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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

Red flags? New man

192 replies

whoknew1 · 19/10/2020 18:48

OK, it will be a long one, so thanks for reading and responding.
After 5 years of being divorced and (mostly) single, I finally met a guy I like, who seemed normal, down to earth and I was thinking it might actually go somewhere. I was attracted to him, we did not rush things and only DTD on date 6/7.
But rather unsure about him and it all atm.
We’ve been dating for ca 2 months, met 7 times, mostly pubs, dinners, walks etc and eventually went for a weekend away. I generally I enjoyed being there, spending time together and chatting to him... but after nearly 2 days together I just couldn’t wait for him to go home.

I don't know what to do tbf because he seems really into me and is already planning to meet me/go away again but I think (fear) for me it's not gonna work. But I feel bad for saying anything and hurting him, as he is definitely not a bad type and seems rather soft. So here is why...

-He seems really preoccupied with his interests and not really into finding out a lot about me. So he would talk quite a lot about his various passions, but does not really ask me about mine. He did ask a bit about foods I like and some relationships views, and he does listen sorta carefully when I am talking about my stuff, but I had an impression he did it more out of politeness than genuine interest.

-Food. He eats a lot and talks about food a lot, too. Which I initially liked as I thought at least I can enjoy food around him but now I see why he is slightly overweight. It's all pubs or take aways or shop bought ready stuff what he eats, and it’s lots of food, like really lots… even for me, and I am chubby myself and can eat a lot! He admitted he started using food as a bit of a comfort for himself after spitting with an ex, but that was last year, he lost some weight since then. It is an issue for me as I struggle with weight myself and have been making bad food choices when around him, even though I planned to lose some weight by Christmas after losing over 3 stones in the last months.

On Sunday I haven't even recovered after eating full English brekkie and 2-3 hrs later he was talking about lunch already. We went on a walk in the country park in the meantime and he seemed more tired than me, he eventually went to the loo and confessed when he left that he had done no. 2 and feels so much lighter and better now. In my head I was like wtf. That is stuff for stable relationships, no?

  • Sex. A bit selfish. Sorry for tmi but I will just say it.
Lots of kissing from date 2 but then, when we had sex on this weekend away, it was a bit disappointing. He came 2x but I haven't come even once. In the morning when we had sex 2nd time, I suggested changing positions from missionary to doggy (which I like) but he didn't want it as it was 'too early' and I think he ‘didn't have enough energy’. No oral for me. I gave him 2 bjs as for me it's a natural part of sex. He didn't even attempt returning it. We didn't use condoms... I know. I asked him if he bought them and he said yes but then when I asked him to wear it, he said he doesn't need it 'yet'. But then he never put it on and later explained it sort of 'spoils the moment'. And he came in me once . I feel bad about it, I should have demanded it but I was a bit drunk and just got on with it. Almost no proper foreplay or kissing below my neck. Some stroking but he didn't kiss or touch my breasts, he didn't grab or squeeze my bum, just very very basic stuff seemed to be missing and it was just not enough for what I like. I need to add that I never had an issue with sex with anyone before, I was lucky to always enjoy it with previous partners and I don’t think I am hard to please in bed.
  • Money
He doesn't pay money for his daughter, he just gives her pocket money every week and gives his sister, who is the main carer, some money extra every now and then for extra clothing etc but not regular maintenance. He said sister gets child benefit and tax credits for her. His daughter’s mum is not involved in her bringing up so she lives with his sis, while he lives in London in houseshare. This is weird for me, that he does not pay money for her and is not a main carer either… but I appreciate that sometimes these things are complicated, so trying not to judge him on that, but it stll plays in my mind a bit. Money situation is weird in general. I earn half of what he does, I am a single parent myself. I am happy to pay for myself whenever we go out,, which I told him before but he seemed to pick it up willingly, so we basically either pay separately, go halves or take turns. So for example for this weekend, he came to mine and then we went away together in my car. We both spend about 80 each, which was the hotel, dinner, parking, lunches and breakfast. I paid for petrol as drive us 2hrs each way to the place we were visiting, and I also bought a bottle of wine, soft drinks and cake, for us to take, and gave him various snacks for his journey back home (1hr away). It all seems very even money wise and I don't mind that but I feel a bit weird he didn't ask about sharing petrol cost or came here empty handed. If I went somewhere with a new person/date/bf or visited them, I would always bring something - so I did buy wine and cake and he hasn't contributed in any way.

