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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Are these red flags?

67 replies

AChristmasFlag · 27/12/2023 09:22

I met a woman on an online dating website last month, we are both women.

She seems great fun, is a martial arts instructor, settled responsible career working with rehabilitating people, a nicely kept home, travels the world in a camper van with a cute dog, quite attractive, she seems like a very appealing package and just the kind of person I might have hoped to meet. (Not concerned about that being identifying, absolutely certain she nor her friends read Mumsnet)

I am of course more interested in her character than the above surface trappings.

As we have talked more regularly and at length, I’ve learned some things about her that I would like some objective feed back on…

She mentions somehow or some way almost everyday that she experienced love and was very loved by her exs, but that she never felt the same degree of love for them, and she wanted to experience a passionate powerful love.

When I asked her what love meant to her, she said to love each other to the same level, and to feel the same excitement about that person 20 years later as you did day one.

She is 51.

She said that first time she felt such a passionate love was this past summer, when she met a woman she said she couldn’t build a real connection with, that she was aloof and distant and it was clear they did not feel the same way about each other. She said this woman nearly broke her and has shattered her self confidence for the first time.

I asked her if she perhaps had come to associate pain and longing with passionate love, and that perhaps it was more of a “the one that got away” situation, and that allowed her to project things on this woman that may or may not be true. She agreed that was “undoubtedly” the case, and that she had learned so much about herself.

She said she believed that experience was karma and she learned a lot about herself. She said she felt what it must have been like for her exs who she was not as passionate about and who she left, while they still loved her… because she needed something “spicy” and dislikes the stale routine that sets in after a few years.

I said how did your exs respond the the imbalance of love… she said that she was attentive and kind, and that was enough for them… but that she knows she can give more and be more - she mentioned she could be more romantic, organise surprises, that sort of thing.

I have seen several flags in this and want to stop this in its tracks before it has begun, AIBU?

I know of course that I can end things at any time for any reason, and I don’t need permissions from anyone… my only doubt is I have been very hurt a few times now, and I’m wondering if I am judging hastily before I’ve even really got to know someone, and she may have qualities I don’t know about yet… also, what people say, and who they are is often very different. I haven’t had much opportunity to see her behaviour to judge her by that instead.

It may be that she has these ideas because she has been born and raised in France, and that culture is certainly very different.

Just needing some reassurance and feedback, thank you Vipers!

OP posts:
Shouldbedoing · 27/12/2023 10:54

I'm picturing her waving around a Gauloise and sipping Ricard as she talks of all these intense 'feelings'. It's all very Fresher at Uni sounding. And very Me Me Me
I wouldn't go there, OP.

PlantsFallLikeDominoes · 27/12/2023 10:55

I don't think you've posted anything more identifying than the other thousands of relationship posts. She really isn't that unusual to have a van and speak a different language.

AChristmasFlag · 27/12/2023 10:59

RandomButtons · 27/12/2023 10:42

Sounds like she’s been watching too many crap romance movies and thinks the Hollywood version of love is what she aspires to.

Personally I’d run a mile if you’re looking for a long term life partner. She clearly wants the next flame to burn bright, not a relationship of deep love and trust that matures over the years and works through all the bumps of life together.

What are you looking for?

I’m looking for mutual understanding and compassion, good communication, interests and hobbies in common - in all, compatibility.
I don’t expect perfection, I hope to be able to accept and be accepted for who we are, and grow together.
I hope for tenderness and affection, and to be able to have enjoy a sense of humour and play.

Love to me is something that grows, the instant stuff is infatuation. I would like a love that builds as trust and loyalty ads gained, to have someone’s back and they have mine, to lighten the load for each other and enjoy each other’s good company through life.

OP posts:
taylorswift1989 · 27/12/2023 11:02

I think your instincts are spot on. Walk away, do it fast, and don't look back.

She's just priming you to want to be the one who can get her true love forever. As soon as you start playing that game, you'll be drawn into her reality and lose your own. (Ask me how I know!)

End it quickly and decisively. She won't like that and she'll probably try to make you feel like you're making a mistake. She'll declare her passionate feelings for you, etc. It's all bullshit. She sounds very toxic.

AChristmasFlag · 27/12/2023 11:03

PlantsFallLikeDominoes · 27/12/2023 10:55

I don't think you've posted anything more identifying than the other thousands of relationship posts. She really isn't that unusual to have a van and speak a different language.

