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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

I’m heartbroken. I really hate oxytocin.

245 replies

purpletrainline · 03/03/2025 19:48

I’m absolutely heartbroken. Lots and lots of heart ache.

I just need to vent.

I’m mid 40’s and boyfriend is 50. We met at Christmas on bumble. Got on so well and saw each other lots. Lots of dates. We video called each other most nights. Every morning ‘good morning’ and a ‘night night’ at the end. He wanted me to meet his parents and so I did. They are going elderly but so lovely. He wanted me to meet his children aged 16 and 18 and I did. My children stay with me every alternate week. His children stays with him 100-% of the time.
We were smitten. I stayed over at his home twice on a weekend and he stayed over at my home once in the last two months.
The catch is that we live a 100 miles apart- opposite sides of London! I work in London and he occasionally works in London.

I nearly didn’t go on the first date because of that. I also screenshotted a google map with the two towns in the very first chats . At the first date we had a great time and a lot of chemistry. But I said to him that I thought the elephant in the room was the distance. He reassured me that we will find a routine, that it will work out, that he can work from anywhere and that from Sept he probably won’t have any children in the house. One is off to uni and the other going to college away from home. The younger one since decided to do A levels at their current school.

We also kissed a lot and couldn’t really keep our hands off. Sex was amazing. This past weekend he came to my home the first time. And I guess, it’s not until you get in the car and drive that distance that you realise how far it is.

Friday was great but Saturday when we woke up something was off. I couldn’t put me finger on it. He was more distanced and didn’t cuddle me like he always did. He said he didn’t sleep well and so I thought it was that. We got up and went to the gym- he loves the gym. Then went out and had breakfast in the high street. Back home and took a quick shower. Then went to the cinema and saw the new B J film. He didn’t touch me at all. I thought it was odd. Very unlike him.

We then went back home. He had a conversation with me in the kitchen. Out of the blue. But at soon as he started it made complete sense why was so withdrawn. He said that another 10 days or so will go by and we won’t see each other. Various work commitments, two funerals, him going on a trip, his child having a sports tournament, my children being with me. And that we were both so busy and that he didn’t have time.

And he then told me that I should have a think how all of this can work because he can’t see how it can work. He said it was so difficult to see each other in person. But the way he said it to me, it clearly sounded like he already had a think. I felt upset and pushed away.

He then left and said he would let me know when he got home, like he always did. But he never did. Usually I would get messages mid drive too. But none.

Later he sent me a short message that he was home, took his dogs for a walk and took his mum to the pub. Just a cold message. Gone were the kisses at the end.

I didn’t sleep at all. I felt so sad. It all happened so quickly. Gone was the good night xxx message from him. And the next morning.
I’m devastated. It went completely cold so quickly. It’s unbelievable.

I’m really not happy with oxytocin. Women’s bodies are designed differently. Whether I want it or not, my brain is absolutely flooded with oxytocin after sex and especially after orgasm. That’s the attachment hormone, the bonding hormone, emotional connection, trust, sense of security, love and cuddle hormone. It’s the same hormone that is released right after a woman gives birth.

When someone hasn’t actually earned a space in your heart just yet, oxytocin makes it feel that way. *

Whereas a man’s body is flooded with dopamine, which is the same hormone rush after using a drug. Simpler pleasure. It can go a much longer time without any real connection. Men can sometimes can be driven a lot more by lust and attraction, rather than bonding. Liking and wanting. All thanks to dopamine. My hormones are different.

I feel a little bit used. His sex drive is really high.

i’m just upset and feel a mess, had a proper sob the last couple of days.

I had such an amazing two months with him. I just cannot believe it’s over.

I sent him another message today. “I’m thinking of you loads. Been rather painful but I’m ok. Are you ok?”

He responded “Glad you are ok. I am doing ok, thanks for asking. I know it’s painful.”

I feel like I’m being pushed through a laminator and that all the butterflies and kisses and daily video calls, and good night/ good morning messages, the time spent together, the dog walks the cuddles and intimacy. All of it is being squeezed out of me and I don’t like it one bit.
And I just miss him.

Even though I feel so sad and heartbroken, I should leave him I peace?
Because Sunday I thought about him all day and knew he was at a sports tournament with his 16 year old all afternoon, and by the end of all that I sent him a quick message asking if he was back home.