-He never commented that I look nice or has never said any hot words during sex or afterwards. He wants to kiss a lot and cuddle but that is it, it sort of bores me now and seems repetitive. He wanted to kiss in the morning without brushing his teeth and tbf I started getting irritated by his body smell later on. Which never happened to me before with any previous guy.
He seems to make less effort now than on initial dates, so crumpled shirts, jeans that you can tell were not washed. he didn’t wash his hair after a night in the hotel, He doesn’t smell or is dirty but just definitely cares less about it now.
I have a suspicion that he might not be fully attracted to me physically, he complemented my face many times but not my body, and while all the previous men couldn’t keep their hands off me, he does very little apart from kissing and this ‘basic’ sex.. He had said he does not like skinny women at all but he also talks quite a lot about himself not being slim and happy with how he looks, so a part of me thinks that in his head he is ‘settling’ for me, as he feel bad about himself and cannot currently count on a better looking woman.

I am not sure if I have valid points here or maybe expect too much? Like I said, this is my first potential ‘boyfriend’ to be after 5 years of having 3 ‘situationships’ that hadn’t worked out… and initially I felt better with this guy than the other men, but now I don’t. But I am not sure if I maybe expect god knows what or maybe I am secretly scared about commitment myself and self-sabotage, or I am somehow unable to assess it and him as a person well. I think he is a genuinely nice guy in many aspects, maybe just a bit too geeky and a bit like an old bachelor. He isn’t cocky or anything, but seems a bit of an odd ball the more I get to know him, and various little things he says or does just make me wonder about him and if there is a point to invest in it.

OP posts:
GammyLeg · 19/10/2020 19:23

“Not a bad guy”

Raise your bar OP. Sorry but this is awful to read - you are hesitant to end it because you don’t want to hurt him? It’s way too early in the game to be having these issues and needing to talk it out.

Also, he seems to feel the same way. He doesn’t sound particularly interested in you, sexually or as a person.

ForeverRedSkinhead · 19/10/2020 19:26

He is a bad guy.

He doesn't support his child.

He doesn't respect you enough to wear a condom.

Also , he bores you and has crap personal hygiene. Why on earth would you want to work on things?

cheezy · 19/10/2020 19:28

The condom thing is unforgivable frankly.

JemimaTiggywinkle · 19/10/2020 19:28

The sex part made for quite uncomfortable reading... aside from the fact he made very little effort (and this is the early days, so it’s only going to go downhill)... saying that he will use a condom, and then deliberately not... I think that’s concerning.

Also how you say he takes little interest in you /your interests. And the fact he has already slacked off in the personal hygiene/effort making... not a good sign at all.

I don’t envy you a conversation with him to address the above... they seem like pretty integral parts of how he is.

Wineoclocksomewhere · 19/10/2020 19:28

Don't settle for this. You have loads of reasons to get rid of him, so its the right thing to do. The condom thing is outrageous, the whole sex bit was lazy and selfish - you are worth more!!

I know its hard - I had a brief foray into dating again recently and there were lots of positives but a fair few niggles and I kept making excuses for him because I liked him and, well, its great to have someone innit?? I realised I was making all the effort really. But I realised when he wasn't at all bothered to see me during lockdown unless we could have sex (he was shielding and I suggested socially distanced walks a few times - he didn't even want to facetime ffs!) that it wasn't right and I feel so much better for it. But I could have carried on....

You really are worth more!

Aquamarine1029 · 19/10/2020 19:29

I'm sorry to be so blunt, but your judgment is absolutely terrible. After the nearly endless list of red flags and undesirable traits you've told about him, you're still trying to convince yourself to "work it out." Not one of these things can be worked out. He's self-absorbed, selfish, and an unbelievable bore.

CodenameVillanelle · 19/10/2020 19:33

@whoknew1

The dillema is that he is not a bad guy, maybe a bit unusual and geeky, and I don't want to hurt him, dunno what to say to end it well. Also, I have been single long and I did enjoy times with him, so I am not rushing to throw away something potentially good if worked on slightly? Maybe we need to just talk and me - explain my concerns, so he can try to address them?
You can't turn this into a relationship that's going to make you happy. Please don't try.
12309845653ghydrvj · 19/10/2020 19:33

He’s useless and there are a tonne of red flags, but beyond that why the heck are you even thinking of seeing him again when you clealry have the ick? Like, he revolts you. Even if he was St David Gandy father of the year Darcy, you don’t like him!!!

category12 · 19/10/2020 19:33

Terrible boundaries:

You're accepting that:
he's not particularly interested in what you have to say,
he's not particularly interested in you having a good time in bed,
he's got unpleasant personal habits and poor hygiene
he makes you feel like he's settling for you
he reckons one of your good points is that he doesn't have to wine & dine you (this is not a compliment!)

That's not even to mention the failure to use protection when you had brought it up - he shouldn't need explicit orders to protect his own and your sexual health.

Plus he is a bad person for failing to support his daughter and leaving it to the state and his sister.

12309845653ghydrvj · 19/10/2020 19:34

Also he’s a lazy, selfish, deadbeat who has no issue knocking women up without even giving them a good time first. Gross and not a candidate for BF.

