Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

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

Am I being dramatic?

208 replies

Serenity21 · 30/05/2025 20:59

Hi all,
so I was single for 10 years after some pretty awful relationships. I met someone over a year ago and things were good. A few red flags at times which I’ve put down to me looking for things.
On Sunday we went out for drink. It was going great until at the end of the night he took my phone into the toilets and read some of my messages between myself and my best friend. There was something written in there about a friend of mine (who I have slept with years ago, which he knows about and was tears before I met him). All that was written was a joke about me having some of his gym stuff in my garage (which I don't!) I don't talk much to this guy anymore, even though he has been one of my best friends for years, as after my boyfriend found out we had slept together in the past he wasn't happy. His reaction on Sunday night was extreme.
He didn't say anything at first, we just left the pub with him actually a bit strange.
He went to buy food and wouldn't let me wait outside for him, he said 'no, you're coming with me' and pulled me in. We walked down the busy road with lots of people about, him still holding my hand.
When there was no one about anymore he threw my hand away from him and confronted me about the message. I told
him it was a joke but he continued getting angry. He threw his food across the path demanding to know if I still spoke to this guy. I told him 'not really, but that he was still my friend: This is where he lost it. He started shouting at me, calling me a bitch, a c*nt, and a slag': Telling me that we were over. I walked away and told him to walk home and that I'd follow behind.
He apologised a lot and so I started walking with him again. Then he lost it again. He walked ahead and started kicking the metal bollard over and over.
He turned and started walking quickly towards me. I started walking backwards and he said 'yeah you can run' I put my arm out to push him back but he grabbed my arm and started turning me, where I lost my balance and started to fall. I managed to get away and I ran. I hid for a while and he tried calling me about 40 times. I answered and told him I'd be home in a bit. He text me to say he had packed my things and put them in my car.
When I got back he was sat crying. He asked me if there was a way back from
this and I said no. I put his key on the table and I walked away to the front door.
He threw a pint glass against the wall in the room he was in and it smashed everywhere. I went back in to check on him but he told me to get out so I did. I waited in the hallway. I could hear him shouting to himself and smashing things up. He was saying I was manipulative, that I ruined his life and that I deserved the abusive relationships that I'd been in in the past. Things went quiet for a few minutes and then started again so I went back in to tell him someone would call the police if he wasn't quiet. I told him I heard what he said about the fact I deserved the abuse I've had in the past and he laughed. Hysterically laughed and said that I was even making that about me. He then threw his belt across the room and said 'I can't even kill myself properly' and went on to tell me how he had just tried to hang himself with the belt when I left. I ended up staying as I was scared to leave him. In the morning he was very sorry and full of remorse. He said that he tried to hang himself because he knew I couldn't get back in so it wouldn't be me to find him.
He has also told me yesterday that he got into my car and switched on the engine and revved that night when he put my things into the car. (He was very drunk)
We have put this down to him having too much to drink that night but I am concerned and confused.
I'm sorry that that is all very muddled.
Is this just a normal blip that happens in relationships? As it’s kind of what I’m used to in the past. My friend was horrified but I just said it was one of those things.

OP posts:
Thelnebriati · 30/05/2025 21:52

Thats not an unhealthy attachment, that's jealous controlling behaviour. I agree with the poster that suggested you use the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (Clare's Law).

thismummyslife · 30/05/2025 21:52

Serenity21 · 30/05/2025 21:48

Thank you all for your time in replying to this post. I’m sure I come across as quite stupid to think this would be ok. I’m just in shock as I didn’t expect it. Xx

You’re absolutely not stupid and you are not coming across that way! People who do this to their partners are narcissists and incredibly adept at this type of manipulation, believe me! It’s a slow, steady drip drip drip that you don’t see coming into they have you under their spell, it’s their main focus and aim of their game. I could have written this about myself 14 years ago! X

2025ismybestyear · 30/05/2025 21:54

Couldn't read all that. Didn't need to. This is not a blip and if you genuinely don't know that this isn't, I suggest you get a lot of therapy.

MiloMinderbinder925 · 30/05/2025 21:56

I wonder why your tolerance for completely unacceptable behaviour is so high.

