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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think “I get bored quickly” is one of the worst things a man can say?

39 replies

NoveltyFatigue · 12/11/2025 14:48

It always makes my stomach drop a bit when a man says this. “I get bored easily” or “I get bored quickly”, it sounds harmless at first but the more I hear it, the more I think that’s a warning.

It feels like a quiet threat, like no matter who you are or how well things are going, they’re already planning their exit once the novelty wears off. It’s one thing to enjoy variety or spontaneity but to label people as “boring” once things get familiar? That feels dismissive.

Maybe I’m taking it too personally. Maybe it’s just a harmless personality quirk. But to me, it signals low emotional stamina and a lack of depth. Like if things aren’t constantly stimulating, they check out.

AIBU to feel this is one of the worst things you can hear, especially as a woman dating men?

OP posts:
MsSmartShoes · 12/11/2025 16:04

That’s your cue to say “lovely to meet you, I don’t think it’s going to work. Best of luck”.

randomchap · 12/11/2025 15:53

"I'm an Alpha male and follow Andrew Tate" is much worse

tarheelbaby · 12/11/2025 15:18

KimberleyClark · 12/11/2025 15:05

Or “only boring people get bored.”

exactly.
Except, if he's the 'type' to get bored quickly, he might not comprehend ...

honeylulu · 12/11/2025 15:16

It's useful to hear though as you know not to waste your time with them. I'm sure I dated a few guys like that in my youth. Seemed head over heels mad about me one week, indifferent a week later, then suddenly never seen again. Hurtful and confusing.

It' also seems very immature, never properly settling or exploring anything in proper depth (not just relationships but learning, careers, neighbourhoods etc). How shallow to just coast through life jumping from new shiny thing to new shiny thing. It seems very unsatisfying!

EatingHealthy · 12/11/2025 15:06

Depends on the context and what you're looking for.

KimberleyClark · 12/11/2025 15:05

tarheelbaby · 12/11/2025 14:56

I know what you mean. At least they're putting it out there.

You could always reply with, 'Yep and that is one of the things I find most boring.'😂

Or “only boring people get bored.”

MrsTerryPratchett · 12/11/2025 15:03

If they've build an interesting life, with hobbies, volunteering and travel, and it's a way to modestly explain that, I'd let it slide. Sort of like "oh you're so amazing having saved all those donkeys from certain death" "well LOL I get bored easily" would be fine.

W0tnow · 12/11/2025 15:02

It would turn me right off. It’s like a subtle form of manipulation or negging. Like, it’s up to YOU to keep things fresh because I’M the dog’s bollocks.

HundredMilesAnHour · 12/11/2025 15:00

Or it could just mean they have ADHD.

tapaw · 12/11/2025 15:00

Even if true, it's an idiotic thing to say. Red flag.

Burntt · 12/11/2025 14:58

Yeah not someone to build a life with. Housework is boring, childcare can be boring, cooking, etc etc. you will get lumped with all that. And then live under the fear that normal sex will be seen as vanilla so you need to do things you are not comfortable with to avoid being boring. Spending time with your friends and family doing things he may not have chosen will be boring. Just no

tarheelbaby · 12/11/2025 14:56

I know what you mean. At least they're putting it out there.

You could always reply with, 'Yep and that is one of the things I find most boring.'😂

smallglassbottle · 12/11/2025 14:53

It means they're immature and selfish.

Arlanymor · 12/11/2025 14:50

I think it's one of the best things as I know to steer clear of people who essentially put their need for stimulation and entertainment solely on their partner. Red flag noted...