Nothing like family/girlfriend issues...

Nothing like family/girlfriend issues...

Author
Discussion

PH Member

Original Poster:

13 posts

143 months

Tuesday 31st July 2012
quotequote all
Disclaimer - I am an established PH Member and have registered this profile for anonymity and to get some advice, I know its technically against the forum rules but Mod's please allow it this time. I would post in 'The Lounge' but this account hasn't been registered for long enough. Also the post is rather long so sorry if I bore....



Well, I started seeing my girlfriend nearly 2 years ago, 9 months after leaving university and between us everything is near perfect, and we as a couple are very happy. Bar the occasional minor disagreement there have been no issues between us and we are very well suited, she even loves her cars! whilst any disagreements that do happen are talked out between the two of us...

However from the start my family haven't really got to know her very well and have always seemed reluctant to accept her, always questioning our suitability (different social "classes" and educational levels). They have always been very cold with her, not acknowledging her even if she says hello and as a result she has always been rather uneasy when staying with me whilst her family are the opposite, including me and making me feel welcome whatever the occasion.

Things were bearable in the first year re. my family. Although they ignored her it wasn't the main issue as all the nagging was taken out on me when she wasn't present, them getting progressively more annoyed about trivial stuff (no longer a taxi service for my youngest brother, not going to the gym (injury) and never being at home, preferring to be out and about, even if I wasn't doing or spending anything). They would constantly complain at the amount I was out of the house, complaining that I was enjoying myself too much where as they were stuck in the house every day, even though when I did go out it was often free (window shopping, film streaming etc.) When I was at home every word was a nag whilst saying things to try and split my girlfriend and I up, although only now realise this.

Things came to a head at the beginning of this year, my family were getting ever more intolerable and petty, putting my girlfriend down behind mine and her back mainly in the direction of each other and my younger brother (didn't go to private school/uni, her job (despite her never being out of work and doing something that i never could) and where she lives etc.). Over a few weeks things got worse still, coming home late of a weekend evening with my girlfriend to find my younger brother lying in my bed watching TV and refusing to leave (11-12pm) whilst giving out abuse to both myself and my girlfriend when he is asked to leave. This brother is very arrogant, believing he is the best at everything whilst never being wrong, about everything, the type to use long words even if they make no sense in that situation.

These problems escalated over time and got worse over a number of weeks until the level of abuse was beyond what either of us could take (shouting direct insults re. my girlfriends family inc. disabled siblings, education, job and everything else that was derogatory. This also also included how everybody in the house hated her and far more but won't go into details)). After numerous warnings to stop mid flow (50+) he refuses to stop and refuses to leave us in peace in my bedroom (separate area of the house). In hindsight we should have left the room but it got to a level where both myself and my girlfriend flipped and hit him causing minor injury (not big nor clever I know and something that neither of us have ever done before).

Well as can be guessed the mood was rather frosty and not surprisingly my girlfriend no longer wanted to come to my house and hasn't since after being asked to leave on that night...



Roll on 4 months and the atmosphere in the house has improved somewhat but still has the same problems as before, nagged about treating the house as a hotel (in from work at 7.30, out by 8 and back to bed at 10pm) and the increased tension due to the above.

Out of the blue my parents state that things have gone on long enough and are demanding a grovelling apology from my girlfriend (whilst completely ignoring his sustained actions, comments and insults on family (her family are very close)). Needless to say my girlfriend following the previous events is still fuming, even more so now. My parents are trying to intimidate both me and her, putting pressure on me to either make her grovel to them, me leave her or be made homeless with 12 hours notice. They are of the opinion that everything they say or do is correct with no challenges etc as they make the rules.

Needless to say I and as result her are not sleeping too well is an understatement and haven't been for weeks, on account of the stress and have been physically sick on account of the sustained pressure, threats and emotional blackmail. I have been attempting to sort out chats to talk it over, however the goalposts keep changing with my parents blowing hot/cold day to day and insisting on further/unreasonable conditions designed to intimidate coupled with unrealistic time constraints, causing both of us to get stressed out further as she picks up on it and I rightly or wrongly keep her informed. I would love to move out but funds are currently lacking, mainly due to a car on finance that I cant sell due to the lack of demand and the fact that people keep on crashing into it whenever I list it for sale. I have positive equity but the third party in the latest incident isn't playing ball. I would move in with my girlfriend as we are ready but she is loosing her job in 8 weeks time so cant move in together. I am in the sttiest of st situations.

