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Relationships > Ending a Relationship Forum > I feel like my life is full of toxic relationships (Page 1)
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Q: I feel like my life is full of toxic relationships
asked by: panicballoon on January 18th, 2008
New User
I'll try to keep this short and sweet-

I should be happy because I have a lot of good things going on for me in my life- I'm 20 years old, in my 3rd year at college. I have an internship with a movie production company in Hollywood and I recently got an offer to help with a pilot episode for a new tv show. I have great friends, a parents who support me money-wise, and a caring boyfriend, I'm going to study theatre in London for 2 weeks this May, yet I am unhappy.

Majority of all my emotional struggle comes from my parents strong dislike of my boyfriend and vice versa.

My parents do not like my boyfriend because he doesn't have a drivers license. (He is 20 years old as well.) They even went as far as to say that they do not want me seeing him anymore and that I would have to make a choice between them continuing my funding for school and choosing my boyfriend, which if I choose him over school I would be kicked out of the house. No more school, no job, no place to live, no way to get around. They retracted that threat though, after I talked them down and MAGICALLY made some valid points that they agreed with.

I now live at my parents house for this semester for commuting purposes to school and work. I am not allowed to use my car on weekends because they did not like my grades last semester (2.9 GPA) which put me on probation for my scholarship. I have maintain a 3.0 GPA. I am allowed to see my boyfriend after work on Wednesdays, but I have to be home by 9pm.

My boyfriend knows it would be easier for me and for our relationship if he would just get his license, however, he is afraid to drive because of a near-fatal car accident he was in a few years ago and I guess instead of dealing with the pain he just ran away from it. Having me in his life is causing him to face it. We have been together for 6 months and the majority of our relationship has been fighting with my parents over this issue. He always tells me "How they feel about me is not going to change how I feel about you." and "If it would be easier on you to break up, then we can."

I feel like my parents are toxic to my mental health and that my boyfriend is. I feel like I have to please both sides and I just can't do it well enough. My parents don't make me happy and my boyfriend doesn't help much besides telling me that he isn't going anywhere, when he knows getting his license will solve A LOT of the problems.

I can't cut my parents out of my life, but I'm really considering cutting out my boyfriend. Its just too much emotional crap that is on my mind. He is able to express that he really cares about me but yet some actions say different things. It's all so very confusing.

I want to end it but I'm not sure how I should or if I should. To an extent I feel like my parents are responsible for putting these thoughts in my head, for telling me "If he was a real boyfriend he would get his license and come see you. He doesn't really care about you."

The license would fix SO many issues, but I don't think I can wait any longer.

Insight and advice I welcome!
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s_kalb
replied on January 18th, 2008
Experienced User
I had the same problem but not over a driver's licence. Her mother hated me because she hated her ex-husband (globalisation over the rest of the masculin population). I could see my gf only the Sunday afternoon from 12:00 to 17:00 (transport included).

Your bf must understand that one situation is not like another -- right now he believes that every driving attempt will end up in an accident, which is not the case. I hate traffic and I'm afraid of high speed, but I've seen that as long as I drive safely, I'm out of danger. If he is safe (and he certainly will) his chances to have an accident is close to zero.

I understand you feel stuck but I think it's still quite unfair to kick out your bf because your parents don't get along with him. Are there other reasons you feel like he should be left out? Are you feeling like he doesn't do enough? Then I could agree. But if it's only because your parents are pushing, I still believe it's unfair. It's your bf, not theirs. If it's their nature to be harsh, the same thing will happen for another bf, and you will be struck again.
If the licence is the only single issue, you could propose to go with him to the driver's exam (i.e. you will be there before and after the exam), this could encourage him.

About your parents, do you think it really is just a matter of a license or would they find another excuse to complain about him?

