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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

It never really gets better does it?

77 replies

NotThisAgainPart74 · 06/12/2025 09:15

I've posted before under different names he tso I know most of you will think being in this position is my own fault. I don't know why, even knowing my H is a narcissist is abused and narcissistic, and knowing he mostly makes my life harder and more stressful, I still don't feel compelled to leave. I have some ND if that makes a difference but I'm a very intelligent and strong women otherwise (or so I thought!). I have a senior professional job and I stand up for myself.

At home, I feel bullied a lot of the time. Not all the time, but generally any time my H's mood takes it or if he doesn't get his own way, things are not good. He doesn't hit me. He has physically hurt me in the past but always small things he could answer away. He'll push past me, he'll grab something out of my hand, he grabbed me and shouted in my face once. I told my mum and his but surprisingly they didn't think it was a big deal. He's very calm and charming in front of them and I sound like I'm exaggerating.

He talks at me. He'll tell me all the ways I'm wrong or have a go at me but won't let me answer. Won't pause. Will ask a question but carry on talking. If I say something to him he doesn't like, which could be as simple as asking him to pick up his clothes that are thrown around our home office and if he doesn't like what I'm saying he walks out of the room, shouts or hides under the duvet. I don't have to be having a go for him to do that, he just can't take any sort of criticism, or what he sees as criticism.

Last night I said the DC (reception age) could sleep in our bed and usually he doesn't mind too much as he tends to like sleeping alone anyway so will go in the other room. This morning he was in the next room and the DC and I were having cuddles and watching TV in bed. I called DH to come in and cuddle with us. I called a few times as he didn't answer. Fine. An hour later he came bounding into the bedroom shouting about how he doesn't like being called from another room or downstairs and I could have woken him up if he'd been asleep (he admitted he wasnt) and he was concentrating on the game he was playing (he plays this game on his phone before work, during the day, after work, in bed... and it takes priority over everything else) and I said but I didn't wake you and we were just calling you for a hug. He was still angry and properly shouting, imitating me calling him and shouting really loudly. He then came to get in the bed and threw my DC toys across the room onto the floor so they started crying. He then lay in the bed next to us and carried on shouting and being angry.

I started recording him as he got angry. He reached over and then grabbed my arm like he wanted to break it. I said something and he let go but replied saying he'd wanted to break my arm. I have this on recording. I then said I'd call the police and at this point he left, which is probably for the best. He'd said earlier he wouldn't be back tonight which is fine, he's better off gone.

We share a car so he's taken my car. I'm supposed to be going to a party tonight and I've paid £40 for a ticket. He won't be here to look after DC and I won't have the car or car seat to take them to my parents. I still feel relieved he's gone!

I have very bad PMT so worried about how I'll get through the day but I'll do it...

OP posts:
FlyingApple · 06/12/2025 10:23

NotThisAgainPart74 · 06/12/2025 09:54

But part of my just wants him to see the error of his way and for us to live happily every after which I know isn't going to happen

Im not worried he's going to properly hurt me or worse purely because of his own self preservation. He'll break things and shout but he won't do something that will get him into real trouble. He does come close to losing it sometimes and I'm not the kind of person who shuts up because I'm told to.

If he is narcissistic as you say, his nervous system does not have the capacity to see the error of its ways. That would be annihilating.

Narcissists don't get supply from a happy, loving, warm family. You need to understand this.

NotThisAgainPart74 · 06/12/2025 10:23

AttilaTheMeerkat · 06/12/2025 10:13

"He's also a professional and would do anything to avoid being in trouble which is why I think he left when I said I'd call the police but of course I chickened out of that. Not sure what I'm scared of"

What are you scared of? That this will become more real and or blow up in your face?. That is already happening.

Many abusive men are also quite plausible to those in the outside world but I would think one or two people have their own private based suspicions about your H. If you do not follow through on a threat to call the police now then he knows that you are unlikely to do so in future.

I don't know what I'm afraid of or what's stopping me but I don't feel able to do it.

OP posts:
InlandTaipan · 06/12/2025 10:23

Abusive home environments damage children. By staying you are choosing damage for your child. One day they will know it.

NotThisAgainPart74 · 06/12/2025 10:26

Yes I know.

repeatedly telling me to leave isn't actually helping since I've told you I don't feel able to...

OP posts:
Anonanonay · 06/12/2025 10:29

NotThisAgainPart74 · 06/12/2025 10:23

I don't know what I'm afraid of or what's stopping me but I don't feel able to do it.

OP, look up trauma bonding.

YouOKHun · 06/12/2025 10:32

Please make sure you save the video you took to somewhere other than just your phone. From what you say OP I think this man is a real risk. You say he will stop short of doing anything that will get him in to real trouble (for his own preservation) but what you’re describing is someone who has very little self-control and is prepared to be abusive around your DC and isn’t able to stop himself from physically attacking you. He hasn’t really hurt you YET.

