So, having tried online dating with little success, I recently tried a niche introduction agency. I've been single 5 years since my divorce, have 2 children. For context, my ex-husband was controlling, so it's possible I over-react to red flags about controlling behaviour.
Was sent the profile of this guy, was initially sceptical as we have very different backgrounds but thought I would try not to pre-judge.
Anyway, he emailed me and suggested talking on phone and meeting for a coffee. He lives about 2 hours away. I said that my mobile was broken at the minute and I didn't want to give my landline in case the kids answered but that I'd meet for coffee and I offered to meet in the middle.
He continued to push for my landline number even though I'd said no and then suggested we meet that weekend for coffee. He said he would come to my town. I said I couldn't do that weekend but could the next and suggested a coffee place. I then said I'd like to keep the first meeting to about 1 to 1.5 hours, partly because I think it's a good idea to keep first meetings short and sweet and partly because of childcare reasons.
He really did not like this and told me he thought this was unfair as he was driving 2 hours to see me and I should arrange more childcare and give me more of his time. I suggested 2 hours max and he continued to push for more. He said 'most people would think it was crazy to put a time limit on a date' and that he didn't like being put second to my kids from day one.
At this point, my alarm bells were ringing and I said I no longer felt comfortable meeting and I was cancelling. He's since emailed me to say that he's a very easy going and down to earth guy and any guy I meet is going to expect the same - a phone conversation and no time restrictions on the date.
So was I right to have alarm bells ringing or was I over-reacting?