LonnyVonnyWilsonFrickett · 19/10/2020 19:36

He's a stinky mess who is lazy in the sack, with a questionable commitment to his daughter. I mean, that's enough to bin him, surely OP??

takeitorleaveitlove · 19/10/2020 19:38

He sounds like a keeper go for it OP 🥰😍😂 👰🏻 🎩 💒

whoknew1 · 19/10/2020 19:40

I told him next day that I feel bad we hadn't used the condom. He said nothing to this. I don't know his facial expression then as I was not looking at him.
Also, when we came back, I have noticed that my cat pissed all over the hallway despite being able to use the cat flap. So I had to clean it straight away. He just sat there and waited for me to finish it. I was not expecting him to help but offer help, which I would refuse anyway, as it is my cat and my mess. But he just sat there. He also was looking at my garden through my bedroom window and I pointed out that my garden needs lots of sorting out before winter and I also need to install a new blind. He just nodded, again, zero offer of help. I am very independent about all these things, house jobs etc and always do them myself or hire someone if more complicated, I would not ever want a man ir a bf to be there to 'help me' mostly. So I was saying all that in a relaxed way, not as I was expecting help but also to see his reaction. And I think it was the last straw that not even once he offered to give me a hand.

OP posts:
Littleminx1 · 19/10/2020 19:40

I think the only bad points far outweigh the good. I'm not normally one to jump to the end things way of thinking but you are only 7/8 dates in and he has already shown his true self. Your worth far far more then what he has to offer. I would just kindly say it's not working for you luck etc and end things. I don't think talking would sort his bad points out maybe for 1/2 dates

TwentyViginti · 19/10/2020 19:40

Fucking hell. If you're that desperate for sex, get a vibrator. At least you can ensure it's clean, and won't give you a STI.

Nor will it bore on about itself.

crimsonclover · 19/10/2020 19:42

He sounds like a man who pathologically receives but doesn’t give! He’s also getting to spend lots of quality time it’s his daughter but without the actual responsibilities and cost. These are the early days of your relationship - he should be going out of his way to impress you! If this is how he is now - whats he like further down the line?! You’re worth more than this and it sounds like your gut is telling you that. Life’s too short to settle for this guy. He’s terrible!

Dawnlassie · 19/10/2020 19:43

I just couldn’t wait for him to go home

Didnt need to read any more than that. That most certainly isnt how a good relationship starts. I dont think this will go anywhere op.

Geppili · 19/10/2020 19:44

Dump dump dump!

billy1966 · 19/10/2020 19:46

He sounds truly awful OP.

So many awful things.

Honestly, why bother.
Flowers

Suzi888 · 19/10/2020 19:52

Perhaps you would be better off as friendsHmm the relationship side doesn’t seem to be working for either of you.

He sounds a bit lazy in -all areas! He’s meant to be wooing you but he can’t be bothered. Confused

EatDessertFirst · 19/10/2020 19:55

I stopped reading at the condom thing. He has no respect for you and drunk/horny or not you should have more respect for yourself. I hope you got the MAP and you should get and STI test. Withdrawal or lack thereof is not a contraceptive.

Dump the selfish twat. Don't have sex without protecting yourself. And hope to fuck you aren't pregnant right now.

rubywooooo · 19/10/2020 19:56

Op, This is the 'ick'

Once you have the ick ... there's no way back. Bin him off !

FurTeacup · 19/10/2020 19:59

@whoknew1

The dillema is that he is not a bad guy, maybe a bit unusual and geeky, and I don't want to hurt him, dunno what to say to end it well. Also, I have been single long and I did enjoy times with him, so I am not rushing to throw away something potentially good if worked on slightly? Maybe we need to just talk and me - explain my concerns, so he can try to address them?
He IS a bad guy. He could have given you an STD! He has issues surround consent. He has a child he doesn’t look after and doesn’t pay for — and as this child’s mother doesn’t look after her either, he’s delegated parenthood to his sister while he lives in a houseshare in a different city ! — he’s got food issues, can’t cook, he’s self-absorbed, mean, sexually-selfish, uninterested in you, his personal hygiene is woeful, he talk about shit.

What part of this prince among men is ‘not bad’?

You deserve more than this.

Derbee · 19/10/2020 20:01

This isn’t working, and you need to end it.

This isn’t how good relationships start, OP. It can be tempting after a long time of being single to ignore these red flags, and try to work on it. But it’s genuinely not worth it, when you’re feeling like this so early on.

After 2 months, it doesn’t have to be a big deal, and you don’t need to be worried about hurting him etc. Your loyalty is to yourself. Just a simple text along the lines of “Hi Random, I don’t think this is really working for me. It was nice to meet you, but I think we’re looking for different things. I don’t think we should see each other again, but wish you all the best”

SBTLove · 19/10/2020 20:02

➡️🗑 no question