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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Will I be able expected to DTD?

115 replies

Paladinski · 19/01/2026 21:48

I’ve met a really nice man OLD after meeting several very disappointing ones with red flags all over the place.
I’ve not had any red flags from him at all and he’s a gentleman, we’ve had four dates and each time he’s arranged a taxi for me home and paid etc, he’s very complimentary and has told me he’s smitten with me, without being smothering in any way. It all seems a bit too good to be true to be honest because in the past I’ve made very poor choices with men who have been abuse and destroyed my confidence, so I’m extremely cautious.

He has suggested we go away for a night, his treat, for our next date, but I’m nervous as we haven’t had sex only kissed so far. I’m in my late 50’s for goodness sake - I was never this nun-like in my past!

I’m Im guessing he’s expecting intimacy so why am I suddenly so shy? Any advice anyone- sorry this should probably be in Relationships rather than AIBU.

OP posts:
DDivaStar · 19/01/2026 22:28

Livelovebehappy · 19/01/2026 22:16

I’d be suggesting maybe him coming to your place for a meal? That way there’s no pressure, and if you want to have sex on the night, you can do without setting expectations, and if you don’t feel ready, he can just go back home after the meal. I think if you go away somewhere, and he’s paying, it kind of puts pressure on for things to happen, mainly because you’re both there overnight. And although he’s coming across as a gentleman, still be cautious. It’s very early days, and people can sell themselves as this perfect person after only four weeks.

A night away definitely puts on to much expectation and pressure. You'll be vulnerable aay from home.

Just let it take its natural course.

tachetastic · 19/01/2026 22:28

I would suggest that you find a reason not to go away with this man for the time being. He sounds lovely and it may be that you have a wonderful future together, but you don't sound 100% sure yet.

It is always entirely up to you when you are ready to move to the next level, but if you have had four romantic dates and then you agree to go to a hotel for your next date, then the message you are sending could suggest that you are open to a sexual relationship. Which is fine, wonderful even, if you are. But if you know that you're not then maybe better to stay on familiar ground for a few more dates at least.

And delaying sex by a few weeks will not harm your relationship if he is a man that is worth your time, but rushing into sex that you are not ready for could do harm. Is it worth the risk?

Paladinski · 19/01/2026 22:27

Regarding the taxis I have usually gone over in his direction (more and better options on restaurants and bars) and have got a lift over then he’s insisted on getting me home safely.

OP posts:
Wapentake · 19/01/2026 22:26

Paladinski · 19/01/2026 22:16

Thanks for all your responses, it just feels very intimate so soon, plus I suffer from insomnia which is fine when you’re alone in your own bed, but I can’t imagine being away and unable to sleep.
He is very understanding and I know if I said it was too soon he would be absolutely fine, but I just can’t work out why my sex drive or desire has disappeared…age? Hormones?

I’m ready to have sex with someone loooong before I’d be contemplating sleeping in the same bed as them.

Nosdacariad · 19/01/2026 22:26

Owly11 · 19/01/2026 22:12

'It all seems too good to be true'. Then it is. Be careful. I wouldn't be going away with someone so soon.

This

TheatreTheatre · 19/01/2026 22:26

Going away for a night after 4 dates seems quick to me.

Why go away? Is it a specific event or outing that you are both interested in?

Why can’t he just ‘ask you in for coffee’?

Are you sure he isn’t married?

Sorry to be suspicious.

babyproblems · 19/01/2026 22:26

If you want to DTD, go for it.. if you aren’t sure, book something further down the line and don’t go yet.
i hope it goes however you want it to @Paladinski ! Totally understand being shy.. I’m so so shy when it comes to intimacy so I have no advice on that but if it was me and I was happy to go, I’d probably have a few drinks to get over the ridiculous shyness 😂

Flyingwithwings9 · 19/01/2026 22:25

I think this is a very personal decision between the people concerned. It wouldn't be for me after 4 dates although that's purely because I'd have to be 100% certain there was more to it than a sexual conquest. If I was absolutely convinced he was relationship material & he made it clear then I'd consider it. I'm not sure that's possible after 4 dates though. Ultimately it's your decision. Whatever you decide I hope it works out for you.

InterestedDad37 · 19/01/2026 22:25

Paladinski · 19/01/2026 22:16

Thanks for all your responses, it just feels very intimate so soon, plus I suffer from insomnia which is fine when you’re alone in your own bed, but I can’t imagine being away and unable to sleep.
He is very understanding and I know if I said it was too soon he would be absolutely fine, but I just can’t work out why my sex drive or desire has disappeared…age? Hormones?

Obviously it's totally up to you, but I'd suggest it's a bit too much too soon. Tell him that, and if he respects that, then you can take it from there.
NOBODY should expect sex as some kind of payback for taxis (you imply you think this isn't the case, but it still might be).
The whole 'paying for your taxis home' thing is also a bit odd, imho. Depends on what sorts of people you are, I guess 😀

MiffedatMP · 19/01/2026 22:24

Paladinski · 19/01/2026 22:16

Thanks for all your responses, it just feels very intimate so soon, plus I suffer from insomnia which is fine when you’re alone in your own bed, but I can’t imagine being away and unable to sleep.
He is very understanding and I know if I said it was too soon he would be absolutely fine, but I just can’t work out why my sex drive or desire has disappeared…age? Hormones?

