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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Could I have handled this better? Made him leave

495 replies

Brooklans · 25/06/2025 21:06

I originally met a man 18 months ago. Although nothing happened, we kept in contact as friends through text and social media. Recently, we started to get closer. For a month we spoke everyday, talking about our days, and deeper conversations to do with our families, past grief, and bad relationships we’d had. So after a month, we decided to go on a proper date. Date went well, although no kiss, both went home separately.

A few days after our date I was due to go abroad for a month to take some time out and relax at my mum’s timeshare apartment in a hot country. As we’d just had our date and I didn’t want to wait a month to see him again, I invited him to fly out and stay for 6 days (6 hour flight away)

We both agreed no pressure, it’ll be a friendship holiday for us both, we’ll each have our own rooms, and we’ll just see what happens. I also told him he can feel free to do his own thing sometimes if he wants. So a week after I flew out, so did he.

He arrived on Sunday very late at night, I picked him up at the airport and we both went to bed soon after we got back, to our separate rooms.

The following morning, on Monday, we went to the beach together. Then we went back to the apartment, and I went to visit my friend for a couple of hours. I came back, and we went out for a meal. During the meal I started to realise that I don’t feel the spark I was hoping and couldn’t see us progressing into anything beyond a friendship. We got back to the apartment and he asked if I wanted to watch something with him. I excused myself and went to bed early but told him to make himself at home and watch whatever.

The next morning on Tuesday I went to the gym alone and ran some errands, I texted him to say I’d be home no later than 4 hours, and once I’m back we’ll go to another beach together. I took slightly longer and he texted me asking how long I’ll be. The apartment is in the middle of no where and nothing I’m walking distance, so I could tell he was getting a bit restless. When I arrived back he didn’t say it but I could tell he had got a bit impatient. I grabbed my things to go to the beach, and told him I’d drop him off at the beach and meet him there later as I had to help the friend I saw the day before with something. He looked put out. I gave him some swimming equipment as I know he likes water sports/swimming. I dropped him off at the beach and said he’d see me later. It felt awkward.

A few hours later I rung him to say I’d only be another hour then I’d pick him up. He said “Pick me up? I thought you were joining me not picking me up?” I said I just wanted to relax at the apartment, it had been a long day. But he was more than welcome to stay there and I’ll pick him up later. He said okay he’ll stay, and will speak to me later.

Then I get a text saying “Do you even want me here? You seem to be taking your time with everything and last night you went to bed early you said to sleep, but I heard your tv on still a couple of hours later. I don’t need free accommodation and lifts if i wanted a holiday alone I could do that. I came to spend time with you.”

I reminded him of our talk before he arrived, that he’ll be free to do his own thing too. It was a casual arrangement and that I can’t put everything on hold because he’s here for 6 days. Said that I’m tired and I don’t feel like chilling on a beach and I need to help my friend. He just replied “Okay help your friend, I’ll call you later when I’m ready to come back”.

At that point it felt more awkward than it had done when I dropped him off, so I screenshotted a flight home for that night, at 11:30pm to him with the message “If it’s going to be awkward like this now and you’re going to make me feel like I can’t do what I’d usually do, I’d rather book you this flight home. You’ve woken up in a mood this morning I’ve not done anything wrong”. He immediately texted back “Okay book it”. I told him to book it and I’ll transfer the money. And said it had been an awkward day.

He said “You’re the one making it awkward, I’ve not been here 48 hours yet and you’re sending me screenshots to flights home because I asked you one question. I said help your friend and I’ll see you later tonight. I can’t fly home tonight It’s 5:30pm already I’ve been swimming I don’t have time to shower and pack and make it to airport in time. I’ll fly home tomorrow, don’t worry no awkwardness from me. See you later”

At this point I’m annoyed that he’s dictating when he will leave as he’s the guest. I texted back “I still think it’s better you leave tonight to be honest I don’t want any awkwardness”. He replied “Okay”.

