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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to think he may be a cock lodger?

175 replies

Xmasiscoming2020 · 06/12/2020 10:38

Met a lovely guy a year ago who lives 90 miles away. From a few months in he started asking when he was going to move in (in a joking manner, but constant). He also said he would like us to have a child in a few years.

He is very lovely but there are issues...he is obsessed with body image, constant calorie counting to the point that it interferes with daily life (oh I'm fasting today so I won't have fish and chips on the beach as we planned, etc). He has daily health issues which are mostly in his head but dilapidate him regularly. He has ED but is 'putting off following up on doc appointments because of Coronavirus'...he says other people need the NHS more.

Now...I'm 40, had 3 children, but love the family life and wouldn't be adverse to having one last chance at a family. I own my own home through bloody hard graft. Upon meeting this lovely man and considering his wants, I explained that age is not on my side and if that's what he wants then we'll need to plan appropriately, sooner rather than later (putting aside my concerns about his various issues, which aren't deal breakers).

We had words the other day because I feel that I have tried to accommodate him and his desires...given him an office in my home to work from with a view to him moving in soon anyway, applied for a better job as we'll be needing more money (didn't get it), have him practically live here etc. I feel he is offering very little to get where we are supposed to be going. He is refusing to even consider looking for alternative work, his notice date keeps changing with no specific date set ever. He constantly talks about how wonderful his own county is. He is in debt with a repayment plan over 2 years but talks about getting several things on finance, including a car soon!

We have come to blows this week because he went home on Monday to sort things to sell, for a move here. He put some things he doesn't use from his shed up for sale and then wanted to come back here. I said I'd like him to stay there and get some significant progress done as the last I heard, he was handing in his notice in the New Year. He now says he doesn't know when he'll hand it in.

I have told him that I am more than happy to go back to dating him to take the pressure off, if he is reluctant to commit. That doesn't involve him practically living at mine though...but he's not happy about that.

I'm a very hands on type. If something needs doing then it's all hands on deck. He is very sloth. I'm getting older and this situation doesn't sit well with me. The uncertainty is making me depressed. I don't know whether I'm coming or going anymore.

OP posts:
Puzzledandpissedoff · 06/12/2020 11:58

I am worried about my capital

You might be, but he's clearly just salivating over it

This is so ridiculous I'm hoping you're pulling our leg, but in case you're not there's an old saying that there's no man keener than the one who's after a cushy lifestyle

And the saying is correct

VodselForDinner · 06/12/2020 11:58

wouldn't be adverse to having one last chance at a family

I feel a bit sad for you children reading that- you know, your actual family.

I think you’re right to reconsider where things are going with this man as he doesn’t sound like a long-term option.

Please make sure that your contraception is secure, and don’t marry him for the love of god.

Viviennemary · 06/12/2020 12:00

He sounds like a complete nightmare. You'll be taking on a huge problem with him never mind having another child with him as the father.

Standrewsschool · 06/12/2020 12:01

If you’re 40, I’m guessing he’s around a similar age. What debt has he got into? What’s his financial situation?

It does look like he could be a potential cock lodger. Sorry.

I think slowing down in the relationship could be a good idea.

Higgeldypiggeldy35 · 06/12/2020 12:02

It doesn't really sound like you're compatible to be honest

cruisecrazy · 06/12/2020 12:02

Please just run. He is just looking for a sugar mummy. Just dump him or you will loose everything. You are worth so much more.

Xmasiscoming2020 · 06/12/2020 12:04

He lives in the UK. My son still lives with me but I do have concerns re him potentially being able to steak a claim on my property a few years down the line.

I do know that I need to put a halt to this. I really would just like to go back to the weekend thing and reclaim my spare bedroom (now his office). I only made it an office for him because I thought we were moving in together soon. If he is still insisting that he stays over longer then I need to run. I miss our old fun relationship

OP posts:
dontdisturbmenow · 06/12/2020 12:04

You mention notice, I assume to his tented place? You say you've made space for an office for him, is he permanently working from home or is it because of Covid?

It does sound like he is reticent, but he might have more to lose than you if things don't work out. The more tension there is, the more he will wonder if it the right move. You mention getting a job to earn more, is it because of the tax credits you'd lose? In which case, until you do find another job, he'd have to provide towards you and your son until you do, that adds more pressure on him. Add the pressure of doing so to start TTC, it's not surprising he is a bit reticent.

You might need to take things slower, even if it means forfeiting on having a child together.

Jsnn · 06/12/2020 12:05

Why the need to put him down for trying to lose weight and be healthier? Doesn't want to eat fried foods so he's a bad person? Ridiculous.