A dog and a van are as common as can be in the lesbian world!
In that age group, it’s particularly prevalent.

OP posts:
Appalonia · 27/12/2023 11:05

She sounds like a teenager and at the age of 51 you'd have thought she'd know by now that a real relationship isn't all fireworks and star crossed lovers. Might be good fun for a fling but that doesn't sound like that's what you want. I'd give this one a swerve tbh.

AChristmasFlag · 27/12/2023 11:06

Shouldbedoing · 27/12/2023 10:54

I'm picturing her waving around a Gauloise and sipping Ricard as she talks of all these intense 'feelings'. It's all very Fresher at Uni sounding. And very Me Me Me
I wouldn't go there, OP.

You’re pretty much spot on!

I think sometimes the Frenchness can also be dialled up even more for the benefit of foreigners.

OP posts:
financialcareerstuff · 27/12/2023 11:07

PlantsFallLikeDominoes · 27/12/2023 10:55

I don't think you've posted anything more identifying than the other thousands of relationship posts. She really isn't that unusual to have a van and speak a different language.

That's not true.

I won't repeat all the details here, but we know:

Her country of origin and where she grew up
Her family make up (siblings, mum, dad relationships)
A pet
Her career type
A very precise additional role/qualification
Her exact age
Her traveling hobbies and camper van.
Her sexuality

All completely unnecessary for the question at hand and far more detail than normally provided.

just think it's something people should be careful with. But I've made my point.
Done here now- no intention to derail further.

DRS1970 · 27/12/2023 11:07

I would be worried she has set the bar so high that nobody will ever be able to reach that standard, and she will just keep tiring and moving on as before. GL

Kwasi · 27/12/2023 11:10

It sounds like she watches or reads too much fiction and will never be satisfied.

AChristmasFlag · 27/12/2023 11:14

PlantsFallLikeDominoes · 27/12/2023 10:54

I really doubt she's thought far ahead enough to say things to sieve or trap new women.

She appears to me to be on of those free spirit 'aren't I so non conformist' 'I'm so amazing as I've done so much navel gazing' type!

You can have a van and enjoy the outdoors without it being a personality trait! You can want romance and passion without needing hurt feelings to create that illusion. You can be a grown up and still have curiosity and fun.

I think you’re right about the free spirit thing. She does say things like “I have no taboos”.

Although I’m pretty open minded, I wouldn’t go as far as to say no taboos.

OP posts:
Pizdietz · 27/12/2023 11:15

ChristmasFluff · 27/12/2023 09:34

Relationships evolve and change over time as they deepen.

She is saying she doesn't want that, and wants the excitement of the 'new' to persist over decades. That can only happen where there is uncertainty and rollercoaster ups and downs that endlessly take away the 'old' and re-present it as 'new' time and again - she is essentially looking for someone who is emotionally unavailable or abusive.

It's often said that a long-term relationhsip is like a comfy pair of slippers - she's asking you to wear high-heels forever.

This.

AChristmasFlag · 27/12/2023 11:20

taylorswift1989 · 27/12/2023 11:02

I think your instincts are spot on. Walk away, do it fast, and don't look back.

She's just priming you to want to be the one who can get her true love forever. As soon as you start playing that game, you'll be drawn into her reality and lose your own. (Ask me how I know!)

End it quickly and decisively. She won't like that and she'll probably try to make you feel like you're making a mistake. She'll declare her passionate feelings for you, etc. It's all bullshit. She sounds very toxic.

I’m so sorry you went through something like this, I hope you did not get stuck in that too long and you’re fully recovered and happy now.

OP posts:
TiptoeThroughTheToadstools · 27/12/2023 11:22

She sounds very woo.. but what she's saying is probably what people think in their heads but don't say out loud. It's quite unrealistic and by telling you this it puts pressure on before you have even met. I'd go, and see but wouldn't hold out much hope of making a go of it. I think she has this idealistic bubble and is too specific to ever find what she's looking for. Each to their own

RandomButtons · 27/12/2023 11:30

AChristmasFlag · 27/12/2023 10:59

I’m looking for mutual understanding and compassion, good communication, interests and hobbies in common - in all, compatibility.
I don’t expect perfection, I hope to be able to accept and be accepted for who we are, and grow together.
I hope for tenderness and affection, and to be able to have enjoy a sense of humour and play.

