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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

A holiday with friends gets this response?

224 replies

SunshineSally99 · 17/01/2026 12:06

What are people’s views on this because I for the life of me cannot get my head around this.

I’ve decided to book a day trip abroad with my friend. We havnt done this since pre Covid so will be looking forward to it.

I told my boyfriend who I’ve been with for almost 2 years and he was really annoyed about it.
we’ve started doing those extreme day trips and overnights abroad after seeing a few groups online about it and we’ve had 2 trips and have a few more booked.

I enjoy travelling and me and this friend had been away before for her divorce and years before I met my boyfriend.

he went quiet and what I think was going in a mood over it saying he was bothered because I’m now doing something with someone else when he thought it was “our thing” and “special to us”

he then said he feels really embarrassed by thinking we had something that was special to us and that he held such a sentiment to it and now it’s not something we do that’s special to us as a couple it’s something I do with whoever.

He then said it’s ok if I don’t go you can just ask someone else or someone else so it’s fine. I said would it be any different if I went away in this country and he said yes because it’s all the time we’ve spent planning and talking and discussing different destinations.

he said not many couples do it and he feels stupid to think that way. He said his ego feels bruised and he feels stupid for thinking we had something together and that I don’t think of it the same way.

He also now says he’s realised that if he doesn’t go I can just ask someone else and I’m like yeah… again pretty normal.

I said I wouldn’t have an issue with him going away with a friend because that’s what people do. I could see his point if I stopped asking or planning holidays away and just went with my friends then I could see his point but a one off trip that I havnt done in years?

I said it’s not so much the activity itself but it’s about the people you spend the time with that makes it important. He’s now saying he’s not that bothered about booking anything else anytime soon because it’s not special anymore and refused to book anything else. I said he was cutting his own nose off here.

I said he’s showing protest behaviour and actually this can look really controlling. He said he doesn’t have an issue with me going away if it was for a birthday, hen do or a reason but he’s struggling with the whole extreme day trip idea.

he says I havnt done anything wrong which I know this and that his feelings are his own and he has to deal with them. I won’t stop myself from going because I’ve not got no reason not to go. I’m only going for a day and it shouldnt be this hard!

I don’t know if he’s jealous or envious because he hasn’t got hardly any friends to do things with but that isn’t my issue.

it’s really concerning because any partner should be like that’s amazing hope you have a nice time… but I get this response? I’m trying to see it from his point of view in thinking that we had something for us but to be honest travelling I feel is a pretty ordinary part of life.

his last relationship they both never had much outside of each other and he felt guilty for having a life outside his marriage because she would guilt trip him for going… and yet now he’s behaving in the same way.

OP posts:
letshavetea · 17/01/2026 12:58

Awful, controlling behaviour. It will only get worse. Relationships work when you do things together and apart (with other people for example). Red flag that he is so controlling and has no friends.

silverwrath · 17/01/2026 12:59

SunshineSally99 · 17/01/2026 12:06

What are people’s views on this because I for the life of me cannot get my head around this.

I’ve decided to book a day trip abroad with my friend. We havnt done this since pre Covid so will be looking forward to it.

I told my boyfriend who I’ve been with for almost 2 years and he was really annoyed about it.
we’ve started doing those extreme day trips and overnights abroad after seeing a few groups online about it and we’ve had 2 trips and have a few more booked.

I enjoy travelling and me and this friend had been away before for her divorce and years before I met my boyfriend.

he went quiet and what I think was going in a mood over it saying he was bothered because I’m now doing something with someone else when he thought it was “our thing” and “special to us”

he then said he feels really embarrassed by thinking we had something that was special to us and that he held such a sentiment to it and now it’s not something we do that’s special to us as a couple it’s something I do with whoever.

He then said it’s ok if I don’t go you can just ask someone else or someone else so it’s fine. I said would it be any different if I went away in this country and he said yes because it’s all the time we’ve spent planning and talking and discussing different destinations.

he said not many couples do it and he feels stupid to think that way. He said his ego feels bruised and he feels stupid for thinking we had something together and that I don’t think of it the same way.