I'm not sure I really helped, I'm not here to criticize okay? I'm not over there so I don't know how exactly it feels. Best wishes anyway...
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panicballoon
replied on January 18th, 2008
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I didn't think you were critical, so don't worry Smile

1) WHEN my boyfriend does get his license, I'm sure my parents will find something else to complain about.
2) He does not feel comfortable taking his exam because he needs more "practice" driving. It's my gut feeling that he's not trying hard enough to get practice in because he is scared of driving.
3) I feel like he isn't doing enough to help me out emotionally because he doesn't get his license, but the fact that he has put up with so much crap from my parents and is still here with me says something to me.
4) While I trust my boyfriend, I get a nagging feeling in the back of my head that he is cheating on me behind my back or will leave me for someone else if he forgets to call or text or if his phone dies and doesn't charge it for 2 days. He's usually good about it though. I have met his family, extended family, close and new friends and he seems excited when he introduces me as his "girlfriend". I think it's just a case of my past relationships manifesting into this one and putting thoughts in my head.
5) I can't ignore the fact that I'm unhappy.
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s_kalb
replied on January 18th, 2008
Experienced User
I'm completely wasted right now, it's 1 am here Very Happy
Ii'll probably send something tomorrox morning, but in the meanwhile i'll say in short that it looks like he uses his phobia as an excuse to not do it... about your parents: maybe a written letter could help them understand that you feel it's unfair how they put pressure on you about someone who actually doesn't have anny affect on their lives. SO WHAT if you want to "waste your time" (in their eyes) with him, it's not their business and doesn't affect anything in their lives !!

now THIS TIME I didn't help at all, that's whaat I'm sure off.

gtg, I'm really tired and I'll prolly laugh tomorrow at what the unstructured mess I wrote here, cya and good night, no of course not it's full day in your country!

ZZZZZzzzzzzzzzz.....
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Maddie34
replied on January 19th, 2008
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Oh s_kalb.. drunk ehealthing? Bahaha! You are a silly boy. By the way, drink lots of watter tomorrow! (health forum and all) Wink

Panicballoon, so all he says is he's not doing anthing about it? He's not practicing with you or anything? You're going through all this and nothing? The guy I've been with was kind of like this with a job. I got a lot of junk from my parents because he didn't work everyday, finally I talked him into getting one though. I told him the problems it was causing for me and that I really just need to know he's trying for me. He got a job a few days later.

Talk it over with him again. Don't tell him that just your parents want him to get a license but YOU need him to get it too. Practice with him too, maybe set up a surprise for him after you do practice (a little extra incentive I suppose).
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panicballoon
replied on January 22nd, 2008
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avoid hangovers! Hydrate!!!

Maddie, I must have talked with my boy countless times about the whole license issue. He has even said he wants to get it for me, but I just don't see that action. I could honestly care less what my parents have to say, but they play a role in this and make the situation even worse.

I cannot practice with him...the situation behind that I'm not even going to go into because it's too complicated, not to mention I can have my license revoked if he gets pulled over. My boy has family members to practice with, but he says that they don't have the time to take him driving. It seems like one excuse after the other.

I do NEED him to get his license...pretty soon. This whole not seeing each other very often thing is just not working for me and I'm starting to not care emotionally about him anymore. I feel like I'm just going through the motions, yet I'm still in the relationship with him...he is still in the relationship with me. It seems as if we both know this was bad-timing, yet we don't want to accept it. No to mention the fact that if we do break-up it will be because of the license issue...and that sucks.

Every time I talk to him I feel like blurting out the dreaded "I can't be with you anymore" but we get along so well and we compliment each other so well...ugh, I just wish I knew what was going on in his head! On one side I think he's being genuine and on the other I think he's being manipulative.
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Maddie34
replied on January 22nd, 2008
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Oh wow, I understand this so much even with the parents. My mom teased me a lot, but she also like my bf so I don't know what her deal is-- either way didn't make me feel so great.

The last time I spoke to my bf about his job it was pretty much me saying "Uh.. yeah the fact that you sit around not working is making me less attracted to you and less interested in continuing the relationship. Get a job by this time, or I'm going to rethink our situation."

Obviously I didn't say it like that. It was a lot of stutters and broken sentences for me but he seemed to get the picture. And thank God for that because I don't think I'd have gone through with it because I'm a wuss and love this guy too much.

