one day like me you will be sitting in your own back garden while your daughter plays on a trampoline that was never allowed when you were together because it ruined the lawn! You are the queen of your own life. Rule it. Xx

Sitdownrosa · 14/08/2024 11:17

Right now, your dd is living with abuse 100% of the time. If you split up, she will have a safe and happy home at least 50% of the time.

ApplesOrangesBananas · 14/08/2024 11:24

He is a narcissist and abusing you. I imagine you have lost a lot of weight amongst other things because you are constantly living of fear of how he might act or react to you. It’s time to draw the line and leave, he could be considering ending it anyway. Talk to your family or therapist on the way to proceed.

Anon129 · 14/08/2024 11:29

Kbroughton · 14/08/2024 11:16

You poor angel. My heart goes out to you. It is great you own half the house. You may be pleasantly surprised at what you will be entitled to in terms of government support. If at all possible don't leave the house. The next time he shouts and swears, call the police. Straight away. He is a violent abusive man and the only reason he hasn't taken things further is you play the game. You can force him to leave the house because he is abusive but you will need to get evidence. See a solicitor. Most do a free half hour advice service. Also try women's aid who may help financially and try citizens advice who may also have free legal advice. The advice you need is specific: how do you get him iut of the house safely ASAP. In the long run you may be able to afford the house but you may not. Please please believe me when I say your kids will be fine. They will be happier out of this toxic house. I did leave the house and took my daughter. Stayed with my parents then rented a 2 bed flat for 2 years. I was married and getting a settlement was a battle. Had I not left the house it would have been easier but like you I didn't have proper advice and was afraid. Eventually went to Court and I can't tell you what a triumph it was. The judge saw through him and completely took him apart. I am now in my own house which I bought and so much happier. My daughter is OK and has therapy. Please take action and i know it is hard. But one day like me you will be sitting in your own back garden while your daughter plays on a trampoline that was never allowed when you were together because it ruined the lawn! You are the queen of your own life. Rule it. Xx

Thank you for you message. I'm just terrified right now I feel totally immobilised. I don't know why him ignoring me about this is getting to me so much. And I keep going over and over what happened and blaming myself. I feel like I've been punched in the chest. I won't leave my home because it was mine first. It was my council home after my divorce and he encouraged me to buy it and now I wish I hadn't. He usually would message me when I text but this time it's different, since meeting this woman he has changed towards me and I think maybe he wants me to end it so he can be with her ? All sorts of thoughts are going through my head . I'm utterly terrified

OP posts:
RobinHood19 · 14/08/2024 11:31

I won't leave my home because it was mine first. It was my council home after my divorce and he encouraged me to buy it and now I wish I hadn't.

Did he go 50-50 when you bought the house? I think you need financial advice, you might be entitled to more than you think.

Anon129 · 14/08/2024 11:31

ApplesOrangesBananas · 14/08/2024 11:24

He is a narcissist and abusing you. I imagine you have lost a lot of weight amongst other things because you are constantly living of fear of how he might act or react to you. It’s time to draw the line and leave, he could be considering ending it anyway. Talk to your family or therapist on the way to proceed.

Yes I have lost weight and have gastritis which has been brought on by chronic stress. I also have an issue with my heart where it beats faster than it should and I'm yet to start treatment for that.

OP posts:
Anon129 · 14/08/2024 11:32

RobinHood19 · 14/08/2024 11:31

I won't leave my home because it was mine first. It was my council home after my divorce and he encouraged me to buy it and now I wish I hadn't.

Did he go 50-50 when you bought the house? I think you need financial advice, you might be entitled to more than you think.

Yes he did, when we were applying as he earned more than me he said if we can't go half and half he will buy it for us but thankfully I refused to do that

OP posts:
Noseybookworm · 14/08/2024 11:50

Please don't kid yourself that your children are fine. They are living in an abusive household and this will be damaging to them. How can they be fine when their mother is feeling how you're feeling? Children know. You are being abused and manipulated by a nasty controlling cheating man. He doesn't love you, he treats you badly. This will only get worse.

You say you want to stay in your home but that means staying with him. He won't leave. You need to get legal advice ASAP. Please speak to Women's Aid again - they can help you formulate a plan to separate. You really can't stay in this situation, it will break you. Please think about leaving, a hostel could just be a temporary measure until you can sell the house and divide the money or he can buy you out.

You can have a peaceful safe life again. But you have to separate from him in order to do that.

Escapingafter50years · 14/08/2024 11:54

@Anon129 129 Your posts are heartbreaking to read. Sorry my reply is long, I’ve taken some of the things you’ve said and commented on them. I hope seeing a lot of your comments in one post may bring home to you that it’s really time to do something. Everything I say is meant kindly so I hope you’re not offended by anything. You and your children should absolutely not be going through this. You seriously need serious help.

"He had been sending me mixed messages all day through text calling me sweetheart then being mean to me or ignoring me completely. I asked to have 10 minutes of his time to talk and he said no."