He also now says he’s realised that if he doesn’t go I can just ask someone else and I’m like yeah… again pretty normal.

I said I wouldn’t have an issue with him going away with a friend because that’s what people do. I could see his point if I stopped asking or planning holidays away and just went with my friends then I could see his point but a one off trip that I havnt done in years?

I said it’s not so much the activity itself but it’s about the people you spend the time with that makes it important. He’s now saying he’s not that bothered about booking anything else anytime soon because it’s not special anymore and refused to book anything else. I said he was cutting his own nose off here.

I said he’s showing protest behaviour and actually this can look really controlling. He said he doesn’t have an issue with me going away if it was for a birthday, hen do or a reason but he’s struggling with the whole extreme day trip idea.

he says I havnt done anything wrong which I know this and that his feelings are his own and he has to deal with them. I won’t stop myself from going because I’ve not got no reason not to go. I’m only going for a day and it shouldnt be this hard!

I don’t know if he’s jealous or envious because he hasn’t got hardly any friends to do things with but that isn’t my issue.

it’s really concerning because any partner should be like that’s amazing hope you have a nice time… but I get this response? I’m trying to see it from his point of view in thinking that we had something for us but to be honest travelling I feel is a pretty ordinary part of life.

his last relationship they both never had much outside of each other and he felt guilty for having a life outside his marriage because she would guilt trip him for going… and yet now he’s behaving in the same way.

Coercive control has to start somewhere. It can be quite insidious. This is potentially ground zero for you.

I'd be thinking very carefully about what a possible future looks like with this man.

Northerngirl821 · 17/01/2026 13:01

He is being immature, emotionally manipulative and controlling. His ego is bruised so he’s try to stop you going away by playing the victim and making you feel like you’re being unreasonable.

This behaviour will not stop or go away. He’s showing you who he really is. I’d throw this one back.

Derbee · 17/01/2026 13:03

I cannot for the life of me comprehend people staying in relationships like this. He is an immature, insecure, jealous, guilt tripping arse. Why on earth would anyone tolerate this, and wait to see how badly he sulks/treats you when you get home.

I swear the number of people who totally ignore or try to justify red flags, rather than just removing themselves from the situation is ridiculous

LaundryScales · 17/01/2026 13:04

He’s having a tantrum.

He’s trying to train you.

If you go, he’ll find a way to punish you.

Run.

Ooodelally · 17/01/2026 13:09

He’s pathetic. I’d be disgusted, the “ick”, if you will. Deeply unattractive.

AttilaTheMeerkat · 17/01/2026 13:13

No to watching and waiting op. You’ve already had the silent treatment aka emotional abuse from him so continuing with this relationship is an error of judgment on your part. These men can and do wreck boundaries.

2026NewTricks · 17/01/2026 13:17

Here’s to betting that right before your trip he has some sort of life emergency that he feels you should stay to help him with….

Ferrfoxache · 17/01/2026 13:17

Jeez !! Tell him to take that giant pity dick out of his mouth. You go your trips and Enjoy and let that wet mop of a man lump it.

shuggles · 17/01/2026 13:23

@SunshineSally99 Why did you select a controlling man to be your boyfriend? You could have easily picked someone else.

Shellythesnail2333 · 17/01/2026 13:23

SunshineSally99 · 17/01/2026 12:26

I won’t be getting an apology I know that much because he doesn’t think he’s in the wrong for his feelings.

i am however going to watch carefully I think how he behaves before I go, during my trip and when I return will be telling. If he’s messaging me normally and stuff but if I get the silent treatment, sulking and refusal then I think it’s a much bigger issue at hand.

Why wait and watch op?! He was emotionally guilting you for going away with a friend. And coming out with all this crap about travelling being special ‘to us’! Honestly so intense and controlling, red flag. Not normal. My DH would be great, have a lovely time.

