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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To wish people would stop insisting I should be trying to be in a couple

175 replies

dawnacorns · 04/11/2018 14:17

I'm a lp and have been for years. Pretty happy with how things stand after an abusive marriage, have found out what I enjoy, made new friends and travelled a bit. Also, I don't fancy a blended family tbh. Nothing wrong with it, just don't fancy the aggro of it.
One or two friends just keep on about meeting someone, why don't I, etc. I've said I'm fine as I am. If I happened one day to meet someone lovely then great. If not then I'm fine as I am. Yet it doesn't seem to be enough and every time I see them they are on about it. Or about single people being too picky, or other variations. Why don't they just stop it. Or AIBU

OP posts:
IcedPurple · 04/11/2018 22:47

Galatea,

I'm happy that you're happy with your husband and understand that for many people, a loving long-term relationship is one of the most important things in their life, even if it's not an aim for me.

Now, how about you do some of us the same favour and accept that just because something makes you happy, the same is not true for everyone?

Edendal · 04/11/2018 22:53

I was in an abusive marriage. With a great deal of effort I left as I wanted my girls to see that was not how to treat a wife and mother.

I have zero interest in getting a 3rd (man)child.

I do have many friends who cannot bare to be single. They are either hunting for a man and emotionally investing in him while palming off their children on friends and family. Or they are in a new relationship and miserable in a blended family unit. Or they are married to the father of their children, and he treats them all appallingly...but its okay, they are married and he's the dad and its 'what they do'.

I know of one friend who has a husband who has made a big mistake in the past, however in 5 years he has done all he can to make things right. He is kind, thoughtful, a hardworker and a real family man. If I could find a man like that (not the same one, unlike the common believe being a lp makes you a man eater of other women's husbands ) I might consider being in a relationship with him. But only if we don't live in the same house. I don't want to share my living space with a man again. Or anyone who is not my child.

I actually pity my friends in relationships, life seems a hell of a lot harder than being a lp.

Jungster · 04/11/2018 23:05

Must check out some of the recommended books.

I used to think that it would be scary to grow old alone, now I see how far I've grown, I realised I'm brave enough to grow old alone and ENJOY it and I think the scariest thing is to need somebody else in order to enjoy life. I like people though.

Jungster · 04/11/2018 23:08

@galateadunkel, no you don't always get back what you put in.

Wonderful for you that you have what you need and need what you have but it might be hindering your personal growth.

Jungster · 04/11/2018 23:16

@galeteadunkel

Interesting, look at this quote from Bella dePaulo. I've tried to bold the statement that she says when uttered by single people is met with disbelief and confusion!

The widespread stereotyping and discrimination against people who are single has long gone unrecognized, unnamed, and unchallenged. Bella DePaulo, Ph.D., calls it SINGLISM. In this collection, she defines singlism and shows where it is lurking in the workplace, the marketplace, and the media, in advertising, religion, and pseudoscience, in our universities and professional societies, in laws and policies, and in our everyday lives. Dr. DePaulo takes on the issue of why singlism persists - often without apology or even awareness - at a time when so many other isms are considered shameful. Drawing from social science research, she also explains why the simple statement, "I am happy," when uttered by a person who is single, can elicit paroxysms of hostility, denial, and scorn. "Singlism: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Stop It" also includes contributions from a wide range of authors, experts, activists, and cutting-edge thinkers. They share their understandings of singlism and their stories of standing up to it, and they inspire us all to live our lives fully and joyfully. The book also includes a section on singlism's cousin - the stereotyping and stigmatizing of adults with no children. Contributors to "SINGLISM" 1.Lisa A., Ph.D. 2.Rev. Mark Almlie 3.Gina Barreca, Ph.D. 4.Steven Bereznai 5.Wendy Braitman 6.Rachel Buddeberg 7.Christina Campbell 8.Thomas F. Coleman, J. D. 9."Crimson" 10.Karen Foster 11.Page Gardner 12.Rajiv Garg 13.Jaclyn Geller, Ph.D. 14.Nicky Grist 15.Jeanine 16.Rachel F. Moran, J.D. 17.Wendy L. Morris, Ph.D. 18.Yasmin Nair 19.Monica Pignotti, Ph.D. 20.Psyngle 21.Rev. Ann Schranz 22.Singlutionary 23.Rachel Stone 24.E. Kay Trimberger, Ph.D. 25.John Ullman 26.Helen W. 27.Wendy Wasson, Ph.D. 28.Eleanore Wells

JacquesHammer · 05/11/2018 06:46

Thank goodness we’ve got a man on the thread to tell us we’re all Quite Wrong

GalateaDunkel · 05/11/2018 08:24

It would be rather boring if everyone just came along and said "yes" - i didn't realise AIBU? was rhetorical.

