Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

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

Dating Thread 80

999 replies

UrsulaBuffay · 23/08/2014 15:38

As we were saying...

OP posts:
Direwolf · 07/09/2014 08:29

hissy your gut is telling you something. Listen to it Smile he sounds very full on.

I have been receiving texts from my ex fiancé all night. Telling me he doesn't want to be here anymore. I'm so angry at him. He knows one of the biggest losses in my life was due to suicide. It just cements the end of us.

Also been chatting to Mrstern. I noticed yesterday he was online with POF. Interesting as I hadn't seen him in there at all until yesterday. The morning after I refused to send topless photos. My twat radar is twitching Smile

AndCatMakesThree · 07/09/2014 08:50

Jarlin, I hope your talk with Slow is useful and helpful, and that you're able to decide whether the two of you can go forward together. I hope he's realised what an idiot he was to let you go and that he's done a lot of thinking and is now prepared to make you more of a priority. I imagine you're feeling really nervous today. I'll be thinking about you.

Minmooch, you're right, Walt seems a very good father, and that's something that's very important to me. He's also nice and accommodating and caring - all things I really like about him. I can see it's really difficult for him to say no to his ex. But we can only spend the night together every other Saturday night as it is, so if his ex asks him to look after the DC when it's 'her' Saturday night, it effectively means we never get to stay together. It's very frustrating!

Folk, I'm so glad you've woken up feeling better today. And thanks for telling me your experiences with the first guy you dated. It sounds very similar. Walt and his ex split up nearly 2 years ago, so it's not a recent thing, but he (understandably) finds it hard to say no to his ex when the DC are involved, so I don't know where that leaves us really. It's only a week since I first stayed with him, and surely this should be a really happy time. Instead I spent most of yesterday feeling really unhappy. Thing is, I can see (and Walt agreed) that this may be a frequent occurrence, rather than a one-off. He's so lovely, but I'm really wondering whether to carry on or not.

Also, Folk, did you ever start Couch to 5km? I did my first run on Thursday and am doing my next one this morning.

jesy · 07/09/2014 08:52

Curry night was fun ,Mr IT was perfect gent lol dam him
We had a good chat , still friends that's what mattered to me , seeing him on Tuesday just tea and a movie , he knows my family away so said I need at least one proper meal this week.
My ex was there said previously there two set of mate groups weirdly inter linked. He made a nasty comment but I was proud of my answer
Plus I got asked out lol

FolkGirl · 07/09/2014 09:43

Mine would be, too, Dire.

Right. Just need to ask something. I suspect it's one of those questions where the answer will be obvious as soon as I've asked it, but still...

The overriding reason that I ended things with my now exbf, but one I haven't told anyone IRL, is because I'm not happy with my weight at the moment.

I feel too fat. It makes me feel unattractive and I didn't feel like I deserved him. I felt like it was obvious he'd be looking at other women because I wasn't attractive to look at; and that I didn't have any right to expect him to be faithful because I wasn't offering him any real incentive - I could hardly expect him to 'forsake all others' for me when I'm not really much of a catch; that he 'deserved' to be with someone who physically 'did it' for him. And I wasn't going to be that person. I don't actually know if he ever did. And he always maintained from the start that he was very much against it. I knew it was a dealbreaker for him.

In the time we were together, he only commented three times on my weight. The first in response to him talking about going to the gym and needing to tone up and I said I could probably do with losing some weight, too. He said, that I probably could lose a couple of kilos, if I wanted to, but that he wouldn't like me anymore than he already did.

Once, when I asked him outright if he found me attractive and he said he did; he thought I was beautiful and pretty much the same again (I had asked him to be honest and wouldn't have wanted him to tell me I was "perfect as I am" or anything, because that wouldn't have been honest)

And once when he said similar again on the back of something I'd said, but added that it was probably his country's obsession with women being skinny" that fuelled it because he found my tummy pretty sexy and said that he preferred the fact that when we went out I actually ate and enjoyed food with him. But he never said anything directly that made me feel bad about it (apart from the recent comments about me being beautiful when I was happy, but not when I wasn't etc). That was all me.

He didn't even pass comments on other women. Or compare me to them. In fact, the only thing he ever said was, "my ex was beautiful. But you are beautiful too." And he never said anything unpleasant about other women either. I saw plenty of women that my exH would have slated physically, but he didn't say a word. I passed a comment once, just to see what he said, and he wasn't impressed! In his eyes, I think all women were beautiful! Didn't stand a chance really...

I couldn't get past the fact that his other girlfriends had been slim and attractive and that he was attracted to slim and attractive women. And, the bottom line is, most men I meet will have been out with women who are slimmer and more attractive than me.

There were other things that weren't great, or right, but this feeling that I wasn't slim or attractive enough underpinned everything for me. It was a filter through which I saw/heard/experienced everything.

I know all the stuff about personality and the person inside shining through and people looking more attractive once you know them, and all that, but it just doesn't feel 'enough'. I just feel really guilty that I'm not 'more' or 'better'.

I don't know how to deal with this. I feel much more positive this morning, generally, but this is still an issue. I just feel more motivated to do something about it now.

I've been slimmer than I am and bigger than I am. But I didn't feel any better about myself then! I say horrendous things to myself, the sort of horrible things that other people post on threads where obesity and size are discussed.

I'm 5'3; my measurements are 32F/34E (depending) 30 inch waist and 40 inch hips. I'm 10st 12. I know my measurements suggest that I should be 'bigger', but, because of my shape, and the style of clothes I wear, I fit into 10-12 clothes (vanity sizing and brands make a difference. Sometimes I wear a 14. Sometimes a 12 is too big. But I look 'big'. I think I felt best when I was 9st 7-12. So I really do only have a stone or so to lose. But I don't carry it well or, look nice, even then.

I don't even know what I want to ask anymore Confused

From what other people have said on here, being slim and/or attractive isn't the answer to finding a good relationship. But how can I ever expect anyone to be attracted/committed to me? When there is always going to be someone more attractive, that they might fancy? That's what I just can't get my head round, I think.

A few months ago a man I kind of knew asked me out. We've become good friends since and he indicated a couple of weeks ago that he was still interested. I don't fancy him at all. But I'm not sure if it's because I just don't fancy him, or if he is unfanciable to me because I know his exgf is tall, slim, very attractive and blonde. Not a 'beautiful' woman, but very pretty and slim in a real girl next door kind of way - and she's a lovely person too! I wouldn't want to have to follow someone like that.

I've said I don't want a relationship again, really. That's not true. I would. Of course, I would. But I won't because I know that I won't feel any different about myself. And I'm not prepared to feel that bad again. This is why I feel better when I'm single, because I can make myself look 'ok' in clothes, but when the chips are down and the clothes are off, it's not nice. Oh and I don't believe that bollocks that when you're naked all a man is thinking is, "I'm going to have sex" because, presumably, they don't forget what you look like afterwards.

I'm not feeling despairing or 'sad' particularly. Just a bit frustrated, pissed of and, well, if I'm honest, cheated that I'm not better than I am! Blush

FolkGirl · 07/09/2014 09:48

AndCat Shamefully, no I didn't start couchto5k Blush

This week, though, this week...

I think you do need wait and see if it's a one of or becomes a regular pattern. Recognising that this sort of thing can happen from time to time is part of dating a person with children. But you can't be forced into a position where you're in a relationship with someone and will always come last.

FolkGirl · 07/09/2014 09:49

How did your first run go? I found when I did it before, that even the first one killed me, but as the weeks went on I was amazed at how much my stamina built u

FolkGirl · 07/09/2014 09:50

Get you, jesy Grin Glad you had a good night.

dontcallmehon22 · 07/09/2014 10:02

folk you don't sound overweight to me at all. I hope you can find a way to feel good about yourself.

You're right - I'll call him B - he's nothing like geeky. I do believe him, I honestly do. He behaves like he does, it's not just words with him.

One thing I've noticed is that all my male 'friends' have made themselves scarce since I started seeing B. They clearly weren't friends!!

Sounds like a great night, jesy

jesy · 07/09/2014 10:05

I said no to the date,he lovely but dating someone of same group all a bit odd.
Said I was very flattered and he'd always been nice to me but not best of ideas in world and like I said I'm 10 years older

FolkGirl · 07/09/2014 10:15

jesy how old are you, if you don't mind me asking?

You seem to get asked out all the time! You must be getting something right Wink

AndCatMakesThree · 07/09/2014 10:31

Folk, I'm very unsporty - at school I was always last in running races (out of 90 girls in my year, so pretty bad!) So trying this Couch to 5K is a big thing for me. The first week only involves 8 minutes of running, interspersed with periods of walking, but I've even found that hard! Tbh, I very much doubt I'll get far into it, but I suppose doing it twice is (slightly) better than not doing it at all...

DS is back in a minute so I haven't got long, but I agree with don't - you don't sound overweight to me. Plus (and I know you know this) not all men like slim women anyway. I'm not confident about my looks, for various reasons I won't go into now, but it's so sad to hear the way you feel when I'm pretty sure that you are attractive, but just can't believe it. I wish there was something I could say to make you believe that...

I agree that changes of plans etc can happen when dating someone with children. Mr C and I both had DC, and it was hard. But in 18 months with him, it's never been as hard as it has been in the first week with Walt! Luckily Mr C and his ex, and me and my ex, were all generally pretty flexible, reasonable, etc. But I'm not sure about Walt's ex - though I hate to paint her as the villain in this as I'm sure she's very nice and if I heard her side of things, I'd get a very different view.

Sorry, got to go now ... good luck again Jarlin. Glad you had a good night Jesy. It's all sounding fab with B, don't!

FolkGirl · 07/09/2014 11:22

AndCat I wasn't sporty at school either and I got bored of swimming. That's why I started c25k a few years ago. I did really enjoy it. Once you get into it, it's great.

I have dance lessons and really fancy taking up fencing, but the classes clash :-(

Jarlin · 07/09/2014 11:22

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Direwolf · 07/09/2014 12:01

Is there any point in myself dating a man with no children. I have four and don't want anymore. Nor would I have real faith in any relationship with someone that has none and wants them. Tempted to set my POF settings to will only date people with children.

dontcallmehon22 · 07/09/2014 12:01

I hope you get what you need from the meeting, jarlin

That's exactly it. I am chilled out. No wondering how he feels, because I know. I'm meeting some of his friends, he tells his family about me, he's proud of me, he plans things for me. And although it is early days, it's relaxed. It's not the heady, passionate intensity I had with geeky and to be honest, I don't want it to be. It feels real and sustainable.

Diagonally · 07/09/2014 12:12

Thanks all for your thoughts, lesson definitely learned about asking more questions before meeting if it's not clear on their profile! Ironically met someone else for coffee yesterday who ticked almost every box but just no physical attraction for me. Oh well, onwards!

Folk when I have times feeling like that I look at people I know who have really strong, loving relationships and it is never, ever about "perfect" looks.

Sexual chemistry / attraction just doesn't work like that which is just as well because how many of us match up to the current physical ideals portrayed in the media etc?!

I am happy with my body but I have a big nose (thanks Dad) which I have always been self concious about. I think I look hideous sideways on! But if someone wants a relationship with me I assume it's because they find me attractive and then don't think about it any more.

Anything which boosts your physical confidence though does help, especially exercise you enjoy.

Diagonally · 07/09/2014 12:18

Direwolf what are your concerns about them not having DC? I think it helps with understanding about the commitment / responsibility aspect but I wouldn't rule it out.

I have a cousin now in his 50's who decided early on he didn't want to have DC - he had a lot of failed relationships in his 20's / 30's because the women he was with did want them. He married for the first time in his late 40's and a lovelier man you couldn't wish to meet.

UrsulaBuffay · 07/09/2014 12:57

Folk I am much, much 'bigger' than you and although I have my down days when I am dressed up I feel very confident in how I look I really think you are pinning a lot of feelings on something that isn't the true cause if you see what I mean? I do know it's horrible feeling uncomfortable in your own skin, but if you've been bigger and smaller & still felt like this then the issue isn't really your weight.

Jarlin- thinking of you

OP posts:
FolkGirl · 07/09/2014 13:00

AndCat the man who asked me out before said that he liked the fact I wasn't thin but, if I'm honest, I just felt insulted!

Diag I get that, really I do! But men don't seem to be attracted to me in general. There wasn't much chemistry between my husband and me - we had sex only a handful of times in our 13 yrs together! And as much as I fancied my exbf, I just don't think he fancied me. Like I said, I feel more confident and attractive when single, no one irl knows how I feel, so it's not like I walk around all miserable... but I very rarely get "checked out" and asked out even les frequently.

My girl friends have said I'm attractive, I just don't seem to appeal to men Confused my mother got asked out all the time when she was 15/20yrs older than I am now.

Dont that sounds really positive. I so hope it works out for you Smile

UrsulaBuffay · 07/09/2014 13:22

I don't get checked out or asked out either and yet people tell me I'm beautiful and stunning. I don't know what men want either, I don't think anyone does. Even those who do get it probably don't think they do!

OP posts:
FolkGirl · 07/09/2014 13:31

ursula you might have a point, there. I think it boils down to still not believing I'm good enough or loveable. When I was a teenager and boys fancied everyone (!) I found that the only 'friends' I could rely on were the boys who fancied me. I didn't really have any girl friends. I didn't 'get' them, and the difficulties with my mother meant I was a pretty rubbish, insecure and unreliable friend. I was rarely invited or allowed out and was often grounded for long periods for minor transgressions. So didn't have any girl friends.

But fancying someone is quite transient. There's always someone prettier or more attractive to come along and replace you.

I felt I wasn't 'good enough' to sustain a longer term interest So i didn't even try to make deeper connections and just moved onto to the next boy who fancied me friend. And now I'm not as fanciable as I was at 18. So I suppose I feel like I actually have nothing to offer in a real relationship.

My marriage was a need match rather than a love one. And part of what drew me to my exbf was the fact he would never have been suitable for long term so I couldn't get too attached/hurt when it ended.

Only just really put all that together.

I wish I could go back to school and see myself through others' eyes. I think I was quite damaged. And very shut off emotionally.

UrsulaBuffay · 07/09/2014 13:40

Sounds like you've always put a lot of your eggs in the looks basket. Yes attraction is important and transient, looks are transient, but you've got to believe that once they're into you the reason for anything not progressing isn't looks based.

OP posts:
UrsulaBuffay · 07/09/2014 13:41

And it's not necessarily anything you've done! You're not responsible for someone else's behaviour and even two stone lighter you still wouldn't get them to treat you differently

OP posts:
FolkGirl · 07/09/2014 13:44

So, I suppose the bottom line is that, I feel quite confident and reasonably attractive when someone wants me, but assume that as soon as thry have me, the novelty/appeal will wear off and they will be attracted to the next person because I don't have the capacity for it to become any more or deeper than that.

Oh and this isn't even a sex thing. This is just in general.

jesy · 07/09/2014 13:47

Folk

I'm in my late thirtys

I think men. See me as easy I'm blonde big boobs a bit scatty ,but through be told I'd never even been kissed till 2011,
I get asked out but not ppl I'd want me to or I chat to ppl on dating sites but when find out I live at home they run a mile.
Not easy to get sex if date lives at home.

Swipe left for the next trending thread