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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

Casual sex confusion.

253 replies

fishfingersinmysandwiches · 10/10/2015 14:30

Ok. Will try to keep this as succinct as possible.

Met man around three years ago. Felt an intense chemistry between us but he was married so obviously nothing could happen. He admitted having feelings for me, things all got a bit fraught, I felt angry and guilty and consequently my behaviour became a little unhinged. I realised we were crossing a line even discussing it, so broke off all contact. I know I didn't behave well and should not have let things get even that far. I was in a terrible place at the time (not trying to excuse myself, just adding some context).

About a year ago he tried contacting me. This time I was in a much better place in terms of self esteem and was swift in shutting him down, telling him if he was still married then I would not contemplate any contact whatsoever between us.

Very recently I discovered through a mutual acquaintance that he had been separated for a while. And in a weak moment I contacted him. He seemed so pleased to hear from me - he has been living apart from his wife for a year, says he is in a good place, and the conversation quickly turned to when we met and how we felt about each other. The intense physical attraction had been mutual he said. He had "wanted me so much" but had not been prepared to engage in an extra-marital affair (as neither had I). But now he was single so was I going to come to him or would he come to me?

He was pretty quick off the mark and the first one to bring up the idea of us getting together. I at first expressed reservations: 1) That it was entirely possible that we would meet and no longer feel the same about each other, and 2) That I had been hurt and confused before and didn't want to go through the same again. That I had had romantic as well as sexual attraction to him and so was wary of having my feelings hurt.

He said he understood and that despite having been separated for a year was probably not ready to commit to anything other than "good times". I had a think about it and replied saying, "Well look, I want good times too" (I do - it's been a long time for me) "so let's just have a weekend together, see how it goes (after all we may no longer even fancy each other) and then if it looks like things are going to get too complicated at any point we always have the option to knock it on the head?"

He says yes. Of course he wants to see me so let's do that. And let's see each other as soon as possible. He is hellishly busy but will get back to me with a weekend he can do asap. I say great. Can't wait.

That was a week ago. And I've heard nothing since.

I'm not asking for advice on a plan of action. I've already decided I will not contact him. If he wants to see me he will contact me, and if he doesn't then me contacting him to ask whyyyyy won't help and will just be humiliating.

But I would like some help trying to understand. I have agreed to giving a casual relationship a try. And I really am honestly prepared to give it a try. He doesn't have to want me for a girlfriend - I just really really want to finally consummate this attraction between us (the thought is so exciting I can barely contain myself). If that's all it is then ok. I can deal. But now it seems he doesn't want to and I just don't understand. Why would any man who wanted any woman as much as he says he did me, not want to have sex?

Did I imagine this chemistry? Impossible I think - those kind of sparks can't be faked. He is lying that he felt it too? Is he just busy and taking his time making plans (in which case why isn't he more enthusiastic?) Is he worried that it will inevitably result in some kind of negative fall out? And if he has changed his mind, why doesn't he just say?

I refuse to go crawling to him for answers and so have posted here. Thank you for reading. Would appreciate all and any thoughts.

OP posts:
patienceisvirtuous · 15/10/2015 13:21

Driving miles to spend a weekend at someone's house based on a pre-arranged shag is very high on the list of terrible ideas

patienceisvirtuous · 15/10/2015 13:22

(When you barely know that person)

ButtonMoon88 · 15/10/2015 14:01

Ive done this before, similar situation, both had partners so nothing could happen, then both single, we slept together three times, shock horror I wanted more, he didn't, I was left looking like a desperate silly girl. Fast forward to now and he tries to get in touch again except now I'm married and have a newborn, rejecting him was so satisfying (more than the sex) he wanted what he couldn't have, that's often the appeal. Don't lose yourself to this man. You are, understandably, romanticising this, do it on your terms!

lavenderhoney · 15/10/2015 14:06

you sound alarmingly obsessed with him - and what are you going to do if he says " look, it's been fun getting to know you today and I'd rather wait a bit to dtd?" And then doesn't contact you/ ignores your messages? Will you be ok with that or angry you've spent so much time and thought?

