Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

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

What do I do about him?

32 replies

LemonTiramisu · 09/05/2020 13:16

Some years ago I got approached by a man, and we hit it off immediately. It's one of those strange scenarios where two people that have just met are instantly deeply connected. We very quickly feel deeply for each other, and we learned that we have a very unique and incredible sexual chemistry. It was a very strange relationship, though, because I was definitely emotionally invested on one hand, but on the other hand I didn't want to be in a relationship with anybody (I'm scared of getting hurt, so I avoid relationships). After a few years of him trying to get me to commit to him, to no avail, he became more and more emotionally distant with me, and just focused on our sexual relationship entirely. I mostly didn't mind that, but I did eventually start feeling like a piece of meat to him. I still didn't want a relationship, but I started craving assurance that he cares about me aside from the sex. I didn't get that assurance. He told me he couldn't be as emotional with me as I wanted him to be, because he's hurting. He said it was too hard for him to get rejected (relationshipwise), so he felt a need to take his emotions out of the equation. I didn't argue with it, because I totally understood where he was coming from...but the lack of emotional intimacy meant we slowly drifted apart. We have had sporadic contact for 1.5 years, but up until yesterday, I hadn't talked to him since he wished me a happy birthday in the summer of 2019.

I received a message from him yesterday, out of the blue. It wasn't a big deal, and there was no animosity between us. I just wasn't sure what he was contacting me for, at first. He soon told me he needed to give me the "raw truth" - which is basically that he wants to pick up on our sexual relationship again. He understands that I can't give him what he wants (a relationship), but he's prepared to accept things on my terms.

Here's the thing, though: A friend of mine told me last year that he has a girlfriend. I kept waiting for him to tell me about her yesterday. I even asked him multiple times, in different ways, if he's with someone. He just avoided my question. I eventually asked him directly, and he told me he cares deeply for me, feels protective of me and didn't want to upset me by answering my questions about his relationship status. He also said he didn't answer my questions, because he still wants to be with me, and doesn't want to ruin any potential chances by giving me a straight answer. I told him I wasn't going to get upset at all, so he confirmed he is with someone. When I told him I'm really happy for him, he responded "well, I'm not. She's not you. If you told me right now that you want me, she'd be gone" - and then started making propositions and advances (both for a relationship and sex).

Don't worry, I would never dream of being a complicit in cheating so I'm ignoring his advances. But I'd lie if I said I'm not falling for him all over again. He finally gave me the assurance that I needed (that he cares about me), and our sexual chemistry is indeed out of this world. But I neither want to take part in cheating, nor do I want him to leave his girlfriend when I can't take her place (as his new girlfriend).

What do I do? Should I just ask him to leave me alone? Maybe block him? Should I try to get over my commitment fears and finally give him a chance? I really don't know...

OP posts:
Sickandscared · 09/05/2020 14:37

The two of you sound tedious and completely self obsessed. It is really not that complicated. If you want to be with him, give it a go. It might work out, it might not. If you don't want to be with him, give him a swerve completely.

There isn't something strange and amazing going on here. You most likely just enjoy the attention.

Wanderlust21 · 09/05/2020 14:42

I'd peg him for a narcissist. It would explain the intense attraction. Also maybe why you didn't want a relationship with him, because no matter the spark, you sensed something was off with him or he wasnt right for you. And now he is doing some 'narcissistic hoovering' because his current relationship isnt giving him the narcissistic supply he wants right now.

Block. And read up on narcissists (npd)

MaeveDidIt · 09/05/2020 15:02

I think there should be no grey areas and you've got two choices:

a) completely close this down for good and that means a fair and kind explanation to him that you cannot be in a relationship - then block him and do not contact him.

or,

b) IF you do genuinely miss him and regret parting last year and are now prepared to give it your all - then go for it.

MaeDanvers · 09/05/2020 15:15

I’d basically shit or get off the pot as they say. You can’t have it both ways - avoiding emotional closeness because of your fears but also seeking reassurance about his emotional connection. It’s not fair on him at all, or you. If you truly won’t have any relationship because of your fears then don’t do relationship behaviour (like demanding talking about feelings and emotional intimacy yet refusing to commit to any of it).

That’s before we even get into his desire to cheat.

MashedSpud · 09/05/2020 19:04

You flounce off because people aren’t telling you what you want to hear/believe.

You knew about his gf before he got in touch so you did think about him at least once.

He’s not contacted you for almost a year even though he cares for you so deeply...

He didn’t want to mention his gf because he knew it may upset his chances of getting in your pants.

Your replies make you seem overly sensitive and to be frank you’re living in a dreamworld if you believe this man cares for you.

CarolefeckinBaskin · 09/05/2020 19:49

He hasn’t spoken to you in a year?? This is not a deep and meaningful connection. He did not even tell you he had a girlfriend. He doesn’t view you as his soulmate
This x100
Sex with his current gf has possibly turned a bit samey maybe so he's contacted you hoping for a bit of a change knowing your issues regarding relationships, he is well aware that he can have his cake and eat it if he gives you the right patter.
He sounds like an utter knob, I'd not want contact with him again.
I mean this kindly - you need to sort out your issues with relationships etc... letting fuckers like this guy use/manipulate you will hurt you more in the long run.

SusieOwl4 · 09/05/2020 21:57

I think you need to ind out why you are so scared of a relationship. It seems like it was you who pushed him away?
IF you can’t solve that then you don’t stand a chance really .

New posts on this thread. Refresh page