You do not have to do ANYTHING you don't want to do. Or before you are ready to do it. You are your own woman!

ExtraOnions · 19/01/2026 22:22

You’ve only met him 4 times, it’s fine not to want to have sex this early on.

DameOfThrones · 19/01/2026 22:22

Hankunamatata · 19/01/2026 22:18

Perhaps postpone going away if your not ready.

If he is paying for everything then I'd stop letting him

Yes, 1 million % stop letting him pay for things you should be paying for, especially your taxis!

You need a more even footing than that.

When some blokes pay for everything they often expect sex at some point in return.

CalmShaker · 19/01/2026 22:20

Simple solution would be to book 2 rooms with a connecting door. You can by a door wedge for less then a fiver, if you're not feeling it just put it under from your side and say you're dairy intolerant

TheLadyWithoutTheLamp · 19/01/2026 22:19

Paladinski · 19/01/2026 22:16

Thanks for all your responses, it just feels very intimate so soon, plus I suffer from insomnia which is fine when you’re alone in your own bed, but I can’t imagine being away and unable to sleep.
He is very understanding and I know if I said it was too soon he would be absolutely fine, but I just can’t work out why my sex drive or desire has disappeared…age? Hormones?

Get your hormone levels checked?

Maybe you just don't fancy him much

Hankunamatata · 19/01/2026 22:18

Perhaps postpone going away if your not ready.

If he is paying for everything then I'd stop letting him

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 19/01/2026 22:18

Livelovebehappy · 19/01/2026 22:16

I’d be suggesting maybe him coming to your place for a meal? That way there’s no pressure, and if you want to have sex on the night, you can do without setting expectations, and if you don’t feel ready, he can just go back home after the meal. I think if you go away somewhere, and he’s paying, it kind of puts pressure on for things to happen, mainly because you’re both there overnight. And although he’s coming across as a gentleman, still be cautious. It’s very early days, and people can sell themselves as this perfect person after only four weeks.

A disagree, and invite to hers for dinner definitely implies sex is on the cards

Imisscoffee2021 · 19/01/2026 22:18

Paladinski · 19/01/2026 22:16

Thanks for all your responses, it just feels very intimate so soon, plus I suffer from insomnia which is fine when you’re alone in your own bed, but I can’t imagine being away and unable to sleep.
He is very understanding and I know if I said it was too soon he would be absolutely fine, but I just can’t work out why my sex drive or desire has disappeared…age? Hormones?

Biologically some women do lose interest in sex when they stop ovulating, but itndoesnt mean you can't reignite in some way and enjoy with the right partner, but part of that will involve being open with him about it and working out what works for you both.

Alittlefrustrated · 19/01/2026 22:18

I think asking for seperate rooms wouldn't go well - far better not to go and explain that it's too soon for you. He's definitely wanting sex.
If he reacts badly to this, then that's a red flag for me.

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 19/01/2026 22:17

If you haven’t slept together yet then I’d reply

‘I’d love to go away together. Please can you book two room 😊’. If he is genuine he should respect that you want your space, and you MIGHT want to dtd but it’s still nicer to have your own space. If he is in any way reluctant then say you’d only book a trip sharing a room with someone you were already in a relationship with

Livelovebehappy · 19/01/2026 22:16

I’d be suggesting maybe him coming to your place for a meal? That way there’s no pressure, and if you want to have sex on the night, you can do without setting expectations, and if you don’t feel ready, he can just go back home after the meal. I think if you go away somewhere, and he’s paying, it kind of puts pressure on for things to happen, mainly because you’re both there overnight. And although he’s coming across as a gentleman, still be cautious. It’s very early days, and people can sell themselves as this perfect person after only four weeks.

Imisscoffee2021 · 19/01/2026 22:16

Expecting something doesn't mean getting something. It's best to talk about this prior to getting there if you are worried.

Paladinski · 19/01/2026 22:16

Thanks for all your responses, it just feels very intimate so soon, plus I suffer from insomnia which is fine when you’re alone in your own bed, but I can’t imagine being away and unable to sleep.
He is very understanding and I know if I said it was too soon he would be absolutely fine, but I just can’t work out why my sex drive or desire has disappeared…age? Hormones?

OP posts:
TwistedWonder · 19/01/2026 22:16

TheLadyWithoutTheLamp · 19/01/2026 21:59

He might want to have sex. If you don't want to, then don't

However I'd make that clear to him before he pays for the break, or pay for yourself

I think, for me, I'd be wary of letting a man pay for all dates/taxis. I wouldn't like that

Must admit I’m similar age to the OP and I wouldn’t be letting a man pay for everything.

I think he’s obviously expecting sex when you go away for the weekend. You’re under no obligation to have sex with him before you’re ready but if you’re not then I think letting him pay for a weekend away is sending out the wrong signals.

If you’re not sure, offer to pay for your own room then you have the option to sleep separately or together depending on how you feel at the time.

WallaceinAnderland · 19/01/2026 22:15

You sound like you are not ready so don't feel obliged. Why does he pay for the taxi every time. After four dates, that's a bit much OP.

If you want to go away I second the suggestion of separate rooms. Be honest with him, tell him you're not there yet and you'd like to get to know him better. But pay your way from now on.

Owly11 · 19/01/2026 22:12

'It all seems too good to be true'. Then it is. Be careful. I wouldn't be going away with someone so soon.