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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:
LivingwithHopenowandforever · 31/05/2025 20:13

Serenity21 · 31/05/2025 19:30

I know. I really do.

I feel terrible as I think I’ve made this sound worse than it is. I know women go through terrible abuse xx

OP pls you haven’t made it sound worse than it is. It is exactly what you said, pls read this thread again.

You are wanting the happy ever after that you were sold but unfortunately that is not the reality as you well know otherwise you would not have hid from him.

Ive been married for 30 years and I have never hid from my husband. That is not normal in a relationship. I have daughters & I have instilled into them that no form of abusive is acceptable & that they will always have a home with their parents.

In a healthy relationship OP a couple do not put their hands on one another, they do not shout & curse one another, they support eachother emotionally, financially & are a team in every way and make decisions together & most importantly they Respect eachother.

This is what is a normal healthy relationship.

OP you have a daughter who needs you to be safe. Pls think about her if nothing else.

You can’t think through rose tinted glasses and think you will have a Disney ending as what happened to you doesn’t happen in your typical Disney film does it?!

I get you are stuck thinking about the what ifs & that you can help him but you can’t and you know that having been in previous relationships.

This is it now OP where you draw the line and say no more.

Please break up with him & block him everywhere and do a Claire’s Request and the Freedom Program.

x

Hollietree · 31/05/2025 20:17

This is not normal behaviour by any standard. Nowhere close to a “blip”.

This is insanely crazy behaviour. Dangerous behaviour. Run. And never look back.

OlderGlaswegianLivingInDevon · 31/05/2025 20:31

Ask yourself

will your daughter be able to visit you in hospital when he puts you in there...

Serenity21 · 31/05/2025 21:11

I am going to read all these again. Just to give me that bit of strength.
He has said he is very sorry. That he won’t ever let it happen again. That he knows it was bad because he said if he had seen it happen to someone else he would have stepped in. That at that moment he was as bad as the monsters from my past….even though that night he said I deserved everything I got from every one of them!
i know that this is the normal things to be said after something like this….and I know it could happen again which is why I am going to go to the drop in WA centre on Wednesday.
im just the type of person to blame myself. Even though I do know I did nothing wrong this time.
Thank you again everyone. Xxx

OP posts:
OlderGlaswegianLivingInDevon · 31/05/2025 21:13

words only words

sadly his actions spoke more last Sunday...

Serenity21 · 31/05/2025 21:17

OlderGlaswegianLivingInDevon · 31/05/2025 21:13

words only words

sadly his actions spoke more last Sunday...

I know. I promise you I am taking this seriously compared to my past. I am seeking advice, and by reaching out to you all on here has made me realise I’m not crazy.

xx

OP posts:
gillefc82 · 31/05/2025 21:54

I got the ‘heartfelt apologies’, the declarations of utter self disgust and shame at his behaviour, the professions of guilt so severe he wanted to end his life, the proclamation that without me, his life wasn’t worth living, the ‘sincere’ acknowledgement that he knew he didn’t deserve my forgiveness or my love and the solemn vow that it would NEVER, EVER happen again.

And it didn’t……until it did.

It’s all part of an abusive man’s playbook. Next up will be him twisting it so you can see how it’s really all your fault, how he’s only reacting to what you do/say and wanting to know why you’d push his buttons and do/say things that you know trigger him. Why are you always baiting him and spoiling for an argument? He can’t be blamed for reacting how anyone would do when you behave like that.

Try not to engage. He’s not taking accountability, he’s just attempting damage control.

x

MaryTheTurtle · 31/05/2025 22:00

Do you still want to be in this position in 6 months

TwistedWonder · 31/05/2025 22:04

Of course he means it and it will never happen again - until it does!

From your updates, the abuse has already ramped up very quickly so it won’t be long before you get a slap, a punch in the face, sexually assaulted etc - but hey as long as he cries and says sorry then it’s all ok.

Please read your posts out loud to your friend and see what her thoughts are.

S0j0urn4r · 31/05/2025 22:23

Read your original post.
Imagine it was written by your daughter. Would you be happy for her to stay with this arsehole?
Dump him.

Jellyrols · 31/05/2025 22:28

Words really mean nothing.
Actions every time.
His actions were horrific.
It will only get worse.

Please don't stay with another abuser.
Make your awful past mean something by not getting sucked in yet again.

Serenity21 · 31/05/2025 22:31

S0j0urn4r · 31/05/2025 22:23

Read your original post.
Imagine it was written by your daughter. Would you be happy for her to stay with this arsehole?
Dump him.

No I wouldn’t. I’ve thought of that. I know. Why am I questioning myself so much? Xx

OP posts:
Tooshytoshine · 31/05/2025 22:38

You deserve much, much better.

Run, don't walk.

popdepop · 31/05/2025 22:54

You have to ask if it was a blip? surely you had therapy after your previous abusive relationships when you were single 10 years?
It's not normal, he's manipulative. A classic to threaten suicide. Get the h*ll away from him

Left · 31/05/2025 22:57

OP. Please try and find your anger, and just dump him! No point waiting until you speak to women’s aid on weds.

