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It would be weird, wouldn't it, to contact a man I like more than five years since I last heard from him?

98 replies

wallflowerchild · 25/07/2025 19:09

He's a man I used to work with. I always liked him and I think maybe he liked me too.

I've seen people on MN say that if a man really likes you he'll always make a move, however shy he is. So that suggests he didn't like me.

But, we worked together and he was an over thinker, always second guessing himself. I can imagine him panicking that it would be sexual harassment in the workplace if he asked me out and I said no.

But then, even when we stopped working together he didn't. But neither did I. We both still work for the same company but different branches so we never see each other.

I'm worried that if I get in touch now after all this time it'll look like I've just run out of other options and I've finally got around to him. But I never had any other options, I just never had the courage.

For all I know he might not even be single anymore.

I was wondering if I just send a breezy "Hi, long time no see, how are you?" type message and then depending on how/ if he replies ask if he wants to meet up, would that be weird?

We always got on really well and I miss him.

OP posts:
PinkPauline · 26/07/2025 13:42

Well done for being brave@wallflowerchild I am really hoping this works out for you🤞.

tripleginandtonic · 26/07/2025 13:44

wallflowerchild · 25/07/2025 19:14

Oh well. I'll just have to move on then.

If you're replying to just the one thread that says give up before you start I think you like the daydream of being with him more than the reality. So I'd leave it.

tripleginandtonic · 26/07/2025 13:45

Sorry ignore the above post, you've sent the message well done to you.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 26/07/2025 17:43

Goody2ShoesAndTheFilthyBeast · 25/07/2025 19:11

It's weird, yes

Absolutely not. It's fine to say how are you to someone you got on well with.

If you want it less weird
Then think of an excuse like 'I was just in pizza express for first time post pandemic and thought of you' if you went there together

JMSA · 26/07/2025 17:57

wallflowerchild · 26/07/2025 13:23

Message sent. 😮

Whoop! Please keep us posted 😊

wallflowerchild · 26/07/2025 18:04

He replied very quickly to my message, said it was great to hear from me. We exchanged a couple of messages, but he hasn't replied to my last one, sent just before 2:00.

So either he's busy or he's not interested in continuing the conversation.

I suppose if he doesn't reply by tomorrow then that's it.

OP posts:
EBearhug · 26/07/2025 18:14

It's the weekend- I'd assume busy before anything else.

LaLaLandDreams · 26/07/2025 18:17

I despise when men from the past contact me. It looks desperate.

Notquitegrownup2 · 26/07/2025 18:21

If chalk up the reply as a win, OP, but cool it a bit now. After 5 years, you can wait a day or two between messages. Don't appear too desperate. Let things develop - or not - in their own time. . .

Notquitegrownup2 · 26/07/2025 18:22

I'd - not If!

wallflowerchild · 26/07/2025 18:23

Notquitegrownup2 · 26/07/2025 18:21

If chalk up the reply as a win, OP, but cool it a bit now. After 5 years, you can wait a day or two between messages. Don't appear too desperate. Let things develop - or not - in their own time. . .

Yes, I'm not going to message him again unless he replies.

OP posts:
Justchilling07 · 26/07/2025 18:28

wallflowerchild · 25/07/2025 19:29

OK, so most people seem to think it's too weird.

I was always just hoping that something would happen at work that would make our paths cross but it never did.

I don’t think it’s weird.It doesn’t matter though, what other people think, he’s on your mind, nothing ventured nothing gained.
Do it, send him a message, then at least you’ll know.

Justchilling07 · 26/07/2025 18:30

wallflowerchild · 26/07/2025 13:23

Message sent. 😮

Just seen your update.

maxandru · 26/07/2025 18:31

If you’re unlikely to see him anyway, definitely contact him. What have you got to lose?

wallflowerchild · 30/07/2025 12:21

Well it's been four days and still no reply so I guess it's safe to say he's not interested.

But sad, but at least I know now.

OP posts:
HappiestSleeping · 30/07/2025 12:25

Do you know he received your previous message? I'd give him one final one, then leave it. Two nonresponses is definitive. One isn't.

GasPanic · 30/07/2025 12:27

It's not weird at all.

Most kind people will just give you the brush off in a polite way if possible if they are not interested in staying in contact.

If they are rude or unkind to you then probably not a person worth bothering with anyway, says more about them than you.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

PinkPauline · 30/07/2025 12:29

Ah sorry to hear that update @wallflowerchild as you say at least you know now. Hopefully you can put any thoughts of him to the back of your mind now. I definitely wouldn’t be sending any more messages. Onwards and upwards! Good luck!

NoCommentingFromNowOn · 30/07/2025 12:30

Keep the message open, ie don’t block him, and know that you 100% did the right thing. If you hadn’t you might find that you had horrible regrets in the future.

Blanketwrap · 30/07/2025 12:37

Yes, it's a bit weird, but does that matter?

I've developed a "what's the worst that can happen?" approach to life to help me take/make opportunities. OK so he might think you're weird or be married, you'll be momentarily embarrassed and life will return to exactly as it is now.

Otoh, it could start something wonderful.

wallflowerchild · 30/07/2025 13:21

Thanks everyone who posted encouragement and kind words.

I won't send another message, but I won't block him either.

OP posts:
SaintGermain · 30/07/2025 13:55

I’m sorry if you feel upset but I was the first one to tell you that he wasn’t interested.

Men as a rule don’t wait for a woman to seek them out.

It would be weird, wouldn't it, to contact a man I like more than five years since I last heard from him?
idrinkandiknowthings · 30/07/2025 14:04

I was online friends with a guy for 8 years before I finally properly noticed him. I messaged him (admittedly wine-fuelled) one evening and he replied instantly. We had a thing for 8 months before it fizzled out.

OP, life is too fucking short. Message him. He may not reply, or he may be married or in a relationship, or he'll end up being the great love of your life.

Laughlikeadrain · 30/07/2025 14:11

Ah well. At least you know now. Was completely the right decision.

idrinkandiknowthings · 30/07/2025 14:13

Ahhh, just seen your update. What a shame. At least you tried 🤗

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