When we got back to the apartment it stated we were unable to book the flight online as it was under 5 hours from the departure time. As the airport is a while away and there wasn’t a guarantee he would get a seat once arriving there, I said he could stay the night and I’ll sort him a flight for the next day. He was annoyed, he said that he’d also realised we weren’t right together romantically but that I was treating him unkindly and kicking him out so soon because of it, he was still prepared to remain friends. I said I’d asked him to leave as he’s was being awkward, not because of that. He went for a long walk after that, then went straight to his room.

Following morning, on the Tuesday I went out again. When I came back he was sat on the balcony and stayed there. I made some food and went for a shower. Before I go in the shower I texted him “Hey, what time is your flight? I might be able to take you to the airport, if not I’ll get my friend to take you. He’ll do it for half the price taxi drivers charge around here. I can also drop you off at another beach for the day. Just let know what time your flight is so I can plan my day”.
After my shower he knocked on my door and said with a snarky attitude “Why are you texting me when you can see I’m on the balcony? And you say I’m awkward ! I haven’t booked my flight you said yesterday you’d sort it” I replied “No I told you to book it and I’d send you the money for it but fine I’m not going to argue I’ll book it now” I booked him a flight, paid for it with my own money. Only time for that day was at 11:30pm. Told him what time his flight was, and I’d get my friend to take him to airport. He says, again with an attitude “Great nice 6 hour flight at midnight. Fantastic” At this point I can’t wait for him to leave.

Dropped him off at beach for the day and my friend picked him up in evening for airport, he didn’t even say bye to me. Has since blocked me on everything.

I really struggle with awkwardness. Was I BU or was he?

OP posts:
MageQueen · 25/06/2025 22:25

I wonder if this is a reverse?

AlexisP90 · 25/06/2025 22:25

Poor guy! If I flew 6 hours and got mugged off pretty much every chance I even tried I would be pissed off too. He kept his cool longer than I would have!

Sorry OP you're massively in the wrong. I feel really sorry for him

Adelle79360 · 25/06/2025 22:26

Brooklans · 25/06/2025 22:19

I texted him while he was on the balcony as he didn’t come in while I made something to eat so assumed he didn’t wish to speak to me

And did you not try and speak to him? Did he even know you were making something? Why didn’t you go out to the balcony to talk to him? Honestly OP, it gets worse the more you post.

Treesandsheepeverywhere · 25/06/2025 22:27

You treated him unkindly. Seems you think you're better than him just because there was no spark.
Would you have treated a colleague or friend in such a way?
YABU. You owe him an apology.

Tacocatgoatcheesepizza · 25/06/2025 22:27

Brooklans · 25/06/2025 22:19

I texted him while he was on the balcony as he didn’t come in while I made something to eat so assumed he didn’t wish to speak to me

Please stop trying to blame him, this really is all on you.

Pretty foolish in the first place to invite someone on holiday who you’d only just met as well.

DreamingofTimbuktuagain · 25/06/2025 22:28

Did your friend not challenge your behaviour as beyond rude?

JG24 · 25/06/2025 22:28

Can I ask if you are neuro divergent? You really remind me of a friend of mine.

ConstitutionHill · 25/06/2025 22:29

Yes, you could have handled this a lot better.

Bythewayimgoingouttonight · 25/06/2025 22:29

Omg the poor guy. You have treated him like absolute shit! I cannot believe that you wrote all of that out and still can’t see it.

KatyaKat · 25/06/2025 22:29

Maybe he was 'already acting awkwardly' when you picked him up from the beach because you'd initially told him 'we'll go to the beach', then you unilaterally changed your plan and just dropped him there alone. That's incredibly rude @Brooklans

LittleGlowingOblong · 25/06/2025 22:29

I suspect you’ve written this in a way that’s very harsh on yourself, and there are in fact two sides to this tale.
But there’s clearly something else going on. Did you realise you didn’t really even like him as a friend? Were you subconsciously threatened by the possibility of intimacy.
It’s a shame - perhaps it would have gone differently if you’d just FaceTimed him from the timeshare while you were away. But sharing your time was one thing you certainly did not do!

m00rfarm · 25/06/2025 22:30

If someone comes to visit you on holiday as a friend, you don't just dump them at the beach, and run to bed and hide from them, making it an obvious lie. You are simply a horrible person. Cannot believe you can't see this for yourself. I hope you don't have any other friends you can mistreat in this way. And to try to justify it?

