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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

Do I make the first move?

14 replies

MovingOn123 · 08/06/2020 21:24

Separated from husband year and a half ago. Amicable and we are both happier on our own. I am 50.

I don’t want a relationship and I am very happy on my own, financially independent, etc. However, I would like to have a bit of company, friends with benefits kind of thing.
I have decided not to do OLD as I don’t think I could cope with the rejection and ghosting. I would like company and sex (before I die...) but with someone I trust and like.

I recently heard about an old two night stand who is getting divorced and I have been thinking of getting in touch but I have not seen him for about 20 years. Our short fling was great but there was no indication of any interest from either of us, it was a crazy time, so it did not go anywhere. I felt we had huge chemistry and I really liked him and I would definitely go there again.

I know a relationship would probably not work as I would not fit into his world (sporty, well established social group). But I absolutely do not want that. I think we could just have some fun on a casual friendly basis. I have tried to engineer a meet-up with mutual friends for the last year but have been very subtle and then time lockdown hit so I could not pursue that.

My dilemma is whether to FB friend request him. We have about 20 mutual friends so I don’t think it would be too stalkerish (but maybe a bit) and I see 3 or 4 of them a few times a year, but it would be a very obvious message that I am interested. I know it is easy to say go for it what have you got to lose, but I am not sure I could cope with the humiliation of rejection. And what if he is horrified? He was a bit edgy and very popular in his social group so I am very nervous about initiating anything in case he and his friends all have a good laugh. They know who I am but I have never been one of their group so not seen any of them for 20 years or so.

What do men think about these things? What do you think should I do? I feel a bit pathetic asking but I have never made the first move and I feel it may put him right off.

OP posts:
BluebellForest836 · 08/06/2020 21:41

Just send him a friend request and see if he messages first.

It wouldn’t be odd to request him since you actually know him.

MovingOn123 · 08/06/2020 21:59

Thanks, I know you are right but I am an over-thinker and find it hard to imagine how he might perceive it.

OP posts:
StarlightLady · 09/06/2020 05:00

I’ve made a number of first moves in my time.

You have needs. If he goes for it, you can have a chat and hopefully a nice time. If it doesn’t work out, you haven’t lost anything, go for it!

So many of us have missed out on so much by wondering and missing the boat.

Thepigeonsarecoming · 09/06/2020 05:07

I would send a friend request then leave it to see what happens. If he doesn’t accept no harm done, if he does accept then wait and see if he messages you. If he’s only now getting divorced it may be too soon for more just now

MovingOn123 · 09/06/2020 06:18

Thanks all, I sent the request last night. I won't message him but if he doesn't accept the request that's a big fat rejection I could do without.

OP posts:
LittlePeepoToy · 09/06/2020 06:20

I’m sure he will accept.i bet he messages you too.

StarlightLady · 09/06/2020 07:23

OP, let us know how you get on. And remember, sometimes the subtle approach does not work Flowers.

litterbird · 09/06/2020 07:42

If he accepts the request but doesn't contact, leave it a while then send a cheerful message to ask how he is. If he is going through a divorce it might be too soon for any FWB or any other type of relationship. You also need to protect yourself too with feelings. Its easy to catch feelings with someone you are having a FWB thing going on. Take a step at a time and get to know him again as a friend if he accepts the request. Good luck and keep us posted!

DrMorbius · 09/06/2020 07:43

if he doesn't accept the request that's a big fat rejection I could do without

Hi Op, don't feel bad if he does not accept your request. I am the same age and I don't want to read some randoms top 10 albums or see photo's of some inane crap. Some people seem to want to collect FB friends, I'm the opposite. I come from a massive family, so I get weekly requests to friend and I rarely never accept them.
I only say this so that if he doesn't accept your request, you will know it's probably him not you.

headlock · 09/06/2020 08:55

Looking forward to hearing if he accepts!

MovingOn123 · 09/06/2020 18:19

Ok he accepted and messaged me to say hi. We have been chatting for a few hours and all seems v positive but he is being a bit guarded so I said to let me know if he wants to meet up for a drink after lockdown and left it at that. I don’t feel humiliated but not pinning my hopes on anything happening. Thanks all for giving me the confidence to go for it.

OP posts:
BluebellForest836 · 10/06/2020 08:15

I knew he would message!

Men are so predictable! Now give it a few weeks, maybe even a month or 2 because of covid and he will message again Grin

MovingOn123 · 26/06/2020 20:33

Just thought I would update you.

After some great flirty chat, I went up up to stay, we both knew what was going to happen. It was wonderful, he is still an amazing lover and a lovely person. Despite being very kind about it, he is not looking for a repeat with me and I cannot complain as all I asked for is a friendly fuck and that’s what I got.

We will definitely be friends and there is no awkwardness but I am feeling a bit sad about it all.

No regrets at all but he will definitely be the one that got away.

OP posts:
Thisisworsethananticpated · 26/06/2020 20:50

I think you knew it’d hurt you if he didn’t reply
But yay ! You chanced and succeeded

Now , try and not dwell - you
KNEW it a bit no ?

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