Please use the time he is out of the house to gather together financial records. Please try to disclose the situation to a trusted friend or family member without editing or soft soaping. I completely understand how leaving a long relationship feels overwhelming but this isn’t safe for you or your DC.

NotThisAgainPart74 · 06/12/2025 10:35

I have lots of recordings and notes on my phone as I sometimes keep a sort of diary of what's happened.

i once called the police years ago as he was speeding in the car out of anger and then hung up. They still came out and I made something up but that is on record. I don't know why I'm reluctant to call the police. It feels very final.

OP posts:
NotThisAgainPart74 · 06/12/2025 10:36

I'm thinking of calling my mum although that clearly has its own issues 🙃

OP posts:
AttilaTheMeerkat · 06/12/2025 10:40

Why is that re your mother?.

Is your dad still around?.

What did she teach you about relationships when you were growing up?

Is she not supportive?. If she is not supportive then find someone else who is.

I think you are frightened of making this seem more real to you by involving outsiders like the police because you may think you can handle this or him on your own. Well you cannot and he absolutely still has the vast amount of power and control here in this abusive relationship.

AttilaTheMeerkat · 06/12/2025 10:43

He wants absolute power and control over you all and will stop at nothing in order to get this. These men hate women too, ALL of them. He is not a safe person to be at all around for you or your children. What is he teaching them about relationships too; a shedload of damaging lessons.

InlandTaipan · 06/12/2025 10:47

NotThisAgainPart74 · 06/12/2025 10:26

Yes I know.

repeatedly telling me to leave isn't actually helping since I've told you I don't feel able to...

Gently, what are you wanting people to tell you then?
That's it's ok? It isnt.
That it's not so bad? It is.

That you can change him?

Are you looking for insight into why you allow this? Or do you just want to be heard?

NotThisAgainPart74 · 06/12/2025 10:49

AttilaTheMeerkat · 06/12/2025 10:40

Why is that re your mother?.

Is your dad still around?.

What did she teach you about relationships when you were growing up?

Is she not supportive?. If she is not supportive then find someone else who is.

I think you are frightened of making this seem more real to you by involving outsiders like the police because you may think you can handle this or him on your own. Well you cannot and he absolutely still has the vast amount of power and control here in this abusive relationship.

Just what I said above

I have an ok relationship with them now

OP posts:
NotThisAgainPart74 · 06/12/2025 10:50

InlandTaipan · 06/12/2025 10:47

Gently, what are you wanting people to tell you then?
That's it's ok? It isnt.
That it's not so bad? It is.

That you can change him?

Are you looking for insight into why you allow this? Or do you just want to be heard?

I think I'm looking for support as I feel a bit shit

i dont feel great anyway as I have severe PMT but this is not a great start to the day...

OP posts:
NotThisAgainPart74 · 06/12/2025 10:50

AttilaTheMeerkat · 06/12/2025 10:43

He wants absolute power and control over you all and will stop at nothing in order to get this. These men hate women too, ALL of them. He is not a safe person to be at all around for you or your children. What is he teaching them about relationships too; a shedload of damaging lessons.

Yes he does hate women.

The way he talks about people...

OP posts:
Justwrong68 · 06/12/2025 10:51

I went through something similar. There’s no point in rationalising what he says and does, he’s a narc and will never think he’s in the wrong, as far as he’s concerned his actions are your fault. Your friends and family won’t sympathise just in case it blows over and they have to look impartial again, also no one wants the drama.
I left and he was pretty shocked and is now a better person. We get on pretty well but when his narcissism raises its head I can say NFW or hang up the phone.
As for my kid, I can explain that daddy has some issues that need sorting out. None of this is perfect but I’m much happier single.

NotThisAgainPart74 · 06/12/2025 10:53

I'm wondering where he's gone but I also don't care.

It's annoying he's the (my) car as I can't even take DC to my parents later on. He knows I wanted to go to the work Christmas do but he was annoyed that I had plans two days last weekend (just some drinks in the evening and then some shopping the next day). He didn't have anything planned so he shouldn't have been so bothered. He's done it on purpose.

I called my mum but she has a friend there. Helpful turned the phone (on video) to show me 🙄

OP posts:
NotThisAgainPart74 · 06/12/2025 10:54

Justwrong68 · 06/12/2025 10:51

I went through something similar. There’s no point in rationalising what he says and does, he’s a narc and will never think he’s in the wrong, as far as he’s concerned his actions are your fault. Your friends and family won’t sympathise just in case it blows over and they have to look impartial again, also no one wants the drama.
I left and he was pretty shocked and is now a better person. We get on pretty well but when his narcissism raises its head I can say NFW or hang up the phone.
As for my kid, I can explain that daddy has some issues that need sorting out. None of this is perfect but I’m much happier single.

what is NFW?

How did the actual split go? Did he move out or did you? How stressful was it?

I'm glad you're feeling better apart

OP posts:
AttilaTheMeerkat · 06/12/2025 10:54

You are getting support but again you have a choice re this man and your DC do not. Friends and family can be over invested and unhelpful and are taken in by the narcissist's charm (his facade management).