Although the rest of your posts make him sound like a loser. Not sure if it's worth the effort to try and motivate him, only you know that for sure.

UnshakenNeedsStirring · 06/12/2020 12:06

Why on earth you want to move this guy in is beyond me. You are 40, have 3 kids and I guess you are intelligent and sorted. Just enjoy your life and dump this loser. What on earth is he bringing to the table?

Weirdfan · 06/12/2020 12:06

I have discussed the increased bills when he's here and after many a chat he has told me that he will contribute

You shouldn't have had to 'discuss' anything, any decent partner would have insisted they cover their costs. And when will the contribution he's (belatedly and probably grudgingly) agreed to actually be materialising? Has a date been set or will he keep kicking it into the long grass? I think you can probably know the answer to that and it really should give you pause for thought, he's happy for you to be out of pocket because of him and that's likely to get worse the more your life becomes enmeshed with his. Sorry OP but you need to be honest with yourself about what you're signing up for if you continue this relationship.

Xmasiscoming2020 · 06/12/2020 12:07

My son gets on famously with him. For 5 years it's been my son and I here together, we get on famously, he's the real love of my life. When I say a family, I mean the hustle and bustle etc.

OP posts:
Anotherlovelybitofsquirrel · 06/12/2020 12:09

100% Cocklodger. Sounds like he's such a loser. Why on earth are you putting up with him and his nonsense?! Is the sex that good? Grin

TwentyViginti · 06/12/2020 12:12

@formerbabe

Reading that I just don't know why you're bothering
I know! what a catch eh Confused
RantyAnty · 06/12/2020 12:12

You mentioned giving notice. I hope that isn't for his job.

Has he ever taken you out anywhere and paid for it or is he mostly couch warming at yours?

altiara · 06/12/2020 12:12

So he’s still not taken you out for a meal and yet he’s half moved into your house.
What would you say if this was your best friend?

shitinmyhandsandclap · 06/12/2020 12:13

I can see no redeeming features whatsoever and I'm amazed you're even in a relationship with this guy. Get him and his shit out and don't consider marrying or having a kid with this loser

Xmasiscoming2020 · 06/12/2020 12:14

We earn the same. I have a small tax credits income which I would lose if he moved in. If it didn't work then I wouldn't be eligible for UC and would lose out long term. He stands to lose his flat and would need to look for a new one. So we would both lose out if it didn't work.

I am going have a discussion with him and reiterate my concerns, I'm also going to call off the whole baby dilemma. We are still a relatively new couple and we simply don't have time to hash all of this out.

OP posts:
DeciduousPerennial · 06/12/2020 12:17

You’re flogging a dead horse. He sounds completely draining.

There are all sorts of ‘are you mad?’ alarm bells ringing. Listen to them. He’s all talk and no trousers.

Takingontheundead · 06/12/2020 12:17

I'm absolutely baffled by the fact you are still planning to date him.

Wake up and smell the coffee. He wants what you've earned, and to irrevocable tie you to him with a baby.

End it entirely.

Yohoheaveho · 06/12/2020 12:20

He is not a cock lodger
He is way less than a cocklodger
A CL is a man that thinks good sex is all he needs to contribute to the relationship
This bloke isn't even a good shag... what's the point🤷‍♀️

ilhahih · 06/12/2020 12:21

Ah yes, I missed the giving notice thing?
Is he giving notice on his job?

Beware of cocklodgers in sheep's clothing who have a job and then shortly before or after they move in they give notice for some reason (I had one who did this because he was stressed - nah, it was just because he didn't need to earn much as I was mortgage-free so no rent to pay) OR they lose the job somehow through no fault of their own.

Is he giving notice on his job so he can move to be near you? Because what he should be doing if he is in anyway serious and not a cocklodger, is looking for a job in your area. Once he finds one he can give notice on his other job and then arrange the move.

But he won't be moving to your area because I seriously hope you are going to chuck him!

AllTheUsernamesAreAlreadyTaken · 06/12/2020 12:22

Please don't let this man ruin you. He will drain your finances, financial security, energy, happiness, self worth. This will all affect your children and your relationships with them in various ways.
You're so much better off without him. You need a partner who adds to your current life and compliments it. Not one who makes life harder.
Find one who deserves you x

AcornAutumn · 06/12/2020 12:23

I doubt he’ll be wanting to go back the old fun relationship

He’s looking for someone with a house for sure.

Don’t let him in, you’ll never get him to leave. I would just end the relationship.

StephenBelafonte · 06/12/2020 12:25

Wake up and smell the coffee. He wants what you've earned, and to irrevocable tie you to him with a baby.

I'm afraid I agree completely with this statement.

Go back to dating! I never understand why mumsnetters are so keen to move in together