Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

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

Relationships and childhood trauma

14 replies

Gabrielee · 28/03/2025 19:54

Growing up my mom would just go silent on us if she was upset. I learned how to function in that environment, but now when I get upset about things I isolate myself from everyone. My boyfriend hates that about me and I’m working on that but I still struggle with it. I have told my boyfriend (he’s the only person) about all that I went through as a child.

My dad passed away at a young age and I remember finding out by watching the news that could be why I have a hard time with deaths now. I stepped up and helped my mother a lot by cooking, cleaning, staying home with my siblings. By the time I was in highschool I came home and immediately started dinner and then had to clean after everyone.

I never said anything to my mom about how tired I was or asking my siblings for help because she would just make excuses for reasons why my younger siblings did not have to help. 9th grade my mom threatened to put my in an all girls home. We sat in the office and talked with a man about sending me away and I remember being very upset because my mom made me seem like a horrible child.

She did things that made me wonder about her. My very first boyfriend cheated I was angry and asked him to gather his things. When he came I opened to door wide enough and gave him his belongings. My mother was right behind me telling me how that was rude and went outside to talk to him. Yes I was very upset and couldn’t understand why she did that.

My mom had a best friend and she had a son. Her son use to do things that he shouldn’t have and I never spoke to her about it because he said nobody would believe me(he was 6 years older that me). She still does not know to this day. About that situation and a situation with a family member. I never felt comfortable enough to tell her.

I Moved out at 18 but she still helped me sometimes with a ride to or from work. When I moved out I started dating this guy he was 11 years older than me and I went through a lot in that relationship. He stole and cheated on me which my mom knew about and still wanted to be around him. After ended things with him he threatened me for months I also told her about it. They no longer speak now be he stole from her as well.

I told my current bf about these things and more and he tells me constantly how much he hates my mother. I try not to think much about these things because I want a relationship with my mom and she’s not like this anymore. When he says this I can’t do anything but go silent because hearing him say that upsets me.

Hes told me my mother is a manipulator and he doesn’t want me around her because she messes with my energy. He has compared me to my mom in arguments and it makes me so angry because I’ve tried everything to not be like her. I admit I can go silent after arguments/or to prevent arguments.

Which only makes him angry and I understand that’s why I’m working on it. We’ve had some great times but also some bad. And Everytime I’m made out to be just like my mother. Because of these arguments I sometimes choose not to say anything if he’s done something that I’m not ok with(inviting friend over without telling me). He just recently moved in and since he’s been here he’s crossing a lot of boundaries. When I do speak up I “don’t know how to talk to a man” “you’re just like your mother” or flat out “I didn’t do/say that”. He then will tell me” I didn’t tell you not to say anything you choose to” yes to have peace.

He has told me numerous times because I didn’t grow up with a dad in the house I don’t know what love is. During our time together he has done some amazing things but he’s also done/said horrible things to me. When I bring these things up again we go back to my mother and “I live in the past and know how to ruin his mood just like your mother”. Always bring up my mom is really starting to upset me.

I have done some serious self reflection and I have stopped drinking. I have changed who I hang around all because of the things he said during an argument. I have tried therapy to work through my issues but all she did was agree with everything I said. I felt like I was not getting anything out of going to therapy. He was totally against therapy at first then told me I needed help and if I felt therapy was right to check it out.

I understand relationships take hard work and I also understand the things I told him about my mom were hard to hear. She’s not that person anymore and while I’m trying to build a relationship with her. It’s tearing this relationship with him apart.

OP posts:
SocksPants · 28/03/2025 20:05

I don't know what to say except that your mother was incredibly abusive and through no fault of your own you have suffered terrible abuse and trauma.
I would go low or preferably no contact with your mother and dump the gaslighting boyfriend.
What sort of therapy did you have?
You need trauma therapy or a good psychotherapist.

