Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

A bit of fun or a red flag?

108 replies

Baguettecat · 19/03/2025 21:15

I'm mid-40s, divorced 6 years with three primary age school children. Not been in a relationship, not dated since leaving husband (history of psych\ and emotional abuse). Work part-time and kids with their father alternate weekends. I have felt lonely at times and yearned for physical intimacy though frankly I also largely enjoy my space and am protective of my family and myself, and I just don't meet men in my work and hardly socialise.
I joined a gym a year ago and have enjoyed an exercise class led by a young, stunning man (the class is fun and the eye candy was a bonus!). This man looks like he's in his early-mid thirties max, is not from the UK and seems isolated here socially. He invited me for lunch and honestly I didn't read too much into it he'd asked me when chatting after class about my 'fitness goals' (I don't have any) so I imagined he wanted to talk fitness and food. A bit naive but honestly, whilst I am not unattractive and do look younger than my age, I haven't looked after myself much and don't make an effort to the gym (think 10 year old leggings and bra etc). I went to lunch straight after the class without make-up, unwashed I had two hours but I worked on my laptop, whilst he showered and turned up looking slick!

Ugh! Struggling to get to the point!

Over lunch, he seemed visibly nervous, shared a lot about his personal life and past relationships (fathered 4 children from 2 mothers, all overseas) and married out of convenience to get his visa to this country the relationship he says is over and they sleep in separate rooms etc he says he's attracted to me and recalled the first time we spoke, things I did in\ out of class and got very excited when I said I thought he was very attractive too. I've said I'm not interested in a relationship-- honestly he isn't someone I see myself with in any serious way though it would be fun to mess around and maybe finally have sex with a gorgeous, sweet and safe man. But but but I will check if his wife sees the relationship as over and is aware of his intention to be with other people (he was v honest and bit too open in sharing so I feel he would be honest) and I've said that I'm not interested in anything serious though am I unreasonable to be excited about this man?

He messaged straight after our lunch, and a few more times today and says things like 'I miss you' and that frankly have put me off--is this love bombing? He guessed my age as late twenties (generally guessed more like 30s but I put that down to him being younger). I do wonder if he thinks I have money or can help him support his kids abroad. He said he'd like to meet my kids and I was direct in saying no as I don't think that's appropriate, though can't tell if he's naive, a bit dim or a potential perp in disguise.

Otherwise, he is pretty much happen book. Works all hours, is serious and enthusiastic about all things health and fitness (we both like cooking and eating so that's been a mutual topic of interest at the gym). Logistically I don't know when we would find time to meet and where --i have an elderly tenant who is home a lot and he has his wife. He has a wife. That in itself is off putting enough.

Am I getting myself into hot water?

No kids with his wife.

I'm unreasonable: nip this fantasy in the bud before it gets messy or\ and dangerous

I'm reasonable: have fun with this man. Needn't be serious and you deserve a bit of hot sex. It's been too too too long.

OP posts:
Catza · 19/03/2025 21:20

Pursuing this will be completely idiotic.

Ineedanotherholidaynow · 19/03/2025 21:21

I’d leave this one alone. He’s married, regardless of what he’s told you about the relationship.

Mulledjuice · 19/03/2025 21:23

This isn't the fun fling for you.
He's too messy. It could get messy for you too. Do you want to have to find a new gym?

Ph3 · 19/03/2025 21:23

for me this is a bit of red flags the whole I want to meet your kids and I miss you. Too much to soon. And also I have heard/red the whole I’m only married for convenience but really his wife is not aware of this “convenience”.

Iknowaboutpopular · 19/03/2025 21:24

Are you ok? He has a wife and 4 children with two mothers overseas. What on earth are you thinking?

Baguettecat · 19/03/2025 21:25

Mulledjuice · 19/03/2025 21:23

This isn't the fun fling for you.
He's too messy. It could get messy for you too. Do you want to have to find a new gym?

Good point. I did think about this. Ugh!

OP posts:
heartsinvisiblefury · 19/03/2025 21:26

he’s a walking red flag

Baguettecat · 19/03/2025 21:27

Iknowaboutpopular · 19/03/2025 21:24

Are you ok? He has a wife and 4 children with two mothers overseas. What on earth are you thinking?

Yes, I'm clearly thinking with my premenopausal body rather than my brain. Hence reaching out for some sanity here thank you.

OP posts:
Baguettecat · 19/03/2025 21:29

Ph3 · 19/03/2025 21:23

for me this is a bit of red flags the whole I want to meet your kids and I miss you. Too much to soon. And also I have heard/red the whole I’m only married for convenience but really his wife is not aware of this “convenience”.

Yes, I did wonder. He said she is down and negative though he would leave her as he needs the marriage for his visa, so that was pretty off putting.

OP posts:
Hoardasurass · 19/03/2025 21:29

Run he's at best a lier, fraud and criminal. It's a crime to marry someone just for a visa.
This man can't be trusted

FeministUnderTheCatriarchy · 19/03/2025 21:30

Things are fizzling out with the current wife... I wonder if she is the higher earner? Guessing he is going to have to leave at some point and wants to get his new place sorted.

Also her age would be interesting to know also.

I am absolutely not saying that you aren't attractive or totally worthy of sexual desire. But from what you have shared, absolutely a red flag.

Some men from certain other cultures are extremely good at appearing earnest and nervous. I would not take his demeanor as a sign of him being truthful or having good intentions.

He I would also really love to know how much he supports his children financially.

I know you said you don't want anything serious, but these things can snowball out of control. I would cut it off now before you find yourself dishing up his tea while he sexts someone from class.

Oh and yes, saying he misses you this soon? Screams of a love scam. They love bomb women and they pick their targets hoping for vulnerable people.

