Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

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

Spring has sprung and the sap is rising! It's Dating Thread 104

997 replies

IToldYouIWasFreaky · 04/05/2016 10:45

The Rules:

  1. The first rule about the dating thread is you don't talk about it with people you're dating.
  2. Develop a thick skin.
  3. Do not invest emotionally too soon.
  4. It's all BS until it actually happens.
  5. Trust your gut instinct.
  6. People vanishing, lying & being generally weird is not your fault.
  7. You are the prize-they should be trying to impress you.
  8. If it's not fun, stop.
  9. Loo update is mandatory.
10. No dating the thread. 11. Read Why Men Love Bitches (aka WMLB), and take from it what you will. 12. Don't serve up moose burgers on the first date (although this is still in debate right now) 13. Matthew Hussey also very useful. And very easy on the eye even if you don't find him any good. 14. IF THEY SAY THEY DON'T WANT A RELATIONSHIP, THEY DON'T WANT A RELATIONSHIP
OP posts:
WavingNotDrowning · 06/05/2016 09:38

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

314PrettySweetMamaJammer · 06/05/2016 09:52

Reddish - that's ridiculous of her not to be clearer after months (?) of not knowing if it's a thing. You're not even sure if you're dumped!! Go back to her with one of Amy's soundbites - "Mixed messages aren't my thing - can you make that clearer please".

lastnicknamefree that is brilliant!

tanyadm · 06/05/2016 10:08

Oh yay Last, when's first date then?!

lastnicknamefree · 06/05/2016 12:03

Tanya I hope there is one, I'd like some more of that please! He has been in contact first thing and said he had a good night etc so when we've both finished work and can talk/message properly later hopefully an official 1st date will be on the cards. He's very laid back and cool though so I may have to be patient...

JollyXmasJumper · 06/05/2016 12:26

Hello everyone!

Yay last! What makes it even more amazing is that you seem to be in the perfect mindset to calmly see where this goes. That makes me think that after all that talk about holding off on sex we sometimes forget how empowering it may feel to just say no, not now. Go you!

Reddish I think you have two choices here (see,empowering!),either like 314 says you ask for clarification because she at least owes you that, or you just walk away and see if she comes back. I tend to think that the latter is much more telling because actions do speak louder than words, but heck, sometimes you just need a clear answer. Do whatever makes YOU feel better, not her. She has not earned that consideration yet.

Tulip FWB is such a difficult thing to navigate. I quite agree with MH saying that you both need to place little to no value on having the other in your life (perceived value) for it to work. Because you already have the physical attraction and - eek - the emotional connection so are basically one step away from wanting a relationship. Which makes me think what stops you from wanting that relationship should not be just logistics. What makes him not partner material? If you decide you want that FWB thing, just tread carefully. Otherwise it is time to set the standard and get ready to walk away if necessary.

Freaky that top is awesome!

Sassy uh, looks like someone is really back in the game hehe, yay!

Bant I do not think any woman will ditch you for being a gentleman haha. What I avoid is guys with "old fashioned values" because IME that is just code for "I am a bit of a sexist douchebag and I own it". The one and only guy I dated after he used that "old fashioned gentleman" line once rolled over after sex and demanded a sandwich. Like. Really. A SANDWICH. I got up, packed his stuff and added the bread roll, ham and mustard (open lid Blush) to the bag. Grin he was a perfect gentleman before SandwichGate, if only a bit OTT. PS: don't ever date a fratboy.

Waving aw that is so cute! Grin at the image of your 3yo saying "mummy is dating a mad Tinder guy"

314 your point about how a guy reacts to you expressing your expectations made me think a lot about Karmic. I did express mine but in a breezy and cool way so I will definitely make sure to do it again face to face so that I can get a better grasp of who he really is. And regarding the widespread idea that therapy gives you heighten awareness of other's feelings, it did pretty much the opposite for me. The only awareness it developed was my own. I am much less focused on others now and boy it did me the world of good!

Happy dating people!

IToldYouIWasFreaky · 06/05/2016 13:30

Hey all!
Massively busy day at work. Supposed to have a 1pm meeting so didn't take a lunch break and then the meeting was cancelled...grr!
Anyway, I have an afternoon date! The sun is shining so I'm taking DS to the park for an ice cream after school. He's way more fun and has much better manners than certain people I've been dating...Grin

I do also have a couple of people I'm chatting to on Tinder, including a youngster (34...) Suspect it'll go the same way as 314's youngster but I may suggest meeting for a coffee or something over the weekend. We'll see how chats pan out today.

Last So pleased about your date! Your attitude was spot on I think, just seeing what happened and it ended up being great! And laid back is lovely but don't let that be an excuse for settling on less than you deserve, OK?