You may have to give him the ultimatum. Have you? I felt so horrible doing over something like a job, but that's what finally gave me results. But I really don't know your situation either-- sounds kinda like mine though. Tell this guy you need action! Is he really going to let you leave over a driver's license?
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panicballoon
replied on January 24th, 2008
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I have not given him an ultimatum, but after a little stunt he pulled last night I'm going to.
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Maddie34
replied on January 24th, 2008
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Well if you need to talk about it then feel free to pm me or just write it on here.
I'm on throughout the day so just let me know.

Good luck panicballoon!
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Sadie22
replied on January 24th, 2008
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Your parents do seem a bit overinvolved for your age. I just cant believe its all over his license, seems like maybe thats just the tip or maybe you still are just that innocent and that is the biggest deal in your life lol. But either way your not happy, I would move on you guys have no where near enough to build an adult relationship.
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Sadie22
replied on January 24th, 2008
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Maddie34 wrote:
I felt so horrible doing over something like a job, but that's what finally gave me results.


A job is the single most important clue wether someone is anywhere near relationship material, no job and your going nowhere. Im glad you recognized and he stepped up.
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Maddie34
replied on January 24th, 2008
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Sadie22 wrote:
Maddie34 wrote:
I felt so horrible doing over something like a job, but that's what finally gave me results.


A job is the single most important clue wether someone is anywhere near relationship material, no job and your going nowhere. Im glad you recognized and he stepped up.


Yeah, the thing that I alway put up in his defense is that he had spent a year in Wyoming building houses. He made more money in one summer than I did in 3 years of working (Which is incredible to me because I've never only had one job)

I just didn't like how he didn't do anything. I'm in a lot of stuff, I work as much as I can, and to come home and be exhausted while he was ready to start going was just too much sometimes.

But my mom told me that women just aren't going to stick with a guy who they think is below them ( a guy will, chicks won't). When I told her about everything she said she knew it was only a matter of time before I put my foot down.
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Galaxy
replied on January 24th, 2008
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i can't understand all this fuss about a driver's licence! I know lots of people who don't have one and just use bikes and public transport. Maybe it's a different culture, I don't know ...
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Fairy Godmother
replied on January 24th, 2008
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Hi Sweetie! Me Fairy*Godmother
Panicballoon..........what I would not give if my daughter were more like you. I would be so very proud of you if I were your parents. I am a parent and so I do understnad where they are coming from. I also remember my own parents 9God rest their souls) health forum about who I dated, where I went, who my friends were....they were the ones supporting me and paiyng for my education, so iof course I felt obligated to them. I feel your pain. I also hear hte little voicei nside of you saying, run, get away from your parents and this guy.....but in reality, you can not run from your own parents. They will ALWAYS be the one to "get your back". If this guy does not have his license because he is AFRAID to drive, what hte hell else is he afraid of? THis is 2008..........grow up man. Kinda puts you in a weird predicament. Must feel weird you having to drive everywhere....You posted it here, I'm gonna comment......stay with your education and go to London and have a wonderful experience...Its beautiful there, I went years ago. Men are like shoes, they come in all styles, sizes and varietys.....some girls just forget to put on socks when they try a shoe on......and then there are those with worn soles.....(souls). It sounds as though you are not in love with guy and are frustrated, yet you are so good and kind have not found a way to let him go. Could it be you feel sorry for him? Also, if yo ufeel you can't trust him.....thats another good reason to kick it to the curb........just my opinion! PM IF you wish!
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panicballoon
replied on January 25th, 2008
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This is my first time dealing with a relationship that is like this:

1) This guy is not going anywhere. If the relationship is to end I basically have to end it. If I was him I would have been like "this girl has issues! her parents are crazy! I'm gone!" but he has said to me "If it is easier on you to break up, then we can. It's not that I don't care about our relationship, I do, I just want you to be happy and healthy. I'm happy being with you."
2) None of my past relationships have lasted more than 3 months. They all cheated on me or emotionally abused me in some way. Oddly enough, my parents liked them, but only because they drove, went to the same school as me and had jobs. They never got to know them for their character.
3) I don't drive to see him because I'm not allowed to drive to see him.