FloofyKat · 17/01/2026 13:24

He sounds very immature and selfish. I’d have told him he was being ridiculous and to grow up! Go on your day trip, have a fab time, then see how things are when you got back. Don’t stand for any nonsense when you are back home.

shhblackbag · 17/01/2026 13:24

Get away from him. This is your warning what your life will be like.

shhblackbag · 17/01/2026 13:25

Shellythesnail2333 · 17/01/2026 13:23

Why wait and watch op?! He was emotionally guilting you for going away with a friend. And coming out with all this crap about travelling being special ‘to us’! Honestly so intense and controlling, red flag. Not normal. My DH would be great, have a lovely time.

Exactly! It's a deep red flag waving in your face.

pinkyredrose · 17/01/2026 13:30

You don't live with him do you?

Frugalgal · 17/01/2026 13:31

SunshineSally99 · 17/01/2026 12:06

What are people’s views on this because I for the life of me cannot get my head around this.

I’ve decided to book a day trip abroad with my friend. We havnt done this since pre Covid so will be looking forward to it.

I told my boyfriend who I’ve been with for almost 2 years and he was really annoyed about it.
we’ve started doing those extreme day trips and overnights abroad after seeing a few groups online about it and we’ve had 2 trips and have a few more booked.

I enjoy travelling and me and this friend had been away before for her divorce and years before I met my boyfriend.

he went quiet and what I think was going in a mood over it saying he was bothered because I’m now doing something with someone else when he thought it was “our thing” and “special to us”

he then said he feels really embarrassed by thinking we had something that was special to us and that he held such a sentiment to it and now it’s not something we do that’s special to us as a couple it’s something I do with whoever.

He then said it’s ok if I don’t go you can just ask someone else or someone else so it’s fine. I said would it be any different if I went away in this country and he said yes because it’s all the time we’ve spent planning and talking and discussing different destinations.

he said not many couples do it and he feels stupid to think that way. He said his ego feels bruised and he feels stupid for thinking we had something together and that I don’t think of it the same way.

He also now says he’s realised that if he doesn’t go I can just ask someone else and I’m like yeah… again pretty normal.

I said I wouldn’t have an issue with him going away with a friend because that’s what people do. I could see his point if I stopped asking or planning holidays away and just went with my friends then I could see his point but a one off trip that I havnt done in years?

I said it’s not so much the activity itself but it’s about the people you spend the time with that makes it important. He’s now saying he’s not that bothered about booking anything else anytime soon because it’s not special anymore and refused to book anything else. I said he was cutting his own nose off here.

I said he’s showing protest behaviour and actually this can look really controlling. He said he doesn’t have an issue with me going away if it was for a birthday, hen do or a reason but he’s struggling with the whole extreme day trip idea.

he says I havnt done anything wrong which I know this and that his feelings are his own and he has to deal with them. I won’t stop myself from going because I’ve not got no reason not to go. I’m only going for a day and it shouldnt be this hard!

I don’t know if he’s jealous or envious because he hasn’t got hardly any friends to do things with but that isn’t my issue.

it’s really concerning because any partner should be like that’s amazing hope you have a nice time… but I get this response? I’m trying to see it from his point of view in thinking that we had something for us but to be honest travelling I feel is a pretty ordinary part of life.

his last relationship they both never had much outside of each other and he felt guilty for having a life outside his marriage because she would guilt trip him for going… and yet now he’s behaving in the same way.

Agree with everyone else. This is a controlling manbaby tantrum and a massive, massive ick. The rationale given is the ickiest thing ever.

It's the sort of thing that, if it came into a grown adults own head, they should feel embarrassed about and tell themselves not to be an idiot, yet here he is voicing it to to you out loud with no embarassment.

He's trying to manipulate you into not going. This is the sort of thing you either nip in the bud the first time it happens or you spend your life getting worn down and eventually accepting for a quiet life.

100% he will be 'ill' or make some last minute demand to prevent you going.

BasilandTom · 17/01/2026 13:31

Ain’t got no time for dancing around male fragility. He’s being silly and quite controlling. This’ll only get worse. You’ve invested a considerate amount of time on this relationship, but bin him off and go on your day trip with your friend.

CheddarCheeseAndCrispSandwich · 17/01/2026 13:31

Fuck me OP!! Is he 12???

Run fast…away from the all those red flags!🚩

wrongthinker · 17/01/2026 13:33

When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.

