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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

Dating thread 161: (Can anybody find me) somebody to love..?

999 replies

Sunshineandflipflops · 05/06/2019 13:16

The first rule about the dating thread is don't talk about it with people you're dating.

  1. Develop a thick skin.
  2. Do not invest emotionally too soon.
  3. It's all BS until it actually happens.
  4. Trust your gut instinct.
  5. People vanishing, lying & being generally weird is not your fault.
  6. You are the prize - they should be trying to impress you.
  7. If it's not fun, stop.
  8. Loo update is mandatory.
10. No dating the thread. 11. Do unto others as you would have them do to you.

And a reminder - you don't know them until you know them!

Link to Info on Dating Websites & Apps www.mumsnet.com/Talk/relationships/3514717-List-of-Dating-Site-Info-Dating-Thread?watched=1

OP posts:
KhaleesiTargaryen · 09/06/2019 09:50

@StealthNinjaMum that’s wonderful!

@MyOldBrainStoppedWorking Maybe a break is a good idea, then. I think others are right when they say OLD can rule (and ruin) your self-esteem. Because it does make me feel a bit dispensable at times too. When you’re chatting and they disappear or if you don’t get matches.
I’m in a city and don’t get a great deal of matches so I suppose there is stiff competition.

@ccgirr From experience, that would put me off... He should be showing you his best side.

Well, yesterday was the first day since we met that Mr Fireman didn’t text me. It felt right and I’m at peace with it.

My date this evening texted last night to apologise in advance for his nerves. This and deleting his OLD profile before we even meet makes me feel a bit 🤔 but I’m still going to go.
I need to cement the idea that I’m moving on. And who knows?

Ant330 · 09/06/2019 09:53

Stealth missed your post, congrats on the BF/GF status Smile
MyOld completely disagree that you'll be too old when your kids have left home.
And I don't think sporty is intimidating, but looking like you have time to date was something I had pointed out to me when my profile was reviewed.

But, and I said the same, some thinhs you can't change and some you don't want to. Which is why I'd try not to think of it as a break from OLD otherwise it'll be on your mind wondering when you should start back again. Just think of it as taking the time to enjoy all the things that make you happy with no distractions.

MyOldBrainStoppedWorking · 09/06/2019 10:02

Sorry Ant I have to disagree about the age thing. Once I turned 50, the interest it got on OLD plummeted. And it has just got worse.
Also men in their 50s don't tend to be sporty (at least the ones I've met aren't), so they don't understand why I want to do it. But I only put up a photo of me doing one of my sports. I don't make a big deal of it because of the whole 'do you have time to date' thing.

Whether it's called a break or just not dating, I still have the same problem everytime I try again. Lack of interest.
Until I can understand what I'm doing wrong, then there isn't any point of putting myself the the constant rejection.

AsleepAllDay · 09/06/2019 10:40

@MyOldBrainStoppedWorking next time you do OLD I'd suggest mentioning being sporty on your profile! Whether or not it 'intimidates' men isn't the issue, you want to find someone on your level and who is open to your interests

Doesn't mean that he has to be as into it as you are, if at all, but better than downplaying it and matching with someone who just doesn't like sporty women!

You're allowed to ask for what you want - I am looking for a relationship so now I mention it there. Does it mean that every swipe is meant to be my boyfriend? No, but men who are in some way open to that will be looking

KhaleesiTargaryen · 09/06/2019 11:21

Yes, I’d still put it on - I just say I’m fairly active.

It was one of the wedges that drove me and my ExH apart. He and I were both active when. We met and then he did nothing. But it’s just part of who I am so we ended up spending less and less time together and he was really unsupportive of me doing races/events which killed the joy. There were other things too but I’d much rather be with someone who shared those interests.

Got a nice little morning text from date tonight. All sounds good and I’m looking forward to it. Seems very genuine.

LilyRose88 · 09/06/2019 11:38

@MyOldBrainStoppedWorking I'm so sorry that you are feeling so low about OLD. It is an absolute minefield and I am probably a bit older than you, so I really understand what you are saying about interest plummeting. I do get messages but they are usually either guys wanting sex or very short uninspiring messages from guys who I really don't fancy. And I have tried not being fussy and meeting guys who don't look fanciable in their photos and they have not looked any better in the flesh.