Make a list of all the concerning things so you have it to look back at when you have doubts.

Lots to add already -

Angry outbursts
Physically intimidating you so you had to hide
Controlling behaviour over your profile pics
Stalking you on a rare night out with a friend

Why would you want to give up your independence for this shit?

JustCopyeditorsAnnie · 31/05/2025 23:00

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

Missj25 · 31/05/2025 23:11

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.

Hey OP ..
This isn’t a blip , this is where it’s just the beginning, & will get worse & worse if you stay ..
He is playing the suicide card then to make you feel guilty , playing head fuck games ..
This is really unhealthy … You need to stay away from this Man .. Cut all contact ..
Trust me , this is NEVER how it is supposed to be x x

CornflowerDusk · 01/06/2025 00:43

You are very wise OP. You are right, he's saying the right thing now to try and reel you back in. It's all part of the cycle of abuse. You know this relationship isn't safe and he will only get worse from here. Well done taking this seriously and reaching out to women's aid and posters on here. You are taking the right steps here that will save you from years of misery, locked into this shitty cycle.

ihatethongs · 01/06/2025 01:02

Nothing about this is ‘normal’ please run. He’s violent, unpredictable and mad. Please run, and never speak to him again. Change all contact details, change your job, this person is very scary.

MerryPortas · 01/06/2025 01:06

That is awful! Run, and don’t look back

2B2G · 01/06/2025 01:08

Go now before you're trapped in this relationship, trust me the longer you stay the harder it will be to leave them and the worse it will get. You said he grabbed you. Next it will be a punch. You deserve better

SallyDraperGetInHere · 01/06/2025 01:10

You need to exit this relationship pronto. You’ve said you’re making it out as a bad situation, but you’re just reporting what happened, and it IS bad. I am worried for you but somehow (with the support of family and friends - and thank goodness you have friends) you need to tell him that you can’t be in a relationship with someone who speaks and behaves like this.

cinnamongirl123 · 01/06/2025 01:14

Run for the hills OP. Now. As fast as you can.
Contact Women’s Aid.

Serenity21 · 01/06/2025 02:04

I know people are going to be cross with me now….and saying I don’t need any more red flags….which I know….but….this is the sort of message I get when he is sober when he isn’t happy: context: he asked if I wanted to talk tonight because his son popped into my house today for the first time since we have been together and I said I was exhausted and was going to get an early night. I did,,.I was in bed,…but I was on and off WhatsApp talking to a few friends and not him:
But you haven’t just been watching a show. You’ve been coming on and off here every 10 minutes. It’s not about who you’re talking to, etc - it’s about your boyfriend wanting to speak with you after a day that we were both waiting for - I thought coming over was a big deal for both of us and I wanted to speak with you. Not for hours, obviously, and you couldn’t give me 10 minutes xx
All I asked you to do was not be distant with me and, although I know you can’t help it, I thought you could at least be honest with me instead of making out like you’re having an early night. I would’ve given you space.
I love you, for crying out loud! I thought today was a milestone day and something to be happy about for a change. Instead it’s soured by what I did last Sunday, and how you are just proves that. It really makes me feel exactly the same as I did before we spoke on Tuesday again xx

It just makes me feel anxious. If said I was tired and goodnight to him. But I was online on what’s app so it made him like this.

OP posts:
LurkyMcLurkinson · 01/06/2025 03:55

Serenity21 · 01/06/2025 02:04

I know people are going to be cross with me now….and saying I don’t need any more red flags….which I know….but….this is the sort of message I get when he is sober when he isn’t happy: context: he asked if I wanted to talk tonight because his son popped into my house today for the first time since we have been together and I said I was exhausted and was going to get an early night. I did,,.I was in bed,…but I was on and off WhatsApp talking to a few friends and not him:
But you haven’t just been watching a show. You’ve been coming on and off here every 10 minutes. It’s not about who you’re talking to, etc - it’s about your boyfriend wanting to speak with you after a day that we were both waiting for - I thought coming over was a big deal for both of us and I wanted to speak with you. Not for hours, obviously, and you couldn’t give me 10 minutes xx
All I asked you to do was not be distant with me and, although I know you can’t help it, I thought you could at least be honest with me instead of making out like you’re having an early night. I would’ve given you space.
I love you, for crying out loud! I thought today was a milestone day and something to be happy about for a change. Instead it’s soured by what I did last Sunday, and how you are just proves that. It really makes me feel exactly the same as I did before we spoke on Tuesday again xx

It just makes me feel anxious. If said I was tired and goodnight to him. But I was online on what’s app so it made him like this.

Honestly this is one scary man. He abused you at the weekend and he’s already demanding how you respond to that (in saying you shouldn’t be distant) and expecting you to move on from what happened already. This isn’t a message from someone who recognises they are an abuser and wants to respect your wants and needs.
Every part of this message is designed to make him seem like the wronged party and to make you seem like some unreasonable woman who is treating him unfairly. In his mind you’ve led him to behave how you have by your “unreasonable actions” (not doing exactly what he wants of you). Because of that this is a man who will never take responsibility for his actions and therefore will never change. His need to control and manipulate you will always be the driving force for him.

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