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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to think it is odd that DH has started dog walking with a 23 year old?

538 replies

themadcarter · 29/08/2023 23:10

I'm honestly hoping for people to tell me I am being absolutely delusional and insecure, I can assure you I am actively not wanting to make a big deal out of nothing and hence I have come here for a reality check on how others would actually see it, as it's very easy to think all kinds of things in your head.

DH is 35 and I admit, usually quite an isolated man. He works from home and does have very few friends and hobbies. He has wanted a dog his whole life and I admit that I am not a huge animal person, I do love our dog but DH does do almost it all, especially as he is the one at home (I work full time out the house). He had to go for an in person workshop a few months ago and there was an icebreaker challenge (I'm honestly shocked they still do this!) and this 23 year old mentioned her new puppy (hers was only about 13 weeks and ours 8 months at this time) and apparently they clicked over the dogs?? Not trying to be a downer here, but surely owning a dog isn't that rare, I am friends with about 8 people that have dogs. I instantly found it rather childish when he was telling me but this woman ended up giving her number to him at the end of the day. DH tells me how he told her how much me and her would get along and tried to say as much as he could to me to make it sound so obviously nothing more than friends but I just got the impression he had a bit of chemistry there.

Anyway, don't want to go on for pages and pages with every little detail. Basically he did text her and they arranged a play date for the dogs, the messages to seem very innocent and he would always tell me and it didn't seem like he was telling me for any weird motive and was just out of excitement (don't want to shit on his cereal, but I'm really not getting it and never have). She then got him a birthday present only a week later and now they meet up twice a week every week to walk the dogs... he's very open about it with me and is never trying to act secretive but it really rubs me up the wrong way, I think I must have issues because seriously, him even saying her name makes me cringe. Am I just massively insecure?? I simply don't like it, she sounds a bit obsessive with him and DH has said how he does purposely leave a minimum 12 hour delay before responding to her because she replies almost instantly and constantly sends him pictures of her dog, I said to him just tell her to stop and he really just says "no I don't mind her doing it if she wants to" so then I ask why he delays replying and he says because he just doesn't want the expectation of him just being there to respond all day.

Seriously I hate the whole thing. AIBU?

OP posts:
Atsocta · 02/09/2023 23:00

It still is a red flag to me sorry but it is 🤷🏻‍♀️

Atsocta · 03/09/2023 09:56

I’ve met people while dog walking, some for years but have never bought or received birthday gifts 🤷🏻‍♀️or exchanged mobile numbers come to think of it! To me this isn’t right.

Caiti19 · 03/09/2023 10:01

I'd make a point of joining for the next 5 walks to suss out the whole vibe.

Riverlee · 03/09/2023 10:17

I’m glad you’re reassured by the meet-up, but I would still randomly go on walks unannounced, or take the dog out alone, or monitor the connect. As Others have said, I meet people of all ages on my dog walksand haven’t a clue when their birthday are.

marmaladeandpeanutbutter · 03/09/2023 10:43

It isn't unusual or controlling to ask your DH not to go out regularly with someone of the opposite sex, and it may well be inviting an emotional affair, but I do loathe that phase "I wouldn't let ". It's not your choice . You can ask, and you can respond or take your own action if you don't like the answer.

ForestFrank · 03/09/2023 16:12

This reply has been withdrawn

This message has been withdrawn at the poster's request

ForestFrank · 03/09/2023 16:19

Ah yes, highly suspicious.
I'll bet he enjoys dogging dog walking with a 23yr old.
Out twice a week with a 23yr old, playing with their 'puppies'.
Just as well she's not a cat person with a really cute pu moggy he wants to play with too!
(Insert face palm here!)

Raggy81 · 06/09/2023 06:58

I'd definitely join them for a walk, you'll know then how they are, you may hate walking but I'd do it to see for myself what the 'friendship' looks like

Hollywolly1 · 06/09/2023 18:38

Maybe op ask a couple of your friends that also have dogs to join you so to make it seem like you are setting up a doggie walking group,the 23yr old may not be to happy with that,either way you will know soon enough

Sally2791 · 11/09/2023 06:47

Hmm. I’d go along and suss her out. She sounds infatuated and he’s loving it. Plenty of fat old men to dog walk with. And birthday present?? Not ok.

Needanewnamebeingwatched · 11/09/2023 10:33

Any update @themadcarter

marmaladeandpeanutbutter · 11/09/2023 16:57

Sally2791 · 11/09/2023 06:47

Hmm. I’d go along and suss her out. She sounds infatuated and he’s loving it. Plenty of fat old men to dog walk with. And birthday present?? Not ok.

She did.

Nowhyshouldi · 19/10/2023 12:56

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