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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:
Derbee · 19/10/2020 20:02

Also, don’t take any drama or bullshit after ending it. It’s over, you don’t like him, you need to leave yourself free to meet someone that you do like. Don’t waste your time

letsmakethishappen · 19/10/2020 20:06

Just block him no need to explain/feel bad he sounds disgusting/ tricks you into not using condoms, talks about shits etc trust your instincts

Heyahun · 19/10/2020 20:09

The condom thing alone is shocking! You could easily have chlamydia or something now - are you not at all worried about that?

0hforfoxsake · 19/10/2020 20:10

You know you deserve better than him right?
You know you don’t have to settle and take what ever is offered, yes?

Time to work on your boundaries and build up your self-esteem. You are the one that matters here. Seems to me you need to be asking yourself why you think this is as good as you will get? (It isn’t).

He sounds fucking awful.

whoknew1 · 19/10/2020 20:11

I am worried about STI. I don't know what made me behave in such a stupid way.
I will wait a couple of days and get tested at GUM. Fuck. I am 40 and an idiot obviously.

OP posts:
Lampan · 19/10/2020 20:12

If his main selling point is that he’s ‘not a bad guy’, your standards are far too low. There are MILLIONS of men who are not bad guys, but this alone is not a reason to date them. Added to the fact that yours seems to have loads of really off putting issues as well.
His comment to the effect of you not needing wining and dining, or in effect being low maintenance, is a red flag in itself. It shows that he thinks he doesn’t have to make an effort with you, which is what he is illustrating with his actions.
What are his good points? Do you look forward to seeing him? Get that little thrill when he messages? It’s far, far too early to be annoyed by him already. And he sounds awful anyway. Get rid, there is no way back from this. It will only get worse. Just cos the red flags aren’t ‘sinister’ ones, they are still very much red flags.

HMSSophie · 19/10/2020 20:13

The triumph of hope over experience made you behave that way OP. You're great and deserve much better. He's definitely not the one for you.

Ponypizzy · 19/10/2020 20:18

You are not tied to this man you owe him nothing. He sounds vile. Why are you trying to talk yourself into liking him? You know the answers to your dilemmas already as you’ve stated straight away red flags. Walk away now before he gets even more attached and starts guilt tripping you into staying with him after he’s moved in/you’ve spent even more money on him/got pregnant etc. He isn’t bothered about your feelings he needs to bloody grow up. Put it down to experience and find someone who will treat you better. Don’t settle for this man child.

whoknew1 · 19/10/2020 20:18

I have just found out that my daughter's dad needs to self-isolate, which means she will not be able to see him and I will not get child free time for 2 weeks. Kinda convenient in a way, no... we shall see what his reaction to me being unavailable for 2 weeks is.

OP posts:
VodselForDinner · 19/10/2020 20:18

He’s an absolute prick, OP.

Seriously, if he was the winner, I’d hate to see the runners up.

TwentyViginti · 19/10/2020 20:19

His comment to the effect of you not needing wining and dining, or in effect being low maintenance, is a red flag in itself. It shows that he thinks he doesn’t have to make an effort with you, which is what he is illustrating with his actions.

Exactly. He thinks you're a cheap date who'll put up with anything. Why should he bother washing and using a condom?

Please raise your bar, or you'll fall prey to many more low value men like this.

Aknifewith16blades · 19/10/2020 20:30

Don't wait for him to dump you, dump him.

You're worried about hurting his feelings, but he's not worried about hurting you by choosing not to pop a condom on? And he's a bad dad. Ditch already and move on.

FlapsInTheWind · 19/10/2020 20:33

At the root of all this is laziness. He is lazy. No buying presents preferring to take someone out is so he gets something too. All of the things you describe is sheer utter and laziness bordering on contempt. I agree he may not be a bad person but his habits and his way of life are not just bad but appalling and the root of it all is laziness.

Phase him out or be honest and say you are not feeling the chemistry. You say you don't understand why you are feeling like this. Read your post. That is why. I wouldn't tolerate one 16th of what you have described here and I am an ugly woman built like a fatstock heifer. I have interesting ears though and I can roll my tongue Grin

Seriously get rid or you will have him at yours for Christmas and your supermarket bill will go on a fucking mission!