Beautifulspringsunshine · 25/06/2025 22:31

Now this is real narcissistic behaviour. You invited him over but as soon as he didn't serve you any purpose, you discarded and ignored him. You have no empathy or understanding of how he must of felt but it's all about you.

This is not normal behaviour, you need to get some serious help from a psychiatrist and get some therapy.

TY78910 · 25/06/2025 22:31

this is another one of those threads where OP asks if she’s BU and when everyone unanimously tells her she’s U, she pushes back because all OP wanted in the first place was for everyone to agree with her. There should really be a ‘validation’ board.

AgathaX · 25/06/2025 22:31

You behaved appallingly towards him. All the excuses you're now coming up with to justify your actions make it all the worse too.

Alltheparmesanplease · 25/06/2025 22:32

You sound fucking awful.

willowtree66 · 25/06/2025 22:33

You’re a b**ch.

Tweedled · 25/06/2025 22:33

What a really horrible way to treat him. You should be ashamed of yourself.

Lrichy13 · 25/06/2025 22:33

You didn’t handle this well I’m afraid, you were ignoring a guest, went out and left him alone for hours, then when he was annoyed blamed it on him being awkward. I feel really sorry for the guy and you owe him an apology.

Starseeking · 25/06/2025 22:34

This must be a reverse, surely no-one would admit to such appalling behaviour then try and blame the other person ConfusedConfusedConfused

AccidentalPrawnYouFool · 25/06/2025 22:34

You sound like you were really mean to him and made him feel unwelcome and uncomfortable. You made it awkward, not him.

Crimblecrumble1990 · 25/06/2025 22:34

Sadly, everything you did sounds rude and bizarre. I would have been really upset in that guys shoes, not because you didn’t fancy me but that you treated him so poorly. You must find yourself in a lot of awkward moments? Wondering why everyone else is so odd?

Copperoliverbear · 25/06/2025 22:35

You were extremely rude, even if you didn’t want to be in a relationship you could have just been friends and hung out with him, you basically invited him to travel Miles and couldn’t even extend the hand of friendship to him, you basically left him alone, just because he didn’t suit your narrative, i can’t believe how awfully bad mannered you were.

MN2025 · 25/06/2025 22:35

Brooklans · 25/06/2025 21:06

I originally met a man 18 months ago. Although nothing happened, we kept in contact as friends through text and social media. Recently, we started to get closer. For a month we spoke everyday, talking about our days, and deeper conversations to do with our families, past grief, and bad relationships we’d had. So after a month, we decided to go on a proper date. Date went well, although no kiss, both went home separately.

A few days after our date I was due to go abroad for a month to take some time out and relax at my mum’s timeshare apartment in a hot country. As we’d just had our date and I didn’t want to wait a month to see him again, I invited him to fly out and stay for 6 days (6 hour flight away)

We both agreed no pressure, it’ll be a friendship holiday for us both, we’ll each have our own rooms, and we’ll just see what happens. I also told him he can feel free to do his own thing sometimes if he wants. So a week after I flew out, so did he.

He arrived on Sunday very late at night, I picked him up at the airport and we both went to bed soon after we got back, to our separate rooms.

The following morning, on Monday, we went to the beach together. Then we went back to the apartment, and I went to visit my friend for a couple of hours. I came back, and we went out for a meal. During the meal I started to realise that I don’t feel the spark I was hoping and couldn’t see us progressing into anything beyond a friendship. We got back to the apartment and he asked if I wanted to watch something with him. I excused myself and went to bed early but told him to make himself at home and watch whatever.

The next morning on Tuesday I went to the gym alone and ran some errands, I texted him to say I’d be home no later than 4 hours, and once I’m back we’ll go to another beach together. I took slightly longer and he texted me asking how long I’ll be. The apartment is in the middle of no where and nothing I’m walking distance, so I could tell he was getting a bit restless. When I arrived back he didn’t say it but I could tell he had got a bit impatient. I grabbed my things to go to the beach, and told him I’d drop him off at the beach and meet him there later as I had to help the friend I saw the day before with something. He looked put out. I gave him some swimming equipment as I know he likes water sports/swimming. I dropped him off at the beach and said he’d see me later. It felt awkward.