The thing is that you all have children, so you got what you wanted. If you had always known that men added nothing to your life - would you have had children ?

Increasing numbers of men are swearing off relationships with women, saying that it is not worth it and men would be absolutely crazy to consider a relationship with women and they should instead focus on themselves. They just see women as something they use for sex, but would never consider investing any effort or time in them.

Such men are usually called losers on here and elsewhere. Misogynists even.

If you feel they are happy and empowered and you fully support them in their own choices then that's fine and infact you should support them too no ?

GalateaDunkel · 05/11/2018 08:24

Sorry - you don't all have children, but some of you do.

JacquesHammer · 05/11/2018 08:37

The thing is that you all have children, so you got what you wanted. If you had always known that men added nothing to your life - would you have had children

Yes.

Such men are usually called losers on here and elsewhere. Misogynists even

MN isn’t a hive mind.

GalateaDunkel · 05/11/2018 08:42

Who would you have had children with ?

GalateaDunkel · 05/11/2018 08:43

Such men are usually called losers on here and elsewhere. Misogynists even

So you don't think this ? Your answer is mealy mouthed.

Ragwort · 05/11/2018 08:52

I agree with Jung, I think it is quite sad when people are dependent on other people, whether it be a partner or a child, for their state of happiness. For me (& I know that everyone is different) I am grateful for a state of contentment in myself, I don’t need a man/woman or child in my life - yes of course it is nice to have relationships but I don’t need them to make me feel ‘complete’ as a person.
I have two good single friends A & B; A is wealthy, great career, £1m house, great social life, lots of holidays, high achieving children - but is desperate for a man in her life. B lives modestly on a pension, small home, one weekend away a year, no children (by choice), B is far more happy & content with her lifestyle than A. True contentment surely comes from being comfortable in your own skin & with your own company.

JacquesHammer · 05/11/2018 08:54

Who would you have had children with ?

Sperm donor?

At the time I was happy to be in a relationship. Now I’m not.

So you don't think this ? Your answer is mealy mouthed

If a male is “using a woman for sex” and they’re BOTH aware of the situation and consenting I have no issue. If a man is using a woman for sex under the guise of promising more then yes, I have a problem.

It wasn’t a “mealy mouthed” answer. You can’t argue a point because “MN has said....” when MN is full of a wide variety of opinions.

GalateaDunkel · 05/11/2018 08:55

I think it is quite sad when people are dependent on other people

I would agree with that.

GalateaDunkel · 05/11/2018 08:56

Well - qualify dependent on them for any feelings happiness or fulfilment. Depending on someone is not necessarily a sign of weakness in and of itself.

InkyGrail · 05/11/2018 09:02

Relationships take a lot of effort. They can be rewarding but you still have to put in time, energy, attention and so on. I've found since I spent that energy on interests outside of relationships my professional and creative life has flourished.

I'd much rather carry on this way. Maybe at some point in the future, I'd change my mind, but tbh I only have a finite amount of energy to spend. I like to spend it on parenting, yes, but also on endeavours that are about more than just living with someone / being in an LTR. For me, that's a bit pedestrian and I want more in my life.

I think that being in love is amazing and enjoyable. Been giddy in love more than once and it's great. But I also think that fulfilling creative, spiritual and psychological drives is exactly as powerful, if not more. It's another kind of love, something that feels more encompassing. I'd not sacrifice that very easily.

Of course, maybe you can have both of these things. But until I have the bandwidth for both I'll choose no relationship.

GalateaDunkel · 05/11/2018 09:12

Sperm donor?

There aren't many men who are happy to donate their sperm to women in this country, unsurprisingly. Having a child is not a right, and if you feel like men add nothing to your life then IMO you have to face up to the fact that finding one who is going to want to impregnate you is unlikely. There is also the moral question about bringing a child into the world knowing that he or she will have no father in their life because of your opinion of men.

The commodification of sex is not making young people any happier in general.

