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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 But at soon as he started it made complete sense why was so withdrawn.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:
CheekyHobson · 03/03/2025 20:50

purpletrainline · 03/03/2025 20:45

His relationship history is that he was married for 20 years. Divorced amicably, still contact with ex. For example, she occasionally will home to the house to pick things up, they share a dog, they will drive midway to drop the dog, they will both go to the funerals next week although he asks her not to come to the one as his brothers doesn’t want her there.

He was then in a relationship for 7-8 months with someone who didn’t like the very strong relationship he has with his 16 year old daughter (the one who doesn’t want her mum anywhere near her), and who wanted him to stay at hers more often and for longer but he couldn’t because his children live with him all the time. His oldest daughter still has contact with her.

This is what he told me.

Sorry what? He’s amicable with his ex but his daughter won’t speak to her and his brothers don’t want her at the funeral of someone she had some kind of connection to?

Was there much of a break between his divorce and dating someone else who he obviously also quickly introduced to his kids?

This all sounds like a right mess.

Wishyouwerehere50 · 03/03/2025 20:52

Definitely agree regarding love bombing you.

I will have to go look into this debunking hormone theory, I absolutely believe in it. But - I would describe myself as having had a multitude of adverse childhood experiences and for me at least, I now see that made situations like this one you had beyond hard and like death almost for me when younger.

There's no comparing your reaction to another person's. I do however understand when it's intense after being dropped like this.

Definitely block him for your own well being. Retaining your dignity is going to be important for you and you'll look back feeling proud that you did. And he's likely to crawl back for attention or casual sex which you just cannot allow.

In the event there's traction in the hormonal theory ( not forgetting the definite love bombing) then just go really slow next time. Really slow. Keep all other options open too until certain. You owe the next guy nothing until you are certain. Keep the kids way way away from things until you're miles along.

DeepRoseFish · 03/03/2025 20:52

Franjipanl8r · 03/03/2025 20:47

Completely agree. Men and women have been starting intense relationships and changing their minds since the birth of the human race. It’s completely normal and allowed.

But I bet more men than women.

DriftDaisy · 03/03/2025 20:52

@purpletrainline

I think this is the nature of online dating. I see what my friend is going through with it. I get excited for her, and then it falls apart.

Too much seems to happen too soon. I think because she wants that person to fill the void. But it all seems a bit contrived.

The thing she doesn’t do is the sex. She is very careful about that, and I actually think that helps her weed out the ones that are there primarily for that, and I think it helps her protect herself.

Teanbiscuits33 · 03/03/2025 20:52

FeatherFace · 03/03/2025 20:45

God, is no one allowed to change their minds about a relationship these days? Without it being some sort of attachment disorder (WTF?) or syndrome or whatever the current buzz words are?

It’s not so much changing your mind, but more the intensity of it. I know things can feel all consuming in the first flush of love, but it’s still too much - meeting kids within weeks. Even the good morning, good night texts every day without fail would be enough to put me off 🤣 it comes across needy and sickly sweet.

Lurkingandlearning · 03/03/2025 20:55

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.
I’m wondering if he’d put that off as long as he could because he really didn’t fancy the long drive. He was happy and a great boyfriend while you were doing the driving but was then able to switch all that off. Just see it as a fun interlude, he does

OverthinkingOlive · 03/03/2025 20:59

Don't message him again OP

isaknowsbest · 03/03/2025 20:59

Why did you feel you needed to include this bit? Did you think we wouldn't know what you would mean ?

"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. "

It reads like AI.

isaknowsbest · 03/03/2025 21:00

Delete his number. You are hoping he's going to tell you it's all a mistake and he was wrong . He won't.

schoolsoutforever · 03/03/2025 21:04

Go absolutely stone cold on him - not a single message further. He sounds like a player and the best thing you can do is to forget about him altogether. Messaging any more is just going to stroke his ego. Sorry OP - you deserve better. It's massively hard though - I know.

Wishyouwerehere50 · 03/03/2025 21:06

@isaknowsbest your post is excellent. It doesn't read like a human being and I didn't notice that.

What is the point of AI doing this stuff on MN. Can AI answer back to our posts.

daleylama · 03/03/2025 21:09

isaknowsbest · 03/03/2025 20:59

Why did you feel you needed to include this bit? Did you think we wouldn't know what you would mean ?

"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. "

It reads like AI.

Why did you feel you needed to comment ? !

Inyournewdress · 03/03/2025 21:10

Unfortunately OP, while I am sure this man was attracted to you, it seems he was not so much the real deal as you thought.

His behaviour is poor and none of the explanations for that are great. But whatever the reason for his sudden change of behaviour, it really amounts to the same thing.

The bottom line is that if he really wanted to make this work, he would. Many long distance relationships have survived all sorts of obstacles and with his children being older it’s not even that long till he could consider moving closer. I also massively agree with the others about red flags, you may well have had a very lucky escape here. He may already have a new target he sees as more gullible and accessible in his sights. Whatever the case, this guy has nothing to offer you.

I am so sorry that you have to realise that so abruptly and go through this pain but I sure before long you will see things more clearly. I would certainly cut all contact. If it was me though I would be tempted to send some kind of message indicating that I was glad to be rid of him, just so he doesn’t have the satisfaction. Just like, good luck, a shame but definitely the right decision for both of us. Really though the key thing is just cut contact.

Mumtobabyhavoc · 03/03/2025 21:10

I'm going to be very blunt.
You were love bombed and used.
He is done with you.
It was a TWO MONTH relationship.
You really need to put it in perspective and get a grip.
Delete all info about him and block him.
Please think long and hard why you got so emotionally involved so fast. I fear you are easy prey for very damaged and potentially dangerous men.

