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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To ask how to get men interested in/attracted to me?

65 replies

youcantescapeyourownmindrose · 20/07/2024 15:12

I know it's not a one-size-fits all approach, but sometimes I feel like men like me as a person and think I'm attractive but are missing some chemistry. It may not even be something I'm doing necessarily, might just be bad luck however I'm wondering if there's something I can do to improve it.

I'm 33, this will put some men off for a start, not because it's old at all but because some will want women under 30.

I don't think my looks are an issue (I know that probably sounds arrogant to say, it doesn't mean I think I'm perfect!) I mean I'm slim, make an effort with hair, clothes etc. I don't have an overly fake look and I get compliments from people.
I have a dark brown bob, which again might not be everyone's type. I am fairly tall (though the men I am into are at least my height) but some men might prefer a petite lady with blonde hair, which I wouldn't take personally at all.

Some men seem to be initially attracted but later down the line don't feel chemistry. I've been told they really like talking to me, we have a lot in common, they think I'm funny/interesting/intelligent/kind. They've said I have a lot going for me, stuff like that.

I don't expect to get into a relationship after 3 dates, I don't send 20 million texts or want to meet up every single day. That said, I don't have an issue with showing my interest, I'm not good at playing it verrry cool/playing games, but I don't come across as obsessive either (I hope!)

I own a flat, have plenty of hobbies, speak other languages and am financially independent.
Honestly don't think I'm desperate! Someone might say that but I'm not.
I wouldn't date absolutely anyone and I am enjoying a lot about being single. I don't think I give off vibes that I'm desperate for a man, I'd rather wait for someone who's worth it.

I like to joke, I show an interest in the person and try to make them feel at ease. I can be a little shy at first and maybe come across slightly nervous?
I try to show vulnerability and I'm not saying I will discuss mental health with all and sundry but I'm ok with being open about stuff.

I don't know, it might just be bad luck! I was rejected after a 5-hour date and he couldn't give a specific reason (it may have been nothing to do with me)
Or, I've been rejected after a few short-term things. Two of the men told me they considered themselves ugly and didn't know why I was into them (possibly just an excuse). Another said I didn't 'challenge' him.

I'm just looking for general info. I have a complete life, I know chemistry can't necessarily be engineered (or can it?) but any feedback would be great!
To put it simply, in my eyes usually telling someone you don't feel the chemistry means you don't find them attractive enough or there's something about them you don't like?
I may be wrong, but I can't imagine being attracted to someone, we've tons in common and we're compatible, but I just don't feel the chemistry?

OP posts:
Thefanofdoom · 20/07/2024 18:12

Men like women who will have sex with them. If they're saying there is no chemistry after 3 dates is because you haven't had sex with them.

sadabouti · 20/07/2024 17:59

Just be yourself. Be relaxed. And just have fun. I worry that you think you should do more than that and be more than that, but there's no need. You sound like a catch just as you are.

Grazianoscubanheel · 20/07/2024 17:57

Hate all you like but current approach isnt working. Men like the thrill of the chase. Yes tease him, be aloof. If you compliment him all the time, now that's 1950s dating.

lookeelikee · 20/07/2024 17:51

Grazianoscubanheel · 20/07/2024 17:41

The man should be doing the running. Maybe he's a bit intimidated by your confidence. Most fellas would think they were well in if you were dropping all those buying signals. I think you should be more cocky. Take the piss a little, get him to validate himself to you rather than you suck up to him. Men like a challenge not an easy ride.

nope

Turophilic · 20/07/2024 17:50

Grazianoscubanheel · 20/07/2024 17:41

The man should be doing the running. Maybe he's a bit intimidated by your confidence. Most fellas would think they were well in if you were dropping all those buying signals. I think you should be more cocky. Take the piss a little, get him to validate himself to you rather than you suck up to him. Men like a challenge not an easy ride.

God, I hope this isn’t true, it sounds like dating advice from the 50s.

youcantescapeyourownmindrose · 20/07/2024 17:45

Grazianoscubanheel · 20/07/2024 17:41

The man should be doing the running. Maybe he's a bit intimidated by your confidence. Most fellas would think they were well in if you were dropping all those buying signals. I think you should be more cocky. Take the piss a little, get him to validate himself to you rather than you suck up to him. Men like a challenge not an easy ride.

