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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 But at soon as he started it made complete sense why was so withdrawn.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:
FatLarrysBanned · 03/03/2025 22:39

Poor you. I had a couple of these short term "relationships" when I first dipped my toe into online dating. I always fall hard and fast and I'm always devastated for a few weeks when they end. You need to distract yourself. Stop checking your phone. Block his number. I bet you a pound to a penny you'll get the "hey you..." text from him in a few months when he's feeling horny and wants to get a quick leg over. You're worth waaaaaaay more than that.

Get busy, busy, busy - doesn't matter what. Clean out cupboards, take up a new hobby or get back into an old one. Call a mate for a natter, organise your finances, get a project underway, redecorate a room. I always recommend reading "He's just not that into you" it's American, but it got me through more than one broken heart.

You can remember the nice times with him, but ultimately he didn't have the feelings to make it work on his part, and that's OK. He's been honest with you which is better than leading you on. 💐

PolarCrane · 03/03/2025 22:42

That sounds like teenagers or a holiday romance. Thankfully I don't feel that way with DH.

ByWaryCrab · 03/03/2025 22:45

DrummingMousWife · 03/03/2025 19:56

Call it a day. It sounds like it’s the initial butterfly stage he likes, and when you start talking relationship he loses interest. If he wanted it to work, it would have.

Some guys do this for a living….just no depth. It’s a conquest thing. You can do and be and have so much more. Dust your self off girl, make time for you, he will be less important in time, you’ll get him where he needs to be, way, way, way behind you. Go forward into your beautiful life.🙏

Devonshiregal · 03/03/2025 22:52

If a man is into you he will do anything to see you. He’s just a dick. And if it IS the distance, well then he just isn’t that into you. Bit much to be like ooh that was a bit of a drive…well onto the next. Also he’s an adult with adult kids basically so he doesn’t need to see someone all the time, especially at 2 months in. He’s so in love he can’t bare to be without you for two weeks so he breaks up with you completely? Erm no.

your issue is not oxytocin so much as it is buying his bullshit. He’s painted himself as mr perfect - two kids who want nothing to do with their mum so he has some custody and he accommodates the ex at functions (because he’s a gentleman, don’t you know?) but had to, for his brother’s sake, ask her not to come to one…because SHE is the problem and everyone hates her.

also, he sulked when he decided he didn’t want to be with you - made you feel confused and like crap. Nice. Now he’s doing the same but via text. Switched off his feelings pretty fast.

he is a dick. And you need to go watch he’s just not that into you with some ice cream then be done with him.

EggFriedRiceAndChips · 03/03/2025 22:53

He sounds like a prick. I feel your pain tho. Practically speaking, the best way through this, imho, is to go completely no contact for about 2 months. Like block on everything. If he manages to contact you , even if he’s suddenly being really nice, do not engage. Not at all. There's stuff you can read about it - google ‘no contact rule’. It’s hands down the best way to heal and might also have the fringe benefit of pissing him off / leaving him heartbroken , long after you’ve moved on to better things. Result!

Dillydollydingdong · 03/03/2025 22:57

It's a shame it's all ended badly but better sooner rather than dragging it out. My DP and I are older than you so no complications over kids, but we live 150 miles apart so that can be difficult. We spend a lot of time on zoom, and take turns at visiting. And we've been an item for 5 years so I suppose these things can work. Wish you well, OP. 💐

Twilight7777 · 03/03/2025 22:57

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.

3-6 months I think

Gtbb · 03/03/2025 23:05

Delete his number.
He's a well practiced player.

healthybychristmas · 03/03/2025 23:07

He could've worked out the distance himself, couldn't he?

MiniPumpkin · 03/03/2025 23:09

He’s had his fun and that’s it over.
sorry op. X

CountryMumof4 · 03/03/2025 23:11

So sorry you're feeling so hurt - definitely not easy for you :-( It sounds like it got intense very quickly. Unfortunately, these things can fizzle out equally quickly too.

I have an aquiantance that spends his life in a non stop cycle of thinking he's in love, love bombing them, bedding then and then rethinking the whole thing. He calls himself a romantic... I just think he's a prat, but there we are.

I'm sure the right man is out there for you - it's just not this guy. As others have said, block and let yourself move on as best you can - it'll get easier in time.

