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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To feel smothered and annoyed by love interest

317 replies

Cantbloodyrememberthenameonthread · 05/03/2026 15:58

I’ve used love interested because we are NOT in a relationship but we are dating. I’m bi sexual and have recently started dating a lovely lady, so lovely that she is absolutely grating on me.

we’ve been dating a month. My child free days are now automatically allocated to her and she’s matching her work pattern up to mine (both self employed) meaning when my DC are with their dad she’s automatically assuming I have to spend every moment with her.

she’s been very good to me so far, kind and thoughtful. Very attentive. But there are red flaga

  • she’s expressed she has an anxious attachment style which is fair enough but this soon seems full on
  • after 1 week of dating she was really offended that I said “well you are single, as am I” in regards to online dating/deleting profiles
  • shes made an excuse that she needed to collect something from her parents and as a bi-product forced me into meeting them - I believe this may have been planned
  • she wants to “do something” every minute of every day. For example, today I wanted to spend the day pottering about before both dc return home, she insisted we go for lunch outside and to a garden centre because the weather has been nice. Then proceeded all day to say my “vibe” was off and I seemed annoyed. I said I just have a busy mind and schedule and want to get on with things. To which she took great offence and said she wants to make the most of our time together (we’ve been together the past 4 days and nights)

various other things like this. You might say it’s up to me to say no, which is true, however I hate the bluntness and the atmosphere it causes. I’m actively working on my boundaries after being in therapy following previous relationships. I have gently expressed we don’t need to spend every waking minute together, but each time it’s been met with some sort of sulk or mood iyswim. I really dislike upsetting people. Before she left, I basically had to take her bags to the door and almost had to say “get out” because my 20 or so “it was nice to see you, drive home safe” were met by blank stares or just changing rooms to sit on another sofa. It took over an hour of me saying I need to get on with things and need some time alone for her to actually leave.

I feel really irked. I didn’t want a relationship, yet I’m basically in one. There’s been various other things that have annoyed me like posting me on social media (we have mutual friends and I don’t want any of them to know I’m dating?) I’ve said it’s too soon and I don’t want people to see things. It stopped for a few days now she’s carried on ten fold. She’s planning on a trip somewhere up north next week that she needs to go on, and is harassing me for dates, I don’t want to confirm dates as I don’t know a) if I want to go and b) I don’t want set plans next week in general, I just want to have a chilled few days off. Not be held to something. I said you go on your own if I’m free I’ll join which was met with “no I’m planning specifically round your work days so we can go together”

AIBU to be annoyed? Wwyd? I want to send a message saying cool off without being nasty or mean. She’s a lovely woman but I feel overwhelmed and it’s giving me the ick - friends would have been great!

OP posts:
Sartre · 06/03/2026 09:42

Always remember that it should be fun and easy in the early days of any budding romance. If it’s complex and filled with tension or drama then forget it, it’s likely not going to work out long term and is a waste of time.

DreamOfTheRarebitFiend · 06/03/2026 10:02

fatphalange · 06/03/2026 09:21

You can’t seriously keep seeing someone who makes you feel this way and who you have described to us all here as a red flag parade, just because they would make a fun friend.
You said I was being silly when I suggested just cutting to the chase and dumping her. Now having read your updates I’m going to say I think it would be some sort of self-harm if you don’t. I cannot fathom what you’re persevering with this for. For all it’s toxicity and danger, she doesn’t even thrill you.
You have communicated in your OP and all your posts with perfect clarity. But you won’t with her. You write how she’s clearly, clearly trying to mould the dynamics of this relationship, to fit into the ones of her previous relationships and then say ‘oh I dunno I’m kinda confused’ (paraphrasing). Really? Read your own words back.
You’re not going to get what you want from this. She will try to negotiate your terms and then she’ll trample over them when that doesn’t work. She’ll ‘behave’ for a day or two she’ll be back to blowing your phone up and suggesting ways she can spend more time with you. Can you not see that?

