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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To never see this man again……

53 replies

Toenailsurgh · 11/08/2022 13:40

Went out for a catch up with a man who I used to shag when we were much younger. Nothing serious. Last few months we’ve reconnected on social media having seen each other briefly a couple of summers ago. He frustrated me then but thought maybe I was being too harsh.

He wanted to go cinema but I suggested a drive and talk. Didn’t want to be stuck in a talkless situation and actually wanted to see if there was any spark.

Met him locally ( I didn’t want to pick him up as he’s moved back home to care for his mother as she’s a gossip). I actually spotted him ahead of me. Driving so slow - like weirdly so. That was ick number 1. Anyway overtook him when road went into two lanes and motored on.

Eventually ( and it was eventually) he got there. Got into car. Zero spark.

Ick Number 2. On the way he acknowledged every driver needing acknowledgment. Like a full on hand up across me so they saw. I said please don’t do that. I’m the driver and can acknowledge them myself thanks. For the record I wasn’t not acknowledging them. He did it again. I said please stop. He said I’m used to doing it whoever car I’m in. “EX” used to not acknowledge so I did as it’s rude not to. Well you don’t heed to. I’m the driver your the passenger and it’s distracting and weird.

Proceeded to drive and grab a drink and sit and talk. I ditched the drive I’d planned as thought mmm he’s doing my head in!

Ick number 3. Starting going on about the same old issues that he’s unhappy about. Zero progress since a couple of summers ago. I can’t stand people who rehash old issues without doing something to change it.

Then huge ick number 4. I’d seen the flip flops and thought a bit grim but fuck the toe nails. At first I though he’s got a colour on them. Nope just brown. Thickened. Overgrown- hugely. That was it for me. I’ve never had a physical repulsion to anyone before. That wasn’t a lack of maintenance issue. That was full on neglect. Blergh. Considering he goes gym, plays sport and is always turned out I was surprised.

Then I realised this whole evening was about him. Not a single compliment on me, asking about my life, work, family etc. I took my hair down as the air cooled and he said yes that’s better. Wear it down next time.

I said to be honest I’m not sure there will be a next time. There’s not spark for me and we are just covering old ground.

Oh ok. Anyway what have you been up to….. but of conversation and got up to leave.

He then tried to massage me as we left and kiss me. I just said. No thank you. I don’t want that. I’ll drop you back. Tried to give me a kiss. Gave him my check.

Messaged me thanking me for a great evening and for future reference my hair looks better down.

Seriously WTF. Like WTF. I’m wearing my hair up today!!

Honestly I wanted to just get it out cos my two closest friends are on holiday or ill. And they will tell me I’m an idiot for even giving him an hour or so of my time.

I wish I’d gone cinema - on my own.

OP posts:
Toenailsurgh · 11/08/2022 13:41

Ps name changed cos my regular username is easily spotted and I’ve been a total fool here.

OP posts:
GertrudePerkinsPaperyThing · 11/08/2022 13:44

Yanbu not to see him again

That said I wouldn’t have suggested a drive if I was less than 100% comfortable

icelollycraving · 11/08/2022 13:46

I wouldn’t give it more thought. It was a shit date. I had plenty of those when single!
I do the thanking thing in the car as dh has no manners at all and never acknowledges any other driver.

Toenailsurgh · 11/08/2022 13:47

@GertrudePerkinsPaperyThing I knew he wouldn’t do anything predatory or anything. More a chancer than pusher.

I just didn’t want to be stuck in a pub or bar. Plus he hasn’t bought his wallet. That was an ick point too.

OP posts:
Toenailsurgh · 11/08/2022 13:52

@icelollycraving I have a history of ignoring red flags and going along with things thinking it’s me.

But the toe nails. I’ve never had that kind of reaction. It clearly made me think fuck no way.

He’s still messaging asking to see me again. I don’t want to be unkind. We still move on social circles together

OP posts:
icelollycraving · 11/08/2022 13:55

Just say that you did t feel any spark, you wish him all the best blah blah. Then block.

10HailMarys · 11/08/2022 13:57

I mean, obviously YANBU not to see him again, he sounds incredibly irritating.

But I'm actually struggling to see why you even bothered to see him this time, given that last time you reconnected with him a couple of years ago you found him annoying then too - what did you think might have changed?!

Toenailsurgh · 11/08/2022 13:57

Thanks @Toenailsurgh I won’t block cos that would be awkward in any social situations in future but I will reiterate again I didn’t feel any spark and we both have plenty of friends so don’t need to do that either.