A few hours later I rung him to say I’d only be another hour then I’d pick him up. He said “Pick me up? I thought you were joining me not picking me up?” I said I just wanted to relax at the apartment, it had been a long day. But he was more than welcome to stay there and I’ll pick him up later. He said okay he’ll stay, and will speak to me later.

Then I get a text saying “Do you even want me here? You seem to be taking your time with everything and last night you went to bed early you said to sleep, but I heard your tv on still a couple of hours later. I don’t need free accommodation and lifts if i wanted a holiday alone I could do that. I came to spend time with you.”

I reminded him of our talk before he arrived, that he’ll be free to do his own thing too. It was a casual arrangement and that I can’t put everything on hold because he’s here for 6 days. Said that I’m tired and I don’t feel like chilling on a beach and I need to help my friend. He just replied “Okay help your friend, I’ll call you later when I’m ready to come back”.

At that point it felt more awkward than it had done when I dropped him off, so I screenshotted a flight home for that night, at 11:30pm to him with the message “If it’s going to be awkward like this now and you’re going to make me feel like I can’t do what I’d usually do, I’d rather book you this flight home. You’ve woken up in a mood this morning I’ve not done anything wrong”. He immediately texted back “Okay book it”. I told him to book it and I’ll transfer the money. And said it had been an awkward day.

He said “You’re the one making it awkward, I’ve not been here 48 hours yet and you’re sending me screenshots to flights home because I asked you one question. I said help your friend and I’ll see you later tonight. I can’t fly home tonight It’s 5:30pm already I’ve been swimming I don’t have time to shower and pack and make it to airport in time. I’ll fly home tomorrow, don’t worry no awkwardness from me. See you later”

At this point I’m annoyed that he’s dictating when he will leave as he’s the guest. I texted back “I still think it’s better you leave tonight to be honest I don’t want any awkwardness”. He replied “Okay”.

When we got back to the apartment it stated we were unable to book the flight online as it was under 5 hours from the departure time. As the airport is a while away and there wasn’t a guarantee he would get a seat once arriving there, I said he could stay the night and I’ll sort him a flight for the next day. He was annoyed, he said that he’d also realised we weren’t right together romantically but that I was treating him unkindly and kicking him out so soon because of it, he was still prepared to remain friends. I said I’d asked him to leave as he’s was being awkward, not because of that. He went for a long walk after that, then went straight to his room.

Following morning, on the Tuesday I went out again. When I came back he was sat on the balcony and stayed there. I made some food and went for a shower. Before I go in the shower I texted him “Hey, what time is your flight? I might be able to take you to the airport, if not I’ll get my friend to take you. He’ll do it for half the price taxi drivers charge around here. I can also drop you off at another beach for the day. Just let know what time your flight is so I can plan my day”.
After my shower he knocked on my door and said with a snarky attitude “Why are you texting me when you can see I’m on the balcony? And you say I’m awkward ! I haven’t booked my flight you said yesterday you’d sort it” I replied “No I told you to book it and I’d send you the money for it but fine I’m not going to argue I’ll book it now” I booked him a flight, paid for it with my own money. Only time for that day was at 11:30pm. Told him what time his flight was, and I’d get my friend to take him to airport. He says, again with an attitude “Great nice 6 hour flight at midnight. Fantastic” At this point I can’t wait for him to leave.

Dropped him off at beach for the day and my friend picked him up in evening for airport, he didn’t even say bye to me. Has since blocked me on everything.

I really struggle with awkwardness. Was I BU or was he?

You are a complete bitch OP and totally out of order. You’re the problem here not him.

This was disgraceful behaviour on your behalf.

Soontobesingles · 25/06/2025 22:36

Read halfway and cringed so bad I decided this cannot be real. What the hell? Why invite someone to spend time with you in a forget country and then leave them stranded?! Someone marry this guy he is a saint.

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