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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Asked out by someone considerably richer and educated than I am

173 replies

Shariotlion · 18/08/2021 18:15

Name changed for this.. Regular poster don't want this linked back to my other posts..

I work in a hospital, in an Admin role. I support a very executive person within my trust. Our offices are based quite near to theatre. Every day, I see the same consultant, and we exchange smiles and pleasantries.. Today I was sat for lunch in the staff canteen and I saw him, he walked past and said hello and sat at the table opposite me (we're still socially distanced in hospitals) we chatted for a bit then I got up to leave and he did also.. I walked back to my office then ten minutes later I received an email from him saying he enjoyed our chat and would be nice to go for lunch properly. He must've seen my full name on my ID badge.. He's not my usual type, I'm mid 30s and I'd say he was 50+ he has a full head of white hair and is built..
I've been single about a year and have a young daughter, I'm in no rush for a relationship but also don't want a casual thing.. He's been a consultant for 10 years.. I don't know, I suppose I feel like I have imposter syndrome and what would be the point as we probably don't have much in common and are from completing different backgrounds.. Would it even be worth pursuing???

OP posts:
TractorAndHeadphones · 18/08/2021 20:17

@Shariotlion

I think it's his position that bothers me.. I can't imagine having much in common with him.. Then I just think what's the point.. But I guess lunch is just lunch..Will just be awkward if it goes wrong as I see him every day
I’d be worried about whether he can negatively influence your career if you turn him down. I met DP at work but we were of the same rank.
Hdhdjejdj · 18/08/2021 20:21

Those of us who are in highly respected jobs and/or are married to people in highly respected jobs know that no one is higher ranking than anyone really. Chances are you can cook a better bolognese than him, drive better than him, make small talk better than him. Those are the things in life that really matter. You only get to know these things though if you give him a shot.

DingDongThongs · 18/08/2021 20:30

Don't XXXX in your own back garden.

Looubylou · 18/08/2021 20:34

My female friends who are married to male doctors, treat them like another child. Work is always priority. They are great at their jobs but useless in life generally. They are really married to their job. Parenting and running a house, or life generally, is left to the wife. These are professional women, not kept housewives. I'd be very surprised if he isn't married too. If he's single and you really like him, go for lunch - but don't say you weren't warned 😂

Ginger1982 · 18/08/2021 20:36

@Shariotlion

FYI.. I would NEVER be the other woman.. My ex was a cheating scum bag. I'd never make another woman feel the way I did. If I find out he's married I wouldn't even entertain talking to him. I have morals!
Sorry, I meant as in 'unwittingly' being the OW. Wasn't suggesting you would do it deliberately.
cariadlet · 18/08/2021 20:36

Check that he's not married and if you've got reliable sources who are pretty sure that he's either single or divorced, then I'd go for it.

You've regularly exchanged pleasantries and now you've had a little chat. I think it sounds as if he's liked you for a while and has been picking up courage to talk to you. Asking to meet for lunch sounds a safe, low stake option for both of you.

Obviously, don't meet if you find him boring or unattractive but don't be put off by perceived differences in status or education.

I'm educated to post grad level; am a bookworm; love museums, galleries and the theatre. My dp doesn't read and isn't at all interested in theatre etc. When I met him, he was temporarily unemployed and had previously done skilled manual jobs. We've been together more than 20 years. Despite the differences, we have plenty of shared interests and values.

Mylittlepea · 18/08/2021 20:40

@PamDenick

Just go and have a nice speedy pasta lunch... he’s hardly going to bend you over the gnocchi in front of a busy restaurant, is he?
But it would add some spice to the average working day day though right? Grin
Shariotlion · 18/08/2021 20:42

Gnocchi😂.. I'm more of a fusilli girl myself.

OP posts:
TheVolturi · 18/08/2021 20:42

Do some digging and if he's single, go for lunch! No harm in seeing if there is anything there is there?

Shariotlion · 18/08/2021 20:43

I'll respond to him tomorrow. I didn't email back straight away as I was really busy... I'll keep it casual and say lunch in the canteen will be nice. 😁

OP posts:
Shariotlion · 18/08/2021 20:44

There's no other way of finding out if he's single other than asking him... He was quite happy to be seen in the staff canteen with me.. I presume if he was married and his colleagues knew he perhaps wouldn't have been so blatant.

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Hdhdjejdj · 18/08/2021 20:46

I thought that too. Everyone on his team would know if he’s married and they’d soon let you know. This is risky for him too. I always thought HR are pretty good in the NHS.

Notmoresugar · 18/08/2021 20:47

You're setting yourself up for failure with your negativity/insecurities.

Live a little; it's only lunch so just go for it and see.

Who knows, you might get on really well and if you don't, so be it.

BigFatLiar · 18/08/2021 20:51

He hasn't asked you to marry him or move in with him just have lunch. If you think you may get on reasonably why not have lunch. It's a long way from there to moving in. He may be thinking 'wtf' to himself if he found out you were already worrying about the long term relationship.

Hdhdjejdj · 18/08/2021 20:53

It’s nice that he suggested lunch. It’s low-key. All you have to do is mention your dd then ask about whether he has dc.

Shariotlion · 18/08/2021 20:54

I'll email him back tomorrow and agree lunch would be good. It's just lunch..

OP posts:
VladmirsPoutine · 18/08/2021 20:55

I'd go for it, all things being equal.

Why2why · 18/08/2021 21:00

My bet is on him being married.

MaggieFS · 18/08/2021 21:06

If all your worried about is his position then just remember he's still a human at the end of the day. Enjoy your lunch and see what happens!

MyrrAgain · 18/08/2021 21:07

Don't shit where you eat.... I've heard could be a relevant saying in some cases

pollylocketpickedapocket · 18/08/2021 21:22

@Shariotlion

Yes that's another thing, I'm not 100 % sure he's not married.. He has no wedding ring but that could be because of his work.. I'm interested to know more about him, he's not unattractive.. He's an attractive older gentleman.. I also worry about the work dynamic also, I see him every morning!
Go for it! Life is short!
pollylocketpickedapocket · 18/08/2021 21:23

@Why2why

My bet is on him being married.
Why? You sound negative and a tad bitter.
TheKeatingFive · 18/08/2021 21:25

You’re over thinking it. Go for lunch, see how it goes.

sammylady37 · 18/08/2021 21:29

Doctors are very boring people know a lot about their field and not much else

That’s... quite the generalisation, to put it mildly Hmm

Hankunamatata · 18/08/2021 21:32

You dont work directly with him. I'd say give it a go. Coffee or lunch

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