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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:
Exasperated24 · 20/03/2025 16:09

Oh God all this angst! He won’t care and will just move on to the next victim.

Bolscassis · 20/03/2025 16:24

You’d be an idiot and naive to pursue this.

randomchap · 20/03/2025 16:44

Don't shag married people.

This may not come as a surprise but some men will lie and say their marriage is over when it's not. Just to get shag

YourBestFriend · 20/03/2025 16:49

(Deleted)

Waitingforspring77 · 20/03/2025 17:04

Red flags all over it OP..
Absolutely do not go there

sorechalfonts · 20/03/2025 17:14

Scammer Alert

OneFineDay13 · 20/03/2025 17:18

What is it with all of the lines through the text??

SoOxon · 20/03/2025 17:37

Baguettecat · 19/03/2025 22:59

Yes you're right. That impression was formed based on no he came across as an instructor and the innocent chats in the gym. The facts present a different picture.

the man you thought he was would not have asked you out to lunch - that you cannot process this ‘come on’ and attended showed him all he needed to know - sound advice on here as ever - you sound self deluding OP, this man has a well rehearsed tale but no morals

Kitchensinktoday · 20/03/2025 17:57

It’s a no from me

GreyAreas · 20/03/2025 18:52

I don't think he's lying for sex, sorry OP, I think he's lying for security, trying to get his feet under another woman's table (and his hands in her purse). If you entertain it you'll get attached and then he'll have you and no one will be able to convince you he's a scammer. You deserve a lot better.

Baguettecat · 20/03/2025 20:36

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.

I'm still catching-up on messages thank you for all your clear and sound advice, and love some of humour too! Sharing an update.

Attended a pre-booked PT session with him earlier today (30 mins at lunchbreak) and very directly said to him that it isn't happening. Said I morally cannot see myself with a married man, regardless of the circumstances. Also said that I value him too much as a teacher and trainer, have really been enjoying coming to the gym, and 'I don't want to shit where I eat' (that landed a visible flinch lol). I asked if he can be professional or do I need to change gyms, and he very seriously said that he understands and can be professional. He also said that he isn't v surprised as my facial expressions and. He said he'd married was of shock.

Coincidentally, I saw another PT at the gym today (lovely decent fatherly figure of a man) , who I know from another sport/ hobby elsewhere and they registered one another. Like two cocktails though my friend is very successful and impo Dr and to the gym. EssentiAlly I didn't feel alone and may have seemed higher risk to mess with at his work p!ace (I imagine).

I feel relieved especially as truthfully, meeting him at that lunch (aside from the messy baggage) I noticed that whilst I wouldn't say no, he isn't as alluring in real life as he is an instructor in class. He thanked me for being so direct and honest, and his attitude really shifted. I'm not worried. I feel in control.

I knew it was a potential can of worms, and I've yet to have a casual fling ever (ugh may never happen at this rate!!) though I needed fellow MumsNetters to hammer the point home. Thank you again!

OP posts:
Baguettecat · 20/03/2025 20:38

OneFineDay13 · 20/03/2025 17:18

What is it with all of the lines through the text??

It's my misuse of dashes, apologies--really annoying!

OP posts:
Laura95167 · 20/03/2025 20:42

Sometimes people are "open" about things that may sound shocking in order to mislead others into thinking they're more honest than they are.

I don't believe he mistook you at mid-40s for being in your 20s, I suspect that's patter to flatter.

You know he's left 2 women with children abroad, then used a woman for a visa who he lives with in "separate rooms". He might be hot, but he's not "safe" he's a chancer and he clearly has a history of charming women and leaving them worse than he found them... do what you will with the info you have

Baguettecat · 20/03/2025 20:45

Laura95167 · 20/03/2025 20:42

Sometimes people are "open" about things that may sound shocking in order to mislead others into thinking they're more honest than they are.

I don't believe he mistook you at mid-40s for being in your 20s, I suspect that's patter to flatter.

You know he's left 2 women with children abroad, then used a woman for a visa who he lives with in "separate rooms". He might be hot, but he's not "safe" he's a chancer and he clearly has a history of charming women and leaving them worse than he found them... do what you will with the info you have

Thank you, I agree. Shared an update. It's a no-go. I do look younger but most certainly not 20s lol

OP posts:
Baguettecat · 20/03/2025 20:49

StrawberryDream24 · 20/03/2025 09:07

a wife in the UK he used to get a visa (and is probably still sleeping with despite what he says)

I have had relationships with two foreign men who did not tell me they were married. When I found out - through other means - they both claimed it was it for a visa and they weren't together. One claimed she'd done it as a friend.

The only time she rang him (the "friend") while I was there he made excuses to get me to get out of the car we were in. He clearly couldn't risk me being heard on the background. So, not a friend.