I currently pay £200 rent per month to my parents but still have my student overdraft which expires tomorrow and will soon start clocking up interest, no deposit and only about £150 left at the end of each month (lodger rooms in my area are £500 per month +)

Sorry to put this all on here but I have been getting so stressed for the past month as I've been under the constant threat of having no roof over my head and no money rent somewhere elsewhere and need to release and could possibly do with some advice, if i do go this won't be sorted and will only rear its head again in the future, until they get their way, regardless of weather I live there or not whilst stubbornness/anger over what was said prevents any grovelling (why should she?)

Gargamel

15,045 posts

263 months

Tuesday 31st July 2012
quotequote all
Wow, your family sound lovely.

Move out.


PH Member

Original Poster:

13 posts

143 months

Wednesday 1st August 2012
quotequote all
Gargamel said:
Wow, your family sound lovely.

Move out.
Yeah thing is they are hot/cold...sometimes they are fine but others they are far from it!

They sacrificed a lot to put me through school and bring me up so feel tied in that regard yet am unwilling to leave my girlfriend at their beck and call, almost seems as if they are attempting to dictate my life. Re my bother he has always been very arrogant and when growing up we were always having disagreements on account of it.

davepoth

29,395 posts

201 months

Wednesday 1st August 2012
quotequote all
Where does your girlfriend live?

PH Member

Original Poster:

13 posts

143 months

Wednesday 1st August 2012
quotequote all
davepoth said:
Where does your girlfriend live?
About 7 miles away from me/20 minute drive although staying with her at her house long term (other than for a day or 2) is impractical for a number of reasons

gowmonster

2,471 posts

169 months

Wednesday 1st August 2012
quotequote all
yikes, I'd be telling them that you are happy, and that they don't control you any more and they can say goodbye to seeing any future grandkids etc.



Another Fluffer

3,888 posts

167 months

Wednesday 1st August 2012
quotequote all
Gargamel said:
Wow, your family sound lovely.
This.

Sounds like a real stty situation to be in, and for that you have my sympathy!

Are your girlfriends parents decent? Would they help out if you were at the end of your tether?

Your girlfriend could try to grovel, not that she should, if that would improve the situation?
short of that I don't have anything to suggest, good luck anyway.

Keep your chin up, things will eventually sort themselves out/allow you to move out!

Gargamel

15,045 posts

263 months

Wednesday 1st August 2012
quotequote all
Ok thinking about your situation in more detail.

You are 23 or 24 ? I think this is nature's way of telling you you are a big boy now, so time to get out of the house and make your own life.

I see a lot of reasons why things can't happen, I think you need to stop for a minute, take a week off - anywhere with your girlfriend, camping, a couple of ex uni mates spare bedrooms, cheap holiday whatever.

Just get out of the situation and rationalise what you want from life.

I lasted six weeks back at home after University, I didn't really have the money to leave, but I made it work. I moved really close to my office, so I had no commute. Lived on Pasta in water sauce for a few weeks, but I made it stick, and my relationship with my folks changed dramatically.

Can you get another job, can you get a job with accomodation ? Could you both save up and disappear to Australia together for a year..... look at your possibilities.



OR

You are going to need to sit down with your Mum and ask why does DAD have such a problem with my choice of partner.... and then do the same the other way round. Forgot about the behaviour or the actions - what do they BELIEVE - because that isn't going to change.

You can make people change their actions, but hardly ever can you change their beliefs. So if they strongly believe she is wrong for you, ask them why - do make an effort to listen, properly listen - are there things about their opinions which could be true, do they know something about her that you don't ?


either way - don't get stressed tell your fmily it must stop as it is affecting your health, and give your younger brother a fking good kicking for being a cock blocker.....


PH Member

Original Poster:

13 posts

143 months

Wednesday 1st August 2012
quotequote all
Another Fluffer said:
This.

Sounds like a real stty situation to be in, and for that you have my sympathy!

Are your girlfriends parents decent? Would they help out if you were at the end of your tether?

Your girlfriend could try to grovel, not that she should, if that would improve the situation?
short of that I don't have anything to suggest, good luck anyway.

Keep your chin up, things will eventually sort themselves out/allow you to move out!
Yes they are very supportive although are getting stressed out on account of my girlfriend being stressed, it must be mentioned that my parents have "banned" me from going into my girlfriends house though....or I will be kicked out of the family house immediately if they somehow find out

She could but why should she? It would set a precedent for the future, plus she is rather stubborn and is getting very stressed out by this. The stress associated (with the least 3 weeks especially) is causing no end of problems, neither of us are sleeping properly, I've been physically sick, not nice knowing that you still have to work 11 hour days and may not have somewhere to stay that evening....

