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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Feeling Down AIBU?

268 replies

MuchTerraine · 01/07/2025 16:40

I was messaging a guy online - good connection and daily chat but no chance of real life relationship. I’m fine with that and completely understand. We have good chats about our day to day life online and banter. I love it. I’ve never met him in real life.

Anyway, yesterday I think I gave away a bit too much info on my current living standards. I’ve put a lot of weight on but am now on a diet and in last few months and years I’ve let household standard slip - lights in several rooms don’t work and my house is very cluttered. I live alone after my partner died suddenly in 2010. There is currently no hot water or heating as I haven’t worked out how to work my new boiler. My bedding is ancient and needs replacing and my washing machine and car don’t work. I’ve put on loads of weight through overeating but in the past week lost a stone so I’m starting to get a grip on that.

He seemed surprised when I mentioned all this to him and became more business like and cold - but he gave me good advice.

Today’s the first day in ages he hasn’t messaged me. I miss his messages.and feel a sense of shame because I feel he’s likely backed away from me because of what I said about my living conditions.

Just to give context - in the past week I’ve really got a got a grip on both my weight and fitness and taken huge strides to make improvements in my living conditions -cleared loads etc. I’ve lost a stone in the past week and am doing cardio exercises and weights daily.

AIBU to miss his messages and feel sad he’s backed away?

OP posts:
MuchTerraine · 02/07/2025 14:47

Praying4Peace · 02/07/2025 11:38

Fan bloody tastic

Thank you. These encouraging comments mean a lot

OP posts:
ShamrockShenanigans · 02/07/2025 14:45

Have you done anything positive today OP?

MuchTerraine · 02/07/2025 14:40

JustPinkFinch · 02/07/2025 14:38

I'm enjoying reading your progress on this thread, OP. Little and often. Build some good habits. This time next year everything will look & feel different.

Yes you’re right.

I’m glad you enjoy reading my updates - that encourages me 😊

OP posts:
MuchTerraine · 02/07/2025 14:39

Lookuptotheskies · 02/07/2025 14:37

Can you tell us about your bed? What is holding you back from buying a new mattress and sheets?

People can have so many complex feelings about small things like this and if we know what your "stoppers" are maybe we can help you think around them.

Just not knowing how long a mattress is supposed to last for !

OP posts:
JustPinkFinch · 02/07/2025 14:38

I'm enjoying reading your progress on this thread, OP. Little and often. Build some good habits. This time next year everything will look & feel different.

Lookuptotheskies · 02/07/2025 14:37

Can you tell us about your bed? What is holding you back from buying a new mattress and sheets?

People can have so many complex feelings about small things like this and if we know what your "stoppers" are maybe we can help you think around them.

Lookuptotheskies · 02/07/2025 14:36

Oh wow yes if you are renting the landlord should sort the boiler. I said spend on sorting it but don't if you rent. Save the money for new bed and sheets etc.

I'm going to guess you keep putting off asking thinking you will tidy the house first? Honestly I am sure they will have seen much worse!!

I'd say please just bite the bullet and report the repair being needed. Then knowing they will be coming to have a look could motivate you clear the areas the boiler repair person would need to go in the flat.

Also as you are renting, I would absolutely look to move in the future and buy. Your aunt would I'm sure want you to have the security of a lovely little forever home somewhere.

Lanzarotelady · 02/07/2025 14:32

I would also look to buy out right a property, I am sorry OP, but paying rent whilst that money is in the bank is madness! You will not make more money in interest than what you're paying in rent

MuchTerraine · 02/07/2025 14:24

BountifulPantry · 02/07/2025 11:14

I second investing your inheritance in therapy and also someone to come and help you clean your house and organise your stuff. There are professionals who deal with this type of situation and won’t make you feel bad.

I also join productivity sessions online. It’s basically a zoom call with everyone cleaning/ working/ doing life admin or errands and you motivate each other. It’s via an app called Dubii and it’s about £6 per month which I feel is affordable. Sounds daft but when you see other people cracking on it motivates you!

Thanks for the heads up on this app! Glad it helps you. I haven’t heard of anything like this tbh !!

OP posts:
MuchTerraine · 02/07/2025 14:13

thepariscrimefiles · 02/07/2025 09:56

You shared too much with him. You've been really honest and revealed stuff that most people would hide until much later in the relationship. You've revealed the sort of things that most people would reveal to a therapist or counsellor whose role is to help and support their clients.

As a potential romantic partner he is probably thinking about how much help and support you would need from him and it might seem a bit too much.

Yes I completely agreed and feel I’ve been really naive and made myself potentially more vulnerable in revealing so much

OP posts:
MuchTerraine · 02/07/2025 14:09

TaupeRaven · 02/07/2025 09:43

OP, it sounds like you've had a really tough time and you've done incredibly well to start pulling things back.

I think often what we want/need/expect from people depends on our perceived relationship with them. So for example, your OP made me feel empathy and warmth for you. However, I had been dating a guy last year and when we went back to his for the first time, the state of his house and what that said to me about his standards was enough for me to end the budding relationship. Similar scenario, but very different wants and expectations. Does that make sense?