Gabrielee · 28/03/2025 20:14

SocksPants · 28/03/2025 20:05

I don't know what to say except that your mother was incredibly abusive and through no fault of your own you have suffered terrible abuse and trauma.
I would go low or preferably no contact with your mother and dump the gaslighting boyfriend.
What sort of therapy did you have?
You need trauma therapy or a good psychotherapist.

It was for trauma, but it was free through my employer. I have been looking for another therapist just no luck at the moment.

OP posts:
NameChangedOfc · 28/03/2025 20:36

Youre mother is exactly the same abuser she was when you were a child. You rationalised your traumatic childhood because we are programmed to not believe our parents are dangerous sh*theads.
As first poster says, you need therapy with a trauma specialist. Limit or avoid all contact with your abusive mother.

You should also leave your current boyfriend: he is a manipulator too. Nothing good can come out of your relationship

Focus on recoverimg from your childhood. Best wishes 💐🙏

Maitri108 · 28/03/2025 20:48

don’t know how to talk to a man

What does this mean?

OP your mum was abusive and you seem to have found yourself in another abusive relationship. It's very easy to do when you've been brought up in a dysfunctional household.

Your boyfriend is very good at manipulation and he knows how you don't want to behave like your mum so that's what he uses against you.

Going to therapy is a brilliant idea and what would be even better is doing the Freedom Programme (in person if possible), to learn about healthy relationships.

He seems to be isolating you - turning you against your friends and mum. You might benefit from having a chat with a domestic abuse professional, Refuge webchat is open till 10pm Mon-Fri.

No, relationships shouldn't be an unrelenting slog, they should be positive.

BillyBoe46 · 28/03/2025 20:57

I think you need to be single. I think you need therapy to work through your past abuse. I think you would benefit from doing the freedom programme. Your mum is abusive, your past partners are abusive and your current partner is abusive. You need to find a way of spotting the red flags and find the strength and self worth to walk away from people who are toxic and bad for you.

Sendhelp101 · 28/03/2025 21:22

I don't have much advice OP but didn't want to read and run 💝 I'm in a similar situation with relationships with childhood trauma but I react the opposite way in I become overly anxious and needy and it can put people off. I'm not very successful in relationships despite therapy because my self esteem is om the floor.

Gabrielee · 28/03/2025 22:02

Maitri108 · 28/03/2025 20:48

don’t know how to talk to a man

What does this mean?

OP your mum was abusive and you seem to have found yourself in another abusive relationship. It's very easy to do when you've been brought up in a dysfunctional household.

Your boyfriend is very good at manipulation and he knows how you don't want to behave like your mum so that's what he uses against you.

Going to therapy is a brilliant idea and what would be even better is doing the Freedom Programme (in person if possible), to learn about healthy relationships.

He seems to be isolating you - turning you against your friends and mum. You might benefit from having a chat with a domestic abuse professional, Refuge webchat is open till 10pm Mon-Fri.

No, relationships shouldn't be an unrelenting slog, they should be positive.

just for context we were talking once and I was upset that when I had a flat I had to change my own tire.we were in the beginning stages of dating. I said to him “how could you as my man not even offer to help me I looked life a fucking fool while you sat home”. I apparently went wrong somewhere in there maybe my tone of voice but I still stand by what I said. As a man he should have helped. Like I have no issue doing these things for myself. But if a man is around especially a man I’m dating I expect even an offer. He didn’t and I was upset about that. Thats his reasoning for telling me I don’t know how to talk to a man.

Two weeks ago I had plans with friends after him telling me his wishes I would get out more. I was clearly excited while he showed no emotion when I was showing him my outfit he said”and you’re going to wear that to a restaurant “ I had a black long sleeve bodysuit, black tights, red skirt respectable length and black boots. I didn’t see an issue in the outfit. The day comes for us to go out I and that morning he started an argument with me out of nowhere.

i ended up not going and I told him I felt like what he did was so I didn’t go out. He then told me that I was crazy if I believed that. I have had friends tell me that it feels like he does not want them around and he wants me all to himself.