I'm surprised he's invited you to his house though. He hardly knows you. And you going to his - you have no idea what might be waiting for you. Why haven't you just booked dinner at a hotel midway and a room just in case?

fishfingersinmysandwiches · 15/10/2015 14:51

He's offered to meet me half way. He's also offered to come down to me. But I declined. I'd rather go to his house - it makes me feel more in control somehow.

He doesn't look anything like a physics teacher either Grin

I really do appreciate people taking the time to try to help me on this thread. But I would like to bow out now. Looking in from the outside of course you can all see it's a shitty decision (I'd be saying the same to someone else) but it's my shitty decision and now it's made I'd quite like to just enjoy it for what it's worth.

I'll be fine.

OP posts:
SunnyIsles · 15/10/2015 14:53

Good luck OP, hope it goes well and you come out the other side unscathed and with no regrets.

spidergurl · 15/10/2015 14:55

"He's offered to meet me half way. He's also offered to come down to me. But I declined. I'd rather go to his house - it makes me feel more in control somehow."

I think it makes you feel more in control because you know that if you're physically in his house, there's no way he can get away from not sleeping with you?

Baconyum · 15/10/2015 15:08

I'm concerned OP may not even be meeting who she thinks she is. Could be this guys wife or a total stranger!

Please on safety grounds don't just go to the house meet somewhere else first.

Everyone has already said its a bad idea and you've admitted you're not listening. And ultimately you're the one that'll get hurt emotionally at least not us

But please safety first.

LovelyFriend · 15/10/2015 15:28

I'm rooting for you fishfingers

After a few years of celibacy and disinterest in sex after XP, I've recently reacquainted myself with someone who I am very attracted to sexually but don't want a relationship with beyond what we have. We now meet up regularly for amazing sex. It is fantastic and much recommended.

brokenhearted55a · 15/10/2015 15:36

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Handywoman · 15/10/2015 16:29

I'm quite excited about this liaison. And gutted we won't get an update. Oh well I hope the sex is fab! Whatever the fallout.

Sigh.

SurferJet · 15/10/2015 18:24

Op: I'd have done exactly what you're doing - all the very best. Smile

Baconyum · 15/10/2015 18:55

Why enforced celibacy in the case of a few posters? There are plenty of NSA sites now so if you like me are able to separate sex from love go for it! I've not had a relationship for years as I don't want to but I refuse to be celibate!

Blodss · 15/10/2015 19:32

Fish fair enough. Hope it goes ok and that you just enjoy it for what it is (if it actually still does happen and he doesn't come up with an excuse). Think we will see you back on here in a much worse state than you are now though.

CheersMedea · 18/10/2015 14:51

Please let us know how you get on! Hope it works out the way you want and you get some chandelier shaking times!

fishfingersinmysandwiches · 25/10/2015 05:08

Ok, so thought I'd come back and update seeing as so many people invested time and energy into offering advice and support.

It has happened. We have met up and spent some time together. And... honestly? It wasn't all that.

I still fancied him. But the crazy chemistry I remembered was no longer there really. He was still good company, but not as good as I remembered. We had sex about five times and it was, frankly, rather short lived and underwhelming. But it was ok and I feel good to have finally got back on the bike as it were.

I'm glad I went with the decision to see him. Because it has broken the spell and I am no longer labouring under the illusion that he is the one that got away. He isn't. It was all in my head.

I can't say I'm desperate for a repeat performance. If anything, when I got home I just felt a little sad and empty and disillusioned (although happy to have had some sex finally). A bit brrrr.

So there you have it. All a little bit... disappointing I guess. But not awful. And I've remembered how much I do love sex, which is nice. I think I just need to find someone to have it with who lives a bit closer and with whom I'm more sexually compatible.

(And for the record, I was absolutely right that he has been gadding about sticking it in everything he possibly can since his separation. He's been having a fine old time I think).