After this evening I have a final 48 hours to produce a grovelling apology from her (on their terms)....Think I may have to make use of a friends sofa in the mean time, although this will entail a 10 mile each way commute by car to the station to get to work

PH Member

Original Poster:

13 posts

143 months

Wednesday 1st August 2012
quotequote all
Gargamel said:
Ok thinking about your situation in more detail.

You are 23 or 24 ? I think this is nature's way of telling you you are a big boy now, so time to get out of the house and make your own life.

I see a lot of reasons why things can't happen, I think you need to stop for a minute, take a week off - anywhere with your girlfriend, camping, a couple of ex uni mates spare bedrooms, cheap holiday whatever.

Just get out of the situation and rationalise what you want from life.

I lasted six weeks back at home after University, I didn't really have the money to leave, but I made it work. I moved really close to my office, so I had no commute. Lived on Pasta in water sauce for a few weeks, but I made it stick, and my relationship with my folks changed dramatically.

Can you get another job, can you get a job with accomodation ? Could you both save up and disappear to Australia together for a year..... look at your possibilities.



OR

You are going to need to sit down with your Mum and ask why does DAD have such a problem with my choice of partner.... and then do the same the other way round. Forgot about the behaviour or the actions - what do they BELIEVE - because that isn't going to change.

You can make people change their actions, but hardly ever can you change their beliefs. So if they strongly believe she is wrong for you, ask them why - do make an effort to listen, properly listen - are there things about their opinions which could be true, do they know something about her that you don't ?


either way - don't get stressed tell your fmily it must stop as it is affecting your health, and give your younger brother a fking good kicking for being a cock blocker.....
nearly right on the age...

we did only get back from a holiday 3 weeks ago, everything kicked off on our return, we have since booked another (very cheap week) for September (the only cost effective option that fitted around work commitments). Living within a walk of work isn't an option (City of London) and neither is changing jobs as I like what I do and am tied into a professional training contract - Major exam in December - although I do cycle into work some weeks to save money (30 miles a day by the end of it I have no energy). Any change of jobs would near halve my salary and ruin any long term career goals so isn't an option. My job and my girlfriends family commitments would prohibit a move away.

I have tried talking everything through, reasons are given but they can't see their own failings, they then end up warming (my mum breaking down on occasion) followed by changing tack, threatening me and moving the goalposts the next day....

Gargamel

15,045 posts

263 months

Wednesday 1st August 2012
quotequote all
Hmm there is clearly a good deal more to this than you are saying - your definition of a minor injury ? did it require hospital treatment ?

48 hour deadlines, banned from her house - do they still think you are 12 ffs.

Mate, join a decent gym near work, sleep in the car, have Friday nights round at your girlfriends. Self respect.


Boozy

2,355 posts

221 months

Wednesday 1st August 2012
quotequote all
PH Member said:
Another Fluffer said:
This.

Sounds like a real stty situation to be in, and for that you have my sympathy!

Are your girlfriends parents decent? Would they help out if you were at the end of your tether?

Your girlfriend could try to grovel, not that she should, if that would improve the situation?
short of that I don't have anything to suggest, good luck anyway.

Keep your chin up, things will eventually sort themselves out/allow you to move out!
Yes they are very supportive although are getting stressed out on account of my girlfriend being stressed, it must be mentioned that my parents have "banned" me from going into my girlfriends house though....or I will be kicked out of the family house immediately if they somehow find out

She could but why should she? It would set a precedent for the future, plus she is rather stubborn and is getting very stressed out by this. The stress associated (with the least 3 weeks especially) is causing no end of problems, neither of us are sleeping properly, I've been physically sick, not nice knowing that you still have to work 11 hour days and may not have somewhere to stay that evening....

After this evening I have a final 48 hours to produce a grovelling apology from her (on their terms)....Think I may have to make use of a friends sofa in the mean time, although this will entail a 10 mile each way commute by car to the station to get to work
They don't sound that supportive, when I say that supportive I mean at all. What parents ban you from going to see your girlfriend or demand a letter? I'd write a letter but in it say you're leaving.

PH Member

Original Poster:

13 posts

143 months

Wednesday 1st August 2012
quotequote all
Teddye4687 said:
Move out, fk sake
Would love to but can't currently pay the bills if I did, could afford £300 a month for rent although the cheapest available when bills are included is near double that for a room in a flat-share....