Maddie, the little "stunt" that I said he pulled on me the other night, it was a situation in which I over-reacted, was too paranoid.

My main problem is I feel like I have to break up with my boyfriend for the sake of my parents, for me to be happy, but they will never stop making me feel like crap.

The cross-roads that I am is who is being the most honest with me? My boyfriend or my parents? I have a horrible history with boyfriends, and have trust issues because of that, but I have toxic parents who constantly make me feel guilty for not being 'perfect' and I can't trust them either.
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crazyinluvwitchu
replied on January 25th, 2008
Experienced User
you're already 20?...
you're parents has to learn how to let go.....
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Fairy Godmother
replied on January 26th, 2008
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Hi
You will have your parents in your life a lot longer than any man..........and, coming from a MOTHER.....they only want what is BEST for you...........they've lived life and know the ropes and know the ones you are walking on! TRUST THEM...................
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Galaxy
replied on January 26th, 2008
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You can never be happy with this guy or any other until you resolve the issue with your parents. You want to make them happy, you say? Fine, but not - NEVER - at the expense of your own happiness. I am a mother too, like FairyGodmother but I am also a daughter and my parents sound pretty much like yours. I always wanted them to approve of me and if they didn't like my boyfriends (and they never did) then I found a reason to dump them. One particular one was completely scuppered by them in exactly the same way as your parents are destroying yours. Many years later, I realise that their fears were misguided and I was wrong to let them do it. The guy they thought would amount to nothing is a very successful man and a devoted husband and father. Yes, I have regrets and I still feel resentment towards them. Now, with my own teenager, I advise and I guide, of course, but I know when to take a step back and let him make his own mind up. I don't want to risk him feeling resentment towards me in later years and what's more, I TRUST him to make correct choices.

That seems to be what is lacking between you and your parents and you and your boyfriend. You have to make your parents realise that you no longer need their constant supervision and cossetting, and you have to try to understand your boyfriend's anxieties - if he means enough to you, that is.

In all of this, you have to do what is right for you.

By the way, when you go to London you will realise that not everyone drives there! Public transport is far and away the most usual way to travel! The traffic congestion and lack of parking spaces pretty much deter anyone from taking a car to the city but public transpost is so good, you don't need a car.

I think the London trip is going to open your eyes to the bigger, wider world!
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Maddie34
replied on January 27th, 2008
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Uh... Shonster, I have no doubt that the use of a car is optional in London, however it is pretty important in the Us. My town doesn't even have public transportation nor do any of the towns around mine. There's nowhere to work in town so if you don't have a car, then you don't work because a bike is going to get you nowhere unless you are willing to bike 20 miles a day and then work for 8 hours.

Thats how it is where I live, though I'm unsure about panicballon's town-- if it's anything like where I live then there is plenty of reason to be upset.

I think its pretty normal for parents to butt in, my mom does it in her own way but oh well. Panicballoon, you're parents will say things and try to guide you; its their job.

What would bother me most is this guy's indifference to the possibility of breaking up. If I've learned anything with my current bf its that there needs to be mutual enthusiasm. One person needs to be just as willing to do things as the other. If you say its important to you, then it should be important to him too. I'm not saying he's a bad bf, but there needs to be a change otherwise this is just going to stress you out more.
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Galaxy
replied on January 27th, 2008
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Thanks, Maddie, for that info. It is hard for me to imagine that scenario, as I live in a densely populated city but I can see now that yes, there is a problem and not least of all with the guy himself, who does have an attitude that suggests indifference. He sounds a bit like my ex who was so chilled all the time that nothing ever got done and we didn't move forward. I found him very relaxing to be with, at first, but increasingly he became a negative influence in my life.

So maybe panicballoon's instinct is correct - she likes being with him but senses he is always going to hold her back. However, I hope the decision to split comes from her, rather than from her parents.
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