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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

Is he protesting too much?

38 replies

Mottledhellibore · 16/02/2025 19:32

A few years ago, my partner (of 10 years, we don't live together) and I went to his female colleague's birthday party. He was very attentive to her, they were sitting away from everyone else lots during the evening. He was stuck to her hip. When I went to the loo, they were dancing together (the only ones on the dancefloor) and when she saw me she tugged at his elbow to get off the dance floor. When I went to sit with them at some point, they moved away. Anyway. Bottom line I felt embarrassed, and uncomortable I was drunk and angry and told him things like of all the men to behave that way it had to be him. He told me he would not have done anything with her husband there. He gave me the silent treatment for the hour journey back and the rest of the day. When I tried to talk about the evening again he shouted at me and told me we are never talking about this again. Today I was triggered by a picture painting she gave him on his herroom wall. Eventually, I asked him if there had ever been anything between them. He started calling me insane 6 times, jealous, and I don't want him to have female friends. I have never felt concern about his boundaries until that party. My question to him was what would he have done if her husband hadn't been there. He told me he doesn't want to see me. I guess I was triggered because we have never discussed that night, he dismissed me, shut me down and piled things on to me. What are your thoughts?

OP posts:
Bittenonce · 17/02/2025 11:09

@Mottledhellibore I don’t think anyone has told you anything you didn’t know already. Just a sign that your self worth had been eroded, that you needed to hear it from others before you believed it yourself. Well, I hope you now know you can trust your judgment again. Deep breath….. move on

Mottledhellibore · 21/02/2025 13:47

Well. I came here to say that we are no longer together. It has been 10 years of my life and years of not feeling prioritised, valued appreciated and truly loved. I spent too long making allowances for his avoidant attachment style, to the detriment of my own wellbeing and needs. Taking breadcrumbs to be nuggets of gold. I ended it. Not in a way I had envisaged. I think my subconscious took over to take care of me. I'm in shock but I know there is no going back. I know it will take time. It wasn't all bad and so it will be a roller coaster but I plant to be strong and build on my self worth and resilience. Thank you for your support x

OP posts:
Tartanboots · 21/02/2025 13:53

I would have got rid of him after the party, if the only reason he didn't do anything was because her husband was there. Very disrespectful to you.

SerenaSemolena · 21/02/2025 13:59

Well done on getting rid, op.

I hope, if you look for a new partner, that you choose one that doesn't shout at you, give you the silent treatment, or call you insane.

Or cheat.

Sodthesystem · 21/02/2025 14:34

Replace *avoident attachment style
With *abusive.
He was abusive.

Well done for getting rid.

crankytoes · 21/02/2025 14:37

Well done. Of course it won't be easier but in 6 months you'll wonder why you took so long to end it

category12 · 21/02/2025 14:39

Mottledhellibore · 21/02/2025 13:47

Well. I came here to say that we are no longer together. It has been 10 years of my life and years of not feeling prioritised, valued appreciated and truly loved. I spent too long making allowances for his avoidant attachment style, to the detriment of my own wellbeing and needs. Taking breadcrumbs to be nuggets of gold. I ended it. Not in a way I had envisaged. I think my subconscious took over to take care of me. I'm in shock but I know there is no going back. I know it will take time. It wasn't all bad and so it will be a roller coaster but I plant to be strong and build on my self worth and resilience. Thank you for your support x

Well done for breaking free 👏

Motnight · 21/02/2025 14:42

Good luck @Mottledhellibore, you have made the right decision

Seaoftroubles · 21/02/2025 14:53

Good luck OP, make sure you keep him blocked as he will probably try to come creeping back, they always do! And consider some counselling for yourself to help you going forward.

Bittenonce · 21/02/2025 15:00

@Mottledhellibore time for a change of name? You may have been tolerant of the shade for too long, now you can step out into the sunshine 🌞

BellaCiao23 · 21/02/2025 15:37

He called you insane 6 times and he doesn’t want to see you? Tell him that’s fine, then block him on everything.

Freeme31 · 21/02/2025 16:02

I think you have had a lucky escape he won't change after 10 years, you sound lovely and caring and deserve someone who sees that in you. You've got this take care of yourself and the right one for you will come along

Sodthesystem · 21/02/2025 16:05

Freeme31 · 21/02/2025 16:02

I think you have had a lucky escape he won't change after 10 years, you sound lovely and caring and deserve someone who sees that in you. You've got this take care of yourself and the right one for you will come along

Even if 'the right one' didn't, who cares! So long as she's free of this bully and can breathe again. It's not like we need to be in a relationship! Freedom from tyranny is the main thing.

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