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Relationships

Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

The Dating Thread 73.

999 replies

MadeMan · 19/04/2014 12:09

Hello and welcome.

OP posts:
Scarey123 · 23/04/2014 10:29

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

maggiemuggins · 23/04/2014 12:00

(Hello everyone...apols for the overly long message when I have contributed zilch to this thread so far!!)

I've just started OLD after a few months' welcome respite from all relationship 'stuff'. Ive got a bit of a WWYD situation as I am really in two minds about whether to go on a third date with someone and any thoughts/comments would be appreciated!

We met on Tinder although I am also on eharmony and much prefer its approach. He seemed very keen from the off and always messaged me back straight away, sent nice compliments etc. I mentioned that I was on eharmony and he immediately joined (and we were matched) which I found a bit weird, but anyway We went on a first date last Weds (a week ago) and chatted for 4 hours and it was really nice. He texted straight away afterwards and I agreed to another date a day out somewhere next Sunday (ie 10 days between the two mainly due to family commitments at Easter), which he said he would arrange. Since then he has texted loads and was asking if we could do something sooner, he couldnt wait that long to see me, I rocked his world, I was lovely etc. I told him to calm it down a bit as I have had someone been over keen and then do a disappearing act before and it wasn't very nice. He said that he was sorry, it was just that I was the first person he had let his guard down with for years and he felt like a teenager again, but that he would back off a bit. OK, fair enough I thought.

So yesterday, I was passing nearby to where he lives after a day out and suggested stopping off to meet for a drink. He eagerly accepted and then we just had what I can only describe as an excruciating evening as his keen-ness tipped over into something which seems a bit more desperate. I told him that he needed to calm down a bit and I wanted to take things slowly, that it takes time to get to know someone etc. (He is not being sexual/flirty or anything like that). He said that he really really likes me and is really scared of f*ing this up etc and I pointed out that he didnt really know me yet and needed to calm it down (ie making 'jokes' about getting married etc). I just felt like he wasnt being himself at all, and there was a sense that he was saying whatever he thought I wanted to hear. I told him this, and he said he was scared that I wouldn't like him. I got a bit frustrated at this point and quite bluntly said that he was acting like a fragile, vulnerable person at the same time as telling me how he was all over his emotional baggage/totally fine, and that I would judge him on his behaviour NOT his words. We then finally had a really interesting conversation about his work and I thought to myself that there is loads of important stuff we share values/beliefs etc and if he could just chill out and stop trying to banter with me and just take a genuine interest in a two way conversation that we could really get on. But he then went back into 'please like me' mode and I went home.

Now, the big question is do I cancel the third date, or do I give him a chance?

SuperFlyHigh · 23/04/2014 13:20

maggie ok - briefly.

You've mentioned 2 stand out words here Excruciating and desparate - and I'd be careful because of those two words.

However, if it were me. I'd maybe explain to him what's putting you off (if you really like him) and give him a third date on that basis.

To be honest though, it sounds like the 2 highlighted words I mentioned above and the banter etc is grating on you, worrying you etc... but then again I wouldn't turn down someone precisely due to their actions like this man! does that make sense?

SuperFlyHigh · 23/04/2014 13:25

dont - I do see what your friend means but I'd say you're taking into consideration your hurt re Geeky and you're keeping your options open now. which I'd say is actually sensible. and probably something that impetuous/impatient etc me would NOT do, ha ha!

I think the 2nd date will, as you say, be illuminating, but he does sound lovely to me!

yes, the banker... totally endearing, adorable pics, I'm rushing and planning weddings already, ha ha! But he's definitely the best of a bad lot, and I know this sounds stupid, but when someone writes stuff, says stuff and their pics, you can see yourself with them?! and I haven't even met MBB yet! Next Tuesday for lunch. I will have to be good, not much flirting and play it very cool.

dont - unless you want just sex I'd knock Geekyalike on the head, do you really want an odd person in your life too, right now?

SoftKittyWarmKitty · 23/04/2014 13:51

Maggie I'd go on the third date but keep your wits about you and leave if he gets too full on. You can always make a decision after that date. Maybe he's just nervous? But he does sound very full on. Just don't give him any details like your address or where you work, just in case.