Justwingingmotherhood · 19/10/2020 20:39

Ew. Just ew. This is supposed to be the honeymoon phase, it's only going to get worse. He makes my skin crawl just reading about him.

Aquamarine1029 · 19/10/2020 20:40

we shall see what his reaction to me being unavailable for 2 weeks is.

You are seriously going to wait around another 2 weeks for this absolute pillock?! FFS.

LambChopAndAsparagus · 19/10/2020 20:44

Tbf, I wouldnt offer to help clean up someone else's cat's piss nor would I expect it. I might have done it before they got home, if I'd noticed, but wouldnt offer to help if they were doing it. It's not a two person job after all.

In fact, i dont think you'd even have picked up on it if he werent truly awful in every other way.

BorderlineHappy · 19/10/2020 20:44

Why are you more worried about hurting him than putting yourself first.

Hes not bothered about you,your enjoyment,or your sexual health.

Get rid,get yourself a FWB if you are horny and just tell him its finished.

whoknew1 · 19/10/2020 20:45

@FlapsInTheWind

At the root of all this is laziness. He is lazy. No buying presents preferring to take someone out is so he gets something too. All of the things you describe is sheer utter and laziness bordering on contempt. I agree he may not be a bad person but his habits and his way of life are not just bad but appalling and the root of it all is laziness.

Phase him out or be honest and say you are not feeling the chemistry. You say you don't understand why you are feeling like this. Read your post. That is why. I wouldn't tolerate one 16th of what you have described here and I am an ugly woman built like a fatstock heifer. I have interesting ears though and I can roll my tongue Grin

Seriously get rid or you will have him at yours for Christmas and your supermarket bill will go on a fucking mission!

Yeah... I've been thinking already that I cannot really afford this style of dating, with such spending on eating out. I just checked my account and I spent just over £90 on pubs, cafes and lunches in last 2 weeks. And we don't go to expensive places, usually chains or ordinary pubs etc. I am not a snob at all, usually happy with a pub lunch or prezzo, wagamama, harvester etc but it also feels a bit odd we have never been to a decent restaurant and I would feel bad suggesting it. I would normally go out 2x a month with my daughter or friends, so spending £30-40 max each time, plus an odd coffee. So I exceeded my monthly eating out budget in 2 weeks...
OP posts:
category12 · 19/10/2020 20:48

You're having us on, right?

TwentyViginti · 19/10/2020 20:54

we have never been to a decent restaurant and I would feel bad suggesting it.

OP you must stop with this feeling 'bad' about putting your wants and needs out there in any relationship.

It's not all about what the man wants. So far, you've let him shag you without a condom, and spent more than you're happy with on dates. You will end up pregnant with an STI and broke if you carry on like this.

Please get rid of this awful man, and work on your boundaries for future potential relationships.

If you don't value yourself - no man will.

KooKooKachu · 19/10/2020 20:54

Why would he tell you he did a no. 2???

The condom thing though. Absolute nope. Get an sti check, and ditch this loser.

LilyLongJohn · 19/10/2020 20:55

For me there are too many things wrong here. I'd walk, there are plenty of med out there that don't have his 'geekness'

FlapsInTheWind · 19/10/2020 20:55

The longer he is with you or any partner the less effort he will make. He is already giving you he heebies. This is your spidery sense telling you to run for the hills with this one. Imagine him getting ill and you having to look after him or some other dire scenario. That is the way to sort the keepers from the dumpers OP.

Gohackyourself · 19/10/2020 20:57

And so you have a daughter, you are dating again with a view to achieving a long term relationship, which includes your daughter way down the line... if his own daughters mother cannot look after her, why hasn’t he stepped up to father her??
That’s the biggest red flag to me above all of the rest !
I would just be honest and actually tell him that he is a nice guy but you you have felt that it’s all about him.
He’s trying to impress you by always talking about himself, but this shows lack of empathy to how others feel, self awareness and the ability to just be aware .... brings me back to my first point on his daughter, sister parenting his child etc..............

2bazookas · 19/10/2020 20:57

You already know what to do ;-)

The condom avoidance /lie should tell you everything; he doesn't want the child he's got and doesn't care if he made another.