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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To be mortified and so upset about how this date ended?

656 replies

AmberCatz · 23/09/2026 10:04

I met a guy a couple of months ago and we've been out a few times. I posted before about the first date being 11 hours long (he kept extending the day and I was happy to spend time). But although there had been affection and some hand holding we hadn't kissed yet - so this did make me suspicious about his interest. Its been stressing me out really.

Last night we went to a show with my best friend and her boyfriend. Afterwards, he suggested we all grab a drink at a nearby pub. had a great time and because I was off work today we kept going (and drinking, bad move). Basically we talked about how we were both single and open, then I asked if he'd like to kiss and he leaned in and kissed me. We made out for a while and then went to another bar where he instigated another make out and put his arm around me etc.

I haven't slept with anyone in a year and was keen to take him home. So i suggested it and he said he was too tired and needed to sleep before work. I immediately read he just wasn't interested and it hurt but I brushed it off. He said we'll meet 'some other time'

As we were trying to get me a taxi he kept walking ahead and became super distant. Finally I was like what gives and he says 'I'm not looking for anything romantic right now'. I think I messed up here because I then said he owed me an apology for leading me on. He refused, and said there's nothing wrong for enjoying one night and kissing. We had not an argument but a kind of tiff.

I'm now dead from the worst hungover for ages and feel terrible about how we left things. We have each other on social media and several mutual friends - do I need to apologise? I also feel like I threw myself out him and he isn't attracted to me so that feels terrible also.

OP posts:
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andfinallyhereweare · Today 05:59

@AmberCatz you've posted about him twice before where he has been confusing you, why no kiss, is he flaking/is it a real date? You haven’t been sure for a while what his intentions are so… maybe on his side it wasn’t romantic or he wasn’t sure, kissed you and felt no spark? No man who is interested would turn down sex for the first time with someone they want to have sex with, even if they have to work- this is hurtful yes, and it’s happens to everyone at some point. I’m sorry it happened to you, good for you for standing up for yourself maybe if someone makes you start 3 sepperate threads about them and their intentions that’s your answer. If their interested you don’t need to wonder if they are. Sorry op.

ladydan · Today 05:39

There’s a phrase that works here ‘if he wanted to, he would’
You don’t have to chase, ask or beg for affection or attention. How you handle this will set the tone for anything that follows so think carefully about how you want any potential relationship; respectful, honest & fair or always chasing?

HoraceCope · Today 04:42

i think you are better without a big drinker
you drank to excess yourself in the past.
no good comes of that

SweetnsourNZ · Today 02:47

Don't feel bad. It sounds like you are both looking for different levels in a date. Your heart is open for love and he is more interested in friendship dates with maybe a bit of affection.
If you still want to see him maybe have an honest conversation first about expectations.
The other thing, (and I mean this kindly, without judgement) is maybe lay of the alcohol a bit, at least until he gets to know you better. It could be affecting his view of you.

Gonnagetgoingreturnsagain · Today 02:36

Some men are just like this. Doesn’t help that he’s bisexual either. Forget him.

ThatJadeLion · Today 02:09

Some men are just like this. They're like this with other woman too. Don't take it personally. It's not pleasant and I can see why it stings. You've found out early. He's probably not the man for you.

GreenAcre100 · Today 02:01

Isn’t it better that he stopped instead of taking advantage of a drunk woman and then regretting a one-night stand? Imagine he had done that and ghosted. That’s even worse.

I reckon OP, he will be a distant memory soon and some other guy will be more than happy to step up!

ForNewHedgehog · Today 00:40

Are you sure he’s single?

Tinkalinkalink · Today 00:35

Ive read all you've said and I feel your hurt - ive been in somilar situations.

This guy is not for you .

He sounds shallow and you both sound incompatible.

Please , block delete on everything. Then you can recover quicker.

Take care

PunnyPlumPanda · Yesterday 23:23

I think he’s in the wrong, I think he shouldn’t be going on date s and kissing you if he doesn’t want anything romantic and I think k it’s awesome you called him out on it

dont be down, be proud. You showed him you respect yourself and what he did was wrong.

Bunny65 · Yesterday 23:11

He sounds like he's a bit of a charmer but not an easy person to have a relationship with. You are still in the "falling in love" stage so can only see him through that lens. Some people have various issues and are just not straightforward. Of course you thought he was interested when he was dancing attention on you and asking you out. In my experience it isn't the norm for a man to start getting really physical and then back off unless he has a girlfriend lurking elsewhere in the room. He may only want a one-nighter so it's not necessarily about commitment. But if he was tired, had to get up early the next day etc he wouldn't have snubbed you in such an unkind way. But you've probably had a lucky escape as he sounds like a heavy drinker. Once you meet someone else you like who's a better prospect you won't give him a second thought.

