Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

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

Is this abuse?

16 replies

MerryTealLeader · 22/07/2025 19:23

Married for a few years. Second time around and it’s on the rocks. Major issues around his communication style and fear of conflict. Basically he’s hurt me badly a number of times and then when I’ve brought it up has shut down completely and refuses to discuss or acknowledge what I’m saying. I have got a bit mouthy at times which I’m not proud of but it’s like I’m not allowed to address issues which have hurt me and when I do I’m ignored, invalidated and dismissed. He’s now harbouring major resentment towards me- in fact it’s almost like he hates me. I have owned my part when I’ve said too much in an argument but he refuses to see his lack of communication is a major contributory factor. I’m at the stage that I can’t take any more- my sense of self is being eroded and I’m counting my own reality. We’re currently living apart and he is refusing to communicate and any attempts I make to normalise things are rejected. He’s saying he’s suffered trauma and my behaviour is abusive and manipulative. I totally get he hates conflict and I have reflected on my own actions and own them but they have honestly been as a result of being effectively silenced and it’s been no more than telling him a few truths. . I see a pattern that as long as I don’t express needs or wants he is ok. I also detect that he is jealous of me and my good reputation. It all feels toxic and I’ve offered him a divorce but he won’t commit to either working on our communication or splitting. He has already observed that he had feelings like this in his first marriage. He is so angry at me and there is no encouragement or love being expressed at all. I feel like I am losing my mind. Perspectives welcome.

OP posts:
Daleksatemyshed · 22/07/2025 19:34

You own your part in this, he doesn't and if he was like this with his Ex then he won't ever own it. He doesn't have to commit to splitting Op, you can make that decision by yourself

MeTooOverHere · 23/07/2025 01:11

First response nails it.

MeTooOverHere · 23/07/2025 01:11

Yes it is abuse.

MrsEarp · 23/07/2025 01:23

This is intolerable abuse. Cut all ties.

pizzaandchips123 · 23/07/2025 01:30

Get him to fuck. I could have wrote this. He won't change

MuckFusk · 23/07/2025 01:38

You don't need his permission to divorce him. File the papers, because this relationship is over. He's obviously an impossible, insufferable person who doesn't want a healthy relationship. That applies whether you want to call it abuse or just being an asshole. Call it whatever you like. What matters is you can't live with it.

ohlookkarma · 23/07/2025 01:45

You are married to my ex-husband and I claim my £5.

SeventyNineBottlesOfWine · 23/07/2025 02:33

Walk away.
This is not man who has your best interests at heart.
Stonewalling and sending to Coventry are abusive. Both of which he's doing to you.
A relationship should enhance your life. This one isn't.
You deserve better. Move on.

Welcomeking · 23/07/2025 07:34

No wanting to label but its a form of emotional/psychological abuse and whilst marriages take a lot of work and have their ups and downs this is not healthy (take it from someone who is going through similar). I would start thinking about leaving/making a plan. DM if you need any support.

MerryTealLeader · 23/07/2025 07:46

Thanks everyone. He is currently out the house and this has helped my thinking. He seems to attribute negative motives to everything I do which is just not true. Then when I get a bit crazy for responding (and I’m not talking abusive in any way although I regret having sworn at him a couple of times) he stores it up in the pot of resentment he’s constantly refilling.i don’t think i can file for divorce until we’re separated a year?
Having recently finished treatment for breast cancer and due my first mammogram check up this is not good for my health. We have been attending counselling but tbh i think it’s just making things worse. Counsellor keeps saying we need to be in the same house to work at issues not seeing the dynamic.

OP posts:
MerryTealLeader · 23/07/2025 07:53

I also observe that he is totally unmoved by my (genuine) upset

OP posts:
R0ckandHardPlace · 23/07/2025 08:28

He sounds like a classic abuser - they rile you up with nonsensical accusations and statements, then when you react they play the victim and accuse you of being the abuser, and stonewall you when you attempt to calmly discuss it. He won’t change. You need to get away from him and concentrate on yourself and your own health and wellbeing. You deserve better.

MerryTealLeader · 23/07/2025 15:33

zaxxon · 23/07/2025 08:20

You need to sit down and do some research, maybe. Knowledge is power.

https://divorce.wikivorce.com/no-fault-divorce-guide

Thank you- but sadly live in Scotland. I have seen a lawyer though.

OP posts:
slightlydistrac · 23/07/2025 16:09

R0ckandHardPlace · 23/07/2025 08:28

He sounds like a classic abuser - they rile you up with nonsensical accusations and statements, then when you react they play the victim and accuse you of being the abuser, and stonewall you when you attempt to calmly discuss it. He won’t change. You need to get away from him and concentrate on yourself and your own health and wellbeing. You deserve better.

Yes, this. Classic DARVO.

PettyBetty55 · 23/07/2025 22:00

I’m in a very similar situation. I’ve just come to terms in the last few weeks that his behaviour is emotionally abusive and controlling. When I said it to him he told me I was abusive, but like you I’ve just tried harder and harder to communicate and to seek the bare minimum of respect and care.
We’re still in the same house at the moment, but he’s removed his wedding ring because I went to Portugal for 3 nights with a friend to try and give myself space and feel better, and he was abusive the whole time I was there.
I’m sending you strength OP, these situations are just awful.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page