Red flags:

Reading private messages
Name calling
Controlling
Aggressive
Manipulative

He'll get worse.

pikkumyy77 · 30/05/2025 21:57

Serenity21 · 30/05/2025 21:42

Sorry to hear you had the same. I’m so glad you are happy now. I’ve had traumatic relationships since I was 18. I question whether it’s my fault. Especially after what happened this week. It really shocked me. Xx

How can “crazy as a shit house rat man” be your fault? Was he born five seconds before meeting you? No: he is a grown man with apparently a terrible personality snd a trail of wreckage a mile wide behind him. He throws things snd breaks shit when he gets sngry. He’s basically a gibbon on crack. How is that your fault?

Stop! Drop! Roll away like he is a fire that will burn you. He won’t kill himself—that’s a rage filled lie he tells to get women to take care of him.

Dont date again until you have had some therapy and read a shit ton of happy romances because you need to raise your fucking bar, girl. You should have never even sat down with this gibbering asshole let alone trued to explain yourself to him.

Serenity21 · 30/05/2025 21:57

2025ismybestyear · 30/05/2025 21:54

Couldn't read all that. Didn't need to. This is not a blip and if you genuinely don't know that this isn't, I suggest you get a lot of therapy.

I know I need therapy. From my past. The fact that as he was shouting at me and asking me why I wasn’t crying or shouting back made me realise that I have become used to feeling this way. Even after so long being on my own. I just sat there and took it. I didn’t even really feel much emotion other than ‘this is normal’.

OP posts:
RosesAndHellebores · 30/05/2025 21:58

No you are not being dramatic. At all.

He'd have crossed my line just by taking my phone and reading my private messages. That alone would have made him toast.

The rest of it is just plain abusive if not psychopathic. He is not nice. He is not kind. He is not normal.

Block him and never see him again.

One red flag is enough. He's draped in bunting.

MiloMinderbinder925 · 30/05/2025 21:59

Serenity21 · 30/05/2025 21:57

I know I need therapy. From my past. The fact that as he was shouting at me and asking me why I wasn’t crying or shouting back made me realise that I have become used to feeling this way. Even after so long being on my own. I just sat there and took it. I didn’t even really feel much emotion other than ‘this is normal’.

You need to be single, do the Freedom Programme and have therapy.

OiBlin · 30/05/2025 21:59

It’s always a shock the first time they do it and you’re not stupid for thinking this one was different, because his mask clearly hadn’t slipped until last week. Don’t beat yourself up, but don’t stay with him as he’ll definitely be happy to oblige on numerous occasions. It’s not you, it’s him. Please, please leave this piece of shit in the dust. You could have such a happy life but please go now. You don’t need a new man to find that happiness. I’m begging you to please work on yourself before you even think about a new relationship. You’re not a failure, you deserve love and respect. This is not it. Learn to see what it looks like before you search again xx

pinkyredrose · 30/05/2025 21:59

Serenity21 · 30/05/2025 21:44

He just seems so kind in other ways. My best friend thinks he has an ‘unhealthy attachment’ to me. On my one and only night out with her since I’ve known this man (15 months), I forgot to let him know we got home safe, so he walked up and down the street with all the pubs and clubs looking for me ‘to check I was safe’ until I woke up and text him.

Possessive, jealous and violent men do not make good partners.

Moonlightfrog · 30/05/2025 21:59

Sorry you managed to attract another abusive man. I have just ended a one year relationship for similar reasons (showed his true colours and shouted abuse at me). Like you, I have a history of awful relationships and was beginning to think it was my fault. I am now doing the freedom programme and spending some time being single and working out why I keep attracting these kind of men.

JustAnInchident · 30/05/2025 22:00

He’s utterly unhinged and will continue to physically and emotionally abuse you if you stay in this relationship. Do not allow that to happen.

TwistedWonder · 30/05/2025 22:02

RosesAndHellebores · 30/05/2025 21:58

No you are not being dramatic. At all.

He'd have crossed my line just by taking my phone and reading my private messages. That alone would have made him toast.

The rest of it is just plain abusive if not psychopathic. He is not nice. He is not kind. He is not normal.