AmberCatz · Yesterday 21:56

@BeWorthyEagle lots of good points thanks! The reason for the slow burn early on was due to me - I was finishing my thesis and told him I couldn't see him for two weeks. At the end of that period he got in touch asking to go out.

But yes, it's not like he's been blowing up my phone between meets. I guess I told myself maybe he wanted to take it slow (and saw this as a good thing in contrast to my love bombing ex). I think he wasn't keen enough.

And I think he probably hasn't meant to hurt me and I'm sorry we'll now both miss out on the genuinely lovely parts of the connection. But I can't just be his friend - too hard.

OP posts:
AmberCatz · Yesterday 21:49

hang on @Venusunbroken - yes we first met an event - but he then initiated our next meet up which lasted 11 hours because he was keen to keep the day going. He paid for most of the drinks that day. The other night this week, he also insisted on paying for most of my drinks. He asked me to go to the show this week too (which turned into a group thing because my friends were going).

So sorry but I disagree with you on this, I think he did give me mixed signals and it is my lived experience after all.

OP posts:
Venusunbroken · Yesterday 21:41

BeWorthyEagle · Yesterday 21:17

Hope you’re feeling better OP, have read all your replies and had a few thoughts. I wonder if he also let himself get a bit carried away in the bar/pub after the drinks with the kissing and groping, and your invite back to yours was a bit of a wake up call that things had gone further than planned. As other posters mention, he does of course have a right to say no at any stage. But it sounds like it was the ‘not looking for anything romantic’ thing that actually hurt you and led to things getting unpleasant. And in that regard, I think you were fair enough to be hurt and annoyed. He took you out multiple times over several months, double date, snog fest and then says that, of course it was reading like a budding romantic connection to you.

You mentioned about ‘ruining’ it with your response but I would push back on that narrative and don’t let it get set up in your head. It sounds like, in hindsight, you can see he perhaps wasn’t quite ‘in it’ - lack of kissing previously suggests as much, as does quite a slow burn (you said this started in July - my experience is that men who are genuinely keen do not let things meander on for several months without making intentions clear). There’s nothing wrong with you OP, in your head you’re linking this with your weight/getting older etc but unlike you, he doesn’t have previous (‘better’) versions of you in his head that he’s comparing you now against! I would build a narrative in your own head about how it’s better to know this all NOW as you were clearly like emotionally invested in this budding relationship, and imagine if it had gone for another month or so, if things had calmed and you’d gone home separately after the kissing or worse if he’s gone home with you when not that interested. You would be even more hurt and upset. Probably, you were a bit over invested, more than it warranted at this stage, but we’ve all done it, full of hope and excitement at a new connection. You deserve someone who is just as excited about YOU.

I also have to object about the various posters really offensive comments basically saying that when he says hes bisexual it means he’s ‘secretly’ gay. How disappointing MN. I presume some people have never heard of the Kinsey Scale or how sexuality evolves through our lifetime is not necessarily a fixed point. Society has moved on in many ways but bi-erasure remains a problem clearly.

To be fair he didn’t take her out multiple times, they met at an event, and he met her once for coffee, he’s not actually taken her out even once , and she was very clear in her op the rejection of the sex thing hurt her, thats what started it.

i do agree though he prob got drunk and carried away with the snogging not realising she was into him so much, it was a mistake on both their parts. He thought harmless drunken fun, she thought sex and a relationship, as she had a major crush.

this thing never had legs, as they both wanted something different, and can’t be what the other wants, so in that, it’s served a purpose to clarify.

Danana · Yesterday 21:33

Monzo1ss · Yesterday 13:20

The thing is, you come across like an all or nothing person. Real life isn’t like that. Surely you’d know that at 33.

I’m younger than you and even I know there’s a difference between finding someone fuckable and wanting a relationship with them.

In your head, you’re assuming him fancying you meant he reciprocated everything you feel about him. Or that physical attraction means he likes the rest of you. The reality probably is that he finds you mildly/ reasonably attractive. You’re probably not the most attractive person to him, given he’s bi, and for whatever reason he wasn’t as into you as you are into him. In the moment he wasn’t into taking it further. His actions aren’t even that odd tbh.

I think you’re just lonely and were putting all your eggs into one basket. But most rational people would have heard a man say he’s bi and stay clear of catching feelings, because he’s into something you can’t give him?