I agree with all of this but think it's an ASD thing (I'm also ASD). Seeing the behaviour clearly doesn't always make it easy for us to interpret the behaviour clearly. We sometimes really struggle with this. It can be typical for us to give too much benefit of the doubt because we're so used to being wrong in social situations that we don't trust our own instincts.

OP, she sounds like a needy black hole who's desperate to reel you in and be the centre of your universe. Be careful that she doesn't manage to stay on good behaviour for two weeks and then revert.

ChristmasFluff · 06/03/2026 10:07

"someone said she’s on her best behaviour which I’m not sure is true, she took drugs on our 2nd date at a bar!"

What this means is that this IS the best she is able to behave. Everyone sends their 'best representative' on dates at first - you present your best self, like in a job interview. Then as you get to know someone, you let them see more of your whole self, warts and all.

This means two things. The very best she is capable of is what you got. She will only ever get worse.

And she led with 'I have anxious attachment'. That's like someone coming out with 'I like to pick my feet and fart on my partner whilst watching TV'. Why would someone tell you that?

Answer - to weed out people who have a boundary on those behaviours before they waste any more time on you.

She's bad news, and if you have a therapist you really need to be discussing this all with them.

Shadesofscarlett · 06/03/2026 10:33

where is your self esteem that you think any of this is acceptable. she won't respect your boundaries. She takes drugs. She sounds unhinged at best.

NotAWurstToIt · 06/03/2026 10:39

Cantbloodyrememberthenameonthread · 06/03/2026 07:37

If that’s the case, I will be calling it off.

I wouldn’t be bothered if it was a once a year thing, but I don’t believe it is. Time will tell!

Do you actually want time to tell, or, at this early stage, with all these red flags, do you want to cut your losses and run?
Nothing you’ve said indicates why you would want to stay with her, apart from her appearance.
Of course, it’s up to you what you do, but you came here for advice and all the advice has been for you to move on. I do hope that there’s happiness in your future, but doubt it is with this person though.

OriginalUsername2 · 06/03/2026 10:44

Good lord. Secret ketamine on a second date along with everything else. Once a year my arse. This woman is basically wrapped in a giant red flag. Even if she acts like you want her to for two weeks, I see big trouble down the line.

GelfBride · 06/03/2026 10:45

Cantbloodyrememberthenameonthread · 06/03/2026 07:20

shes a lesbian I’ve only ever dated one man the rest are women.

”lesbian timing” is definitely a thing!

someone said she’s on her best behaviour which I’m not sure is true, she took drugs on our 2nd date at a bar! Thought she hid it well but it was obvious. She’s said it’s something she does “once in a blue moon” I.e once per year which in all honesty isn’t something that’s ever bothered me I don’t judge people who do. But I think it’s crazy to do it on a second date and it’s 100% (and gives the impression that it’s more frequent I’m not sure I’d waste my “once per year” on a date) something that’s held me back because there’s no way I’m getting into something with someone who frequently takes ketamine. Or someone who tries to conceal it

I would have left at that point. There is no chance she is telling the truth about this aspect of her life.

She is a monumental and massive fuck up on legs and as that is clearly not your jam, walk away but FFS take care and look over your shoulder for months.

SimplyBedeviled · 06/03/2026 10:58

This gets worse with each update!! You seem determined to cling on to this relationship despite the many, many, screaming red flags.

I’d bet my house she gets even more demented over the next two weeks and you will be in even deeper.

How old are you both?!

Uticary · 06/03/2026 11:07

Sadly the two of you are both walking red flags.
Her because she is a druggy narcissist and you because you have such very poor boundaries.

Unbelievable you would even continue a date with someone taking ketamine.

Once a year my arse🙄

ThisTaupeZebra · 06/03/2026 12:16

Cantbloodyrememberthenameonthread · 06/03/2026 07:20

shes a lesbian I’ve only ever dated one man the rest are women.

