I’m a middle-aged, overweight, single (widowed) father to two pre-teen DSs. I have mental health problems that long, long pre-date my bereavement. They leave me feeling depressed and very anxious and insecure. They also mean that I have an Aspergers-like (complete lack of!) understanding of people and have never, ever been able to develop any form of successful (to my mind) long term relationship, from friendships to my late OH.
The idea of dating – or more particularly trying to build a successful relationship – terrifies me. I don’t know what I’m doing. I’m convinced it’ll all go horribly wrong and I’ll get badly hurt and discouraged. Again.
I know I’m very needy and would have to fight really hard to keep that under control. Such inequality is no basis for a decent relationship and very unfair on a partner.
What I’m looking for, I guess, are some reasons why, in spite of all of the above, I should ‘throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in my sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.’
All other things being equal, would you have the patience to give me a chance, or would you run a mile? I’d really appreciate your thoughts. Honest ones please, but be gentle!
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
Relationships
Terrified, insecure, overweight, middle-aged single dad, clueless about other people. Now tell me why I should try dating.
SisyphusDad · 11/03/2016 21:21
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