Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

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

Am I being paranoid or do you reckon I'm right?

301 replies

donnattella · 19/11/2015 18:04

I'm not sure if my imagination is running away with me here.

Relatively new man, we've been seeing each other about 6 weeks and a we're exclusive but it's early days.

A had a nagging annoyance throughout in that he seems to be online on whatsapp quite often and very late at night. We're late twenties, but even I don't get 1am or 2am texts from friends on a daily basis so it made me a bit Hmm wondring who the heck he is talking to all the time.

He's not weird about his phone, and he doesn't use it at all when he's with me, and have noticed he aslo doesn't really get late night texts when he's with me either. I did notice a text from one girl a couple of weeks ago, and it was just friend stuff but it came at midnight. He'd just left the phone on the table and it flashed up. Nothing funny on the text, no kisses, just a contuinance of a conversation.

I was a bit Hmm so I checked on that girl and found she lives overseas in a place he used to live, and maybe the time diferrence might be why all the late night texting. He does hve a lot of female friends. She's not especially pretty, but he "likes" a lot of her photos. More than he does mine actually.

Anyway, he booked a holiday to go over to see friends. Says he has a lot from when he used to live there and obviously this girl lives there too. I didn't ask where he was going or who he was staying with - we're not at that stage yet and would not know who the people were anyway- but we made a date for the day after he gets home.

Not heard from him much, and I have noticed a couple of things that would indicate he's with this girl. Same photos being posted from both of them, that sort of thing. Also noticed he's never online texting since he's been away.

Am I being totally paranoid? Is he likely shagging this girl or is there a good chance they are just good friends? I've no reason to find him not trustworthy but it's nagging at me.

OP posts:
MissApple · 25/11/2015 21:59

His loss - what a git x

donnattella · 26/11/2015 07:15

I don't know why I am so sad and upset.

What a weird thing to chuck me away for

OP posts:
Shakey15000 · 26/11/2015 07:25

I think because you fell hard for him in a short space of time. Relationships are usually intense things at the beginning. And he led you to believe he felt the same.

But give yourself a limit to "grieve" and analyze etc and probably best to set the limit proportionate to the relationship else you'll wallow unnecessarily. And that would be a shame.

lavenderhoney · 26/11/2015 07:36

I meant I don't believe his story, I'm sorry.

That's a week of holiday, the expense, and you can't be shagging all the time - you said she has DC- did she hide him in the wardrobe? and if he stayed at her house, for a week they must have known it would be ok, not get irritated with each other, manage the DC.

It doesn't matter really though, at least you've found out now and don't have to have the constant niggling of doubt.

donnattella · 26/11/2015 10:00

I haven't typed much as have been so upset and agitated. Am going to type now just to get it out. So emotional and it's annoyed the hell out of me that he's upset me this much.

I think his story is weird as hell but does mostly add up.

I know from her FB that I stalked that she's only been to the UK once. I saw the comments on it "finally visited, always wanted to" blah blah. So she's not been here before that one summer trip

He's not been there for years and years. Also evident from his FB and what he'd told me actually before we even got together as a couple. I know he used to live there, was engaged to someone there, know who she is, have seen her photo and not the same person and no link to this OW.

So he did deffo meet her that one time.

i know, was why I was confused before Lavender. So odd with her DC there! Mayeb they were away for the week with their Dad? I dunno. So bloody weird. The summary of his story is:

-Met her in a bar in summer, one night stand when she was on holiday

  • Wasn't fussed or into her but , exchanged FB and numbers
  • She has been texting him ever since daily. He liked the attention but didn't think she was any great shakes.

-She told him she wanted more sex or whatever, been sexting him and stuff
Invited him over.