”lesbian timing” is definitely a thing!

someone said she’s on her best behaviour which I’m not sure is true, she took drugs on our 2nd date at a bar! Thought she hid it well but it was obvious. She’s said it’s something she does “once in a blue moon” I.e once per year which in all honesty isn’t something that’s ever bothered me I don’t judge people who do. But I think it’s crazy to do it on a second date and it’s 100% (and gives the impression that it’s more frequent I’m not sure I’d waste my “once per year” on a date) something that’s held me back because there’s no way I’m getting into something with someone who frequently takes ketamine. Or someone who tries to conceal it

Oh Mary Joseph and the Wee Donkey, she takes K?! One a second date? Who takes K on a second date?

How old are you both?

I only ask as I once had a 'thing' with a bloke end, and one day he invited me to meet up with him at an event we were both planning on going to separately, with friends. He suggested a time and a place. I agreed. Eventually I rock up at the agreed time and place and his is there... in a K hole. Which is about the least conducive state to meet somebody you are dating/fucking in.

I left immediately, and he apologised for his behaviour and that was the end of that fling.

And tbf, its kind of a funny story now, as at the time we were both in our early 20s and I did know he had a reputation for being a bit of a pill-head. I was a bit like you and didn't really think occassional indulgence was really any of my business, particuarly in the v early stages of a v casual relationship that neither of us assumed was going anywhere. But impulsive Ketamine use when you are meeting up with somebody you are dating isn't really 'occasional indulgence' is it?

Even in my anxiously-attached, butterflies-tummy state, I was able to see that this man wasn't for me, and to his eternal credit so could he!

Nobody would ever judge you for getting rid, OP.

Soupsavior · 06/03/2026 12:28

Cantbloodyrememberthenameonthread · 05/03/2026 16:12

As I’ve said, she is kind thoughtful and attentive as well as attractive. I do like her. What I don’t like is someone being overbearing and/or ignoring my boundaries.

im not sure how me spending 4 days and 4 nights consecutively every week constitutes to me not wanting to spend time with her? I know married people who see each other less! Once or twice a week would be great.

Apologies if someone else has pointed this out but your boundaries are for you as in if she crosses these you need to actually maintain the boundary with a consequence i.e. you've crossed my boundary so I'm ending it. It sounds like you do really like her but need to communicate with her more clearly and firmly what you want especially regarding your alone time. If she's not happy to compromise on how often she sees you, she's not worth seeing anymore.

SadSaq · 06/03/2026 13:39

FuckoffeeBeforeCoffee · 06/03/2026 08:05

OP, raise your standards.

Definitely! It gets worse the more @Cantbloodyrememberthenameonthread posts.

HatStickBoots · 06/03/2026 13:55

There’s the old saying that “opposites attract”. Does she represent a zany, fun, frivolous side that you have never been but secretly admire? You are attracted and say you like her as a friend but in a relationship you know that she will swallow you up, smother you and you won’t even be able to be you. Maybe you need to have a think about things you can do for yourself that would give you the same sort of energy and thrill without it being detrimental to your lifestyle. If you are quite rigid in your routine for example you could try something different or go somewhere unexpected or outside of your norm. Doing that will enable you to experience something of the chaos that this woman brings to your life, because I believe the attraction to her is because she’s so different to you. If I’m talking rubbish, that’s fine! You know you don’t want to continue seeing her and I’m guessing you hate confrontation and not being able to predict the outcome of the outburst she is sure to have. It’s definitely causing you a lot of anxiety. Be brave and confront it properly. You’re building up to it but aren’t quite there. These types of people only respond to clear messages.

Therealjudgejudy · 06/03/2026 15:15

Dating a druggie and you have kids?

Where is your self respect? Im not believing this....

ThatCyanCat · 06/03/2026 15:28

Cantbloodyrememberthenameonthread · 06/03/2026 07:37

If that’s the case, I will be calling it off.