Thank you. ❤️

And yes your attitude definitely makes sense you did the right thing

OP posts:
MuchTerraine · 02/07/2025 14:00

Sorry meant to say felt down * not die ! in my post above for some reason can’t edit

OP posts:
MuchTerraine · 02/07/2025 12:56

ShamrockShenanigans · 02/07/2025 12:43

At the home of a family member?

Sorry I’ve just realised 2 days ago was Monday so just for clarity not Tuesday but Monday 30th June

OP posts:
JumpingDizzy · 02/07/2025 12:55

Hi @MuchTerraine . Just want to say well done in your achievements. I've recently lost a friend who sounded so like you. She wouldn't let anyone in though. It's good you're making changes.

Your aunt would want you to live a long healthy life and enjoy your inheritance.
Please don't tell anyone new about the money. You may make friends in real life once you get fitter and go out and about. People can be grabby. Your money is yours.

Get the boiler sorted asap. The landlord should have done that.

Keep chatting to us. And keep documenting your achievements here. Then you have it to look back on.

MuchTerraine · 02/07/2025 12:55

Just wanted to say once more thank you all.

You lovely lot saved me last night when I was struggling and therefore gave the stamina to do recycling for 2 and a half hours straight even though I felt die due to the loss of a relationship.

I was missing this guy last night so much that I was tempted to private message him but you’ll be pleased to know I didn’t - and your comments on this thread helped me not do that

i strongly feel that if someone wants to back away from me I should just let em go

but thank you all ❤️

OP posts:
TaupeRaven · 02/07/2025 12:52

OP please keep chatting to people and being so proactive in taking on board advice, as well as keeping up the momentum with the clearing out etc 😊

I've seen a friend descend into what I can only describe as a pit of misery that I don't think he'll ever work his way out of. It started with a couple of terrible events that couldn't have been avoided and would knock anyone for six, but has ended up with his house being overrun with clutter and filth, he rarely showers, never leaves the house, has gained so much weight he's immobile, and so on. It's incredibly sad, and I'm heartened to hear how determined you ar eto make changes.

MuchTerraine · 02/07/2025 12:44

ShamrockShenanigans · 02/07/2025 12:43

At the home of a family member?

Sports centre

OP posts:
ShamrockShenanigans · 02/07/2025 12:43

MuchTerraine · 02/07/2025 12:38

Tuesday- 2 days ago

At the home of a family member?

MuchTerraine · 02/07/2025 12:38

ShamrockShenanigans · 02/07/2025 12:37

Ok, have you never mentioned it to your Landlord in 1 year and 8 months?

This is a very personal question so please feel free to ignore it, but when was the last time you had a bath or a shower?

No I’ve not mentioned it to my landlord

OP posts:
MuchTerraine · 02/07/2025 12:38

ShamrockShenanigans · 02/07/2025 12:37

Ok, have you never mentioned it to your Landlord in 1 year and 8 months?

This is a very personal question so please feel free to ignore it, but when was the last time you had a bath or a shower?

Tuesday- 2 days ago

OP posts:
ShamrockShenanigans · 02/07/2025 12:37

MuchTerraine · 02/07/2025 12:34

Since around November 2023

Ok, have you never mentioned it to your Landlord in 1 year and 8 months?

This is a very personal question so please feel free to ignore it, but when was the last time you had a bath or a shower?

MuchTerraine · 02/07/2025 12:34

ShamrockShenanigans · 02/07/2025 12:27

How long have you had the new boiler OP?

As you're renting, the landlord should sort that out or send someone round to do it.

Since around November 2023

OP posts:
5128gap · 02/07/2025 12:30

MuchTerraine · 02/07/2025 11:55

Update - he’s been in touch once or twice but the subjects are much more superficial and general and less personal if that makes sense

For example if the World Cup were on,talking about the World Cup and not personal stuff if this makes sense

Then follow his lead. Keep things light and chatty. Clearly he enjoyed your conversations too, even though he backed off when things moved into less comfortable waters, so your ability to build a friendship and have a person enjoy chatting with you is another positive to add to your growing list!

MuchTerraine · 02/07/2025 12:29

Vroomfondleswaistcoat · 02/07/2025 12:21

OP. this might be a difficult question to answer, but are you willing to spend the money on improving your life? Because I'm a bit worried that you might be holding the money 'safely' as a protective instinct. But honestly you will feel so much better if you splash out and get things in the house put right, that the boost to your mental health will be worth any financial outlay you need to make.

The question you’ve asked is a valid and reasonable one and one I’ve thought about myself.

in the investments I’ve made since inheriting - I’m due to earn around the £35000 mark in interest for the whole calendar year of 2025. I made sure I locked a lot of the money in bonds.

As you say I shouldn’t be reluctant to spend the money on improving my life.

A lot of the bonds are due to mature in November

OP posts:
ShamrockShenanigans · 02/07/2025 12:27

How long have you had the new boiler OP?

As you're renting, the landlord should sort that out or send someone round to do it.