OP posts:
Frances0911 · 11/08/2022 13:57

Wow, he sounds a nightmare, please don't ever consider meeting this man ever again, and try to permanently erase him from your thoughts for ever!

Toenailsurgh · 11/08/2022 13:59

@10HailMarys he gave me the I was in a bad place , fed up with my situation and didn’t value what I had too it was gone. I’ve missed you speech. I fell for it.

Nope he’s just a bit of a selfish ageing man with no drive and motivation to change his life.

OP posts:
Essexgalttc · 11/08/2022 14:00

This doesn’t even need to be a question. You met him, didn’t feel anything for him (friendship or romantic) and don’t want to see him again. So don’t? No need to feel bad or guilty

Toenailsurgh · 11/08/2022 14:00

@Frances0911 the toenails. I wish I could bleach those from my head.

Why aren’t my closest friends around to bitch with. Thank god for mumsnet

OP posts:
FigTreeInEurope · 11/08/2022 14:41

I took my hair down as the air cooled and he said yes that’s better. Wear it down next time.

Eww.. So very creepy... It actually makes my skin crawl

Toenailsurgh · 11/08/2022 15:29

@FigTreeInEurope I know. And then he repeated it in message.

btw he’s bald.

OP posts:
Tiani4 · 11/08/2022 15:49

You don't have to go on dates nor spend time with anyone whose company you don't enjoy

You re perfectly free to spend your time alone or to choose someone different to spend an evening with. You gave him a second chance Bs it confirmed you don't like him nor his irritating behaviour - wtaf was that leaning across you to acknowledge someone whilst you were driving shite?

He sounds entirely unpleasant company and besides that he gives you the ick. Why are you wasting any time on this jerk? Block and move on

(It sounds like there's a reason he's single . Let him and his gross fungal nails find someone else to listen to him)

Tiani4 · 11/08/2022 15:50

Don't feel you have to be polite

Eew to the trying to "massage you" and kiss you when it was clearly unwelcome 🤢

Toenailsurgh · 11/08/2022 17:51

@Tiani4 twice! The second time was more like a now do I get a kiss.

The massage we were walking back and I stopped and said wow look at that moon. Isn’t it stunning. Next thing hands on my shoulders starting to massage. I sort of wriggled my shoulders and said no don’t and then had to move his hands away. He said oh come on and moved in for the kiss. I said no thank you I’ve made my feelings clear.

It was the first time I think I’ve ever really asserted myself and not just complied and gone along with something out of politeness.

The acknowledgment thing was like a full on hilter salute. So weird. He broke up with his ex years ago. I wonder if he does that with his friends?!

There is indeed a reason he’s single. He’s messaged further asking me out again and I’ve said I’ve reflected on last night and I’m happy to leave it there as I said as I have no desire to take things further. He suggested I pop by and watch tv and see what happens……

I have left it on read!

OP posts:
jetadore · 11/08/2022 17:59

You already lost me at 2, never mind 3&4. Are you desperate or something why do you even need to ask? Bin.

Toenailsurgh · 11/08/2022 18:05

Nope @jetadore not desperate. A while back I prob was and would have gone along with this. This time I cut through the crap. Before I would have seen him talking a lot himself as him opening up and said he clearly wanted my advice. Now I see it as just moaning, selfish and insular.

The wallet thing. Tight and disorganised. He doesn’t do technology so no Apple Pay. Why come out on a date without a wallet?!

I think I’ve made progress and I’ve told one of my friends who said FFS why you done that- he’s single for a reason. Don’t give him a third chance. So obviously so still need to work on my self esteem.

OP posts:
Fairislefandango · 11/08/2022 18:09

The answer to 'AIBU never to see this man I went on a date with again' should literally always be 'YANBU'.

SunshineAndFizz · 11/08/2022 18:23

Response:

"Thanks for the feedback about my hair. Your toe nails reminded me of something from The Waking Dead and maybe you should do something about that before you next go on a date with someone."

Clarinet1 · 11/08/2022 18:39

Well he’s clearly not the guy for you. I agree that most of the points you mention are very off-putting. He doesn’t get to tell you how to wear your hair! As you say, you’d be better off on your own than with someone like him. Just say you’re busy if he asks to meet up again and if he persists to much tell him something blunter!

Toenailsurgh · 11/08/2022 18:52

@SunshineAndFizz tempting but I won’t. Unless he persists.

OP posts:
Toenailsurgh · 11/08/2022 22:17

Guess what I’ve done tonight. A pedicure. They were looking shabby but presentable.

OP posts:
lrosey · 11/08/2022 22:30

The toe nails would be enough to tip me over the edge to be honest.