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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

Guy I've been seeing gave me this response when we had the talk. Advice?

175 replies

miamichill · 22/07/2020 07:37

So I've been seeing this guy since Feb/March. 33M, 24F. When we first met, he told me that he is looking to settle down and wants something serious. Everything has been great, we get along well. I've met his friends and they apparently really like me. Haven't been able to meet his parents as they live in another state. We've told each other before that we really like each other and he asked me a few weeks ago to clarify that I'm not seeing anyone else. Every time we catch up, he's always like 'it's been a while since we've seen each other' indicating that he would like to see me more. He also says to me sometimes 'I was talking to name, how long have we been seeing each other for again?' He's a med student - he's been busy lately with rotations and studying for an exam in the next few months. I get this, I'm in college as well. We saw each other at the weekend and went to a gathering with his friends. We normally see each other once or twice a week due to our schedules, mainly on the weekends though.
When I left on that Sunday, his texting was a bit short but I knew he had things coming up for the week. He told me that they put a group photo up of everyone in some group, so I asked for him to send it to me and he didn't. I didn't hear from him yesterday.
We've texted about every day since we first met and for the first time yesterday, he didn't text me. I was getting a bit concerned there was something even wrong with him so I called. I asked if everything was okay and he apologised saying he was busy. He kind of went onto saying maybe we have different expectations of how many times we should text each other, which I disagreed. I was just a bit bummed he didn't text as it was out of his character too.

I've been meaning to have the talk with him about 'what we are' and where we see things going. He said that he dates in the hopes of a long term arrangement. He said that he really loves being in my company and said there are things that he sees we could be compatible however then said there are a few things he's not so sure about (he's an overthinker), I asked what and he said 'just to see if we're compatible with boring stuff' that often occurs when you get married. I told him that it's hard for him to make that judgement as we only see each other a few times a week. Which I found a bit strange because when we're doing very mundane things together, he is always saying how great it feels to be with me at that moment. He almost indicated that he can't tell at this stage. It was a bit late when we had this conversation so he almost wanted to get off the phone (I get it, he had to be up at 7). He also implied it's maybe too early to tell. I told him that I felt a bit unhopeful in a way and that his response seemed negative and he said it's not. He then went onto clarify that he really, really likes me.

He texted me afterwards saying 'Good night babe, don't be getting any wrong idea's' with a love heart. I sent him this "You mentioned that the progression of the relationship is contingent on spending more time together. However, we’ve been seeing each other for over 5 months now and I haven’t really seen you take any initiative to increase the time we spend together in which you said you needed to gauge whether we are compatible. If I’m being honest, where I’m at right now, I can’t wait any longer for you to gauge where things are at, particularly as I don’t see you taking the action to do so. I’ve been quite flexible and generous so far but where things are at I don’t see things progressing any further if I don’t see you making an effort"
He responded with "I understand your feelings. I guess I’m not sure exactly where to find the time to do more things with you. I think we could definitely squeeze in more during the week but especially now things are just so busy that it’s hard. I don’t really want to use that an excuse because it doesn’t justify my inattention the last couple of days but to a certain extent, it’s hard to escape. Do you want to talk about things properly this wkend? I think that would be best. I’m really keen on you but obviously, that’s not the only relevant consideration and we probably should clarify with each other how we envisage things going in the next while."

Advice? Where do I go from here? Thoughts in general?

OP posts:
MizMoonshine · 22/07/2020 09:14

I feel like PP's have been very unfair to you here.

You haven't asked him to move in after five months, you've asked for clarity about the official status of your relationship. Five months is a fairly long time to be just dating someone. Most retail jobs have a probation period of 3 months before they decide whether or not you're worth taking on fully as an employee.

And I don't think you were unreasonable at all to check up on him after not hearing from him or seeing him online all day when that's the norm and has been again, for five months. You have a good idea of his movements and questioned out of character behaviour. That doesn't make you too intense, just aware.

I, too, would find it odd to have someone drop contact after a weekend of time spent together. It seems as though, through his own words, he's pulling back a bit. You've picked the right time to have the conversation. If he's having doubts, it's better to deal with them now and both of you can shit or get off the pot.

I don't find you unfair in pointing out the reality of your situation Vs his thoughts on it (him needing to spend more time with you to make his mind up but making no moves to at all).

Go into the next conversation with a clear desired outcome in your mind. Also decide what you are and are not willing to compromise on beforehand.

Good luck, OP.

Stringsattached · 22/07/2020 09:15

It all sounds heavy. So you rang him and it was late and you got the feeling he was tired and didn’t want to talk. And then you sent him a long-winded text after that. My heart would sink if I received a text like that.

InTheWings · 22/07/2020 09:15

You are being intense and needy, for a 5m relationship, but also he seems to be treating seeing you as a constant audition for the future, which would put anyone on edge.

Actually, while he is at medical school he hasn’t got the time or headspace time be auditioning anyone for a serious relationship. Dating, having a good time, having a relationship and enjoying it in a relaxed way, but it sounds as if he will evaluate his relationship along with his academic studies and graduate with the ‘engaged to be married’ as one of his qualifications - or not. In which case you will have ‘failed’ and he will go for a re-take with the next candidate.

I wouldn’t find His approach relaxing in a relationship.

You fall in love, or you don’t, and love is not measured in terms of how many hours is timetabled for it.