Edited

“most rational people would have heard a man say he’s bi and stay clear of catching feelings because he’s into something you can’t give him” I’m hoping that I’ve misunderstood this because huh??

BeWorthyEagle · Yesterday 21:17

Hope you’re feeling better OP, have read all your replies and had a few thoughts. I wonder if he also let himself get a bit carried away in the bar/pub after the drinks with the kissing and groping, and your invite back to yours was a bit of a wake up call that things had gone further than planned. As other posters mention, he does of course have a right to say no at any stage. But it sounds like it was the ‘not looking for anything romantic’ thing that actually hurt you and led to things getting unpleasant. And in that regard, I think you were fair enough to be hurt and annoyed. He took you out multiple times over several months, double date, snog fest and then says that, of course it was reading like a budding romantic connection to you.

You mentioned about ‘ruining’ it with your response but I would push back on that narrative and don’t let it get set up in your head. It sounds like, in hindsight, you can see he perhaps wasn’t quite ‘in it’ - lack of kissing previously suggests as much, as does quite a slow burn (you said this started in July - my experience is that men who are genuinely keen do not let things meander on for several months without making intentions clear). There’s nothing wrong with you OP, in your head you’re linking this with your weight/getting older etc but unlike you, he doesn’t have previous (‘better’) versions of you in his head that he’s comparing you now against! I would build a narrative in your own head about how it’s better to know this all NOW as you were clearly like emotionally invested in this budding relationship, and imagine if it had gone for another month or so, if things had calmed and you’d gone home separately after the kissing or worse if he’s gone home with you when not that interested. You would be even more hurt and upset. Probably, you were a bit over invested, more than it warranted at this stage, but we’ve all done it, full of hope and excitement at a new connection. You deserve someone who is just as excited about YOU.

I also have to object about the various posters really offensive comments basically saying that when he says hes bisexual it means he’s ‘secretly’ gay. How disappointing MN. I presume some people have never heard of the Kinsey Scale or how sexuality evolves through our lifetime is not necessarily a fixed point. Society has moved on in many ways but bi-erasure remains a problem clearly.

MinnieM101 · Yesterday 20:57

thank you . Next . So a good woman once said . Don’t stress about him , if he’s being like that so early on then you have dodged a sly one .

Venusunbroken · Yesterday 20:25

AmberCatz · Yesterday 19:49

I also get the impression spending time with me was him being drawn to being 'good' - I was taking him to cultural events and places without alcohol. now discovered he spends most of his time in pubs and clubs. He revealed this week he's a smoker and trying to quit. had no idea as he never smoked in front of me.

But the fact he wanted to go out heavy drinking after going to the show suggests he still needs this to be a big part of his life. Not that it matters as he isn't bothered anyway (!) but have to acknowledge lifestyle differences anyway.

Gently you also wanted to go. It’s not like he forced you. You do appear to be acting like he dragged you along but I’m not sure that’s true.

stop over analysing, it’s fine, just move on,

AmberCatz · Yesterday 19:49

I also get the impression spending time with me was him being drawn to being 'good' - I was taking him to cultural events and places without alcohol. now discovered he spends most of his time in pubs and clubs. He revealed this week he's a smoker and trying to quit. had no idea as he never smoked in front of me.

But the fact he wanted to go out heavy drinking after going to the show suggests he still needs this to be a big part of his life. Not that it matters as he isn't bothered anyway (!) but have to acknowledge lifestyle differences anyway.

OP posts:
DuckbilledSplatterPuff · Yesterday 19:19

They do say that a change is as good as a rest @AmberCatz , so your island trip sounds great and something to look forward to .

MsPrufrockk · Yesterday 18:47

AmberCatz · Yesterday 18:43

@MsPrufrockk I had months of therapy last year. Did me the world of good and helped me to get strong again and take my Masters.

I was fine before this drunk night out. A bit fixated on this guy, but I was doing well. I think there's also a risk saying I need serious therapy when I had one horrible night getting smashed you know?

@woollensmashkin I feel I'm going in the other direction. I've had a few long term relationships and flings with guys who I thought were into me and you know what? They were into me! I read the signs right. This whole thing has made me mistrust my own judgement where romance is concerned like I'm getting worse at being able to tell. I do tend to overanalyse which is great for me at work, not so much elsewhere. Thing is, if I wasn't like this I doubt I'd be successful. Not helping my romantic life though.

I didn't say you needed serious therapy, I asked if you'd had it after such a rotten year last year, because the trauma you're feeling over someone you went on a few dates with seems disproportional.