This sort of toxic behaviour causes huge mental issues. You end up not knowing whether you’re upside down or upright. 10 minutes is too much for the mother of his children to ask for. That is not how a decent father and partner behaves.

"He didn't ask if I was ok, just replied "why?" I understand it's totally my fault because I don't have trust in him and I do appreciate everything he does like working hard so I get to be a stay at home mum"

He doesn’t care about you, I’m afraid. He is highly narcissistic and is only able to care for himself. It is not your fault that you don’t have trust in him. He has you believing that somehow. You may appreciate him but he doesn’t appreciate you.

"He pinched a door last week when I saw the message from her on his computer (wasn't shopping he called me into his office to showe something and it was on the screen) I asked very calmly of I could see what's been said (therapist said to communicate) and he absolutely went mad and screaming and swearing at me punched a door and scared the kids. "

Behaviour like this is designed to frighten you into not pushing him again. You ask a simple question and end up in fear as a result. This is calculated and controlling and highly abusive.

"I have signed up for therapy again as I know this is my fault and I need to trust him but he blames me for everything."

Again, this is not your fault. You think this because he blames you for everything. He is wrong.

"I have him two examples and he flipped out swearing again and saying "yes that's right I'm an awful fxing person Iay as well end it now". "

That’s another thing narcissists do. There’s no in between, you say something that’s true and then they extend it to they’re the worst person in the world (sometimes threatening suicide – in which case call emergency services. It’s manipulation but if you fall for it it will happen again and again) and then you’re backtracking trying to explain yourself. But he doesn’t need explaining, he knows exactly what he is doing.

"Every time I hear my phone I get a mix of hope that it's him and anxiety in case it's him."

This is no way to live. You deserve so much more.

"This was unfortunately the one time they heard and got scared. I don't argue in front of them and I wasn't expecting him to react so angrily towards me asking to view his message. I shouldn't have asked and I wish I hadn't. "

You were entitled to ask, and he was entitled to refuse (even though he is a horrific abuser). But his extreme overreaction is completely unacceptable.

"I shouldn't have messaged him. I can't imagine life without him but he's made it clear he doesn't care about me. "

What happened to you in your past that you accept this? Somewhere along the line you were taught that you don’t matter and should accept whatever appalling treatment you receive at the hands of someone who unbelievably claims to love you.

"I feel like I maybe love bombing him? I know he's upset with me but I find myself begging him to talk to me and apologising. Is that me love bombing him?"

No it’s not love bombing, as someone already said, love bombing is a manipulative tool normally used by an abusive person (narcissist) in the early stages of a relationship.

"I just don’t want to split my time with my little girl. His parents do not like me and they would bad mouth my step daughters mother in front of her and bad mouth me to her to and I don’t want that to happen to my little girl"

That’s perfectly understandable. However this dreadful abusive man is ruining your mental health which will cause other damage to your little girl. She is growing up learning that this is how a mother is treated by the man who says he loves her, she is learning that this is what she has to expect and accept in her future relationships. This is a cycle coming from your past, and unless you change things, nothing is going to change.

"I don't know why him ignoring me about this is getting to me so much. And I keep going over and over what happened and blaming myself. I feel like I've been punched in the chest. I won't leave my home because it was mine first. It was my council home after my divorce and he encouraged me to buy it and now I wish I hadn't. "

Perhaps you’re finally getting to the point where you can’t tolerate any more. (For me my “mother” was my abuser.) It’s finally time to take action.
Can you get legal advice on your situation?
Please, as previously said, keep in touch with Women’s Aid. Your situation is horrendously abusive.

Bigcatpaws · 14/08/2024 11:54

Anon129 · 14/08/2024 10:56

I feel like I maybe love bombing him? I know he's upset with me but I find myself begging him to talk to me and apologising. Is that me love bombing him?

No, you’re not love bombing him. You genuinely want this relationship to work so you’re confused because of the way he’s treating you.
Love bombing is pretending you love someone when you don’t, for your own gain or to stop someone from leaving. It’s deception and plain manipulation.

Bigcatpaws · 14/08/2024 12:02

Anon129 · 14/08/2024 11:04

Thank you, I genuinely do want him to love me but I know this isn't love. I just don't want to split my time with my little girl. His parents do not like me and they would bad mouth my step daughters mother in front of her and bad mouth me to her to and I don't want that to happen to my little girl

You can limit the damage to your dd and your other dcs by getting away from him. If you have to split access for your dd at least she will be exposed to his traits for only half the time. Now it’s most of the time. You’ll be able to teach her about what is normal. If you don’t leave, this will become her normal and she may end up in an abusive relationship herself. As will your other kids.

Anon129 · 14/08/2024 12:05

Escapingafter50years · 14/08/2024 11:54

@Anon129 129 Your posts are heartbreaking to read. Sorry my reply is long, I’ve taken some of the things you’ve said and commented on them. I hope seeing a lot of your comments in one post may bring home to you that it’s really time to do something. Everything I say is meant kindly so I hope you’re not offended by anything. You and your children should absolutely not be going through this. You seriously need serious help.