Like tease him a bit? Ill try to, sometimes I just find it hard to think of stuff on the spot!

OP posts:
Grazianoscubanheel · 20/07/2024 17:41

youcantescapeyourownmindrose · 20/07/2024 17:40

I definitely felt a bit red/flustered around the last guy I liked/had a date with.
I deliberately sat close to him, told him I liked his teeth (random I know) told him that I loved how he always remembered what I said and also that I imagined X hobby kept him fit.
Does that sound flirty?

The man should be doing the running. Maybe he's a bit intimidated by your confidence. Most fellas would think they were well in if you were dropping all those buying signals. I think you should be more cocky. Take the piss a little, get him to validate himself to you rather than you suck up to him. Men like a challenge not an easy ride.

youcantescapeyourownmindrose · 20/07/2024 17:40

I definitely felt a bit red/flustered around the last guy I liked/had a date with.
I deliberately sat close to him, told him I liked his teeth (random I know) told him that I loved how he always remembered what I said and also that I imagined X hobby kept him fit.
Does that sound flirty?

OP posts:
Grazianoscubanheel · 20/07/2024 17:37

Youve just not met the right man. At 33 you arent going to change and it doesnt sound like you're doing anything wrong so what else can you do to attract men other than be a lady of loose virtue.

youcantescapeyourownmindrose · 20/07/2024 17:36

Mrsttcno1 · 20/07/2024 17:35

I think he just gives off friendly vibes rather than romantic vibes! I’ve been on double dates with him and others and he does flirt, he’s a genuinely lovely person, very calm and level headed, he’s not the type for drama and I think lots of women secretly love a bit of a bad boy, a bit of a chase, he often jokes he’d have more luck if he was a dickhead😂 and I honestly think that’s true! He is honestly one of the kindest and most genuine people I’ve ever met and I think he gives off a very calm, safe vibe which maybe a lot of women interpret as more of a friend, someone you can rely on, rather than a romantic “I want to rip your clothes off” partner. As a result he now has lots of female friends who were failed dates and now besties, but still no luck in the dating game!

I feel so bad for him! He sounds great and it's a shame that grown women are still looking for a 'bad boy' who will inevitably treat them that way.

OP posts:
MadameMassiveSalad · 20/07/2024 17:35

Oh op. You just haven't met the right person. You will. Then it won't be complicated & you won't need to second guess.

Could you ask your good friends to set you up with people?

Mrsttcno1 · 20/07/2024 17:35

youcantescapeyourownmindrose · 20/07/2024 17:27

That's interesting, why do you think that is?
Is he not flirting with them or something?

I think he just gives off friendly vibes rather than romantic vibes! I’ve been on double dates with him and others and he does flirt, he’s a genuinely lovely person, very calm and level headed, he’s not the type for drama and I think lots of women secretly love a bit of a bad boy, a bit of a chase, he often jokes he’d have more luck if he was a dickhead😂 and I honestly think that’s true! He is honestly one of the kindest and most genuine people I’ve ever met and I think he gives off a very calm, safe vibe which maybe a lot of women interpret as more of a friend, someone you can rely on, rather than a romantic “I want to rip your clothes off” partner. As a result he now has lots of female friends who were failed dates and now besties, but still no luck in the dating game!

youcantescapeyourownmindrose · 20/07/2024 17:33

Luio · 20/07/2024 17:32

Finding people attractive isn’t desperate or cringy. Flirting suggests that you might find them attractive, nothing more. Try it out and see how it goes.

I'll try it. I mean it'd feel embarrassing if they didn't respond and I just looked stupid.

OP posts:
Luio · 20/07/2024 17:32

youcantescapeyourownmindrose · 20/07/2024 16:28

I think I'm scared of flirting unless they've been clear they're interested. I'm worried it'll look cringy and desperate. I don't know why.

