What age were you when you met someone decent?

[Ouchbloodyouch]

Having put up with my fair share of arseholes (my poor boundaries) I have tried to build up my self esteem and learn more about what is and isn't acceptable in a relationship. I have also come to the conclusion that I was very co dependent in my last relationship and I will ensure that doesn't happen again. I've been on the relationship boards full time reading the fabulous advice and opinions. I am also a huge fan of tony gaskin and baggage reclaim.
So I met someone precisely two weeks ago and its lovely. I have already made one post about potential red flags but since then I haven't had any cause to worry
He seems decent. But I simply cannot enjoy it. I just wonder ok here we go how will this one fuck up then? What are you hiding? When is your facade going to slip?
Everything goes tits up so why bother?
Or could he actually be just a decent bloke?
I am 43 jaded and looking for positive stories that some other mumsnetters have actually met a good man later on in life?
I just feel like I am forever doomed to bad relationships
Even if I do notice any worrying traits and end it I would be proud of my new zero tolerance stance but fucked off that I had paired up with another knob

I have yet to and I'm 27. I'd also like to hear some stories.

I have yet to and I am 45 this year...go me!

Not so much later down the line and all but its a happy story which shows there are some gems among the shit.
I met my DH when I was 17, first real love and all that, seven years down the line we're still together and he is the absolute love of my life - feeling is reciprocated.
Married for three years, 1 DD, and he still gives me butterflies everytime I see him.
Don't get me wrong, he can be a wanker some of the time, I'm no angel either, but we have mutual trust. He's a brilliant man, brilliant father and always puts his family first. He's an absolute gem

35 after divorcing my stupid ex

33 when I decided to stop putting up with crap from men. 35 when I met Mr 100% Decent.

I don't think it was luck.

29

Not yet. But a few things I have learned on the way is never to settle for the sake of 'what if this is it' and certainly stick to your boundaries. I remember your last thread Ouch and I told you to trust yourself above all.

Did u end up having that shag in the end?

If it happens great! If not then still great! Just live life and see what it brings you. Once you've been through the mill a few times you learn what matters and what doesn't.

fwiw a few of my good friends have met great men at various stages of their lives.. from 22 - 45, so their's not really a rule that applies to all but I have found that my confidence and boundaries have helped greatly to save myself from potential heart-break and finding out about others. I haven't met my knight in shining armour nor am I waiting for one. I just happen to love myself more and know what I will and will not put up with.

Once a lady never tells ! Sunday I resembled John Wayne

33

blue your story gives me hope. I am not the same person. I get so little child free time that I wouldn't make arrangements on my free nights just in case my ex wanted to meet up (I often used to end up sitting in on my own) my friend asked me to meet up tonight before he did so I said yes. (The cah blew me out so I am on my own anyhow!)

49 and still waiting!

I was a sap

25

My mum met the love of her life at 49. He is now husband number 4 and still there over 20 years on...

24. Been together 11 years this year, married for 4.

I'll let you know...

36 for me...we fucked it up, but thankfully we both decided to try again

I nabbed him and it will be 16 years end of this year!

I was 16. We've been together for 41 years, married for 37. He was my first boyfriend, so no-one to compare him with (maybe that's just as well!).

I met my dh (through friends on a surprise chance night out)when neither of us were looking for someone special. I had given up on men after too many heart breaks and my dh had given up on women because he was focusing on his education/career and was shy about approaching women. We met young but I kissed a lot of frogs before I found my prince.
My friend met her Mr Right at 41 through a local walking group, they have just bought their first place together.
Love can happen at any age so stay positive. My nan went to visit my uncle when she was 85 and an elderly neighbour of my uncle's asked if he could take her out.

12.....although we didn't get together until I was 33

21 and 28. The guy I was with at 21 was nice enough, but not quite 'enough' for me to settle down with. Experimented with various men in my mid twenties (out of choice, I wanted to try different things) and then met DH at 28 who was worth settling down for.