Just end it now OP because it won't get better.

BuckChuckets · 17/01/2026 13:35

oscalo · 17/01/2026 12:08

Run.

Yep, leg it 🚩

NameChangeElaine · 17/01/2026 13:37

his last relationship they both never had much outside of each other and he felt guilty for having a life outside his marriage because she would guilt trip him for going… and yet now he’s behaving in the same way.

Do you only have his word for this? Because I’d bet my hat it was the other way round and it was actually him doing the guilt tripping.

Beachtastic · 17/01/2026 13:38

SunshineSally99 · 17/01/2026 12:06

What are people’s views on this because I for the life of me cannot get my head around this.

I’ve decided to book a day trip abroad with my friend. We havnt done this since pre Covid so will be looking forward to it.

I told my boyfriend who I’ve been with for almost 2 years and he was really annoyed about it.
we’ve started doing those extreme day trips and overnights abroad after seeing a few groups online about it and we’ve had 2 trips and have a few more booked.

I enjoy travelling and me and this friend had been away before for her divorce and years before I met my boyfriend.

he went quiet and what I think was going in a mood over it saying he was bothered because I’m now doing something with someone else when he thought it was “our thing” and “special to us”

he then said he feels really embarrassed by thinking we had something that was special to us and that he held such a sentiment to it and now it’s not something we do that’s special to us as a couple it’s something I do with whoever.

He then said it’s ok if I don’t go you can just ask someone else or someone else so it’s fine. I said would it be any different if I went away in this country and he said yes because it’s all the time we’ve spent planning and talking and discussing different destinations.

he said not many couples do it and he feels stupid to think that way. He said his ego feels bruised and he feels stupid for thinking we had something together and that I don’t think of it the same way.

He also now says he’s realised that if he doesn’t go I can just ask someone else and I’m like yeah… again pretty normal.

I said I wouldn’t have an issue with him going away with a friend because that’s what people do. I could see his point if I stopped asking or planning holidays away and just went with my friends then I could see his point but a one off trip that I havnt done in years?

I said it’s not so much the activity itself but it’s about the people you spend the time with that makes it important. He’s now saying he’s not that bothered about booking anything else anytime soon because it’s not special anymore and refused to book anything else. I said he was cutting his own nose off here.

I said he’s showing protest behaviour and actually this can look really controlling. He said he doesn’t have an issue with me going away if it was for a birthday, hen do or a reason but he’s struggling with the whole extreme day trip idea.

he says I havnt done anything wrong which I know this and that his feelings are his own and he has to deal with them. I won’t stop myself from going because I’ve not got no reason not to go. I’m only going for a day and it shouldnt be this hard!

I don’t know if he’s jealous or envious because he hasn’t got hardly any friends to do things with but that isn’t my issue.

it’s really concerning because any partner should be like that’s amazing hope you have a nice time… but I get this response? I’m trying to see it from his point of view in thinking that we had something for us but to be honest travelling I feel is a pretty ordinary part of life.

his last relationship they both never had much outside of each other and he felt guilty for having a life outside his marriage because she would guilt trip him for going… and yet now he’s behaving in the same way.

His ego feels bruised? What a wanker.

How brilliant though to find this out now, instead of spending years thinking he was a normal person.

Enjoy your break with your friend, hopefully you can raise a toast to the end of this relationship! Life is too short to tiptoe around idiots.

Beachtastic · 17/01/2026 13:39

shuggles · 17/01/2026 13:23

@SunshineSally99 Why did you select a controlling man to be your boyfriend? You could have easily picked someone else.

I did the same when I was younger, because my dad was rather jealous and possessive when I hit my teen years. I just assumed that the Y chromosome had this inherent flaw.

PepsiBook · 17/01/2026 13:41

Controlling and nasty.

shuggles · 17/01/2026 13:42

Beachtastic · 17/01/2026 13:39

I did the same when I was younger, because my dad was rather jealous and possessive when I hit my teen years. I just assumed that the Y chromosome had this inherent flaw.

But you would have met many men by the time you reached your late teens, and you would have noticed that the overwhelming majority were not controlling, so I don't understand this.