New relationship?

[Dearjackie]

Some of you will recognise me as I've posted several times in the past about an ex and the EA relationship. That broke up only 2 mths ago and I was initially in shock crying a lot however I quickly got to finally feel free and relaxed ( lots of you said that would happen)

I have been seeing lots of my friends and been on a couple of dates just to get out and also have a bit of male company. Tonight I met someone and it was the weirdest thing. I instantly felt close to him and he appeared to feel the same. We talked so easily for hours and I usually feel awkward with people I don't know. He wants to see me again and has asked if I consider him living a few miles away would be a barrier to a relationship (its only 15 miles) The problem is im a it obsessed with looking for red flags. I keep thinking I shouldn't be doing this as its too soon and everyone's advice has been to spend time on my own.

It just feels right somehow though and even though he mentioned relationship he's very polite and careful to say its all up to me and I don't feel rushed or under any pressure even though it is quick to be embarking on another relationship iyswim.

What I'm trying to say is why I am worried it might be the wrong thing to do even though it feels right at the moment?

[Dearjackie]

Is it necessarily a red flag if a man mentions having a relationship on the first date? I'm just so wary after my last relationship

[HotDAMNlifeisgood]

2 months is way to early for you to be dating, especially as you say you are in shock and crying, and this man is also moving far too fast by mentioning "relationship" when you've only just met him tonight!

Stay single, for at least a year. Do the Freedom Programme. Travel and see the world. Learn to be alone and love it, and love you. Do NOT jump into dating and a relationship again to fill the void, however tempting it may be!

(ps I'd hazard a guess that this strong and immediate connection you feel with a man you have literally only met tonight is due to both of you subconsciously recognizing compatible inner demons in each other. Not a good thing. YOu are too raw. And he's moving way too fast. Resist!)

[Dearjackie]

I only felt in shock for a couple of weeks and that was due to the totally nasty humiliating way he treated me. I've barely missed him and happy to be free of him

Is it a bad idea to go out and have fun with someone. I would make damn sure this time it was someone who treated me properly and it would be on my terms

[beaglesaresweet]

hmm, take it slow. I don't really like the fact he mentioned a relationship just like that. It would have been fine if he got excited and thought it to himself, but not have said it yet. If he just suggesting to meet again - absolutely fine, but as it is, be careful. He may be desperate or he may want to move into town where you live even! Also, some men are VERY good chatting to a woman and making her feel very comfortable.

Maybe he is just impulsive and very open (is he very young?), but just be a bit cautious, see how it goes but slowly. If your friends know him well, that's better though!

[Dearjackie]

He was very nervous tonight. He asked to see me again and said he'd prefer me to be straight with him and tell him if I didn't want to. He said he'd love to see me but to take some time and think about it if I needed to, so I don't think he was trying to rush me into anything

What he actually said was would I see the (small ) distance as a barrier if we were to have a relationship. He wouldn't want to move to my town there would be no point as its only 15 miles away

[beaglesaresweet]

but why all this drama and going on about thinking about it? he's only asking you for another date. Anyone non-desperate would just suggest another date without all the treading on eggshells. If you didn't want to go you could always contact him later.

As I say, no harm in seeing him again and getting to kow him, but take it slow, as you still hasn't completely recovered from last r-ship even if you think you have (after 2 months). Of course you want to feel good after all that, so let him take you out but sort of pace it.

[beaglesaresweet]

haven't

[beaglesaresweet]

and it was still too early to mention a relationship. He's subtly rushing you, not openly.

[Dearjackie]

beagle yes that's what I intend. Plus this time I will listen to my gut feelings if anything feels wrong. I guess I'm just worried that previous experience has made me over cautious and I don't want it to taint everything in the future

I get the feeling he was treading on eggshells a bit because he was nervous, seemed keen on me and didn't want to appear to be pushy

[beaglesaresweet]

well, it does depend on his age and experience too. Maybe he is just awkward but nice. Give it a try just try not to fantasise about future - cautiosness is healthy after a bad r-ship. You really didn't have time to recover yet, so it's good that you aer cautious. As others said, it would be better to be on your own for a bit, but as you've already met someone you like - tell him that you aer out of r-ship and can date bt not jump int relationships. See if he's happy with that.

[beaglesaresweet]

just out of relationship

[beaglesaresweet]

good luck though, whether it's with him or not.

[CogitoErgoSometimes]

"Plus this time I will listen to my gut feelings if anything feels wrong."

