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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Boyfriend cancelling 'pencilled in plans'

50 replies

apria · 07/03/2025 20:09

My boyfriend and I only see each other two nights a week, he stayed over last night. Usually he would stay again tonight but I am up at 5am for work, so will be going to bed early.

He said he hoped to be over for 7, but that he might end up working later. This morning he l said “see you later,” which led me to assume he was hoping to be coming over after work.

However, when I texted him at 7 pm, he (after 40 minutes) informed me he wouldn’t be coming because he’s working until 8:30 and his sister was visiting, so he will be with his family. Something he’d known about since 3 pm but hadn’t mentioned until I asked.

What really bothers me is that he often does end up working late, and while that is of course fine and I understand that’s part of his job, I’d appreciate a heads up if plans are changing rather than being left in the dark at the last minute.

He cannot wrap his head around why I am pissed off. His response that “if you’d cancelled plans or not gone out then it would be justified”. He thinks I am overreacting.

He has form for this, and not always when working late. Is often late, changes plans, doesn’t keep me in the loop etc. Though this is the first time in a while.

AIBU? I’m so annoyed!

OP posts:
OneShoeShort · 07/03/2025 21:46

This may or may not be a breakup-worthy issue. He sounds like his default is that plans are tentative maybe ideas unless specifically confirmed and he prefers things be left as open as possible - some people are like that and it's not wrong but it can be really difficult to work with if communication isn't clear and they can't understand others aren't the same. And your default is that a tentative "I'm hoping to/I'll try" is a plan unless explicitly cancelled (pencilled in as you say) and that's also an entirely reasonable approach to scheduling. So when you said goodbye this morning you were thinking you had plans for him to come over but accepted they might be cancelled and he was just thinking "I'll text and tell her I'm coming over if my schedule works out that way".

It's possible that he's just not willing to show any consideration or compromise and you'll need to walk away. But if you're reluctant to ditch him I'd start with clearer communication in advance. When you're not in an argument and it's not about a specific issue, explain that you feel like time together is not being prioritized and you need more communication from him about plans. Then when he says something like he did this morning you can say "I'm going to assume you're coming over around 7 unless you let me know otherwise this afternoon. When do you think you'll know if you need to cancel?" If he's still dicking you around once you've eliminated the ambiguity up front then toss him back in the sea.

ItGhoul · 07/03/2025 21:58

You don’t sound at all compatible.

TomatoSandwiches · 07/03/2025 22:10

He is rude and has no respect for you or your time, then he calls you crazy and again is dismissive and has no respect for your pov or feelings over his poor behaviour.

This is a perfectly decent reason to dump him op, why waste time on someone who treats you like this?

TomatoSandwiches · 07/03/2025 22:11

He's been dicking her about since 3pm when he knew he wasn't going over to hers and knew she was expecting him tonight, sorry but the man is rude!

SnoopysHoose · 07/03/2025 22:14

¥@bigfacthunter
Could your partner be ND?
just no, please can we stop excusing shitty behaviour with this.

Coconutter24 · 07/03/2025 22:17

apria · 07/03/2025 20:21

I was expecting him over. We'd spoken about it.

There was always a chance he might not make it.

There was a chance he might not make it and you knew that so YABU. The point of ‘pencilling’ plans in is because they can easily be changed. He should of let you know earlier if he could

Ilovecleaning · 07/03/2025 22:21

apria · 07/03/2025 21:11

I totally get how it could seem like this.

He seems serious about a future with me, wants to move in together at some point etc.

Discussed marriage and kids.

Well sorry again for sounding harsh - but he just doesn’t sound very committed. I wish you well. 🌺.

NeedToChangeName · 07/03/2025 22:22

If your DP is seriously interested, then you know

If you doubt their commitment, then they're just not that into you

That's my experience anyway

NameChanges123 · 07/03/2025 22:42

TomatoSandwiches · 07/03/2025 22:11

He's been dicking her about since 3pm when he knew he wasn't going over to hers and knew she was expecting him tonight, sorry but the man is rude!

Yep, he couldn't give a shit about your plans or time.