Men get the same stuff, "oh he's just a bitter old man", "He's a misogynist". The growing mens movements that encourage men not to pursue relationships with women and tell them they would be better off by themselves are not generally looked upon favourably.

DaffoDeffo · 05/11/2018 09:15

nobody is saying men add nothing. All the op is saying is that it gets bloody tedious, and it does, that people keep banging on about being in a relationship!

if someone came along who made me happy, I fancied and actually added to my life, I would probably be in a relationship. Sad fact is that I haven't managed to meet that person and for the time being, I have given up trying to look for him and have focused on enjoying my family, friends and my life!

The fact that women being single even makes you uncomfortable says more about you than it does anyone else!

GalateaDunkel · 05/11/2018 09:22

The fact that women being single even makes you uncomfortable says more about you than it does anyone else!

It doesn't make me uncomfortable in the least, It makes me uncomfortable that people try to frame singledom in women as empowering and wonderful and in men sad, bitter and misogynist.

Most people will know what being in a relationship is like and they will know what being single is like. You have to assume that they would not be in a relationship if the preferred being single. Therefore they might assume you would also be happier with someone you love. If they keep banging on about it you need to find new friends tbh.

JacquesHammer · 05/11/2018 09:28

There aren't many men who are happy to donate their sperm to women in this country, unsurprisingly. Having a child is not a right, and if you feel like men add nothing to your life then IMO you have to face up to the fact that finding one who is going to want to impregnate you is unlikely. There is also the moral question about bringing a child into the world knowing that he or she will have no father in their life because of your opinion of men

Do tell me, what is my opinion on men? Because you seem to think “I don’t want a relationship” means “I don’t like men”.

It’s not difficult to have IVF via sperm donor. I looked into it at length.

It makes me uncomfortable that people try to frame singledom in women as empowering and wonderful and in men sad, bitter and misogynist

Which of course nobody has done on this thread....

Most people will know what being in a relationship is like and they will know what being single is like. You have to assume that they would not be in a relationship if the preferred being single. Therefore they might assume you would also be happier with someone you love

Surely most people can work out that someone’s feelings may change as they move through life...? I was in a relationship for many years perfectly happily.

I’m now more happy being single. That won’t change.

GalateaDunkel · 05/11/2018 09:37

It’s not difficult to have IVF via sperm donor.

Maybe if you have pots of cash. You would be judged far more for that than for being single though.

I’m now more happy being single. That won’t change.

Ah. I change my mind once but I wont change it again.

Do tell me, what is my opinion on men?

Your opinion on men is presumably that they don't add anything to you or your daughters life by being around more.

GalateaDunkel · 05/11/2018 09:39

if you would be happy to go ahead with IVF via sperm donation, your opinion is that it is better for a child not to have a father that lives with them.

Otherwise you a) wouldn't bother, which is what people did in the past or b) you would find a man to have kids with (which is what most people do).

JacquesHammer · 05/11/2018 09:45

Your opinion on men is presumably that they don't add anything to you or your daughters life by being around more

Wrong. See this is all that is wrong with presuming. My daughter has several very positive male role models in her life she sees regularly.

if you would be happy to go ahead with IVF via sperm donation, your opinion is that it is better for a child not to have a father that lives with them

Again you're wrong. My opinion is that families come in all shapes and sizes. If I go ahead it is because my daughter and I decide another child/sibling would add to our lives. It is incredibly irresponsible to have a relationship just to have another child.

Ah. I change my mind once but I wont change it again

Indeed. I'm secure in my opinions now I have experienced both.

VintageFur · 05/11/2018 09:55

Please put your hand up if you've known more women get pregnant by a ONS, FWB or affair with someone's partner Wink than being single and paying "extortionate" cash for a donor!

Being single is bloody excellent and I've yet to hear from a close friend that she's super-happy in her marriage.

I recently met a single woman who's got 15 years on me. I've found her so inspirational the way she's carved out her life that I'm taking baby-steps to emulate her.

As for sex. I've been more than capable of giving myself an orgasm each and every time for 30 years. I don't want FWB - I don't want to be that intimate with someone I'm not emotionally intimate with. I was promiscuous when I was younger but my attitude towards sex has changed.

GalateaDunkel · 05/11/2018 10:01

Wrong. See this is all that is wrong with presuming. My daughter has several very positive male role models in her life she sees regularly.

Not the same as a dad though.