Scarey You definitely need to ask him about Tinder. Just say you noticed it on his phone so downloaded it yourself to see what it was about (maybe say a colleague said it was a hook up app or something) and you saw he'd been active on there. Then let him fill the silence. Or you could say you like the look of it and are going to start using it too Grin.

CanIHave Just leave it now and carry on as you were - if you keep mentioning it you'll just dig yourself into a deeper hole. In future, don't just talk about dating other men at the same time - do it! Then leave it up to the man to ask you to be exclusive and not date anyone else. Make him work to have you for himself.

Redundant I wouldn't get in a stranger's car or go to their house on the first date. I've been to someone's house on a second date but that was for a quick cup of tea at the end of the date, the date itself wasn't there. I think your friend needs to take more care of herself and certainly not give her address out to strangers and if she's going to their house, she needs to give their address to you, just in case.

White Have you heard from the police yet? I think what you're planning on telling him is ideal.

Well I managed not to reply to MCS's text at first but I feel so rude not replying to messages and I ignored his last one, so I text him back last night just saying I'd had a lovely Easter and a good week last week. He's replied this morning asking what was so good about my week, then put 'Has a fancy man swept you off your feet? xx' So, he's interested enough to want to know if I'm seeing someone else but not interested enough to date me? Haven't replied to that one yet, my (male) friend says to reply with something like 'Wouldn't you like to know?' to keep him guessing. I need to have a think.

As for my POF possibles, Mr Wallet came across as TOO keen - wants to meet up ASAP, will bring me Easter eggs, sent me a FB message saying 'Add me as a friend and I'll be yours for a long time xxx' Hmm. He sent me his number but I haven't sent him mine as I get the feeling I'd be inundated with texts and calls. Plus from his photos I don't fancy him at all. Mr Mwoop promised to add more photos to his profile as asked, which he duly did, but they look like they're of a completely different person! I can only conclude that photo 1 is somewhat ten years old.

I'm fed up of POF - had enough of it and just about ready to delete/hide my profile tbh. I'm just completely disillusioned with it all. Told my male friend about it and he suggested doing an evening class or new hobby instead, so I can meet men irl. So I'm looking into local running clubs as I like running but am completely out of practice. Men like running, right?! Grin

Scarey123 · 23/04/2014 14:01

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

maggiemuggins · 23/04/2014 14:15

Thanks for the replies. Yes, I think I am going to give him the benefit of the doubt - nerves/being out of practice/being a dufus are not enough to hang a man with! Although if he doesn't get more interesting (ironically, the thing he is worried about is my finding him boring) then it's curtains.

Redundant I let the man I have been writing about give me a lift home (and he kind of knows where I work, Soft!) but I trust my instincts on that. Your friend sounds worryingly naive, and I would demand a phone call from her during each date.

Scarey Could you say that a friend said she had seen him on there and told you?

Scarey123 · 23/04/2014 14:25

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

maggiemuggins · 23/04/2014 14:40

If it were me I don't think I'd be able to go a whole evening without mentioning it! But if you can, then referencing his nice behaviour in relation to his potentially shady behaviour sounds like a good idea.
Maybe say that there's something that has been bothering you and take it from there? His reaction is the key to this - if you raise it in a lighthearted way and he tries to laugh it/joke it off it might leave you feeling like it hasn't properly been dealt with? And it needs to be if you are going to get over this. Just trust your instincts.

BateKush · 23/04/2014 15:22

Hi everyone,
Back again....

Scarey I'm not sure I could hold my own water on that one. Especially as you have been seeing each other for a while and after the weekend you have had. I definitely think, you are at the stage where you can call him on it. I think if it were me, I'd have to clear the air about it before driving all that way to see him

Maggie I had something similar last week and ended up cancelling the date. He was obviously a really interesting, intelligent guy but he couldn't have a normal conversation without bringing up something about my take on relationships, what I like in a guy, sending me a picture to ask if I liked his jacket??!!! He got worse, not better. I hope it's different for you though!

I popped in to have a look at the thread as I have a date tonight. He's the first really normal seeming guy i've met on OD. Preveiously, I just seem to have attracted tortured soul intellectuals. I've no idea what to discuss with a normal bloke! And he looks so cute on his photos! Fingers crossed

louby44 · 23/04/2014 16:28

batekush good luck for your date tonight.