AmberCatz · Yesterday 18:43

@MsPrufrockk I had months of therapy last year. Did me the world of good and helped me to get strong again and take my Masters.

I was fine before this drunk night out. A bit fixated on this guy, but I was doing well. I think there's also a risk saying I need serious therapy when I had one horrible night getting smashed you know?

@woollensmashkin I feel I'm going in the other direction. I've had a few long term relationships and flings with guys who I thought were into me and you know what? They were into me! I read the signs right. This whole thing has made me mistrust my own judgement where romance is concerned like I'm getting worse at being able to tell. I do tend to overanalyse which is great for me at work, not so much elsewhere. Thing is, if I wasn't like this I doubt I'd be successful. Not helping my romantic life though.

OP posts:
MsPrufrockk · Yesterday 18:27

AmberCatz · Yesterday 17:22

@MarilynMerlot I was actually in a great place before this occurred. As a mature student I just finished a Masters degree with a top result. But I am in a transitional phase of life.

I'm surprised I'm not doing better by now. I think it's to do with a) feelings for him particularly b) feeling early 30s pressure/feeling everyone else has someone and c) being a few months post-op and having feelings about my body and attractiveness. I am exercising and the scarring is much better now.

I was not in a happy place last year. I was depressed, made redundant, suffered several bereavements and a serious break up. I've since moved past all of that but this last week it's almost like I'm back there.

In your OP you said you've only been on 'a few dates with him'. I get that feelings can develop quickly for some people, with some people, but I think this has shown you're not in a position to be dating right now.

You went through so many awful things last year, have you had any therapy? Maybe that will help you get into a better position, mentally, in general, then you can throw yourself back into dating when you're actually ready.

woollensmashkin · Yesterday 18:23

AmberCatz · Yesterday 17:36

I feel like a lot of posts are suggesting I'm delusional to think he fancied me. Two of my friends thought he did. I also thought he did. I'm happy to accept whatever he did feel was not enough, and posters are gently trying to help by suggesting I may have seen more than was there. I don't deny this. Clearly not a go-er.

I am just saying that outside of Mumsnet, if some posters had seen us together leading up to this, would not think it crazy to think there was potential for more than friendship.

It would have been nice to clear the air with him outside of being hammered but maybe wouldn't help anyway.

I don't think there was no chemistry.

I think it's just learning nuances rather than assuming that because there's "some" chemistry or vibes you can automatically upgrade to progress things...

It's also easy to confuse anxiety for chemistry.

Do you have any ND traits?

I do and when I was younger I used to think that just because I had a good conversation with someone they were my "friend" or just because I had one great date that guy was then "my person".

And then lots of rumination and over thinking and over analysis!

Although I was pretty clever/accomplished in other ways, it took me longer than others to develop good situational judgement with dates.

I still have some quite strong emotions about things, but I've learned to have better judgement and step back and read situations better.

seanconneryseyebrow · Yesterday 18:06

AmberCatz · Yesterday 18:00

my friend just asked if I can petsit at her house on an amazing island in a couple of weeks time. as it happens, her friend who lives nearby has (definitely!) fancied me for ages. Not saying this is the answer, but may be a trip at the right time...

I think for the most part what happened was: I got top marks in my Masters because I've worked so hard this last year. It's been work, work, work. Meeting this guy I felt like letting loose and part of that was going out drinking like he often does. But I somehow forgot how detrimental this can be for me. Also a relative died last week.

@seanconneryseyebrow I was happy but drinking to excess and bringing down the way I usually see myself has knocked me. And yeah, I'm stressed about what comes next. Also - I've had lots of career success these last years but I want romance and connection too, you know? Sometimes it's like everyone else is married and you feel you're the only one that doesn't have love. But I know this reaction is not quite right, so I do need to sit with it. thank you.

Remember you are not defined by having a man! Focus on yourself and what you love - your friendships/interests/health. Really start living. And dating if you want - but don't put pressure on it otherwise you will pick the wrong guy just because he likes you. What about if you like him! You are the prize remember.

The island sounds fantastic but dont go cos the man, go because it will be awesome experience.

I say all of this as I have been exactly where you are. For me though it was divorce and I felt everyone else was married - i was the only single one in the group and was met with suspicion by many of my female friends as I was considered attractive and obviously after their fat, boring husbands, lolz. Anyway, I took my own advice, started really living - realised I actually bloody loved the single life. Did that for years, then found my person 18 months ago when I wasn't even looking!!! I get your biological clock is screaming at you - its a powerful thing, but don't settle. You sound fabulous and any man will be lucky to have you. YOu just have to work on yourself and your own self worth first. x

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