The trouble is that, exiting a bad relationship, you will have a poor perception of what 'wrong' is for a while. You haven't had long enough to 'feel right' if you can understand that. He seems like a nice man I'll grant you, but your confidence is low, you're hungry for affection and - with respect - anyone's going to seem kind after the experience you've just had.

Tread very carefully therefore, enjoy dating but keep a bit of yourself back. Rebuild your social life with other friends, have things you do just for yourself and develop your independence. Good luck

[Hawkmoth]

He mentioned moving to your town?

[Dearjackie]

hawk no he definately hasn't he only lives 15 mins away and he tells me he owns his own flat. If he were even to MENTION moving I would run as he'd be a madman

cog I just feel I'd like to give him a chance and see how it pans out if I see him again. It's true that anything seems nice after the EA relationship, but on the other hand I'm also much more aware of what to avoid and signs to look for, for example he's not bombarding me ( as yet anyway) with calls and texts, just asked me to text him I was home safe and to say he'd had a good night and looking forward to Monday . I'm on the lookout for " bad " behaviour

[CogitoErgoSometimes]

I'm going to recommend you read this article. Not because I think this man is abusive but simply to recalibrate your definition of 'bad' behaviour. The article is very perceptive, I think, and points out some fairl superficial things that you may not immediately identify as bad behaviour. Hope it never becomes relevant :)

[akaWisey]

I'd say if you're anxious about spotting bad behaviour this early then you're not ready. I'd say the risk is you might over-value the 'good bit's' and neglect the signs which indicate he may just not be for you - not because he's EA or anything but because you may not be emotionally available yourself yet.

If he's genuine he'd accept that and give you time and space. What you want now may be very different from what you want 6 months or a year from now.

[Dearjackie]

Thank you cog have read that article. Ex showed all of those, none apparent last night in new date but will be alert for them. He just came across as quite shy nervous respectful but nice. So I will see

[Jux]

Have you thought about the Freedom Programme? It will reset your boundaries, and sharpen your radar.

[Dearjackie]

Yes I have emailed the local group but they haven't got back to me yet

[Dearjackie]

I am starting to over analyse everything ( that's always been a problem for me) things like why doesn't he txt me ( the ex was ALWAYS texting right till the end) he still seems keen to meet on Monday night and take me for a meal

I feel so out of practice and have never done online dating before. I know how to stay safe ect, but how do you know if their just out for a quick shag? Is it the done thing to see other people as well? I just don't know what to think. Is it ok to sleep with them early on ?

I realise that actually the only way to know is to go slowly and discover these things but I'm so inpatient. I find it difficult to take someone at face value after my previous relationship. For instance this guy is saying he will drive to my town to take me out Monday and we could meet somewhere as I might want to know him better before saying where I live. But he's mentioned where I live a few times without directly asking me for instance he said is the place I'm getting a new job at near my home, then added you don't have to tell me where you live. It's like he wants me to say but without asking directly

Now this may just be innocent but I always see an ulterior motive and I hate being like that. Sorry I know there lots of questions in this post

[CogitoErgoSometimes]

You are only 2 months out of a nasty relationship experience and already you feel uncomfortable and are questioning this person's motives. You have to listen to what that's telling you about yourself. Your confidence is low, you are finding it difficult to trust and, I'm sorry, but that means you are not ready for a relationship yet. He sounds like a very nice man but it's unfair to subject him to this level of suspicion. Find your feet, be sociable, work on trusting your judgement and rebuilding your self-esteem. Then you can engage in a new relationship more confidently.

[Dearjackie]

I think it may be part of my character to be unsure of my own judgement as I'm like it in all wlks of life. Can you become a self assured person if its not really your nature? Doesn't everyone question people's motives and character when you first start seeing someone?

It sounds bad but I've always been an err on the side of caution and looking a biton the negative until proven otherwise

[CogitoErgoSometimes]

Caution is good but what you're describing is a level of suspicion that is getting in the way of you enjoying what should be a light-hearted, fun, dating experience. If you really suspect his motives then stop seeing him.... that's the hardest part for someone just out of an EA relationship to learn. You are entitled to reject someone. You do not have to stick it out for fear of hurting their feelings. You do not have to please others. You can trust your judgement.

Yes, you can become a self-assured & more positive person but it begins by valuing yourself and gradually increasing your confidence. Set yourself small goals and, as you achieve those goals, you will being to believe in yourself.

[Dearjackie]

Thank you cog you are right. I'm certainly not going to make him my only social outlet. I am doing lots of other things. I should be enjoying this and am in many ways its just the over analysing that I always do and always have done. I will have to practice diversion techniques when I start doing it.