Hr just briefly replied.
“Yes just sorting washing.”

So cold and distanced. No more kisses.
Today at work I sent him a message, saying “I’m thinking of you loads. Been rather painful but I’m ok. Are you ok?”

I replied, “Glad you are ok. I am doing ok, thanks for asking. I know its painful.”

I miss him so much but he is pulling away more and more? What do do with myself?

I know it was just a short relationship. You can hardly call it a relationship. Two months. I wish we had a selfie but we don’t. An intense fling? But I’m so sad.

OP posts:
Startinganew32 · 03/03/2025 20:11

Well it’s less about love hormones and more about the fact that your boyfriend is and always was a twat. Lots of red flags such as introducing his kids when you’d been together a matter of weeks. Insisting it would work out long distance and then changing his mind when it got a tiny bit difficult. He sounds like a total knob, he probably didn’t come off the dating site when you were seeing each other and chances are he’s found someone more convenient now so he is binning you off. Stop texting him that you miss him and how painful it is. Block him and move on and if he contacts you, tell him to go fuck himself.

LetGoLetThem1234 · 03/03/2025 20:12

Just stop texting him. He doesn't want to be with you.

SpokeTheBear · 03/03/2025 20:13

OP, you met his children at under two months?! You should have known better.

This relationship was just Too Much for two months in, even the drama in your OP seems intense and somewhat forced. You were in a pretend relationship.

Loopytiles · 03/03/2025 20:14

Not a nice thing to happen, but you were right about geography being a problem when both have DC under 18 at home - it’s probable he just said otherwise to increase his chances of sex and a short term relationship.

LetGoLetThem1234 · 03/03/2025 20:14

It's painful but unfortunately there are too many people who love the idea of a relationship but not the reality.

Loopytiles · 03/03/2025 20:15

Also agree with PPs that the hormone pseudoscience is a red herring!

Overtheatlantic · 03/03/2025 20:15

You won’t be the only woman he’s done this to. He will be hugely experienced at playing the field.

thaegumathteth · 03/03/2025 20:16

I'm sorry you're hurting OP but honestly please learn from this. Don't introduce anyone to your kids so quick, don't invest so much of yourself into anyone so quick.

You talk about how he 'usually' did XYZ but you need to recognise there was no usually. You didn't know him. You need to take a step back and realise you loved the idea of him, you can't have fully known him in such a short time and especially at such a distance.

Please please be careful and respect that you deserve more.

PeppyLemonPombear · 03/03/2025 20:16

I've experienced this a couple of times OP and rather than blocking I just deleted all evidence of them from my phone so there was no way of contacting them.

Removes all temptation and is actually quite liberating...

thaegumathteth · 03/03/2025 20:17

Also, did you have safe sex? I'd consider an STI test.

thaegumathteth · 03/03/2025 20:17

PeppyLemonPombear · 03/03/2025 20:16

I've experienced this a couple of times OP and rather than blocking I just deleted all evidence of them from my phone so there was no way of contacting them.

Removes all temptation and is actually quite liberating...

Edited

But then they can still msg you when they're bored and you're vulnerable

purpletrainline · 03/03/2025 20:18

OldChairMan · 03/03/2025 20:11

He wanted me to meet his children aged 16 and 18 and I did.

That was a massive red flag. He should have been more level-headed and protective of his children's stability, not involving them in his dating life.

Exactly how long had you known him at this point?

I think we knew each other 5 weeks or so.
I’m cross with how he treated me, but in fairness, his children are at his house ALL the time. The 16 year old doesn’t want to go to her mum’s house at all, ever.
I have child free time but he doesn’t.

But I did put a boundary in place that he couldn’t stay over at my house when my kids were there. They are both teenagers, slightly younger than his but old enough to know when people are being intimidate. I didn’t need that! They certainly shouldn’t witness a fling!

OP posts:
purpletrainline · 03/03/2025 20:19

thaegumathteth · 03/03/2025 20:16

I'm sorry you're hurting OP but honestly please learn from this. Don't introduce anyone to your kids so quick, don't invest so much of yourself into anyone so quick.

You talk about how he 'usually' did XYZ but you need to recognise there was no usually. You didn't know him. You need to take a step back and realise you loved the idea of him, you can't have fully known him in such a short time and especially at such a distance.