  • He likes me a lot and wanted to continue with me, but was not seeing it as a long term serious relationship because he doesn't want one with anyone.
  • Says life has passed him by as he's never shagged about and has only been in LTRs since school so decided he didn't want to miss an experience
  • Decided he'd book to go over for a week..says saw her AND old friends (didn't say where he stayed but looked to me like her house)
  • Said he wasn't even sure he was going to shag her until he got there so he'd not felt it important to mention to me.
  • Said he felt guilty about the texting, especially as he knew he'd asked to be exclusive but he says he felt it was ok as she was so far away and he'd never see her.
  • Said he felt sure I was going to dump him and he's lonely and knows he has commitment problems he needs to address
  • Said he really likes me and still likes me as much, but this was just an "experience". (eugh)
  • Says suprisingly he got there and actually really liked her, says she is nice but they will prob never see each other again but the time they sahred was special.

He actually said that last thing to me. What a cunt! Can't he filter before speaking?

OP posts:
donnattella · 26/11/2015 10:13

There was a lond period before we were dating before anything happenned with us when we were friends. I think we actually met the first time in January or February and we exchanged the odd message and then it grew to us speaking a lot on the phone.

I do rememeber in the summer before we started dating he said he'd had a one night stand. Maybe that was her. In the time I knew him he didn't have much sex. We always used to talk about our dating lives and he told me his feelings about his ex, and that he'd met her and had sex with her in July and the one night stand was a few days after that to take his mind off being hurt.

Mostly he went on one off Tinder dates and then the girl rejected him. He's not Brad Pitt and he's sort of quiet and I can see why maybe most girls find him a bit unsexy. All is friends are paired off, an when I knew him he spent all his evenings swiping on tinder and chatting by texts to various girls that nothing ever happenned with.

He's the sort of person you'd imagine being bullied at school sort of thing. It took me ages to want to go out with him and it was because I thought he was kind, genuine, my friend, honest.

What the fuck did I know eh?

I don't think he ever thought I would actually go out with him and when I did he was sooooooo happy and excited. Seems completely bizarre that after all that he'd do this and turn into a complete knob.

It was like he chased and chased and got what he wanted and then went funny on me. He was odd when we were seeing each other. First half he was totally normal, all over me and really great. Second half he acted strange. Like as soon as I liked him he felt he had power and started to toy with me. It felt deliberate at times and I think it was. I think he was trying to put me on edge.

I think it's affected me so much because I (a) lost someone from my life that genuinely matterred to me, boyfriend or not. (b) was treated so shit by someone I knew a while who I trusted a lot. (c) was cheated on in such a dumb way and found out online (d) that he's not even saying he regrets it...aparrently he had a lovely time!!!

The whole thing is unbelievable really. He's a very weird person. Spends all his life trying to get a GF on tinder and mesaging everyone, and I wa the girl he really wanted and went after for so long. He got me and then he deliberately screwed it up and made it obvious he wanted that to happen.

Now he says he will be the one who suffers because he has no one now and is lonely. Weird. Maybe he likes women who reject him? Can't do relationships? He's not had one for years. He seems to have some major issues.

OP posts:
SuperFlyHigh · 26/11/2015 10:20

Just found this and saw it when you first started posting this thread.

  1. It's good you've found out now about whatever was happening with the woman.
  1. Always trust your spidey senses (intuition) re the late night Whatsapps - they're rarely wrong.
  1. If he tells you something serious not wanting a relationship with anyone listen to that and don't try to change him - men like that NEVER change and its pointless getting them to change. Even if he wanted therapy for it it's a long hard road.
  1. You're fairly young and this was a newish relationship, have a rest or go out and start dating again.

Forget this idiot, and good luck! Smile

SuperFlyHigh · 26/11/2015 10:22

Oh and if he says now he's the one who will suffer and old and lonely - well he should've thought about that before he whatsapped this woman, went abroad to have sex with her etc...

Also sounds like a guilt trip trying to get you to feel sorry for him.

donnattella · 26/11/2015 10:41

Thanks SuperFlyHigh. I do know I will be fine. Just venting it all out.

I think there's just an added element. Before my first date with him I already had him lined up in my head. Mr Nice. Mr Supportive. Mr Decent. Not my type, but talked myself into giving him a chance because he was so nice and liked me so much I thought it was worth a go. Was really worried before 1st date that he would get hurt because I felt sure I'd not be able to fancy him sex-wise.