I wouldn’t be bothered if it was a once a year thing, but I don’t believe it is. Time will tell!

Don't give it enough time to tell! She's trying to see how much smothering, drug taking and emotional blackmail she can get you to put up with. She's certainly not wasting time in finding out, so why should you?

Why oh why do women think it's an act of morality, that they are somehow obliged, to put up with this shit? That it would make them a bad person if they didn't?

fatphalange · 06/03/2026 15:50

DreamOfTheRarebitFiend · 06/03/2026 10:02

I agree with all of this but think it's an ASD thing (I'm also ASD). Seeing the behaviour clearly doesn't always make it easy for us to interpret the behaviour clearly. We sometimes really struggle with this. It can be typical for us to give too much benefit of the doubt because we're so used to being wrong in social situations that we don't trust our own instincts.

OP, she sounds like a needy black hole who's desperate to reel you in and be the centre of your universe. Be careful that she doesn't manage to stay on good behaviour for two weeks and then revert.

Oh really. I’ve always found we find things like this quite straightforward. I see things as ‘wrong’ or ‘not right for me’ and therefore, decision made.

Snarchipelago · 06/03/2026 16:29

Cantbloodyrememberthenameonthread · 06/03/2026 07:13

I’ve had a conversation over the phone late last night about 1am. I said it’s too much for me and I’m not getting any time, that I like her but if this continues I’ll no longer be interested and it needs to stop. I said I’ll be seeing her 1-2 times per week max and she agreed that’s best. She did say about seeing me on my working days instead of my off days to get the numbers up sort of thing but I said no I want the other 6-7 days to myself. I said it needs to slow right down and is moving way too fast.

im going to give her 2 weeks and if she oversteps or doesn’t listen during that time I’ll be cutting it off.

id actually love to be her friend (fun and similar hobbies) but I don’t think it would be possible sadly

im going to give her 2 weeks and if she oversteps or doesn’t listen during that time I’ll be cutting it off
You told her you’ll only be seeing her 1-2 times a week maximum, and she responded by immediately trying to persuade you to see her more often. You don’t need two weeks to see whether she’ll overstep when that was the very first thing she attempted to do!

I do understand wanting to give people a chance and see the best in others, but it doesn’t matter WHY she’s behaving in ways that make you uncomfortable - there is no story from her past that gives her a license to make your present difficult. You’ve only been dating for ONE MONTH and your gut is already telling you something isn’t right: you wouldn’t have posted here otherwise. Listen to that instinct, and to the many women here who are telling you to cut your losses and run.

She ignored your request about social media (while she agreed initially and apologised, within days she was doing it even more than before). You even said “I’ve expressed my discomfort . . . and she’s continued despite me saying not to.” This feels like she was testing to see how much boundary-pushing you’d tolerate.

She manipulated you into meeting her parents before you were ready and, in the home you share with your children, you have “Clothes in my wardrobe, products in my bathrooms, shoes in my lounge, her washing in my washing basket.” The relationship progressing unnaturally quickly, and her pushing for commitment too fast, are red flags for love bombing.

She’s matched her work pattern to yours and is making sure you never get any time to yourself or with other people. Saying “no” to her causes an atmosphere and she sulks if you suggest having even a little bit of time to yourself. Planning her trip around you, when she’s aware you don’t really want to go, is designed to make it hard for you to refuse. She’s shown she will ignore the “no” and do what she wants, manipulate you into changing your mind, or punish you emotionally if you try to stand your ground.

She’s phoning you 10 times a day, wants 24/7 texting, and takes offence/gets upset if you don’t pick up or answer quickly enough. These huge demands on your time and attention, combined with guilt-trips, are more signs of emotional manipulation and love bombing.