Finding people attractive isn’t desperate or cringy. Flirting suggests that you might find them attractive, nothing more. Try it out and see how it goes.

youcantescapeyourownmindrose · 20/07/2024 17:27

Mrsttcno1 · 20/07/2024 17:25

I don’t think chemistry can be forced/engineered and I honestly think some people do just give off “friend” vibes rather than “sex/relationship” vibes! One of my husband’s best friends is the perfect example of this, he’s tall, has a really good job, owns his own place, he’s very generous, he’s gorgeous and we always joke could be a model, he’s also one of the most lovely and kind people I’ve ever met, on paper he should have been snapped up years ago but he’s still single. Not for lack of trying he gets a LOT of interest, lots of women asking him for his number and asking him out, a couple of my friends over the years have asked us to arrange double dates because they were interested in him, but they all end up saying the same thing, he’s an amazing friend but there’s just not that chemistry there! There’s someone out there for everyone though and he’ll find his perfect woman one day, so will you, just be true to yourself! X

That's interesting, why do you think that is?
Is he not flirting with them or something?

OP posts:
Mrsttcno1 · 20/07/2024 17:25

I don’t think chemistry can be forced/engineered and I honestly think some people do just give off “friend” vibes rather than “sex/relationship” vibes! One of my husband’s best friends is the perfect example of this, he’s tall, has a really good job, owns his own place, he’s very generous, he’s gorgeous and we always joke could be a model, he’s also one of the most lovely and kind people I’ve ever met, on paper he should have been snapped up years ago but he’s still single. Not for lack of trying he gets a LOT of interest, lots of women asking him for his number and asking him out, a couple of my friends over the years have asked us to arrange double dates because they were interested in him, but they all end up saying the same thing, he’s an amazing friend but there’s just not that chemistry there! There’s someone out there for everyone though and he’ll find his perfect woman one day, so will you, just be true to yourself! X

youcantescapeyourownmindrose · 20/07/2024 17:18

I have quite a range of interests really and have generally found a lot of common ground with men I was previously interested in.
I appreciate the advice given and will take it on board.

OP posts:
ViciousCurrentBun · 20/07/2024 17:14

So what sort of interests do you have? Looks may be the first thing that attract but something in common is a must. You cannot make or force chemistry it’s there or it’s not. In fact moulding yourself is a huge mistake. Say you met someone who likes football or opera or fishing or jive and they spend time, money and energy on that hobby and you hate it. But you go along with it from day one to appear interested, then what ? Lots of people couple up with literally bugger all in common. Now in my fifties I see three friends divorcing because of this. It’s why loads of people break up once children leave. No kids anymore is no distraction and they have nothing in common at all.

Mls1984btc · 20/07/2024 17:10

I agree with @5128gap . However being a naturally flirty person with both men and women, I have been accused of misleading people before.

Oddly enough when it comes to someone I fancy, I turn into someone cold, standoffish and serious - not a good combination for someone to approach.

I am at that stage of my life now whereby I just stopped trying to figure out how to attract.

MrsTartanTeacosy · 20/07/2024 17:02

If someone makes you feel butterflies of possibility, that’s the person you naturally flirt with - your eye contact becomes longer/eyes dilate/your body will be positioned towards them, attention simply becomes focused…if you aren’t feeling it with these people maybe they aren’t with you. It’s all chemistry at the end of the day.

Practical tips - nice smelling shampoo, understated but interesting jewellery, neat nails, good bag/shors, enthusiasm for what you are talking about/doing, quiet confidence in yourself.

lookeelikee · 20/07/2024 16:44

False flirting doesn't cut it IMO. When you meet someone you are genuinely attracted to, you won't be able to help yourself. It'll be so natural, that they will pick up on the vibes.

Laiste · 20/07/2024 16:33

How attractive are you finding them?

Honestly it's hard to fake or boost 'chemistry'. If it's there it's there and if it's not, it's not, y'know?

Maybe they are liking you but can feel there's no genuine spark back.

If there is genuinely no natural spark back (from you) then it's better left alone. Perhaps when you meet 'the one' (one of the one's - there's more than one obvs) then you will both click.

TheSerenePinkOrca · 20/07/2024 16:32

Where are you meeting these men??

The best relationships often come from randomly meeting someone through a hobby where you have something quite specific in common.

You tend to meet people when you're not actually looking!

youcantescapeyourownmindrose · 20/07/2024 16:28

Luio · 20/07/2024 16:27

I agree with people saying that flirting makes a big difference. It makes people want to be around you because they feel attractive and it is fun.

I think I'm scared of flirting unless they've been clear they're interested. I'm worried it'll look cringy and desperate. I don't know why.

OP posts:
Luio · 20/07/2024 16:27

I agree with people saying that flirting makes a big difference. It makes people want to be around you because they feel attractive and it is fun.

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