Love to me is something that grows, the instant stuff is infatuation. I would like a love that builds as trust and loyalty ads gained, to have someone’s back and they have mine, to lighten the load for each other and enjoy each other’s good company through life.

It doesn’t sound like what you want and what she wants are compatible. Just walk away. I’d totally be wanting the same as you, this lady sounds addicted to drama.

GacksonJalaxy · 27/12/2023 12:11

I'd see it as a red flag. She's telling you you that you need to keep being exciting and unpredictable for decades to come to keep her interested and in love - how stressful! I would stop seeing her because you'll only be disappointed.

AChristmasFlag · 30/12/2023 13:05

taylorswift1989 · 27/12/2023 11:02

I think your instincts are spot on. Walk away, do it fast, and don't look back.

She's just priming you to want to be the one who can get her true love forever. As soon as you start playing that game, you'll be drawn into her reality and lose your own. (Ask me how I know!)

End it quickly and decisively. She won't like that and she'll probably try to make you feel like you're making a mistake. She'll declare her passionate feelings for you, etc. It's all bullshit. She sounds very toxic.

How was it for you, can you describe how it was done that you were drawn into her world?

We have been speaking the last days and she is so open, almost vulnerable in her willingness to share, there do not seem to be any guards up at all. It’s very disarming and appealing.

She has been very complimentary, compliments that seemed well observed and rang true.

I’m leaning towards a fling, and if something bigger and better comes out of that, great!
However, I am a very sentimental person and attach easily, I could really use not getting hurt at this particular point in my life.

The other night, we were talking, and she mentioned she had to go because her ex was coming over, an ex who is now her “best friend”, and the ex is now living with and committed to a new male partner I’m told.

Did I really have to know all this so soon, perhaps good that I do!

Is this the beginnings of love bombing and triangulation, or just a person who has had a long and full life and is used to being open and honest about it…

OP posts:
ManateeFair · 30/12/2023 13:08

A relationship with this woman would be incredibly hard work. She’s clearly very dramatic and intense and also sounds really immature for a woman in her 50s.

JMSA · 30/12/2023 13:10

I'm heterosexual and would see these as red flags in a man. I'd probably be thinking that he should grow the fuck up.

AChristmasFlag · 30/12/2023 13:13

ManateeFair · 30/12/2023 13:08

A relationship with this woman would be incredibly hard work. She’s clearly very dramatic and intense and also sounds really immature for a woman in her 50s.

Is it possible the dramatic and intense is a cultural thing…

OP posts:
JMSA · 30/12/2023 13:15

Oh, and you seem much more emotionally intelligent and mature than her. Whatever happens, at least you've got the mark of her. She hasn't been shy when it comes to showing you who she is!

ChihuahuasREvil · 30/12/2023 13:17

Wow, that’s a lot of naval gazing for a month old relationship. I’ve been talking to a woman for a month who I really like and we’ve done brief history type stuff, nothing too deep yet. I think that level of introspection would put me off, and I tend to believe I’m quite self-aware and in touch with my own feelings.

I’m also female BTW, if that makes any difference

AChristmasFlag · 30/12/2023 13:22

ChihuahuasREvil · 30/12/2023 13:17

Wow, that’s a lot of naval gazing for a month old relationship. I’ve been talking to a woman for a month who I really like and we’ve done brief history type stuff, nothing too deep yet. I think that level of introspection would put me off, and I tend to believe I’m quite self-aware and in touch with my own feelings.

I’m also female BTW, if that makes any difference

What is it that puts you off about the introspection?

OP posts:
BananaHammock23 · 30/12/2023 13:25

ChristmasFluff · 27/12/2023 09:34

Relationships evolve and change over time as they deepen.

She is saying she doesn't want that, and wants the excitement of the 'new' to persist over decades. That can only happen where there is uncertainty and rollercoaster ups and downs that endlessly take away the 'old' and re-present it as 'new' time and again - she is essentially looking for someone who is emotionally unavailable or abusive.

It's often said that a long-term relationhsip is like a comfy pair of slippers - she's asking you to wear high-heels forever.

I totally agree with this.

Would you not talk to her about this? Tell her you've been enjoying her company etc but you feel a bit on edge about some of the things she's said. She might put your mind at ease.

She could also be insinuating that she feels a relationship with you could be everything she's hoping for, and be upset when she finds out you've read it the entirely opposite way!

GalileoHumpkins · 30/12/2023 13:26

You don't even like her so why the qualms about ending it?