The other guy also seemed to be "with" his wife. They may even have had kids together whom he lied about toy face when I asked him if he had any kids.

I would doubt any man who's cohabiting with a woman but claims they're separated.

I would doubly doubt any man who married for a visa and says they are not together in any way.

Edited

I'm very sorry this happened to you. I'm sure you deserve so much better. And I do too.

OP posts:
Laura95167 · 20/03/2025 21:06

Baguettecat · 20/03/2025 20:45

Thank you, I agree. Shared an update. It's a no-go. I do look younger but most certainly not 20s lol

Oh I defo wasn't implying you don't look younger, just the OOT compliments and the OOT "sharing" of personal info made me suspicious he was less genuine than appeared.

Glad to hear you've made what sounds like the best decision. Hopefully you find someone suitable for a little enjoyment x

Dontlletmedownbruce · 20/03/2025 21:13

The 4 kids with 2 wives overseas would put me off. The marriage of convenience would put me off more. The I miss you would make me want to run and the I want to meet your kids would make me actually run. No one is hot enough to take on that.

Anyone know the hot/crazy scale from How I met your mother? How much crazy you tolerate is linked to how hot they are. It's funny but this post made me think of it

LasVegass · 20/03/2025 21:32

Good update, OP. I hope you’ll continue to enjoy the gym, now that you’ve cleared the air.

Mischance · 20/03/2025 21:39

He's a player ... picking the cherries one by one. Don't join that queue!

StrawberryDream24 · 20/03/2025 21:56

Baguettecat · 20/03/2025 20:49

I'm very sorry this happened to you. I'm sure you deserve so much better. And I do too.

Aw you're very kind.

It was a long time ago, I was very young.

(If I hadn't been so young, I imagine I'd have guessed they might be married to get visas, since both were immigrants to other countries, and hadn't got the qualifications/skills to get a working visa or the money for a business visa. I would think about that now, but didn't when I was 22/23. (Well, I presumed in the 2nd case that maybe that county had labour shortages but that was a silly assumption).

The part that was most unnerving is that the second guy was suggesting we had a child together. I found this bizarre at the time as it was a short, casual relationship. Since then I've realised that, being already married (and somewhere they are meticulous record keepers) he couldn't really marry me to get a visa - in case he got caught committing bigamy - so he was going for the "parent to child in the UK" route. Also a more reliable route in some ways, because it's not dependent on someone sponsoring you for several years & staying married to you (the position the trainer is in ATM).

Anyway, I was depending on condoms both for contraception and std prevention; and I didn't realise until afterward that he could have been tampering with them. It didn't enter my head because my previous relationship experience was that we were both equally motivated to prevent pregnancy.

I think the PT may also consider having a child in the UK a desirable prospect, so if his wife doesn't have one, he might try with someone else.

StrawberryDream24 · 20/03/2025 22:03

Fwiw I would doubt they are never intimate.

He probably just doesn't fancy her much because he took up with her primarily for a visa, so he's keen to pursue sexual opportunities with women he does fancy.

I'd also say he's trying to set himself up a backup, in case she kicks him out at any point.
He sounded too keen to make things "serious" with meeting your kids etc very early on. He wanted to get his feet under the table with you.

GlomOfNit · 20/03/2025 22:45

Oh FFS OP. Grin

You KNOW. You know this is a huge red flag or you wouldn't even be asking on here. He sounds like a nightmare and I don't care how hot he is. The multiple kids with multiple partners and the wife he may or may not be lying about in the UK aside, if you have sex with your gym instructor (ew!) then how awkward will that be?! As well as the biggest cliche going.

Do you have any suspicions that he may be lying about this UK wife and actually be lining YOU up to provide that role to enable him to stay here?

Exasperated24 · 20/03/2025 23:01

Coincidentally, I saw another PT at the gym today (lovely decent fatherly figure of a man) , who I know from another sport/ hobby elsewhere and they registered one another. Like two cocktails though my friend is very successful and impo Dr and to the gym. EssentiAlly I didn't feel alone and may have seemed higher risk to mess with at his work p!ace (I imagine).

What the bloody hell does this mean??

Kitchensinktoday · 20/03/2025 23:05

Exasperated24 · 20/03/2025 23:01

Coincidentally, I saw another PT at the gym today (lovely decent fatherly figure of a man) , who I know from another sport/ hobby elsewhere and they registered one another. Like two cocktails though my friend is very successful and impo Dr and to the gym. EssentiAlly I didn't feel alone and may have seemed higher risk to mess with at his work p!ace (I imagine).

What the bloody hell does this mean??

It’s like AI gone wrong!!

Poochycatmum · 20/03/2025 23:08

It will end in tears .. he has an agenda and you are vulnerable .. don’t go there x

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