OP posts:
Gabrielee · 28/03/2025 22:04

BillyBoe46 · 28/03/2025 20:57

I think you need to be single. I think you need therapy to work through your past abuse. I think you would benefit from doing the freedom programme. Your mum is abusive, your past partners are abusive and your current partner is abusive. You need to find a way of spotting the red flags and find the strength and self worth to walk away from people who are toxic and bad for you.

I hope that when I do find a really good therapist things will get better. I truly believe I always end up these situations because it’s all I ever know so it feels normal and I know it’s not.

OP posts:
Gabrielee · 28/03/2025 22:08

Sendhelp101 · 28/03/2025 21:22

I don't have much advice OP but didn't want to read and run 💝 I'm in a similar situation with relationships with childhood trauma but I react the opposite way in I become overly anxious and needy and it can put people off. I'm not very successful in relationships despite therapy because my self esteem is om the floor.

Sending hugs and positive vibes your way🌸

OP posts:
Maitri108 · 28/03/2025 22:12

@Gabrielee I thought so, you're not speaking to him with enough respect and deference. He sees you as less than him.

He kicked off the day you were meant to be going out because he didn't want you to go. Your friends see him for who he is.

OP, end this relationship and do the work. Don't have another relationship until you're sure you can spot the signs of an abuser.

You can find a therapist at BACP, make a shortlist, phone them and have a chat. Go with the one that seems to 'get' you.

Gabrielee · 28/03/2025 22:19

Maitri108 · 28/03/2025 22:12

@Gabrielee I thought so, you're not speaking to him with enough respect and deference. He sees you as less than him.

He kicked off the day you were meant to be going out because he didn't want you to go. Your friends see him for who he is.

OP, end this relationship and do the work. Don't have another relationship until you're sure you can spot the signs of an abuser.

You can find a therapist at BACP, make a shortlist, phone them and have a chat. Go with the one that seems to 'get' you.

Edited

I realized that when he told me women belong in the kitchen. Smh
thank you I will💕

OP posts:
Beastiesandthebeauty · 28/03/2025 22:31

I feel you here I did the abusive mum and step dad, the raising siblings myself and I want to be different I then walked into a 12 year abusive marriage because 'it was better ' it gradually got worse and I left. My husband now has his own issues and the love he shows is real love and let me tell you that means never wanting to make you feel bad. This boyfriend of yours knows your triggers and he is subtly trying to break you down. Your therapist likely agrees with you because only you can see things for what they are and make decisions. I can tell from your post you want to see the good in people probably because you are a good hearted person and want to believe that in others too but I can tell just from the snippets your boyfriend is also abusive and it is very likely to escalate. I hope you find peace and unconditional love ❤️

category12 · 28/03/2025 22:51

Unfortunately your upbringing has kind of set you up as a target for abusive men, and your boyfriend is exploiting your vulnerabilities.

He's not on your side, he's no good. Please get rid.

You might find the Freedom Programme useful.

ClarabelleRose · 28/03/2025 22:52

@Gabrielee I am truly sorry for all you have gone through. I’m struck by you finding out that your dad died by watching the news. That feels so devastating - another layer to the devastation of the loss of your dad. There doesn’t seem to have been any space for the big feelings you might have been experiencing.

You mother was certainly abusive throughout your childhood. And sadly your current partner is continuing in that abuse. In fact, he’s using your abuse to abuse you which feels especially sadistic.

We as humans often seek what’s familiar in relationships. Not only can it feel safer than the unknown (however awful it is), it can also feel like we can use the present to repair the past - to fix what we most needed. And sadly people like your current partner are going to be the least able to give that to us.

if your current therapist isn’t working for you, you can change. I recommend someone who is well-qualified, experienced, and - most importantly -trauma-informed.

I think you’ve shown enormous courage by posting here - the first step of many.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page