The irony of that!

I just never thought he of all people would do something like this or act this way. I knew he was insecure and had issues with intimacy. He talked a lot about having boundries and not letting anyone too close because he didn't want to ever feel pain like that again. He also said things about not having felt like he'd lived life or been with many women.

OP posts:
CakeForBreakfast · 26/11/2015 13:56

Now he says he will be the one who suffers because he has no one now and is lonely.

Ppppfffffffttttt!!! So the poor little darling feels sorry for himself after all the anxiety you had to go through while he chased other willing vagina and acted cold with you?

Well I hope you kicked him into touch.

You are too good to be spending your energy on figuring his head out. Block this irrelevant little loser.

CakeForBreakfast · 26/11/2015 13:59

Just saw you are simply venting.

By the way well done. On your radar and efficient dumping

RedMapleLeaf · 26/11/2015 14:53

Is there an element of you being complacent because you thought he would be too grateful you deemed to date him that he wouldn't cheat?

PersonalTinsel · 26/11/2015 15:09

Maybe he likes women who reject him? Can't do relationships? He's not had one for years. He seems to have some major issues.

This ^. I know someone like this always goes for the least attainable person. Sabotages it before it even starts. He has huge issues with his mother. Attachment issues? Whatever, you're well shot. Flowers

donnattella · 26/11/2015 15:31

Thanks everyone.

Umm..He sent me a letter, was going to post it but felt a bit personal. I think it explains a little the odd ways his mind works.

RedMaple, no, I don't think so. I'm not complacent in new relationships as I have some anxieties. I think I always knew he liked me an awful lot; but felt it was purely physical infatuation and actually when he started to be a bit off sometimes, I felt he had found me disappointing in reality. I did ponder that he had someone else. I just always assumed that was me being silly. As friends, he'd not been getting loads of sex so didn;t make sense he would now. Actually, I was very worried about him going on the trip and seeing his ex. Obviously worried about the entirely wrong thing. that ws actually why I was checking social media a lot. Was worried he was seeing th ex I knew he loved.

PersonalTinsel

Funny you say that. This guy has huge mother issues. He doesn't talk a great deal about personal things but all I know is that his mother issues are pretty awful and he had a very weird childhood. He then found happiness with the ex (first love) and was extremely attached for many years over adolescence and into adulthood and she broke his heart rather viciously right before a wedding was due to happen. I did look over attachent issues and commitment problems and it sounds like he definitely fis that description.

Everything on it, he does. Constantly changing jobs (sometimes after a few months), doesn't have a car or any possessions, house being permanently remodelled and he gets lodgers and weird stuff that makes bringing women home impossible, couldn't make future plans, loved the chase, blah blah. There was 40 tings on the online list and he did about 38 of them!

OP posts:
PersonalTinsel · 26/11/2015 15:40

Definitely attachment issues then, from what you say. 38 out of 40 = major, major issues!
You can't fix him, even if you wanted to. Chalk it up to (painful) experience.
You'll know the red flags for next time, though he is an extreme case.,

TheWordOfBagheera · 26/11/2015 15:58

I've been there with someone who was a friend that I wasn't attracted to. He then chased me until I thought perhaps it was worth trying a relationship with him because we were close and he was trustworthy and dependable and nice (ha!).

He also cheated with someone who threw themselves at him, despite the fact that by that time I was totally committed to him and the relationship.

In hindsight I wonder if being the chaser sometimes leaves an element of insecurity - they think they find you more attractive than you find them (not necessarily true, even if it was at the start). Someone who then chases them seems irresistible. Of course this only applies to idiots who have a low threshold for cheating and screwing over someone they care about, but sounds like your BF might be one of those people!

