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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 a self confessed player

113 replies

ThisNeedsToBeAnon · 26/10/2019 09:38

I don’t know if I need a kick up the bum or reassurance but I’ve been seeing a man i met OLD for about four months now. He has always been very honest about how he used to be a player, usually gets bored at the 12 week mark, has cheated on exes and can go off a woman for no apparent reason. He said he told me all of this so that he could be transparent and he wants me to know he’s changed and ready for a serious relationship (we are both 31).
However I’ve noticed he ‘likes’ a lot of photos on Instagram of girls in bikinis or dressed up looking stunning - these aren’t random girls, they are girls he’s dated or slept with in the past. Also he met my brothers last weekend and they’ve both added him to social media but my boyfriend won’t add them back - he says ‘we’re not that far down the line yet.’ I haven’t mentioned it to him as I don’t want to appear psycho but I’m finding these little things a bit odd. If you look at his Instagram page (which always used to be private but is now public so any one can see it) you would think he was a single man. There’s not a sniff of me on there.
Also he split from his last ex 3 years ago and he said he struggled to get over her, hence going out and sleeping around a lot. He mentions her a fair bit and has told me about their rows which ‘sometimes got out of hand.’
Do players ever really change? He’s told me he’s ready to settle down but my gut is saying otherwise.

OP posts:
Pinkbonbon · 27/10/2019 18:18

He didn't tell you who he was because he wants to change. He's telling you who he is so that when he cheats he can turn round and say to you 'well I told you what I was like so it's your own fault for staying'. They tell you so that its justified in their head that they can treat you like shit and because they forewarned you.

Bringing up his ex contestantly is a huge red flag too. Sounds like she wised up to his shit n got away and he resents her for that. It could also be to make you feel like he still loves her and you will only ever be second best. That's called narcissistic triangulation. When they play you off against another person or even just the suposed memory of one ect...

TimeForNewStart · 27/10/2019 18:23

Thank god you’re finishing with him.

AnnaNimmity · 27/10/2019 18:26

Agree with Pinkbonbon - he's telling you who he is. He's lowering your expectations.

The violence is a massive red flag. My ex told me about similar situations with his ex, involving violence, police and arrests! he told me she was mad, insane. and I just didn't believe him. Until he started being violent to me. Then I did a clare's law disclosure - so at least you could do that. Protect yourself.

Start tagging him on instagram - if it's a normal relationship, he'll be open about seeing you. he won't be keeping you secret. And he won't be liking girls in bikinis.

(actually walk away - he's shown you who he is).

AnnaNimmity · 27/10/2019 18:27

Oh just read your post. Well done!

LellyMcKelly · 27/10/2019 18:28

He is quite literally telling you to your face who he is, and when he cheats on you he will be able to say, ‘but I told you I was a shagger and you were ok with it’.He wants a get out of jail free card. You want to be the one to change him. One of you will lose (clue: it won’t be him. You will not change him).

LellyMcKelly · 27/10/2019 18:29

Oops - missed your post- well done, wise woman!

Minionmomma · 27/10/2019 19:54

Expect to get played x

Schwibble · 27/10/2019 19:56

Run for the hills unless you want to just be another notch on the bedpost and/or badly hurt.

blowmybarnacles · 28/10/2019 09:24

He is luring you in by saying he will change for you to make you feel special.
He tells you about his past so when he breaks your heart he can say 'I warned you'.

Meanwhile he carries on with some of the behaviours to see how much of a mug you are and what he can get away with.

Total bellend.

AnnaNimmity · 28/10/2019 10:16

blowmybarnacles that's so true. They gradually get worse to see what they can get away with. And they never change. Why would we think they would? I wouldn't keep buying a product that didn't work for me, so why would I keep doing that with a man? Especially if the past reviews weren't great. (or something).

WhoKnewBeefStew · 29/10/2019 08:30

I used to date a 'player', he started off by telling me, in a joking way, that 'he was a cunt (charming eh). But what happened was, every time he did something out of order he'd say 'see, I told you I was a cunt' and smile, as if it was a get out of jail free card. He wore it as a badge of honour almost. Needless to say it didn't last long.

YouJustDoYou · 29/10/2019 08:41

Glad to hear you're getting rid of him op. He sounds awful tbh- also, all those "I'm looking to settle down/I've changed" etc, are just to make you think oh! I'm the one changing him! I feel special! When mine of his actions match his words (no photos of you, you haven't met his friends, he's still an immature twat looking for ego boosting likes on old photos of himself, he's still liking photos of his exes - probably in a game to try and make you jealous or whatever.

YouJustDoYou · 29/10/2019 08:42

A misogynist rarely ever changes their spots by this age. You're well rid.

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