You are feeling shit because of the abusive relationship you are in. He is never going to be a good start to any day.

NotThisAgainPart74 · 06/12/2025 10:56

AttilaTheMeerkat · 06/12/2025 10:54

You are getting support but again you have a choice re this man and your DC do not. Friends and family can be over invested and unhelpful and are taken in by the narcissist's charm (his facade management).

You are feeling shit because of the abusive relationship you are in. He is never going to be a good start to any day.

Great. Thanks.

OP posts:
dairydebris · 06/12/2025 10:57

Fgs.

If you have a daughter would you be happy for her to be treated this way? Because you're literally saying to her- this is how a man treats a woman and it is acceptable.

If you have a son, would you be happy that he was treating his wife this way? Because you are teaching him, this is how women deserve to be treated.

Leave. You're fucking up your children's future relationships. Dig deep, if not for yourself, for your kids.

Grumpynan · 06/12/2025 10:57

Ok I understand that calling your mum could be difficult, do you have a friend other family anyone you could confide in ?

if you report this to the police it goes on record, if you call again they will have your number logged as an at risk number and you don’t even need to speak they will respond, and let’s be honest you and your children are at risk.

I understand you say you can’t leave, I really do, that first step even just the thought of gathering paperwork and get your things together, it feels impossible. You can’t do it because he will kick off, because it will upset him, because if he came home and caught you what would you do, because you just can’t. But you can, just look at your children and think about Christmas morning snuggles in bed covered in wrapping paper playing with the new toys, no one shouting at you, not worrying incase you do something wrong. Think about cosy hot chocolate watching a film together knowing that if they spill it it’s not the end of the world, you don’t need to worry it will set him off. Maybe things aren’t this bad in your house, but I bet deep down they are.

contact women’s aid, they will help you and not just to leave if you really don’t want to, they will give you support to stay if that’s what you want.

summitfever · 06/12/2025 11:14

I’ve been in exactly your position op. Resonate with the driving thing completely, car is often a narcs weapon of choice. It took me years to leave too as it never felt like the right time. He was nice sometimes and I excused his behaviour down to stress, ND, addiction issues, etc. Truth is he’s a nasty bastard and my eldest is now paying the price of how long I stayed. I thought I was doing what was best for them but actually the impact on my children was way worse than I realised until it was too late. My older teen is terrified of the world because this man scared the living daylights out of her. It’ll take many years to recover, she never will I don’t think fully. Speak to women’s aid as a start. They won’t make you do anything but they can help you get your head clear at least. You’re not as trapped as you think you are. I know it’s hard but you need to put your own feelings completely aside, you can’t trust them anyway as you’re trauma bonded. Just think of setting your dc free and that will give you the strength you need. Life is so much better on the other side.

Justwrong68 · 06/12/2025 11:22

NotThisAgainPart74 · 06/12/2025 10:54

what is NFW?

How did the actual split go? Did he move out or did you? How stressful was it?

I'm glad you're feeling better apart

Edited

NFW= No fucking way. He was very upset, like any narc who loses their punchbag. The family started to listen to me which was good. I moved out, it took a long while to find a place but I was ecstatic when I achieved it. Some mutual friends still wouldn’t believe me (he’s a master manipulator) but that’s a small cost.
I wish you well!

junglejunglebear · 06/12/2025 11:47

But he abused you IN FRONT OF YOUR CHILD.

What is the line he has to cross that would make the splitting process not seem like too much effort?

Honestly @NotThisAgainPart74 I am your child several decades down the line. I can barely stand my mother, in part because of the fact that she allowed me to grow up with an abusive father, told herself it was fine, that I didn't really understand, that splitting was too difficult, that it wasn't really that bad (it was), that I wasn't affected by it (she could not have been more wrong). All I learned was that I couldn't trust her to take care of me or protect me. I still don't trust her.

Not only that, but living with the stress of an abusive partner will have a detrimental effect on not just the mental but the physical health of you and your children. I and my siblings are all chronically ill, to the point where we've all had multiple surgeries for incurable illnesses.

One of the effects of abuse is to wear you down so you start to believe that leaving is too hard, but it's really not. Please contact women's aid and talk to them about this. They will be able to help you. Don't leave it, because before you know it, it will have been ten years, and then twenty five, and it will only have got worse.

Autocorrect23 · 06/12/2025 11:50

theunbreakablecleopatrajones · 06/12/2025 09:34

OP there is no way living like this is harder than splitting up.

You have a decent income which is half the battle. Maybe get some therapeutic support to help you through it, but seriously just get on with separating - take it one step and one day at a time, till it is done.

Do it for your children if not yourself.

I was going to say the exact same thing. The process will be hard and he won’t make it easy but trust me when I say it will get better, but only if you’re not with him. You don’t want your children growing up thinking this is an acceptable way to be in marriage. It sounds miserable. Good luck x