Block him and never see him again.

One red flag is enough. He's draped in bunting.

Agree. Taking my phone and reading my messages would be enough for me to walk let alone the other shocking abuse that followed.

myfitbitisfucked · 30/05/2025 22:02

If you are concerned enough
to ask then deep down you know the answer and - I hope - are starting this post in an attempt to navigate your way out of this “relationship” and what steps to take.
based on his utterly appalling and entirely abusive behaviour I am going to give you the benefit of the doubt and hope that you will do what you need to do.
as someone who has left an abusive controlling man- with children and pregnancy thrown into the mix - I know it is very dangerous and hard but thankfully you don’t have those elements.
block him and make a Claire’s law application as a bare minimum. The only future with this man is one of horror and tragedy

user2848502016 · 30/05/2025 22:02

It’s not a blip! He’s shown you who he is so you really should believe him. Walk away and don’t look back.
And also if there are red flags that’s not because you’re looking for things - if you’re with a decent guy you can look for red flags all you want but you won’t find them

pinkyredrose · 30/05/2025 22:04

Did you not think he was a wrong un when he had a problem with you shagging your mate years before you met him?

Please don't date anyone for a while, do the Freedom Programme, empower yourself and don't put up with any more shit.

CornflowerDusk · 30/05/2025 22:04

2024onwardsandup · 30/05/2025 21:20

I would do a Claire’s law application. Block him on everything and call 101 and let the police know you have concerns.

This

Thelnebriati · 30/05/2025 22:06

You aren't being stupid; when something has happened its a good idea to do a reality check like this, get some feedback from other people who aren't involved.

EdgarAllenRaven · 30/05/2025 22:07

OMG this sounds absolutely terrifying !!!

NOT normal. He sounds deranged and you were in danger. RUN.

I am so sorry your first relationship after such a long time is also abusive again. Please do seek therapy to help break this pattern… so sorry you deserve so much better.

Sassybooklover · 30/05/2025 22:07

This is NOT a blip. This is one of those situations where you run, as fast as you possibly can, in the opposite direction. He has a temper, is a jealous person, is manipulative (he spoke about possible suicide) and is highly likely to become violent. End this relationship, do not continue it. Block him.

DaisyDukesAuntie · 30/05/2025 22:11

JFC darling, this is NOT a normal relationship blip - so many warning signs. If this was my relationship, I’d be running for the hills and changing my locks

LimeQuoter · 30/05/2025 22:12

He's abusive I'm afraid. What advice would you give if it happened to someone else..?

Serenity21 · 30/05/2025 22:14

Thank you again everyone.
I actually contacted Women’s aid yesterday and asked for their drop in times. I’m going to go in and try and speak to someone this week.
I know I desperately need therapy. I just can’t afford it. I will ask about the Freedom Programme also.
Thank you all. I can see it. I just can’t and don’t want to believe it. Xx

OP posts:
NZDreaming · 30/05/2025 22:20

@Serenity21 im sorry to hear you’ve been so treated so badly in the past that you would think this behaviour was acceptable or something that could be dismissed as a drunken overreaction. There are so many things wrong in your OP on how he has behaved, I dread to think what your considered to be minor red flags that you decided to ignore up to this point.

Im glad you’ve reached out for support, please see him for what he is and end this relationship before he hurts you more than he already has. Please be safe x

Endofyear · 30/05/2025 22:20

Serenity21 · 30/05/2025 21:44

He just seems so kind in other ways. My best friend thinks he has an ‘unhealthy attachment’ to me. On my one and only night out with her since I’ve known this man (15 months), I forgot to let him know we got home safe, so he walked up and down the street with all the pubs and clubs looking for me ‘to check I was safe’ until I woke up and text him.

Clearly he is not happy about you having a night out with a friend - his checking on you isn't love and concern, it's control.

He is a dangerous and controlling man. The suicide threats are just another way to try and control you. If you have an ounce of sense, you will run from this relationship as fast as you can and block him so he can't harrass you.

You should also think about some counselling to try and get to the bottom of why you seem to continually end up in relationships that are abusive. Once is unlucky, more than that and it starts to look like a pattern of behaviour.