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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

bad dating history, found someone lovely but i think i'm ruining it

19 replies

Atlanaaan · 05/08/2019 22:22

Looking for some reassurance!

I've had a terrible history with boyfriends and dating. I've had previous relationships where I have been hit, controlled and worse. I've also had a previous "relationship" in which the (much older) man stole money off me over a prolonged period of time, which I never got back.

I've always had poor taste in men, I am a people pleaser as well so always end up not being able to stand up for myself, and just "cater" to their needs.

I was sexually assaulted as a teenager, and through therapy recently I have learned that my hypersexuality may a result of trying to take ownership of what happened to me. I am really ashamed of my past sexual history and, it sounds really sad and pathetic to say, but I've never had sex with someone where it was "making love" (if you know what I mean).

So I recently have been dating a guy who is completely the opposite to the other men. Genuine and extremely polite/respectful. We've been getting to know each other for quite some time now, and no one conversation has entered into sex talk/suggestive stuff, beside an odd comment like "you're beautiful" or "you look really lovely in the picture you uploaded today" - just nice. This sounds very normal I know, but to me, it's never happened before.

I feel like we've got a lot in common, and the chemistry is amazing. Again, not based on sexual chemistry (although I am very attracted to him) - something just "clicks", I've felt like I've known him for ages. He has said similar to me as well. We've kissed and hugged a lot and we're very physically intimate, but not yet had sex.

The only problem is that he lives about 2 hours from me, and so drives down to see me. Logistically it's difficult because we usually end up overrunning dates and he has to drive home around 5am in the morning.

We were messaging today and he mentioned that he would like to see me this weekend, and that he would book a hotel for himself so he didn't have to travel home. I replied in passing "oh you're welcome to stay at mine if you would like?" he said that he "didn't know about that, i don't mind getting a hotel".

I don't know why but his reply has kind of made me feel embarrassed? I wasn't even suggesting that we would have sex, but now all these thoughts are coming into my head that he thinks I'm easy and somehow knows about my sordid past Sad

I know his reply isn't nasty in the slightest- he's just a gentleman. But, I just feel so rejected and disgusting. I don't even know what to reply without sounding defensive. I have a tendency to get very defensive and cut people off if I think they think badly of me.

I need some help on how to rectify this, I don't want to lose him, but I already feel not worthy.

OP posts:
crappyday2018 · 05/08/2019 22:51

I think this is definitely all in your head. Why would he want to see you if he thought bad things of you. I genuinely think he is trying to be a gentleman here. He might think that you felt obliged to offer for him to stay at yours so he is politely declining because he thinks that is the decent thing to do. He sounds like a lovely person if you ask me.
I would suggest messaging him something like "I hope you don't think I was being forward, I just didn't want you to have the expense of a hotel. I know you will be a gentleman which is why I felt I could trust you to stay at my house".
That way you are subtly telling him your weren't assuming anything.
I do think you need to stop worrying and overthinking and try to just enjoy this and believe that he genuinely likes you.

CherrySocks · 05/08/2019 22:56

He probably doesn't want to rush things. Personally I would go onto a new topic of conversation with him eg about places you could go at the weekend or something, and not mention the overnight aspect again.

SillyBillyBandy · 05/08/2019 23:09

I think he's making the point he wasn't trying to hint at staying. He really meant he was happy to get a hotel Smile

category12 · 05/08/2019 23:11

I wouldn't read that as a no - it's a he could be persuaded. But, given how it's made you feel, I'd let him get a hotel this time. Take it slow. Just say breezily, "OK, there's quite a nice one [such and such a place]" and then change the subject. There's no rush.

TimeForNewStart · 05/08/2019 23:13

Just reply, ‘Ok great’ and then follow up with some question about your plans.

Though frankly I would be less than impressed if after a few dates a guy didn’t want to stay over.

quirkycutekitch · 06/08/2019 00:04

So is he in your house until 5 in the morning?

Atlanaaan · 06/08/2019 00:45

@quirkycutekitch

No, there's lots of 24 hour places in our area (London)

OP posts:
sunnydays78 · 06/08/2019 00:55

I’d take my foot off the pedal slightly and let him work for it.

WishICouldThinkOfAGoodName · 06/08/2019 00:59

You’re overthinking it. Take it slowly and enjoy him being kind.

BadTimesAtTheElRoyale · 06/08/2019 01:08

So your stay out til 5am in dates? He hasn't been or asked to go back to yours he sounds lovely or super religious. Either way don't worry about it. Just gloss over your offer and send him the details for a nearby hotel. Maybe offer to meet him for breakfast the following morning. Not all men are like those you have been unfortunate enough to have met. If he wants to take it slow go with it. It might work it might not but dating someone who has normal parameters will be good for you.

quirkycutekitch · 06/08/2019 06:35

All sounds good! I miss those days of talking all night - so exciting! Enjoy!

75Renarde · 06/08/2019 06:53

Hmm. I understand where you are coming from OP.I would be upset too.

Tell me, is he very intelligent? Can you share what he does for a living?

MyFlabberIsAghast · 06/08/2019 07:09

Yeah I'd feel a bit rejected too, but then I've got terrible issues around sex. I do think he's trying to be a gentleman and let you know he's not expecting sex. Good luck OP.

Parent999 · 06/08/2019 07:30

He's a man!

so be up front with him. Tell him you werent suggesting anything but that you trust him and he is welcome to stay at yours whenever he feels comfortable.

Sorted

Atlanaaan · 06/08/2019 10:29

He is very intelligent, but more athletic (hugely outing maybe).

He's said in his original message that he wanted to get a hotel to avoid needing to drive back so late and so we can meet up again in the morning for breakfast.. I guess he's just being nice jd I'm not used to it

OP posts:
TimeForNewStart · 06/08/2019 11:25

I don’t think that saying that a guy is athletic as well as intelligent is all that outing.

Atlanaaan · 06/08/2019 16:34

@TimeForNewStart

Someone asked what he did for a living ... his living is made by being athletic. Making money off something like that in my mind points to one type of career.

OP posts:
Scott72 · 06/08/2019 17:00

He's probably sensed your uneasiness about this whole issue and is trying not to put pressure on you.

Rachelover40 · 06/08/2019 17:12

He sounds very nice to me. Take it slowly, it will be worth it.

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