Reddish I agree with Jolly. What did the text say though? It really depends on what you want and what you feel comortable with. You could try a bridge burning "let's talk" message a la Bacon or just let it drop. I think you've been more than fair to her so think of yourself now.
Thank you for saying that I was justified to get angry with Bacon. I do have moments of "did I over react?" just because he was so SURE that he was right. And I think, well, 3 dates is nothing, he's entitled to end it if he wants to....but, there are ways of ending something, even after only 3 dates.
And Youngster has just messaged saying "sorry if replies are a bit sporadic, I'm at work"...so if he can manage that after one day of messaging, why couldn't Bacon after 3 dates?! Hmm

Tulip You're right, 8 weeks isn't nothing. In fact, I'd say it was prime time for a "how do we think this is going?" type talk. Are you happy with the way things are going? If not, say so. (this may be my new mantra from now on)

Enjoy the sunshine everyone!

OP posts:
ocelot7 · 06/05/2016 15:49

Heard from the Scot today out of the blue - 10 days after he ghosted me just before a second attempt at meeting. He says his father has died & he wants to send me a long message about his emotions. I think that's inappropriate as we haven't even met & have said so - kindly. Plus - he's already stood me up twice(!) & will be understandably all over the place emotionally so not a good time to start something new I think...

314PrettySweetMamaJammer · 06/05/2016 15:53

Yeh!! HIs emotions!? I'm sorry his father died, but if he didn't keep you in the loop all this time and thought nothing of ghosting you............ it wouldn't be appropriate at all! what is he thinking!? He might want a crutch. Well swerved ocelot

314PrettySweetMamaJammer · 06/05/2016 15:55

......... and my news is that theRave46 has not replied to my most recent message. We notched up about 12 a piece before it died. So that's further than I usually get. I hinted I'd be willing to meet up. Maybe he's not ready to actually meet people in real life. We semed to be getting on well. Or maybe he's trying to appear cool and busy.

ocelot7 · 06/05/2016 16:39

Thx 314 sweetie :)
Im so tired of it being all about them & we are just supposed to be there on demand all supportive with no reciprocation!

TooSassy · 06/05/2016 17:19

Here's something incredibly beautiful. Hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did

www.elephantjournal.com/2015/08/a-tough-love-letter-to-those-who-forget-they-are-magic/

314PrettySweetMamaJammer · 06/05/2016 18:02

I'll read that now in a sec.

I feel graaaand here in my cave. Just did 35 mins of power yoga followed by four circuits of Jillian Michaels NMTZ. Ordered a Thai curry for myself and the Fridge emptiers who are also worryingly fond of a takeaway despite their young age. Showered and put on loungewear :-P

Now I'm waiting for the takeaway. Going to have a Peroni later.

I'm not waiting for my phone to bleep. There's nobody in particular I'm really hoping will message me. Nowhere I have to be. I'm not spending money on babysitters and I am actually at peace with the way it is.

314PrettySweetMamaJammer · 06/05/2016 18:10

Thanks Sassy, and you know what, I still believe this

"It’s not always easy, but with practice, progression and patience, absolutely anything is possible."

I really think this last 9 months has been a learning curve. And I've learnt that I need a relationship less than some people who claim they don't want one Confused So, it's just sauce for me. And yes, the only person whose approval I need is my own.

Wine

Everybody out on a date tonight, have a good time and if you don't have a good time, learn and practice and progress Wine

HandyWoman · 06/05/2016 19:41

Freaky you sound awesome mate!! Kudos. Hope you and ds had a lovely park date.

Jolly OMG at sandwichgate haha!! Grin

ocelot I salute you too. more and more power to your elbow.

Thank you for the lovely link, Sassy you are soft and fluffy after all!!

Wise words on the subject of fwb from JollyX

Not sure there are any dates ce soir, but sounds like there's a lot of people in a Good Place. I do love the phrase 'progress not perfection'

At 17:45h I dashed home to eat something before the phone rings. Was famished. And could potentially be up and out all night working in a v demanding job (am on call). My food was irritatingly interrupted by my handyman who turned up unannounced. This is a bloke who has done various jobs for me in the past. But has for a couple of years (since knowing my marriage ended) been slightly hinting he would like to be a but more than my handyman - ooh er. Except he seems to have upped his game and when I opened the door he actually looked me up and down almost suggestively - aarrgghh and said he wanted to come and discuss my new patio. I am 'ewwwww' and irritated in equal measure!! He said he will phone me Wed re popping round again Thurs(!!!! FFS!!!!) I might have to actually ghost my handyman! But help! I'm a woman living in my own - I NEED a handyman!!! I know the right thing to do is just tell him 'look mate, it ain't happening' but HOW?!?!! I just don't have the guts!!!

Oh dear Hmm

IToldYouIWasFreaky · 06/05/2016 20:33

Handy You need to cultivate a "fuck off" face. I have one. It's brilliant. Minimal eye contact, closed body language, no chat. He'll get the message.

I'm not waiting for my phone to bleep. There's nobody in particular I'm really hoping will message me. Nowhere I have to be. I'm not spending money on babysitters and I am actually at peace with the way it is.

Me too! I had a lovely time with DS after school, my sister and SIL popped round for a chat, now I'm just about to pour some wine and catch up with a bit of life admin and Masterchef. And I'm not checking my phone every two mins. I was messaging Youngster a bit earlier and he said he's off to the pub, so I said I was just pouring wine, so cheers. Then he said he might message later. So, that'll be nice if he does but I'm not that fussed.

Part of my life admin is reigniting my Match profile as they've just offered me 3 free days again so I may as well.
But apart from that I plan a weekend of studying, sunshine, beer and pootling around and it will be LOVELY. No fecking men to mess it up!

Ocelet Well played with Scot. I feel sorry for the bloke, but has he not got any actual friends to support him just now? He can't dump it on you and it's a worrying sign that he thinks he can so well swerved!

314 Dave could genuinely be busy you know.

Oh dear, Youngster is now sending me pics of himself half naked with puppy dog eyes. Still, nice to feel wanted...Grin

OP posts:
ocelot7 · 06/05/2016 20:36

But surely a Handyman is a perfect match for a Handywoman ? Lol

And lol at 314 & her loungewear :)

I'm having tea at a friend's putting the world to rights...
Did agree to coffee with Scot at some very vague future point (equivalent to possibly eternity) which seemed to pacify him...

HandyWoman · 06/05/2016 20:42

Hahahaha - oh god ocelot the thought is just awful!!! He's fit and stuff but I could never fancy him. Never. Ever.

Right. Fuck-off face, closed body language. Got it. But he is famous (I have friends who say this also) for chatting and hanging around, you end up putting the kettle on. Perhaps he is lonely. And patio needs done. Aarrgghh am rubbish at these situations.

IToldYouIWasFreaky · 06/05/2016 20:45

A fit handyman? Are you sure you couldn't fancy him? Sounds like a great boyfriend! I keep falling for people with pointless jobs like teacher. I need a handyman or builder or something useful like that.

OP posts:
314PrettySweetMamaJammer · 06/05/2016 20:54

That's hilarious! Handywoman and Handyman.

Freaky, I once dated a man who'd have been a good match for you. He texted me once to say he was browzing round the shops. And then ten minutes later

'browsing'.

IToldYouIWasFreaky · 06/05/2016 21:07

God yes! I love anyone that does a *correction.

Mind you, Bacon did that so it's not always a sign of good character.

Can't do the match.com 3 day trial as I am not a new user...sulks. Sad

OP posts:
314PrettySweetMamaJammer · 06/05/2016 21:15

These are the things I want to do to build a fabulous life.

Power Yoga - with Gregorian chants playing in the background. (I can do that at home).

And............. creative writing course. I'm googling now. There's a rip-roaring story inside me.. It's going to be like gone woman on a train

HandyWoman · 06/05/2016 21:30

OMG Twix has come out of his shell a bit Shock is he catching up? Oh please someone step on my Labrador Tail Confused I DO NOT need encouragement. Feel a bit sick.

HandyWoman · 06/05/2016 21:31

Freaky harrumph re Match although where I am Match is rubbish

IToldYouIWasFreaky · 06/05/2016 21:38

What's Twixipoo up to Handy? Why sick?!

Match is running but thought it was worth a go for free!

314, pleeeeeeaee write a novel, it'll be hilarious and brilliant!

I was a little bit tart with Youngster and he's gone quiet...Blush I may mollify him with a "I liked your pic"...He does have a beard...

OP posts:
314PrettySweetMamaJammer · 06/05/2016 21:44

Well, Rave46 replied, and then I replied back, which puts me straight back in the vulnerable position of awaiting a reply. But fekkit. I don't even care at the moment. In a good way.

The usual bulging inbox full of 32 year olds, golfers in Florida, a german man tonight (why,) a man claiming to be a prince. Seriously. I deleted that without reading it. Geez do people fall for this shit. And a 53 year old man in Glasgow with no picture but he put in his email address. Geez, he also included a big long generic message implying the reader would be cold hearted not to find room in her fussy shallow heart if she chose not reply to him, and that only those who weren't shallow and fussy would be rewarded with real love. ie, his. oh yeh, and if you were really shallow, he'd send you a photo.

God he's really gonna scoop up the bottom feeders with low self-esteem Sad