Wishyouwerehere50 · 03/03/2025 23:12

daleylama · 03/03/2025 21:09

Why did you feel you needed to comment ? !

Ill Be Back See You GIF

Well I appreciate it. I kinda want to know if I'm having a bloody conversation with Skynet!

outerspacepotato · 03/03/2025 23:17

You met his kids 5 weeks in? That's a giant red flag right there, especially when there's family conflict or so he says

Love bombing. Another red flag.

Him dismissing the long distance.

Oxytocin isn't responsible for you ignoring the glaring red flags here.

SnowFrogJelly · 03/03/2025 23:22

It's tough but to be fair it's only been 2 months.. if it was real maybe one of you would move

theDudesmummy · 03/03/2025 23:24

I am afraid I also strongly suspect this to be AI.

Moier · 03/03/2025 23:29

It was just not love.

steff13 · 03/03/2025 23:32

CheekyHobson · 03/03/2025 22:29

The point is that anyone with a bit of self-awareness and maturity would recognise that 100 miles is a long way to travel and would hold off on introductions to family and big promises of “making it work” before they’d had a chance to see how the distance really felt.

It sounds like this guy hadn’t even made the trip once until last weekend yet was taking her to meet his parents and kids and acting like they had a strong future together. That’s just batshit behaviour.

I think being this invested in someone so early on and blaming it in oxytocin is a bit batshit.

CheekyHobson · 03/03/2025 23:33

steff13 · 03/03/2025 23:32

I think being this invested in someone so early on and blaming it in oxytocin is a bit batshit.

That too. Neither side seems able to recognise their red-flag behaviours.

oakleaffy · 03/03/2025 23:36

purpletrainline · 03/03/2025 19:55

Thank you. This is helping. I need to hear all of this.

Too fast, too intense.
My betting is he is still dating - he sounds like a ten a penny older bloke, who has had the chase, the catch, now it's onto the next hunt.

Take it far more slowly next time..

oakleaffy · 03/03/2025 23:41

steff13 · 03/03/2025 22:24

Yeah, same.

I thought OP had been given Oxytocin in childbirth- it's agonising.
I hated oxytocin, too.
Causes agonising contractions.

valentinka31 · 03/03/2025 23:43

If I really liked him I'd have found a way to be nearer him. But I am soppy like that.

Nanny0gg · 03/03/2025 23:59

purpletrainline · 03/03/2025 19:59

Thank you. This is helping.

Teanbiscuits33, Please educate me. Why is an intense relationship that lasted 2 months a massive red flag?

You'd met his children, his parents
I appreciate the children weren't tiny but it was all too much too soon.

Love bombing

Mummyoflittledragon · 04/03/2025 00:03

Sounds like he may have been future faking until he managed to bed you then lost interest. Idk if he’s even aware that he’s doing it. If he is, he’s also using his kids, which isn’t greaf!

Booboobagins · 04/03/2025 00:04

It surprises me that so many people haven't felt that madness when met the person you feel is the one. I feel sorry for them - the rush is such fun and utter madness. And I'm so sorry @purpletrainline that it hasn't worked out for you. It can be like that sometimes, I know I've been there, but honestly he's made up his mind and as a wise person once told me 'if they dont want you, they don't deserve you, move on, there are plenty more fish in the sea'.

Sending a hug, I hope you find the one who lights you up and wants to carrry on doing that soon xxx

CheekyHobson · 04/03/2025 00:10

Booboobagins · 04/03/2025 00:04

It surprises me that so many people haven't felt that madness when met the person you feel is the one. I feel sorry for them - the rush is such fun and utter madness. And I'm so sorry @purpletrainline that it hasn't worked out for you. It can be like that sometimes, I know I've been there, but honestly he's made up his mind and as a wise person once told me 'if they dont want you, they don't deserve you, move on, there are plenty more fish in the sea'.

Sending a hug, I hope you find the one who lights you up and wants to carrry on doing that soon xxx

It’s not that people haven’t felt that mad rush of love! It’s that they can manage to pair it with a bit of sense!

Ive felt that heady rush a few times; it’s not a guarantee that the person really is the partner of a lifetime, or even a long time.