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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:
Skyla2005 · 23/07/2020 07:35

If he asks to see you and you still want to I think that’s fine but would be bettter to have fun with your friends. Don’t let him think your waiting on him make your own plans too. Just don’t message him first and have heavy conversations five months is way too soon keep going out with your friends x

miamichill · 23/07/2020 07:36

@Skyla2005 thanks hun! I'm just so conflicted I guess because so many people are saying that 5 months is long enough and he's unsure about me. I guess whatever will happen, will happen.

OP posts:
gamerout · 23/07/2020 07:40

Do you have any idea what’s to come if you carry on dating this guy? He’s at med school! You are not going to be a priority and he’s going to get REALLY busy when he starts his first job. It’s going to be 5 years of nightmare hours and you will NOT be his priority at all. I’ve got a friend who barely sees her kids and she’s further along than him. If you want a decent involved relationship where you feel important you shouldn’t date a med school student! Date him when he’s a registrar but not when he’s at this stage! Has nobody ever told you that? Date somebody who is available!

Tooshytoshine · 23/07/2020 07:47

Catch up with friends this weekend. Get a bit of perspective, as it sounds like you are at the frightening bit of a relationship where you start to really like somebody and all the fears and vulnerability kicks in. Go and have fun.

Be straight forward with him and don't play games, like not texting back etc. But equally, you don't have to tell him every thought and anxiety.

Let him miss you and appreciate what his free time is like without you in it, but more importantly see how much else you have in your life and that he is not the be all and end all.

Ladybyrd · 23/07/2020 07:53

I agree that your message was OTT. But in my experience, where I felt like I was more into the other person than they were into me, that never went well. I would send a message like that, which on a subconscious level may be you bringing the situation to a head because you're not happy with it.

In my current relationship I was living with my partner within 5 months and pregnant within 7. There is no set timeframe to say X must happen by such and such a date.

In a good relationship, you just know the other person is on the same page. You don't have to waste all your time and energy trying to figure them out. If your needs are being met, fine. What I think you need to look at is the present. Are you happy in the here and now, or are you expecting more?

Ladybyrd · 23/07/2020 08:03

Have a face to face talk at the weekend, keep your knowledge to yourself, but if you aren't bf and gf by the end of the weekend, just know you probably never will be. All his prevarication is to give you hope that if you hang on in there, he may one day 'choose' you as his gf. It's a way of putting it onto you to somehow 'prove yourself' - and people who lack self-worth often fall for this game.

In reality, you need to choose yourself. Look for someone who is ready to make commitments, beginning small and building up - not someone who is looking for permanent dating.

I completely agree.

randolph78 · 23/07/2020 08:13

He kind of went onto saying maybe we have different expectations of how many times we should text each other, which I disagreed.

That looks like exactly what happened. Why did you disagree? Personally I'd advise against trying to have serious conversations by text. They're not a good forum for that. It does look like you are a little insecure. Would you agree with that? Is that something worth exploring further?

Onalake · 23/07/2020 08:29

[quote miamichill]@skyla2005

Thank you! Do you suggest that I see him this weekend (providing if he asks to see me)? Or should I play busy and see him another time? Or if he says "What're you up to this weekend?" how should I respond? As he may be just asking that but not genuinely interested to see me. I know it sounds bad but I don't want to be any more vulnerable with this guy until he opens up.[/quote]
You are game playing. If you want fo see him, see him. Have the chat he suggested and sort things out.

Or finish it and let him find someone less immature.

SmileyClare · 23/07/2020 08:35

Be straight forward with him and don't play games this absolutely. Why would you start pretending to be busy, ignoring messages etc? You can't test people like this to provoke a reaction.

You've both been open and honest so far and its worked hasn't it? Are you simply punishing him because he went off radar for a day? Confused
Use your words- Could you drop me a quick text letting me know you won't be available next time? Then I 'll know you are snowed under with work and will leave you to it and won't worry.

I'm still confused as to what you want? You've committed to being boyfriend and girlfriend haven't you? You're not seeing anyone else, speak everyday, see each other frequently?

Is it that you want to see more of him? Move in together? Meet his parents? Do you just want reassurance that he isn't going off you? Are you fed up of him banging on about whether you're a good future wife? (that must grate a bit!) You need to verbalize it, whatever it is.

Look you can't ever get a fail safe guarantee that a relationship will work. Sometimes you've got to take a breath, plunge in (not a euphemism Wink) and enjoy it for what it is.