I do get some decent guys amongst the no hopers but they are few and far between and it is hard work. And just when I think I have met a nice guy they turn out to be players or a*holes Sad

I'm trying to keep busy by doing things which are not dating-related to keep from sitting at home on my own. I am sporty too, but probably not as sporty as you as I just go to the gym and go running (or will do soon when my ankle is fully recovered). I have found very few guys in their late 50s do as much exercise as me, but that doesn't bother me too much as I like training on my own so I'm not looking for someone to come with me. I often take a few weeks break from swiping or messaging and then get back into it. I don't have any words of wisdom but I just wanted to say that you are not alone. Flowers

JeSuisPrest · 09/06/2019 11:52

Just a quick check in before I sit down and catch up with da fred.

All well with "beardgate". It appears he's one of those lucky sods who looks good with or without it, and he still has a fair bit of stubble, but, if I was pushed my preference would be with the beard.
Thems the breaks, I'll live.

Back at home for a couple of hours to turn myself into a goddess before I head back to his for lunch later and to meet she who shall not be named 😮 I feel fine about it now, actually a lot better than I did a few weeks ago when I had my major wobble and nearly finished with him. Please God though she's not 6ft tall with long blonde hair down to to her bum. All I've got is a nice smile, boobs and 15 years more life experience👍😂

LilyRose88 · 09/06/2019 11:52

@NestOfSwipers I hope that Mr Smiley gets in touch with you. And I can empathise with you about friends not confirming things or letting you down. I lead a quiet life now that my kids have left home and having moved to a new area four years ago I don't have many local friends. Weekends can be quite lonely and if I don't make firm plans I can end up not talking to anyone all weekend.

I am a bit of an introvert and I struggle with social gatherings but I forced myself to go to an extended family event yesterday. I managed to stay for three hours and chat to people but I was glad to get home afterwards. I have nothing planned for today except tidying up the garden but I may force myself to go for a walk just to get out an about.

Ant330 · 09/06/2019 12:22

MyOld I'll unhappily concede the age point then, unhappily because I've only got 2 and a bit years before I hit the big 5 0!
I've seen your profile when we did a mutual review a few months ago and thought it looked good so don't really understand why you're not getting the interest tbh.
Sorry not much help! Sad
Lovemusic Khaleesi good luck on your dates today/tonight.
JeSuis glad the beardless man still looks good 😂 and good luck with BL 😉

HairyArsedMan · 09/06/2019 12:27

@Tralalaladingdong I'm going to disagree with @Ant330 on this one - I think that's not a fair question to be asking 1 week in and not having met. The only agenda I took into a date was to discover a great rapport, warmth, and attraction. After that point when you establish you do like each other, genuinely, it's an inevitable consequence that you will be curious about compatibility in the bedroom and attitudes surrounding that. I'm not a prude but just think talking about it, rather than feeling it (oo-err), is forcing the issue early on. However context is everything and he may have made that remark in a throwaway comment about the vagaries of dating.

@KhaleesiTargaryen I shut down dating apps when I like someone. It just makes sense, I don't see it as over-investing; the apps and their inhabitants will still be there if it doesn't work out. Why do I need them if I like someone ? If it comes up in conversation I will mention my attitude to it but don't expect it to be reciprocated. I hope it does work out with your date !

@MyOldBrainStoppedWorking Don't give up, keep your profiles online but just get on with your life and only deviate from it if someone special comes up. I know the feeling you describe, and it's good to acknowledge your self worth and the self belief that you have an enormous amount to give to the right person. Please cherish that about yourself and it will show through to them when they show up.

I've seen your profile and you are going to hit it off with someone, your age will be irrelevant to the right person. We discussed the sporting side of things in relation to our mutual profile reviews way back and I made the decision to leave that side of me upfront in mine. Yours is similar and in my opinion works.

Like you I was on Tinder and PoF and as a relatively secure with my appearance, 6ft 3, 48 year old bloke, solvent, highly educated etc. I attracted next to no interest. I'm not trying to say I was entitled to interest either but feel it's got to be the demographics of those two platforms that that have worked against you and I (and others on the thread). I think putting yourself out there over more platforms will help a bit, but it may need a change of mindset to cope with the increased scope for feeling rejected. I'm feeling lucky at the moment; I've met someone I really, really like, but in terms of numbers over the period I've been online, I've always thought in terms of quality of attraction, not quantity, and that has worked for me alongside a secure feeling about myself and what I felt I could offer.

I've seen similar thoughts/exasperation from @NestOfSwipers and @KhaleesiTargaryen in terms of the reception to their profiles. Believe me, you are all really attractive women that deserve to meet someone decent. However I think we are subtly persuaded thar there are an abundance of people out there for us on the apps. Remember that all these profiles you see, may well be engaged in a chat or dating situation with one or two others so they are not truly available. Some of them may be sleeping too, that is, not actively swiping. Some are casual swipe yes on anyone in sight; some are selective sorts like me. And that's all happening even before you consider whether that person is close enough, likes you back etc. I think the swiping apps are particularly cruel in this respect as once you've made your snap judgement that person disappears from sight for absolutely ages.

Ok, apologies, but I felt all your pain ... essay over ! Smile

Eesha · 09/06/2019 14:11

@MyOldBrainStoppedWorking I agree with other posters, maybe a break might be suited. I've also seen your profile and I think sell the sporty side. To me, sporty says such a positive thing, active, fun etc.

@HairyArsedMan lovely post! I too feel like I have a lot to offer so just hoping it's a matter of time really. Swiping is a bit sparse and I'm losing a lot of interest.

Still seeing FWB but I'm not sure what we are really doing. We see each other every two weeks, lots of contact every day. It seems easier to go with it than swipe and look for a 'real' boyfriend....that can't be right? Initially he was very keen which I shut down because we had no future but now he is just taking things as they come, and I'm faffing about what we are doing.

MyOldBrainStoppedWorking · 09/06/2019 14:17

Thanks for everyone's comments. The support on this thread is amazing.
AsleepAllDay good point about mentioning my sports. I have downplayed it recently because it looked like I was too busy to date. But also because of negative comments I've received.

KhaleesiTargaryen same as me and my ex-H. He didn't do any exercise and objected to me going out to do my sports. He wanted me to stay in and just watch TV all evening with him.
Which is why I think I can't get on with anyone who has no interests - sporty or otherwise.

LilyRose88 it sounds like you are in a similar position to me. I belong to 2 sports clubs. Everyone is very friendly and sociable. But most are a lot younger than me. The ones my age are married. So I'm unlikely to meet anyone at either club.
But it keeps me fit and I love doing both of them.

HairyArsedMan thanks for the essay! It makes a lot of sense.
When you read about people on the thread having lots of irons/dates, and then friends in RL having a similar experience, you feel like you are the only one who can't get any interest.

I will think about what everyone has said and maybe come back with a new, positive outlook after the summer.

LilyRose88 · 09/06/2019 15:11

@HairyArsedMan thank you for your post. You are right of course and it is good to get things in perspective. It can feel as though everyone else is having fun and going on lots of dates, and that nobody fancies us, but in reality I have rejected lots of guys either by not replying to their messages or by going on one date and then telling them that I don't think we are suited. The number of times I have been rejected is quite low, and it is important to remember that rejection does not mean that I am unattractive or unlikeable.

I actually do a yoga class once a week as well as my other activities so I am a pretty busy person. I think it can sometimes feel as though I have nothing in my life, when in reality I have a lot going on.

raspberrylemonades · 09/06/2019 15:12

Okay I’ve been a lurker for a while but I’ve finally decided to post!

Someone tell me that it’s okay to casually date more than one man at once! I rejoined tinder last week and there’s 2 men that I’ve been talking to - both seem lovely. I’ve been on a date with one, now the other wants to arrange something - but I feel guilty! Is this a hangover from spending 99% of my adult life in serious relationships? I honestly don’t know what to do. If anything, the second guy is much more my ‘type’, but I had a really good time on my date with the first man!

Lovemusic33 · 09/06/2019 15:46

My date went ok, yes, just ok, he seems lovely, really chatty, ok looking and we had a good time but it wasn’t mind blowing. I just don’t think my hearts in it, too soon after Mr Dog and Mr SA, I never know wether it’s a good idea to jump straight back on the OLD bike or not? Maybe I should have given myself a couple weeks? Anyway, I think I will see him again, maybe in a week or 2 and see how it goes. There’s no reason not to like him, no red or amber flags.

Sunshineandflipflops · 09/06/2019 16:06

@Lovemusic33 I'd give him another chance. I was pretty sure I wouldn't be seeing Mr SAS again after our first date as it was just "ok" but he grew on me quite quickly.
I think most people deserve a second date as it's all nerves on the first!

OP posts:
WotcherHarry · 09/06/2019 16:26

Been quietly lurking on the thread every now and then, good to see that some are happily coupled up. Those of you who’ve hit bumps in the road - have been there. When I’ve felt like that I usually remind myself about how high my standards are now (for my own behaviour and others) and that’s why things have taken a little longer. I’ve certainly called things off quicker than friends of mine would’ve done when I’ve spotted areas of concern.

Thanks for the words of encouragement a few weeks back when I was questioning about how to end a ‘friendship’ with someone that wasn’t relationship material but who was quite belligerent in his wish to stay in contact. I appreciated it. He’d even said after I’d laid my boundaries out about not wanting to be involved with him on a romantic basis that ‘I’m just kind of ignoring that as it feels like an end’. He’s lurked a little but I haven’t engaged with him at all.

Things are going well with the guy that I’d had/was about to have a single date with at the time - he can be Mr Pizza as he made me homemade pizza the last time that we met - we’ve met up about six times now, I think, and on the last time had a little chat about OLD and we’ve both deleted profiles for now. Only seeing each other. He is a single dad and his child is the same age as my eldest. I hadn’t swiped since I met him, I like what I know of him and so far his actions match his words. We seem to be pretty happy to go slowly and see how things go for now. Seeing him again tomorrow, heading to the beach for supper and a bit of a snog 😊

AsleepAllDay · 09/06/2019 16:29

@raspberrylemonades I think it's always good at early stages to have more than one man on the go. That's one egg in the basket and if it doesn't work out, it feels worse than if you have other dates going. Plus, you never know who is the right one until you do

MyOldBrainStoppedWorking · 09/06/2019 16:29

Lovemusic that sounds like a good first date.
Just take it slowly.

raspberrylemonades no reason not to meet both of them. You've only had one date with the first.
After you've met them both then you can decide which one is more suited.

NestOfSwipers · 09/06/2019 17:21

@LilyRose88 Thank you, he sent a brief reply late last night. I've only just replied but he knew I was busy this weekend.

I did meet up with friend#1 at the dog show in the end. Still seems to be on for a drink with friend#2 later, so all's good there. I'm afraid with OLD, I keep looking on every conversation pessimistically. If Mr Smiley is as genuine as I hope he is, then I can't be disappointed, can I? Friend#1 was sympathetic towards him (he has something going on, nothing to do with dating or the ex) but I can't expect her to completely understand my thoughts as she hasn't been exposed to the various behaviours via OLD that I have. I still feel that we won't meet up. I hope I'm wrong...

Ant330 · 09/06/2019 17:48

Just back from 3rd date with MissH, went out for Sunday lunch.
First date we haven't ended up in bed together 😂 and still had a great time!
We're out again on Weds, she's going to try and get her ex to have the kids, but if not we'll just go out for a drink. Then we're going away for the day and night next Sat. Just got to be home to take my son and dad out for Fathers Day on Sunday, probably suffering with a hangover so hope they're both chatty!
But all going well - so far Smile

Ant330 · 09/06/2019 18:36

@HairyArsedMan just read my post again and can see it could be interpreted that way. I meant there was nothing wrong with Tralala's question asking what he finds attractive in a woman and he replied saying her questions were too deep.
Did you get your 3rd date and childcare arranged?

Ginmel · 09/06/2019 19:04

Evening. Hope you are feeling a bit better myold and that everyone has a good weekend. Waiting for JeSuis's next update...

I binned my plans to meet my Saturday date iron as I just wasn't interested enough. I have a new iron though. I'll call him Mr Ca. He's far more my type intellectually which is important for me

LooUpdate · 09/06/2019 19:25

Opinions on this please:

I was out with the children (8, 7 and toddler) having Sunday lunch in the local pub today as I normally do. On our way out a man rushed to open the door for us. I recognised him as he had done the exact same thing flirtatiously a few weeks before. This time he handed me a beer mat with his name and phone number on and told me I was beautiful!

Now, I'm not the best picker of men and have been in abusive relationships in the past. Does his behaviour seem pushy, cocky, arrogant or simply confident? I was very flattered but I don't trust my judgement in men anymore...

lifegoes · 09/06/2019 19:26

@LooUpdate

I quite like that, it's not pushy at all as you don't have to call him or text if you don't want.

I think we get so involved with OLD we forget what real life meeting someone an be like.