(I don't mean to be harsh, but I have just read SO many threads on here where this has happened).

Jojimoji · 19/03/2025 21:30

This flag is so red it's attracting bulls.
Run before you get trampled.

DuckieDodgyHedgyPiggy · 19/03/2025 21:30

In your shoes, I probably would go for it, if it was clear he understood it was just a bit of fun.
Not sure why he wants to meet your kids, though. Maybe he just likes kids and misses his.

MaryGreenhill · 19/03/2025 21:30

I would be wary he's a romance scammer OP .
Take care .

FloofyKat · 19/03/2025 21:31

Just no, no, no. Not with a bargepole.

Baguettecat · 19/03/2025 21:32

heartsinvisiblefury · 19/03/2025 21:26

he’s a walking red flag

😭 a very sexy walking red flag!

I'll have to have an awkward chat and somewhat tainted (previously precious) twice weekly exercise classes 😓

OP posts:
theyoungishman · 19/03/2025 21:35

Why is a portion of your post crossed out? It's really hard to read! I would stay away from this situation

Baguettecat · 19/03/2025 21:37

FeministUnderTheCatriarchy · 19/03/2025 21:30

Things are fizzling out with the current wife... I wonder if she is the higher earner? Guessing he is going to have to leave at some point and wants to get his new place sorted.

Also her age would be interesting to know also.

I am absolutely not saying that you aren't attractive or totally worthy of sexual desire. But from what you have shared, absolutely a red flag.

Some men from certain other cultures are extremely good at appearing earnest and nervous. I would not take his demeanor as a sign of him being truthful or having good intentions.

He I would also really love to know how much he supports his children financially.

I know you said you don't want anything serious, but these things can snowball out of control. I would cut it off now before you find yourself dishing up his tea while he sexts someone from class.

Oh and yes, saying he misses you this soon? Screams of a love scam. They love bomb women and they pick their targets hoping for vulnerable people.

(I don't mean to be harsh, but I have just read SO many threads on here where this has happened).

Edited

Yes, thank you, I agree.

Thank you everyone for your capacity to see beyond d the box and pretty smile.

I'll call it off.

Even if he understands it's a bit of fun, I wouldn't want the potential heartache of another woman (his wife) on my conscience. Not her rage if she decided to blame me for his affair 😱

OP posts:
Riversof0tter5 · 19/03/2025 21:38

What does gym policy say about relationships between class leaders and gym members? Is he contracted in and if so, how long for? Or is he a regular staff member?

It's doubtful he thinks you're in your 20s as his line of work involves working with and looking at bodies. Why would he even say that? Is he ageist and thinks it's flattering? Does he want babies with a third mother? Is he sussing out your likely earning power or job status and maybe measuring that against how soon you might be fully menopausal?

Is he a bit dim or volatile? Likely to become clingy or codependent?

How would other people in the class feel -- could he keep it professional or will you be obviously aroused by each other getting sweaty at an enforced distance?

Find a new gym!

Baguettecat · 19/03/2025 21:40

theyoungishman · 19/03/2025 21:35

Why is a portion of your post crossed out? It's really hard to read! I would stay away from this situation

Sorry I did wonder that too
I think it is because I used dashes and that seems to tea slate into strikethroughs (?). Apologies I couldn't edit and I'm a first time poster (long time reader).

OP posts:
Baguettecat · 19/03/2025 21:51

Riversof0tter5 · 19/03/2025 21:38

What does gym policy say about relationships between class leaders and gym members? Is he contracted in and if so, how long for? Or is he a regular staff member?

It's doubtful he thinks you're in your 20s as his line of work involves working with and looking at bodies. Why would he even say that? Is he ageist and thinks it's flattering? Does he want babies with a third mother? Is he sussing out your likely earning power or job status and maybe measuring that against how soon you might be fully menopausal?

Is he a bit dim or volatile? Likely to become clingy or codependent?

How would other people in the class feel -- could he keep it professional or will you be obviously aroused by each other getting sweaty at an enforced distance?

Find a new gym!

All good and interesting points.
I actually booked PT sessions with him and have a couple to use up still (it was an offer for 30 minute ones that I took before this fateful lunch happened! Awkward!).

I don't look like I am in my 20s, not beyond recent hormonal breakouts! He may be ageist.

No idea of gym policy though he is a full-time member of staff (not contracted in).

I really don't want to change gyms but let's see if he can remain professional when I tell him... Well, I'll need to frame it in a way to shield his male ego that likely will be fragile I'm guessing.

OP posts:
Plugwug · 19/03/2025 21:54

A "sweet and safe man"?!
How on earth did you reach this conclusion based on the facts presented?

PunishmentRoundupWithJoon · 19/03/2025 21:55

No, for heaven's sake, no! Far too messy. It's an ego boost, sure, and that feels good, but no. You don't know if he's telling the truth about the marriage, 4 kids in a different country, a wife married for convenience...no.

And the 'I miss you' text - way too much. This WILL get messy. And as someone says, do you really want to have to find a new gym?

Delphiniumandlupins · 19/03/2025 21:59

I think it's possible to have fun/sex with no strings but there are too many reasons not to pursue things with this man. I'm sure, now you're open to looking, you can find plenty of other options.

JustGotToKeepOnKeepingOn · 19/03/2025 22:25

Good grief OP, what on earth are you thinking? He’s picked on you as he can see you’ll fall for the utter lies he’s spinning to get a quick shag. He’s married. I’m sure his wife has no idea that he’s shagging as many middle aged women from the gym as he can.

Nothing wrong with having a fling but don’t shit on your own doorstep and definitely don’t shag another woman’s husband.

Find your self respect and throw this one back. He sounds an utter sleaze.