Raimona · 23/07/2020 08:47

Good night babe, don't be getting any wrong idea's
He’s not into you. Guys who are into you don’t send texts saying don’t get the wrong idea about me. This is supposed to be the happy stage where you’re totally crazy about each other and clearly you’re not feeling that. When I was single I had a six month “love or leave” rule. After six months we either love each other or we haven’t hit it off and should stop wasting our time. Sorry OP, it sounds like you know deep down he’s not smitten with you and it’s making you feel insecure.

miamichill · 23/07/2020 08:49

@Raimona he didn't say 'don't get the wrong idea about me' rather about everything. Appreciate it though.

OP posts:
Interestedwoman · 23/07/2020 09:03

Woah! I would've said your message came across a bit like you were telling him off, and would've pissed off a lot of people. If he doesn't have time, he doesn't have time,.

hopeishere · 23/07/2020 09:20

[quote miamichill]@skyla2005

Thank you! Do you suggest that I see him this weekend (providing if he asks to see me)? Or should I play busy and see him another time? Or if he says "What're you up to this weekend?" how should I respond? As he may be just asking that but not genuinely interested to see me. I know it sounds bad but I don't want to be any more vulnerable with this guy until he opens up.[/quote]
Do not "play" at being busy. If you want to see him do so if you don't say so.

It all sounds a bit stressy. I know it's hard if you're really into him but you need to let it breathe.

Crystal87 · 23/07/2020 09:51

I don't think you're unreasonable to ask him where he stands with the relationship. Five months is long enough to know if you want to be with someone. I don't think he's as into you as you are into him. Take a step back and see if he makes the effort with you. If he doesn't, he's not worth wasting anymore time on.

SVRT19674 · 23/07/2020 09:59

Well, if he is looking to settle down...the last thing he would want is a 24 year old! Gosh, you are 24 go out and enjoy life! Way too intense.

sofato5miles · 23/07/2020 10:00

After 5 months of shagging i wouls want to know if someone loves me. I think many peiple on hear have very subjective memories of yimelines from when they were dating.

I was living with my ex dh after 6 months and was married within 2 years. We were married for 20 years

Hearhoovesthinkzebras · 23/07/2020 12:37

[quote miamichill]@skyla2005

Thank you! Do you suggest that I see him this weekend (providing if he asks to see me)? Or should I play busy and see him another time? Or if he says "What're you up to this weekend?" how should I respond? As he may be just asking that but not genuinely interested to see me. I know it sounds bad but I don't want to be any more vulnerable with this guy until he opens up.[/quote]
Seriously?

He's being really genuine and decent (from the texts you've put on here) and you're wondering if you should play games?

You told sent him that text and his reply was genuine and kind, with the mature suggestion that you talk properly this weekend. You didn't respond, at all. Then he messages to ask if you are ok. Now you're wondering if you should play hard to get?

You are not dealing with this maturely at all and I hope he can see the vast differences between you. Why are you trying to create drama where there is none? You seem to be wanting to rush into a serious relationship yet aren't coming over as being ready for one in terms of maturity. It's almost like you want to play at being a grown up - really reminds me of the 16 year olds who announce their engagement on Facebook.

LonginesPrime · 23/07/2020 12:55

should I play busy...I know it sounds bad but I don't want to be any more vulnerable with this guy until he opens up

He's not going to open up if you pretend you're busy and avoid him, is he?

Hearhoovesthinkzebras · 23/07/2020 12:57

If you "play busy" this weekend during the time when he's free and available to talk what do you plan to do next? Will you plan to drop another loaded text in the early hours next week while he's trying to sleep and deal with work and exams?

miamichill · 23/07/2020 13:17

We have agreed to meet up this weekend which is good. He told me he's run down and is quite sick, I feel a bit bad to say the least! Hopefully, all goes well and we clear the air.

OP posts:
AnneOfQueenSables · 23/07/2020 14:37

In the middle of a pandemic, a med student who has been on rotation is feeling run down and sick, and yet you both think it's a good idea to meet up? Even if it wasn't a pandemic, trying to engineer a big heart-to-heart with someone who is exhausted and ill, isn't a good idea.

Deathraystare · 23/07/2020 15:30

Are you really 24? You sound a very very young 24!

hopeishere · 26/07/2020 10:02

Hope things went well this weekend and you're on the same page.

miamichill · 27/07/2020 04:25

@hopeishere

Thank you! All went great. We want the same things. I think he was just really worn out and busy when we had the conversation over the phone.

OP posts:
piscean10 · 27/07/2020 07:50

You are intense and too much!
And what's with that message- 'progression, contingent' etc .
You are not conducting a business review??
Its only 5 months. I dont think you are ready for a mature relationship.

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