You listed a lot of red flags for controlling behaviour (overly attached/very needy/expects all your time/said she’s a jealous person/expects commitment after one date/possessive/made comments about your SM posts being “revealing”). Plus, isolation tactics often don’t show up initially as openly ‘banning you from seeing your friends’. You’re more likely to have someone letting you know you’ve disappointed them by going silent…just like she did when you told her you’d made plans to see friends next week.

She’s had toxic relationships in the past where all her exes have been “psychos” whenever someone says that I assume it’s them as it’s unlikely EVERYONE else will be a psycho.
You even explained exactly why this one is a red flag yourself!
AND she took ketamine on your second date!

All of these behaviours combined should have the Kill Bill siren going off in your head, while you watch red flag confetti explode around you, in an arena decorated with red flags, full of millions of people all waving red flags. Why are you choosing to ignore them and giving her another two weeks!? She’s shown you, and told you, who she is: believe her!

DreamOfTheRarebitFiend · 06/03/2026 16:52

fatphalange · 06/03/2026 15:50

Oh really. I’ve always found we find things like this quite straightforward. I see things as ‘wrong’ or ‘not right for me’ and therefore, decision made.

I did say 'sometimes' and 'can be', etc. Personally it's taken me ages to get out of unhealthy friendships at times because I'm so unsure whether I'm reading things correctly or not. You're lucky (genuinely, no snark!) if you find it really straightforward.

WiddlinDiddlin · 06/03/2026 17:11

Might have been me that said about best behaviour.

I stand by that, this is her actually trying not to let you see the full on shit show (if it wasn't, she'd have just straight up told you she was taking drugs on that date!).

If you let her get her way, she will relax those efforts and hit you with the full whammy and it will be way, way worse. She'll move in, she'll control who you see and when, everything you do to defend your boundaries will be an attack on her and trigger the waterworks and the emotional manipulation.

The fact that her best behaviour is no where near normal behaviour or anything you'd consider 'best behaviour' is irrelevant here. It's the best she can do... it will get worse.

It already has, as others have pointed out - she's agreed to seeing you less and in the next breath tries to push for more, seeing you on your work days!

Mimzy26 · 06/03/2026 17:18

Get rid shes trouble

SaucepanRattle · 06/03/2026 17:19

BauhausOfEliott · 05/03/2026 22:35

JFC, read a) the thread and b) the room

Are alternative perspectives not allowed on a thread even where others disagree with my perspective and experience? Maybe lots of posters have examples where the person turned out to be a nightmare. But in my case I have an example where he was just over keen having been single for a long time. The beauty of MN is canvassing different perspectives. Here's mine.

WeepingAngelInTheTardis · 06/03/2026 17:21

Dump her.

WiddlinDiddlin · 06/03/2026 17:22

But if you read the thread @SaucepanRattle the OP has already asked for this woman to back off, to respect boundaries and this has been ignored. Her latest update shows that quite clearly - she's agreed to see her less and in the next breath, asked to see her on non-working days to 'get the numbers up' ie to see her more!

That is not remotely the same thing as telling someone they're being a bit full on and them responding appropriately by immediately backing off!

FunCrab · 06/03/2026 18:09

From what I read this sounds like coercive control.

  1. Constant phone calls.
  2. Following up if you do not respond to texts.
  3. Following up if you do not answer the phone.
  4. Not allowing you personal space.
  5. Not listening to you.
6.criticising your SM.
  1. Putting all about you on her SM undermines you.

The relationship is concerning and one I feel should be past tense.
But you must do what is right for you.
Stay safe.

BauhausOfEliott · 06/03/2026 18:19

SaucepanRattle · 06/03/2026 17:19

Are alternative perspectives not allowed on a thread even where others disagree with my perspective and experience? Maybe lots of posters have examples where the person turned out to be a nightmare. But in my case I have an example where he was just over keen having been single for a long time. The beauty of MN is canvassing different perspectives. Here's mine.

It’s very, very obvious that this isn’t what’s happening with the OP’s situation though. What she is describing is a million miles away from someone just being ‘a bit over keen’.