Sorry you've gone through this, but it's not all men. Be reassured that gut instinct had him pegged, as you can just believe it if there's a next time, and relax if you don't get another bad feeling.

donnattella · 26/11/2015 16:23

This describes him to a tee. I am a very busy woman, away half the time with my work, and live a fair distance from him. He has to do a fair commute to get to see me and I always took his willingness to do this as another sign of how much he liked me. Looks like men like this actually seek that out so they can see you less! Also says they seek out women far away of an diferrent age!!

All of this is the stuff he was like. Have to say a lot of it, like playing a lot of sport and working long hours and remodelling his hosue was actually quite appealing. He had his own life and wasnt clingy.

Was really weird though because he was so affectionate and keen and wanting to move quite fast for the first bit and I was a bit less keen. As soon as I was more keen he went the opposite way.

If I got upset or mentioned it or he'd either get pissed off like "I do have to work you know Donna, as much as I'd like to I can't revolve my life around you". Or he'd act offended "how can you say that, I travel all this way to see you, I'd not do that if you weren't a priority" or he'd turn it on me "I know you're over sensitive Donna"

Bleugh!!!!

Now it all makes complete sense, so I know I over analyse and over-vent probably but gets it out and I feel a lot better today and much less agitated and angry. He's obviously got problems.

They pursue ardently until they win the woman over

It isn’t long though before they suddenly start rejecting the woman, by not ringing or not wanting to see her for days, or not including her in weekend arrangements.

Severe commitment phobics play the seduction/rejection game. They can’t make the decision to give totally to the relationship, but they can’t commit to walk away either. They feel trapped by both choices. They feel love for the woman when they don’t see her, but they want to run away when they become involved again.

They tend to limit the amount of time they spend with the women and treat her as a low priority.

They often choose women who are not the type of partner they are looking for, for example they may be much older, much younger, live long distance, a very busy job, are married, or they may have different interests. They use these differences as excuses to end relationships.

They can have a history of frequent career change

They avoid events or outings that may include the woman's family or friends

They like to feel in control and create time frames that suit them, often treating the woman like a puppet on a string.

A commitment phobic won’t allow the relationship to grow and they have no intentions of ever doing so. They can be moody or aloof and blame the woman for why they are acting so bizarrely.

They lie, or they are evasive and secretive about where they are and what they are doing

Severe commitment phobics may have very little furniture, not own property or a car

They often don’t invite women to their home because of their peculiar living arrangements, but they have no desire to change their situation

They are often unfaithful in relationships

Severe commitment phobics don’t want to get too close to a woman, or vice versa.

They seek relationships where commitment is not possible, for example with married women

Behavioral inconsistencies are very noticeable with these men when they find themselves getting too close. They create distance.

A lot of uncaring sabotage behaviors surface eg. working long hours, taking on extra projects, creating space, not ringing, being late, finding fault with the woman etc.

They often choose to travel a lot for work, to play a lot of sport, or be involved in many projects to create distance

They usually end up behaving worse and worse, and they sabotage more and more because they want the woman to end the relationship as they feel too anxious and guilty to do so.

OP posts:
donnattella · 26/11/2015 16:29

TheWordOfBagheera posted at the same time there. Sorry you had that too....feels awful, right?

I think I have learned a lot from this. Next time I see those behaviors I will know what they are right away. It left me feeling very confused. Really does not make sense when your BF is hard to pin down for plans and yet he also is doing a lot of amazingly sweet and loving things for you. I thought it was me. It was subtle and getting worse and worse. I honestly think if I have properly not felt so unease that I would not have been checking up on him.

I know he chased me, and she chased him. Must have been an ego boost in there. His text to me this morning was absolutely beyond ridiculous, telling me not to worry, I would find a man who could give me a lifetime and all the things I deserved.

Somehow he chased me, he got me, he cheated on me and manages to send me a patronising text that sounded more like he was the dumper. Massive insecurity.

I do feel quite enlightned. Everyone here has been so helpful. It's hard to believe a few days ago I thought I was paranoid and something was wrong with me!!!

OP posts:
lavenderhoney · 26/11/2015 17:49

I see he's positioning himself into the friend zone perhaps to try again at a later date and keep tabs on you. It would be a mistake to allow this.

He will then do it all over again. This man likes the chase. Your life would be one of misery and worry.

You won't be the first to be taken in by a charming man, and no doubt his story is well practised. Try not to over analyse him as you may be in danger of making excuses for him. And he's cruel too, telling you his sex trip was special. He's dumping you over and over again with all his bullshit. Who gives a shit about his issues?

Look, get dressed up, get a friend and go and drink cocktails somewhere fabulous. He's so not worth it.

bessiebumptious2 · 26/11/2015 18:23

*I see he's positioning himself into the friend zone perhaps to try again at a later date and keep tabs on you. It would be a mistake to allow this.

He will then do it all over again. This man likes the chase. Your life would be one of misery and worry.*

Whatever you do, listen to this. He absolutely WILL try again and will try to draw you back in with charm. Seriously, let it go now and chalk it up to experience. There are some decent men out there, but sometimes you have to wait!

Fatrascals · 26/11/2015 18:43

This reply has been withdrawn

This post has been withdrawn due to privacy concerns

donnattella · 26/11/2015 19:11

I honestly don't think I will ever hear from him again now.

He probably has exactly what he wants with that chick to bang twice a year and sext safely overseas and Tinder at his fingertips to do what he does best.....chase!

Awfully cruel to tell me he enjoyed special moments with her. What an idiot.

OP posts:
donnattella · 26/11/2015 19:22

Just saw your post FatRascals. Thank you Flowers. Typing here and reading the responses is really been helpful the last few days as I am agitated and finding it hard to relax and watch TV. I did get myself up finally, put my slap on, got dressed nicely and felt better for it. Stil not eating, but drinking and not crying anymore.

I made a counselling appointment tomorrow. I know I have gotten overly cutup considering the length and depth, but it's brought back memories of cheating fiance and just made me feel so downtrodden.

In my head (sound SO stupid) I never thought I would fancy this guy and then I did. Sex was incredible and he was my friend and I thought I honestly thought we would end up together. I felt so close to him. I had a complete feeling about it, and when he started doing the headfuck and then subsequently did this it was just hard on me.

I myself actually have quite low self esteem because of my fiance cheating among other things. I always feel a bit worried that people only want me for sex, that maybe I am not as loveable as other people or something. I am not incredibly pretty or anything, not at all, but people do often want to have sex with me or go out with me in quite a desperate /chasing sort of way which often makes me feel a bit hunted.

Not sure if there is something I am putting out there to cause that. I don't dress provocatively or act suggestive.

Your words about attachment are interesting. I think he was a little intimidatd by me in various ways. I have a lot more friends. Do a lot more things. Am quite sucessful at work (published in magazines and things) and he is more low key as a person. I do feel insecure about myself, despite typing all that, but it's the way most people would describe me. they don;t know about the messed up parts inside.

Never had anyone try and take ownership of the breakup before!!!! It was very weird, I felt like finding him, smashing his chops in. Cheeky bastard

OP posts:
lavenderhoney · 26/11/2015 21:54

He's taking ownership by patronising you ( you'll meet someone etc)
He's taking ownership by making you feel rubbish about yourself ( she was special:(

Text back briskly " of course I'll meet someone else! Already on it! And I'm sure you will too" and block instantly after from all social media. This will make you feel better. Do not feel tempted to be dragged back into his shit, which is all about control and ego.

I would suggest you get very busy, and date again. And a rule for you is - not texting all the time. Just say " can't text - v busy - talk later- Monday at 8?"

You also instigate texting as pretend dating f2f as you travel a lot etc, and create a relationship from that hence bed as a first date etc. Ignore the texting and count only dates and talking on the phone ( and not for hours!)
This will help protect you from chancers busy texting and not actually fucking doing anything real.

Fatrascals · 26/11/2015 23:26

This reply has been withdrawn

This post has been withdrawn due to privacy concerns