Please please be careful and respect that you deserve more.

Yes and yes and yes.
thank you

OP posts:
RedVelvetIcing · 03/03/2025 20:19

Three month buzz and then they lose it.

PeppyLemonPombear · 03/03/2025 20:19

thaegumathteth · 03/03/2025 20:17

But then they can still msg you when they're bored and you're vulnerable

In my experience they didn't contact or if they did it was so long after the event that I'd already moved on (mentally) and had no desire to respond. So I simply hit delete again.

purpletrainline · 03/03/2025 20:20

Overtheatlantic · 03/03/2025 20:15

You won’t be the only woman he’s done this to. He will be hugely experienced at playing the field.

Oh my gosh!

OP posts:
2025willbemytime · 03/03/2025 20:20

There is no to be fair to him his kids were always there. That's just the reality of parenting.

Mela74 · 03/03/2025 20:20

NotTheDebtDoctorWithTheHungryScalpel · 03/03/2025 20:00

Oh and I would definitely block because he will fizzle out contact and then pop back up in 6-12 months again when he's bored. They always do.

They always do. Block and delete his number so you’re not tempted to text him OP.

Mrsp2b33 · 03/03/2025 20:21

100 miles apart when you have children and commitments is too far.

Crazycatlady79 · 03/03/2025 20:22

purpletrainline · 03/03/2025 20:18

I think we knew each other 5 weeks or so.
I’m cross with how he treated me, but in fairness, his children are at his house ALL the time. The 16 year old doesn’t want to go to her mum’s house at all, ever.
I have child free time but he doesn’t.

But I did put a boundary in place that he couldn’t stay over at my house when my kids were there. They are both teenagers, slightly younger than his but old enough to know when people are being intimidate. I didn’t need that! They certainly shouldn’t witness a fling!

So, it was okay for his children to witness a fling, but not yours?!

Totototo · 03/03/2025 20:22

He’s a player. He’s got someone else. Move on.

Mela74 · 03/03/2025 20:22

LetGoLetThem1234 · 03/03/2025 20:12

Just stop texting him. He doesn't want to be with you.

That’s the hard truth. If he wanted to have a relationship he would.

Bikergran · 03/03/2025 20:23

purpletrainline · 03/03/2025 19:48

I’m absolutely heartbroken. Lots and lots of heart ache.

I just need to vent.

I’m mid 40’s and boyfriend is 50. We met at Christmas on bumble. Got on so well and saw each other lots. Lots of dates. We video called each other most nights. Every morning ‘good morning’ and a ‘night night’ at the end. He wanted me to meet his parents and so I did. They are going elderly but so lovely. He wanted me to meet his children aged 16 and 18 and I did. My children stay with me every alternate week. His children stays with him 100-% of the time.
We were smitten. I stayed over at his home twice on a weekend and he stayed over at my home once in the last two months.
The catch is that we live a 100 miles apart- opposite sides of London! I work in London and he occasionally works in London.

I nearly didn’t go on the first date because of that. I also screenshotted a google map with the two towns in the very first chats . At the first date we had a great time and a lot of chemistry. But I said to him that I thought the elephant in the room was the distance. He reassured me that we will find a routine, that it will work out, that he can work from anywhere and that from Sept he probably won’t have any children in the house. One is off to uni and the other going to college away from home. The younger one since decided to do A levels at their current school.

We also kissed a lot and couldn’t really keep our hands off. Sex was amazing. This past weekend he came to my home the first time. And I guess, it’s not until you get in the car and drive that distance that you realise how far it is.

Friday was great but Saturday when we woke up something was off. I couldn’t put me finger on it. He was more distanced and didn’t cuddle me like he always did. He said he didn’t sleep well and so I thought it was that. We got up and went to the gym- he loves the gym. Then went out and had breakfast in the high street. Back home and took a quick shower. Then went to the cinema and saw the new B J film. He didn’t touch me at all. I thought it was odd. Very unlike him.

We then went back home. He had a conversation with me in the kitchen. Out of the blue. But at soon as he started it made complete sense why was so withdrawn. He said that another 10 days or so will go by and we won’t see each other. Various work commitments, two funerals, him going on a trip, his child having a sports tournament, my children being with me. And that we were both so busy and that he didn’t have time.