OP posts:
fishfingersinmysandwiches · 25/10/2015 05:23

Another positive is that he was incredibly complimentary about how I look.

I "look younger" apparently (that'll be the retin-a, thank you Johnson and Johnson), my "body is amazing", and "have you seen yourself recently - you are gorgeous".

These things feel good to hear. He didn't have to say them, I was already a sure thing. I'm going to take them at face value and allow them to boost my confidence.

OP posts:
Handywoman · 25/10/2015 08:05

Ah, good on you, fishfingers I'm glad there is now some closure and that you got to finally scratch the itch and get back on that bike! Even if it was a bit underwhelming!

Most of all I'm happy that you're not tying yourselves in knots any more over this man. Now close the book and move on and find someone more worthy who is better in the sack

Next!!!!!!!!!!!!

CheersMedea · 25/10/2015 13:35

That's great fishfingers - and it's really good news that you are not still starry eyed about him and have dealt with it. Glad you got an ego boost out of it! I'm sure his compliments were both sincere and accurate.

Thanks for taking the time to let us know what happened. There is no need for anyone to return to let a group of strangers know what happened. I for one really appreciate it as I was interested in your story and wondering what had happened. It's good to know that in cases when some of us (me included!) were predicting a total car crash that it can have a positive outcome.

fishfingersinmysandwiches · 25/10/2015 13:51

Have found some texts on my phone: One asking if I arrived home ok, then when I didn't respond within an hour (I have been catching up on sleep) a more anxious one asking me to please let him know I got home safe.

Texted back saying all is well. Get a text back saying thank god for that - he thought I might have driven into a motorway sign.

Tempted to text back: Aw sweetie, you weren't that disappointing Wink

But that would be immature and shitty wouldn't it.

Truth is I'm still a bit pissed off. But mostly with myself for having got so carried away and silly. Not his fault.

OP posts:
CheersMedea · 25/10/2015 14:39

Don't be pissed off FishFingers - this is the best outcome of a bad situation.

It would have been far far FAR FAR worse if the chemistry was still awesome, the sex was even better and you were back here posting "I think he is just shagging around and now I lurrrve him and my heart is breaking"

spidergurl · 25/10/2015 14:44

What do you think exactly the root causes of you being pissed off are?

fishfingersinmysandwiches · 25/10/2015 15:13

I'm not sure Spidergurl. A feeling that I should have known better. I'm grateful that things have turned out the way they have because, as Cheers has said, the outcome could have been very damaging indeed. As it is, I know I'm going to be just fine.

But it could have been very different. I was holding such a torch for him. And it wasn't mutual. Turns out he even had a girlfriend for a while after he and his wife separated. He said he ended it because it felt wrong to go straight from one relationship into another and he wasn't ready. But it shows that in theory he's not completely against being in a relationship. He just doesn't/didn't want one with me. And despite how things have turned out that still stings a little. Because if the circumstances had been reversed, I know at one point that I would have moved mountains to be with him. Yes it was all an illusion that would have been quickly exposed, but still.

And he knows this I think. That I've been carrying a torch all this time. He described us seeing each other as, "A bit of fun. No big deal". And it turned out to be just that. Great. But I'm pissed off because both he and I were prepared to put my emotional wellbeing at risk. I know that's my stuff to look at and I shouldn't blame him, but feelings aren't always that rational and I just think he's a bit of a bastard. Why take that risk just for sex? He was already having lots of sex. He didn't need me too.

OP posts:
Iwasworried · 25/10/2015 16:48

People in this thread spent ten pages telling you that though, and you had your fingers in your ears.

Honestly, you got what you wanted and you got the best possible outcome from it as well. And yet you're still dissatisfied and wanting to have a moan? Because you weren't his first phone call when he became single? You want the bloody moon on a stick, you do.

ShortcutButton · 25/10/2015 18:07

You are pissed off because you expected that once he saw you, he would be head over heels and want a relationship with you. You thought the sex would be so incredible that he wouldn't be able to not see you again

But it was just as he told you it would be