I then wouldn't be repaying any of my overdraft, the issues is I have no time, 48 hours is all i'm given which isn't enough to scrape together a deposit, first months rent and pay the bills, especially when my interest free overdraft has just expired with me half way through my maximum allowed.

Gargamel

15,045 posts

263 months

Wednesday 1st August 2012
quotequote all
If you work for one of the large four professional firms (ACA) then FFS speak to the staff partner or the HR person, tell them that there is trouble at home and do they have any short term accommodation for a couple of weeks.

Don't jeopardise your exams over this st, it is your route to freedom.




PH Member

Original Poster:

13 posts

143 months

Wednesday 1st August 2012
quotequote all
Boozy said:
PH Member said:
Another Fluffer said:
This.

Sounds like a real stty situation to be in, and for that you have my sympathy!

Are your girlfriends parents decent? Would they help out if you were at the end of your tether?

Your girlfriend could try to grovel, not that she should, if that would improve the situation?
short of that I don't have anything to suggest, good luck anyway.

Keep your chin up, things will eventually sort themselves out/allow you to move out!
Yes they are very supportive although are getting stressed out on account of my girlfriend being stressed, it must be mentioned that my parents have "banned" me from going into my girlfriends house though....or I will be kicked out of the family house immediately if they somehow find out

She could but why should she? It would set a precedent for the future, plus she is rather stubborn and is getting very stressed out by this. The stress associated (with the least 3 weeks especially) is causing no end of problems, neither of us are sleeping properly, I've been physically sick, not nice knowing that you still have to work 11 hour days and may not have somewhere to stay that evening....

After this evening I have a final 48 hours to produce a grovelling apology from her (on their terms)....Think I may have to make use of a friends sofa in the mean time, although this will entail a 10 mile each way commute by car to the station to get to work
They don't sound that supportive, when I say that supportive I mean at all. What parents ban you from going to see your girlfriend or demand a letter? I'd write a letter but in it say you're leaving.
Thing is they have refused a letter/phone call (if she would write one at all)...I may have to leave the house and work on selling the car....

Can I sell it with body damage (£2k's worth) and then take the insurance settlement from the third party (when it arrives) in cash?

longshot

3,286 posts

200 months

Wednesday 1st August 2012
quotequote all
Tell the horrible pair that you and the girl have finished and carry on seeing her on the quiet until your exams are done and then tell them to stuff it and leave.

JB!

5,254 posts

182 months

Wednesday 1st August 2012
quotequote all
move onto a mate's sofa untill you find a place. fk living with that.

The Nur

9,168 posts

187 months

Wednesday 1st August 2012
quotequote all
Whatever happens, I wish you the best of good luck. There is nothing quite like family troubles to mess with a bloke's head.

bobbylondonuk

2,199 posts

192 months

Wednesday 1st August 2012
quotequote all
You need to make some asian friends.. We specialise in this kind of family blackmail operation and system bypass protocols.

My advice..sit down with your girlfriend, plan a time table to move in or you make a plan to move out. Then inform your parents you have broken up with her and take your relationship underground!This will also give you the freedom to be a bd at home and pay back for all the st...cos now they have nothing to beat you with if the GF is out of the picture.

Either you play the game and move out, then stick 2 fingers up at everyone OR you tow the line because you have no option but to choose the family security over your GF.

Playing the game means you better be a good player or you are out on your arse. Towing the family line means there is always chance for another chick to be presented as acceptable at a later stage...or some rich chick that your family push down your throat that you can dump anytime with no hassle as your folks would sort it out because it is their reputation at stake!

Now you see why a lot of the Asian kids stick around at home and play the game? It is the way of parents who control the next generation for their personal appearances within their communities. The kids who get stuck get sucked into it as adults and the circle goes on. The ones who move out early and live their own lives are far less controlled and manipulated by the community.

Same applies to any community...just that asians are more prone to this kind of 'abuse' than others as it is more of a traditional cultural thing than other ethnic groups.

longshot

3,286 posts

200 months

Wednesday 1st August 2012
quotequote all
Bobby has touched upon something I was going to say.

I would be tempted to sit your parents down and rather than ask them what is wrong with your girlfriend, ask them what type of girl they think you should be with and what attributes she should have.

It probably won't make a bit of difference but will give some insight into how their minds are working.
Have they always been so controlling?