And he then told me that I should have a think how all of this can work because he can’t see how it can work. He said it was so difficult to see each other in person. But the way he said it to me, it clearly sounded like he already had a think. I felt upset and pushed away.

He then left and said he would let me know when he got home, like he always did. But he never did. Usually I would get messages mid drive too. But none.

Later he sent me a short message that he was home, took his dogs for a walk and took his mum to the pub. Just a cold message. Gone were the kisses at the end.

I didn’t sleep at all. I felt so sad. It all happened so quickly. Gone was the good night xxx message from him. And the next morning.
I’m devastated. It went completely cold so quickly. It’s unbelievable.

I’m really not happy with oxytocin. Women’s bodies are designed differently. Whether I want it or not, my brain is absolutely flooded with oxytocin after sex and especially after orgasm. That’s the attachment hormone, the bonding hormone, emotional connection, trust, sense of security, love and cuddle hormone. It’s the same hormone that is released right after a woman gives birth.

When someone hasn’t actually earned a space in your heart just yet, oxytocin makes it feel that way. *

Whereas a man’s body is flooded with dopamine, which is the same hormone rush after using a drug. Simpler pleasure. It can go a much longer time without any real connection. Men can sometimes can be driven a lot more by lust and attraction, rather than bonding. Liking and wanting. All thanks to dopamine. My hormones are different.

I feel a little bit used. His sex drive is really high.

i’m just upset and feel a mess, had a proper sob the last couple of days.

I had such an amazing two months with him. I just cannot believe it’s over.

I sent him another message today. “I’m thinking of you loads. Been rather painful but I’m ok. Are you ok?”

He responded “Glad you are ok. I am doing ok, thanks for asking. I know it’s painful.”

I feel like I’m being pushed through a laminator and that all the butterflies and kisses and daily video calls, and good night/ good morning messages, the time spent together, the dog walks the cuddles and intimacy. All of it is being squeezed out of me and I don’t like it one bit.
And I just miss him.

Even though I feel so sad and heartbroken, I should leave him I peace?
Because Sunday I thought about him all day and knew he was at a sports tournament with his 16 year old all afternoon, and by the end of all that I sent him a quick message asking if he was back home.

Hr just briefly replied.
“Yes just sorting washing.”

So cold and distanced. No more kisses.
Today at work I sent him a message, saying “I’m thinking of you loads. Been rather painful but I’m ok. Are you ok?”

I replied, “Glad you are ok. I am doing ok, thanks for asking. I know its painful.”

I miss him so much but he is pulling away more and more? What do do with myself?

I know it was just a short relationship. You can hardly call it a relationship. Two months. I wish we had a selfie but we don’t. An intense fling? But I’m so sad.

Love doesn't get any easier just because you're in your 40s. He's just not that into you. He can't be arsed to drive that far. Have a bloody good cry, go and smash something, eat some cake (or chocolate, or ice-cream, or whatever) then give yourself a good shake, delete and block him on your phone, laptop, etc, and start again.

Similar happened to a good friend of mine, her chap strung her along until after his daughter's wedding, then dumped her. We think he just wanted to show his ex and her family he could turn up with a good-looking, classy woman on his arm. On a much more positive note, quite out of the blue, she met a lovely man a few months later and has been very happily married for years.

YesHonestly · 03/03/2025 20:24

As all the others have said, this moved way too fast too soon. He has love bombed you. 8 weeks in you should just be getting to know each other properly, this is too intense and that in itself is a massive red flag.

It’s not you, it’s him. Don’t tolerate this behaviour, don’t sit waiting for him to text. You bloody deserve better than this! Block him.

Hortus · 03/03/2025 20:26

You're an adult woman, not a teenager. You're also perfectly able to rise above hormones and use common sense. Common sense will tell you that whatever this man's motives were, he certainly never intended to have a serious long term relationship with you. Telling him you miss him is only going to feed his ego. He doesn't miss you at all.
You need to move forward and the way to do that is to never have any from of contact again. Block him on every form of communication and delete his number. Block from all social media.
It seems strange that an adult woman needs to be told this, usually people learn as teenagers to go slow, don't believe everything a man says in the early stages of a relationship, and to stop any communication after a break up.