"He had been sending me mixed messages all day through text calling me sweetheart then being mean to me or ignoring me completely. I asked to have 10 minutes of his time to talk and he said no."

This sort of toxic behaviour causes huge mental issues. You end up not knowing whether you’re upside down or upright. 10 minutes is too much for the mother of his children to ask for. That is not how a decent father and partner behaves.

"He didn't ask if I was ok, just replied "why?" I understand it's totally my fault because I don't have trust in him and I do appreciate everything he does like working hard so I get to be a stay at home mum"

He doesn’t care about you, I’m afraid. He is highly narcissistic and is only able to care for himself. It is not your fault that you don’t have trust in him. He has you believing that somehow. You may appreciate him but he doesn’t appreciate you.

"He pinched a door last week when I saw the message from her on his computer (wasn't shopping he called me into his office to showe something and it was on the screen) I asked very calmly of I could see what's been said (therapist said to communicate) and he absolutely went mad and screaming and swearing at me punched a door and scared the kids. "

Behaviour like this is designed to frighten you into not pushing him again. You ask a simple question and end up in fear as a result. This is calculated and controlling and highly abusive.

"I have signed up for therapy again as I know this is my fault and I need to trust him but he blames me for everything."

Again, this is not your fault. You think this because he blames you for everything. He is wrong.

"I have him two examples and he flipped out swearing again and saying "yes that's right I'm an awful fxing person Iay as well end it now". "

That’s another thing narcissists do. There’s no in between, you say something that’s true and then they extend it to they’re the worst person in the world (sometimes threatening suicide – in which case call emergency services. It’s manipulation but if you fall for it it will happen again and again) and then you’re backtracking trying to explain yourself. But he doesn’t need explaining, he knows exactly what he is doing.

"Every time I hear my phone I get a mix of hope that it's him and anxiety in case it's him."

This is no way to live. You deserve so much more.

"This was unfortunately the one time they heard and got scared. I don't argue in front of them and I wasn't expecting him to react so angrily towards me asking to view his message. I shouldn't have asked and I wish I hadn't. "

You were entitled to ask, and he was entitled to refuse (even though he is a horrific abuser). But his extreme overreaction is completely unacceptable.

"I shouldn't have messaged him. I can't imagine life without him but he's made it clear he doesn't care about me. "

What happened to you in your past that you accept this? Somewhere along the line you were taught that you don’t matter and should accept whatever appalling treatment you receive at the hands of someone who unbelievably claims to love you.

"I feel like I maybe love bombing him? I know he's upset with me but I find myself begging him to talk to me and apologising. Is that me love bombing him?"

No it’s not love bombing, as someone already said, love bombing is a manipulative tool normally used by an abusive person (narcissist) in the early stages of a relationship.

"I just don’t want to split my time with my little girl. His parents do not like me and they would bad mouth my step daughters mother in front of her and bad mouth me to her to and I don’t want that to happen to my little girl"

That’s perfectly understandable. However this dreadful abusive man is ruining your mental health which will cause other damage to your little girl. She is growing up learning that this is how a mother is treated by the man who says he loves her, she is learning that this is what she has to expect and accept in her future relationships. This is a cycle coming from your past, and unless you change things, nothing is going to change.

"I don't know why him ignoring me about this is getting to me so much. And I keep going over and over what happened and blaming myself. I feel like I've been punched in the chest. I won't leave my home because it was mine first. It was my council home after my divorce and he encouraged me to buy it and now I wish I hadn't. "

Perhaps you’re finally getting to the point where you can’t tolerate any more. (For me my “mother” was my abuser.) It’s finally time to take action.
Can you get legal advice on your situation?
Please, as previously said, keep in touch with Women’s Aid. Your situation is horrendously abusive.

I wamt to tell him that 10 minutes of his time for me should be acceptable but I know his reply will be swearing and that he is working so he can't call me and he'll accuse me of being too much,
I don't know really what happened to me to makee think it's acceptable, my ex husband was also abusive (drinking problem) I was very young when we met and he was ten years older and pushed for a marriage so he could get a right to stay here. I feel so stupid over that. But with my fiancé now it feels different, a different type of hurt one that hurts more than I can describe. I want to text him now and say it's over but he is due home tonight and I'm scared of a reaction. I have asked him if he could tell me of if it's over for him because this is very difficult (I was stupid to send it) but still no reply. I have an awful gut feeling it is because of her but I could be wrong. I knew he was interested because he says nasty things about the women he's interested in, like this one he said he wasn't sure if she is male or female and is very butch. She's not, she clearly and attractive younger woman and was a personal trainer

OP posts:
Anon129 · 14/08/2024 12:10

Please don't think I'm saying I'm an angel, I haven't let it drop that he emotionally cheated when I said in therapy I'd work on it and even when there was nothing going on and I just felt that feeling when he would go out I would always be off with him.

OP posts: