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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

So how do I move in from this?

7 replies

GratefulHead · 31/08/2014 22:56

I have had a fabulous summer with two free weeks when DS went to his Dad. This gave me time to relax, de-stress a bit and just generally take some time out.

During this time a close male friend spent time with me. He was supportive, kind and really looked after me. But he is a drinker and as such I cannot get involved with him but....there is always a but isn't there?

I was sexually abused as a child, as such relationships are very difficult for me. I find it hard to trust men and it takes me a ling time to get to know people well enough to trust the,. I have had years of counselling around this.

Over the two weeks my friend was around (he lives nearby) we talked more and more and I found myself telling him about the past. He was just so wonderful and kind, so gentle and so supportive that I was just blown away by it all. The subject came up as we inevitably ended up snuggling up in the sofa and talking the night away.

The big thing for me was being able to do this, we even shared the bed a couple of nights. We didn't do anything, just cuddled and talked.

Because of his alcohol issues (which are not good) I feel he needs a friend more than a relationship. I also have enough self preservation to know that a relationship with a man addicted to alcohol would not be a good bet.

I have said some of this to him and he agrees ...he even seemed relieved. He said that his relationship history is not good and that the problems in the relationships have all been his fault and due to his drinking ....in that it causes severe financial issues.

So we have left things as they are....we are still friends and chat extensively via Messenger and see one another nearly every day.

I cannot get the nights we talked and bed shared out of my head though. He was so gentle with me and it's not something. I have ever experienced before with a man. Even though we didn't do the deed (am quite sure he would have done if I'd been up for that) we were able to just hold each other and cuddle up.

He really isn't in a good place for a relationship but it's left me feeling very confused about things. Having thought I'd never feel anything for a man again I am realising that I have so missed that closeness you get from a relationship.

I am so desperate to experience that again I am even considering asking him if we can get together again when DS is not around just so I can feel that contact.
I know that I won't do that though as emotionally this man is not available to me....his first love is alcohol at the moment. I am missing the brief contact we had already though and feel like we shared something very special.

Am I mad? How do I move on? Am so confused about things.

Have read Women Who Love Too Much (me, me, me...) and recognise some of that in relation to myself.

I am beginning to think I will never have that lovely close contact with a man ever again....and currently that is making me emotional. Why is the first man I have really really liked in a long time so bloody up available emotionally? Am I really that messed up?

If you've for to the end of my rambling then thank you. I think I feel better for writing it down but am not sure.

OP posts:
Heyho111 · 01/09/2014 00:45

Take each day as it comes. Go for a walk together, have coffee. He probably needs your company as much as you need his. Keep it friends. But friends can hug. The prob is shutting your brain off from thinking about it. If you have a solid friendship maybe he will gain the strength to face his addiction. But that's a big maybe.

GratefulHead · 01/09/2014 11:40

Thanks , yes I suspect it is a big "if" personally I don't know if he has the strength to so that. We are good friends and I think we both get something from our friendship.
When he talks about his ex girlfriends I recognise them as rescuers. I am also a bit of a rescuer but in my case I recognise exactly what I am! This is good as it gives me some self preservation.

I suspect I have ignored my need for closeness for so long that it's taken someone understanding to show me those needs are still there.

My DS is autistic and my friend finds him hard work never having been a parent. Ha....I find DS hard work too Grin but it also. Rings home to me how difficult it will be to find anyone new in my life. Sad.

OP posts:
getthefeckouttahere · 01/09/2014 11:56

Whatever you do you absolutely need to stop cuddling, snuggling and sharing a bed together until you decide on a way forward with or without him. (and yes i do absolutely understand how wonderful that feels at the time!)

BabyGoose · 01/09/2014 12:00

The good thing to come from this is that you felt so good after spending time with a man you trusted. He's not the only good man in the world, and you may find this again with another man.

I think you have enough to deal with without starting a relationship with a drinker, as no doubt you'll try to "help" even if you / he doesn't want this.

I think you've made a giant leap forward given your history.

GratefulHead · 01/09/2014 12:27

It ha been a real eye opener for me. I am now wondering where I go next. Online dating, Match.com etc. Not sure.

OP posts:
Heyho111 · 03/09/2014 21:40

Try it , why not. That's fantastic your thinking about trying to find someone. Good luck and enjoy it.

BabyGoose · 03/09/2014 21:49

If suggest spending time around men and getting used to their company again before internet dating. Perhaps take up all offers of social occasions or join a local group. From what you've said I think you need to build your confidence around men before taking the leap to date.
Don't stop thinking about it though - start mentally drafting your on line profile.

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