Who ever mentioned about Professional Free and Single - don't bother. I've been on it and it's rubbish. The site sends out random messages on your behalf and they aren't linked to your list of wants. I've had messages from short men that I've never even contacted.

Steer clear! I've just cancelled my subscription.

whitedoorbell · 23/04/2014 17:21

omg. delivery driver guy just rang me to say he is coming to my shop tomorrow. ..
police have also phoned. 2 officers will see me tomorrow morning. I have to sgow my passport and my children's birth certificates.

ffs what will happen if police turn up when he is here? how fucking awkward will that be?
police said once we speak tomorrow they then go away and investigate it all and come back with a disclosure. .. Confused

Canihaveaslice · 23/04/2014 19:37

Soft warm, thanks for the advice.
I should've asked advice before I sent it and then I wouldn't be in the predicament. He's text me tonight and I've not mentioned it, although I'm still stressing and reading too much into his texts. But I've learnt my lesson and now keeping my gob shut. We're meant to be out Friday so I'm just going to wait and see if he brings it up so I don't look desperate again!

Scarey- I would find it really hard not to say anything but I think tonight isn't the right time so try and hold it in.

White- omg is there anyway you can go to the station instead?

dontcallmehon22 · 23/04/2014 19:54

I think going to the station might be a good idea, too, white.

I'm looking forward to seeing toryboy on Friday weirdly enough.

whichoneofusisnuts · 23/04/2014 19:55

Hello :) After a bad online dating experience I was sent over here to join the masses :) hello all

dontcallmehon22 · 23/04/2014 19:56

Hello which and welcome. There are lots of experiences here Smile. Hopefully there will be some great ones to balance out the bad.

whichoneofusisnuts · 23/04/2014 19:57

Thanks dontcallmehon22 :)

4free · 23/04/2014 20:40

hi all :)
scarey if hes uploaded a recent pic then i dont think thats a good sign, but he could just be chatting to people as friends. tbh, id be tempted to make a fake account and get in touch with him, see what he says...not a great thing to do in a relationship where theres supposed to be trust tho Hmm
dont geekyalike sounds like a bad un, dont go there. i think toryboy sounds nice, id (slowly) go down that route if i was you...fingers crossed the date goes well fri Smile
maggie not sure if id bother going on a 3rd date tbh, sounds far too needy to me, uv already told him to chill abit, and he hasnt...not a good sign.
which hi Smile iv litrally just read your thread! lol..u seem quite amusing, the guy sounds a drip...welcome to online dating...its a minefield!! lol

whichoneofusisnuts · 23/04/2014 20:49

Thanks 4free. It does seem to be quite a minefield. Glad I have some people to run things past now!

4free · 23/04/2014 20:50

white wow what a turn of events uv had! really hope all goes well with the police...and defo stay away from delivery driver regardless of the outcome.

well, iv bin pof'in away, chatting to a nice fella, but...here i go bin shallow again...hes 5ft 5...im 5ft 3 so obviously im still slightly shorter than him, but hes still short, i normally go for 6ft'ers!...oh well, il see how it goes.

4free · 23/04/2014 20:52

which im still quite new to it myself, but u do quickly catch on, its defo a case of the good the bad n the ugly!! lol.....thankgod for the delete n block button!! Grin

whichoneofusisnuts · 23/04/2014 20:53

I actually have the old man from POF checking when I go online though now so I'm scared to look for someone else!

4free · 23/04/2014 20:58

block him...i do it all the time, i did feel abit guilty at first, but i soon realised that its pointless having anyone on who u dont want to talk to or who you dont want stalking ya.

dontcallmehon22 · 23/04/2014 21:11

I agree - block anyone you're not keen on. When I started (around thread 61) I felt inexperienced - but I feel pretty tough now!

Scarey hope you have a good evening and there's an explanation for the tinder. It's so bloody hard all this.

I wonder how folk is getting on.

I do like Toryboy boy but Westminster guy is on the sidelines. I'm also chatting to someone on POF who has written (a pretty decent) novel and I think I may like him if we met.

4free, I agree - I'm going to ditch geekyalike. I don't need anymore weird crap in my life.

Geekyalike: just like Geeky, but much much worse Wink

whichoneofusisnuts · 23/04/2014 21:14

Can they tell when you block them? or does it just look like you closed the account?