CalleOcho · 03/03/2025 21:17

Franjipanl8r · 03/03/2025 20:50

“Love bombing” makes it sound like the OP was tricked, what was she tricked out of exactly? What did this guy gain from introducing the OP to his kids? Nothing. He was just as into it as the OP, but changed his mind.

She was “tricked” into thinking this man had feelings for her.

It’s very clear that this man has absolutely no feelings for her whatsoever. He never did. He wanted the convenience of sex and affection from the OP when it suited him. To stroke his ego. He introduced her to his kids because he evidently has no emotional maturity or concerns for his own kids security. To him, introducing his kids to her was a non-event.

Once he caught wind of the OP falling for him he thought “nah, fuck this” and dropped her like a sack of spuds. Because he isn’t ready for a serious relationship.

He wants the affection and sex from a woman, so tells the OP what she wants to hear and keeps her sweet. He doesn’t want the actual commitment.

That is a typical love bomber.

LBFseBrom · 03/03/2025 21:35

That's right, if you block him it won't ring. Please do that, I know it isn't easy. Block him on email too.

If he genuinely misses you, has made a mistake which he regrets, he'll find another way to contact you.

You will come to terms with this but it takes time.

I am terribly sorry for how you are feeling right now. Please do take care of yourself, you are important and you'll meet someone in time who is more suitable.

Newfoundzestforlife · 03/03/2025 21:36

Sounds almost like he's enjoying this with the curt replies and no kisses....I bet he loves the power of having the upper hand!
You have no choice here but to stop contact....don't be surprised if you get a "I've had a rethink and want you back" message in a fortnight or so when you haven't messaged him....
Life's too short to have your heart played with like this, you're not a teenager anymore but he's acting like one. His loss 💐

TaggieO · 03/03/2025 21:38

Christmas was only 9 weeks ago. Anyone wanting to introduce you to their children that quickly is a walking red flag.

Starlight7080 · 03/03/2025 21:39

How are you 40 plus and acting like a teenager.
Maybe just focus on your self esteem and children for a bit.
After 5 weeks you should not be this attached to him.

SalfordQuays · 03/03/2025 21:40

I remember this happening to me many years ago, and then I read on MN about love bombing - basically someone who feels like your soul mate from the start, makes you feel that you’ve finally found someone who loves you as you are, wants to see you all the time etc.

I actually kept in touch with the man who did it to me - we had lots of mutual friends and we got on well once I’d recovered from the humiliation. I then watched him do the same to a string of women. He didn’t do it on purpose, he wasn’t using them, he never planned to hurt them. He just wanted love so much, he convinced himself he’d found it every time. Then 2 months later realised it wasn’t as real as he thought it was, and broke up with them. He did eventually meet his ideal woman, and they’re still married 25 years later.

It’s heartbreaking OP, I really feel for you.

Lilactimes · 03/03/2025 21:40

Hi @purpletrainline - I’m sorry you feel sad… it can feel very intense when things don’t work out at this early stage.
its really rubbish.
Please find your anger with him. Yes he changed his mind - but he led you to believe there was more on the horizon in an unfair way.
Please really try not to message him - journal instead and include what you’d like to say to him there but don’t send hi stuff.. The calm from not expecting a reply from him will also be helpful.
please be your own best friend - sounds naff - but look after yourself, do, watch, read, visit and shop your favourite things and see your favourite people.
Try and keep busy, get sleep, eat well, exercise, smack a punch bag at the gym… and get through each day.... Do take care of yourself xx

Hortus · 03/03/2025 21:43

inkymoose · 03/03/2025 20:48

That's a bit of a lecture there - the "get a grip, pull yourself together" school of counselling.

I think what you said in the middle makes sense, but the beginning and ending needed editing, because in my view it is counter-productive to criticise somebody for not behaving like an adult when they are having an emotional meltdown.

That's just your opinion though, doesn't mean it's better or more right than mine.

I actually do think that in many cases, such as with the OP, where her overreaction to the end of a few weeks relationship is really disproportionate, it's beneficial for people to realise they need to pull themselves together instead of wallowing in self-pity, stop blowing things out of proportion, dwelling on things and expecting that everyone else should indulge them in agreeing that something really terrible has happened, when it hasn't.

Itsmayhem · 03/03/2025 21:45

I wouldn’t analyse it too much. Didn’t he just decide you live too far away having done the drive this weekend?

I’m not sure how you managed ‘lots of dates’ in such a short time with all your commitments between you. Maybe it was just reality set in for him.

For me, a big factor in a relationship is living near each other especially as I have children. I went out with someone who lives 30 miles away and found it hard but he didn’t seem to mind. He always visited me but on the one occasion I went to his, I didn’t enjoy it at all. We didn’t see each other again!

Icanttakethisanymore · 03/03/2025 21:45

Not to be flippant by I read this title as "I hate Oxycontin" so all the way through reading your OP I was thinking you were going to say that you found out he was addicted to opioids.

Mumtobabyhavoc · 03/03/2025 21:45

Hortus · 03/03/2025 21:43

That's just your opinion though, doesn't mean it's better or more right than mine.

I actually do think that in many cases, such as with the OP, where her overreaction to the end of a few weeks relationship is really disproportionate, it's beneficial for people to realise they need to pull themselves together instead of wallowing in self-pity, stop blowing things out of proportion, dwelling on things and expecting that everyone else should indulge them in agreeing that something really terrible has happened, when it hasn't.

And sometimes blunt, not cruel, is best.