It will only get worse (and already sounds bad).

autisticbookworm · 07/03/2025 22:45

It's disrespectful to leave it until you contact him to let you know he's not bothering.i wonder how he would react if you didn't turn up and if you messaged after the meet time with a casual sorry made other plans would he be ok with that? And telling you your wrong for being put out, I'd consider your worth in this relationship

VikingLady · 08/03/2025 00:32

Your time and your plans simply don't have value for him. Do you find compromises always seem to be you doing what suits him?

whalesorwales · 08/03/2025 07:30

He is disrespectful of your time and doesn't communicate. Seems like he doesn't prioritise you. On paper, this is not the basis for a long term relationship.

greengreyblue · 08/03/2025 07:37

Have a proper chat and let him know how it feels to you. Gauge his response. His text reply was not ok. Does he see that? If you think he does, be really clear with your communication going forward. Make definite plans and agree to let each other know asap if things change. If that doesn’t work, it’s not worth it. Good luck.

bigfacthunter · 08/03/2025 07:42

SnoopysHoose · 07/03/2025 22:14

¥@bigfacthunter
Could your partner be ND?
just no, please can we stop excusing shitty behaviour with this.

I’m starting to see why he doesn’t want to come round 😂

Alalalala · 08/03/2025 07:46

“I’m honestly not trying to pick a fight - just trying to let you know that it’s important to me that you let me know what your plans are.”

It sounds like he’s the one trying to inflate this into more of an issue.

kiwiane · 08/03/2025 07:50

Are you sure he doesn’t see it as a FWB situation? He doesn’t seem fully committed to you and the odd hours would put me off. The gaslighting when you say you’re unhappy is a red flag.

IdontPracticeSanteria · 08/03/2025 08:01

I agree with the last comment. I think he probably sees this as more a FWB type relationship.

howshouldibehave · 08/03/2025 09:56

** This would bother me-if he knew he wasn't coming at 3pm, he should have told you and it's inconsiderate that he didn't

He seems serious about a future with me, wants to move in together at some point etc.

He doesn't want to just move into your house, does he...?

Oneflightdown · 08/03/2025 10:57

He seems serious about a future with me, wants to move in together at some point etc.

Discussed marriage and kids.

Don't look at his words, OP, look at his actions. His actions say, "I think I can pick you up and put you down at will, on a whim, whenever it suits ME. I don't respect your time. I will leave you hanging for hours and not give a second's thought to the fact that you could have made other plans if I had let you know promptly that I was not, in fact, coming over as you expected."

Don't make someone a priority when to them you are just an option.

apria · 08/03/2025 21:46

Tbh I'm really upset by how he reacted.

I'm also a little miffed that he hasn't decided to pop over and see me tonight, we're both free. He's seeing his friends instead.

OP posts:
CalmTheFuckDownMargaret · 08/03/2025 21:46

Selfish and thoughtless.

jellyfishperiwinkle · 08/03/2025 21:53

I couldn't be bothered with someone who can't be arsed to see me. If they aren't making the effort now, god help you in a couple of years' time.

Gymnopedie · 08/03/2025 22:00

OP how much bigger does the writing on the wall have to be?

As far as he's concerned he thinks doing things with his friends is a better offer than being with you. You are way down his list of priorities, if not the actual bottom.

Bin him off right now and find someone who thinks being with you is the best thing that's happened to him. Or be on your own for a while and work on your self esteem so that never again are you asking for a few crumbs from any man's table.

OpenOliveCat · 08/03/2025 22:11

TomatoSandwiches · 07/03/2025 22:10

He is rude and has no respect for you or your time, then he calls you crazy and again is dismissive and has no respect for your pov or feelings over his poor behaviour.

This is a perfectly decent reason to dump him op, why waste time on someone who treats you like this?

The op has no respect for his routine style either.
Either chill out or just let him go....

MyPearlCrow · 08/03/2025 23:14

apria · 08/03/2025 21:46

Tbh I'm really upset by how he reacted.

I'm also a little miffed that he hasn't decided to pop over and see me tonight, we're both free. He's seeing his friends instead.

I am going to be blunt but I think you need this: he’s just not that into you. If he were, you’d be his priority, but you’re not. I think you know this already.

you obviously want more from a relationship and I for one think you deserve more. It doesn’t mean he’s a shit or wrong or anything, it just means you’re not compatible.

don’t settle. You deserve someone who will move mountains to spend time with you. Don’t waste time on fillers like this.

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