Jeremyironsnothing · 22/07/2020 09:16

It should be fun and getting to know each other at this point. No pressure either way. Let it develop naturally or you'll likely drive it to an unnatural end.

miamichill · 22/07/2020 09:18

@TheVanguardSix

Love this, a lot. Thank you for taking the time out to write this. Even though I have regret writing such a message, I feel to some extent, comfortable enough with him that I know he would understand and receive the message with little to no judgement. Sure, if I've done this sort of thing before, it would get over the top. I have said what I have said, time to pull back and wait till the weekend rolls around.

OP posts:
miamichill · 22/07/2020 09:19

@mizmoonshine

Many thanks! I feel you understand my situation perfectly.

OP posts:
Sunshineonrainydays · 22/07/2020 09:26

I agree with @MizMoonshine, excellent post.
I hope things work out for you OP.

miamichill · 22/07/2020 09:28

@Sunshineonrainydays

Thank you and same to you!

OP posts:
TheStuffedPenguin · 22/07/2020 09:29

To think that he should know that he wants to get married to you at 5 months in is ridiculous.

SmileyClare · 22/07/2020 09:32

Well everyone's human and makes mistakes. I remember when I fell head over heels with my now husband. I acted like a dick sometimes, read too much into things and drunk called him late at night sobbing because I wasn't sure if he felt the same as me Grin Cringe. Having strong feelings for someone can feel scary.

I think you've had some good advice.

MizMoonshine · 22/07/2020 09:32

@TheStuffedPenguin

To think that he should know that he wants to get married to you at 5 months in is ridiculous.
Marriage is something that he's brought up. His end goal, if you will. OP isn't pushing him to make a choice about marriage. She's looking for clarity regarding their actual relationship status. As yet, they aren't in an official relationship and he's, essentially, having her audition for the role of wife before he decides on girlfriend.
miamichill · 22/07/2020 09:33

@TheStuffedPenguin ridiculous from his end or mine? As I've never mentioned marriage specifically, only he has.

OP posts:
pictish · 22/07/2020 09:36

I think it’s exactly as he says. He’s busy, preoccupied, taking your relationship as it comes and he really likes you.
You seem to want assurance that you’re marriage material, five months in. He’s telling you honestly that he doesn’t know yet. His studies and schedule don’t allow for more time together so that’s where it’s at so far.
To be quite honest, I think the pace it’s chugging along at is fine.

TheStuffedPenguin · 22/07/2020 09:36

I told him that I felt a bit unhopeful in a way

Quarantimespringclean · 22/07/2020 09:38

Given that he is a med student I am surprised he has enough free time for all this!

Having read your very long OP and your responses I agree with other posters that you are being very intense about what is only a 5 month relationship. However, I think you have your reasons for this -he started off your relationship saying he was looking for something serious and wanted confirmation that the two of you were exclusive quite quickly. That gave you expectations. Since then you have begun to sense he is backing off and because you are insecure this has troubled you and you are trying to secure some commitment from him. He didn’t give you that verbally, so you pushed for it in a text.

Sadly, I don’t think you will get what you want from him. He’s making it pretty clear that although he might want a serious relationship, you aren’t the person he wants to get serious with. IMO he is backing off slowly and things will fizzle out eventually.

Don’t let this drag out unnecessarily. This is a very new relationship. It isn’t working out the way you want. Every day you spend trying to force a closeness that isn’t there is a day that you aren’t available to connect with someone who is right for you. Cut your losses and move on with no hard feelings.

Branleuse · 22/07/2020 09:38

i think both your message and his response was fine actually. Shows you both can communicate with each other maturely even when its awkward

miamichill · 22/07/2020 09:38

@pictish

Thank you, however, I don't want reassurance that we're marriage material. I want the reassurance of his intentions with me despite him telling me he wants to settle down. Whether that's through being official, seeing me as his future girlfriend/wife. Although the latter is the least of my concerns right now. Hope that clarifies.

OP posts:
fascinated · 22/07/2020 09:54

Agree that you sound like you are business people arranging a merger.....v odd.

Also weird that he is not qualified by 33 — what’s he been doing all this time?

Do you want marriage and kids quickly? Cos it sounds like he does. You might find he pressures you to settle down if he decides you are acceptable material. Is he from a conservative background or something? He seems awfully serious about settling down. Are you only 24 and he 33? Big age gap. When you are so young.

KittyHawke80 · 22/07/2020 09:55

I imagine they're American, no?

CannibalPanda · 22/07/2020 09:57

I'm guessing you're in the US OP?

Just wondering if that might explain some of the cultural differences at play here.

If so, things will get much worse when he's a resident, so be prepared.

fascinated · 22/07/2020 09:57

Maybe. Sounds exhausting!

CannibalPanda · 22/07/2020 09:58

Cross post with KittyHawke

fascinated · 22/07/2020 09:58

Also, there’s a good chance that a guy like that will be looking for a good little wife and mama to manage house and kids and lifestyle. While he works. You’re auditioning for that role, OP.

miamichill · 22/07/2020 09:58

@kittyhawke80 @cannialpanda

No, not the US. I would prefer to not disclose exactly however.

OP posts:
miamichill · 22/07/2020 09:59

@fascinated I think I would be open to it in the next few years, but of course, it depends on the relationship. Yes, he is slightly more traditional than me.

OP posts: