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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

not interested or no experience? please be brutally honest!

102 replies

stuckducks · 16/05/2021 09:49

New ish DP, exclusively dating. He is the best man I’ve met ever I think. I realise that sounds a bit over the top and I don’t know him completely yet, but I am very happy with him. We laugh a lot, we have similar interests, he’s very kind very funny very caring. What I’m about to say will have some posters suggesting he is married etc but I can say with as much certainty as is possible that that is not the case.

One thing that is just becoming a big problem for me is that he is massively inflexible. We don’t live together and he doesn’t work from home, I do and always have. His hours are unpredictable (works in banking role) and mine are full on but flexible. If I get the work done then I can work wherever and however I like. Some weekends he will work (that’s normal in his profession). I’ve said to him repeatedly that during those times I would like to see him in the week, just for a night. I’ve offered to go over when he finished work, work from his place the following day then see him for dinner the next night. Maybe I’m asking too much?? His response is always that he wants to and he misses me but he ‘doesn’t know how it will work.’ I have been round in circles with him about this. I’ve spelled out exactly how it could work... ie I will leave when he leaves work and get there half an hour after he’s home. We will then have dinner and go to bed, even if it’s late and he’s finished mid evening. I’ve said I don’t mind. A couple of times he has agreed, we’ve had a lovely time and the next day he texts saying he’s so glad that I stayed and that it was nice waking up together etc. But actually getting him to agree to it is really starting to damage my self esteem as I just don’t understand the reluctance?

I have raised this with him and he just doesn’t really say anything other than he doesn’t see how it could work Confused it is infuriating that he won’t spell out to me what the issue is. This then led to me getting frustrated and asking him how he expects a relationship to be maintained when he can’t even spend a night in the week together? I asked if he was bothered about it and if he even cared about this...to which he burst into tears, said he’s rubbish at relationships and he’s trying Hmm

When he’s had a drink he will often say he’s so thankful I am patient with him and he’s sorry he is so rubbish at all this. I think what he says is genuine.

Aside from this issue, when he’s not working weekends and we are together it is wonderful. It is the best relationship I’ve ever had. We speak on the phone often and I miss him massively when apart. He does thoughtful things like sorts my car as he knows i hate all that stuff, he’s sent me books he thinks I would like, he comes to visit me on his time off. All the usual stuff.

My best friend has said I need to totally withdraw from this and show him that if he can’t commit to regular week day meet ups during weeks he is working all over a weekend, then he doesn’t get the phone calls, the texts and the nice weekend dates. She thinks this is the best chance of making him realise what damage he is doing. I am minded to send one last message on it, being direct and just suggesting a day to go over next week. Then if he doesn’t agree or is difficult, maybe say very little and leave him to it from there?

It’s horrible because he is everything I wanted in someone apart from this bit that he just can’t seem to be flexible about.

OP posts:
SortingItOut · 16/05/2021 10:40

I think your boyfriend has compartmentalised his life so he only sees you when he doesn't work and if he's working he can't see you.

Does he get days off in the week if he works every other weekend?

stuckducks · 16/05/2021 10:42

@SortingItOut compartmentalising is the exact word he uses.

No he chooses to work extra. He goes into the office to get ahead. A lot of his colleagues do too. I support him in that, I’ve got my own stuff going on at weekends and I’m not fixated on having weekend time with him. But no time at all together isn’t sustainable.

OP posts:
SortingItOut · 16/05/2021 10:44

So is he inefficient in his job or does he really have far too much to do in a normal week?

I would be concerned that if you are looking long term and considering children you have to know that work takes priority over everything - would you want that in a partner/husband?

How far apart do you live?

stuckducks · 16/05/2021 10:46

@SortingItOut we live about 25 mins apart but there can be a lot of traffic. I’m not fussed about him working a lot. I do dinners lunches holidays etc with friends, I am not that bothered whether a partner wants to do those things with me too. Obviously we have been for dinner and done nice things but it’s not high on my agenda to do them with him. He can work everyday for all I care, I just want to be part of his day to day life, even if that is largely work for him. Seems impossible to get to that point.

OP posts:
SortingItOut · 16/05/2021 10:49

Right now you have a full life but in years to come it's natural to want to do stuff with a partner and you might think differently.

How old are you both?
What's his relationship history?

stuckducks · 16/05/2021 10:52

@SortingItOut I’ve had a couple of long term things that I ended. I’m 29. He’s 37. He’s had a long term thing that ended when he was 32.

I know what you’re saying but even with a family I wouldn’t care if a partner was working all the time. I expect people will say ‘oh that’s easy to say,’ but I know me. I don’t care about it, as long as we are a unit, he can work everyday as far as I’m concerned. I just can’t be in a relationship with someone who only sees me when he has a day off. It’s ridiculous?!

OP posts:
SortingItOut · 16/05/2021 10:55

Has he always been like this or has this happened (the working a lot) since he was single?

All you can do is put your cards on the table, outline what you want in a relationship and see what he says.
If he can't meet you anywhere close to what you want and need you will have to walk away☹

partyatthepalace · 16/05/2021 10:55

Glad you’ve found someone you really like. From what you say I wouldn’t assume he’s married - you’ve been to his house, and banking hours can be hell.

It sounds to me like he’s someone not v experienced in relationships, and who is probably struggling with his job. I do a v long hours job too, and there have been times that doing anything else - even socialising with friends - feels like it’s just one more bit of pressure so I avoid it (clearly this is bad). It may also be he needs to take it a bit slowly to make the adjustment.

Make a time to talk to him properly over lunch. Explain that you value the relationship and want it to progress, so spending regular time is vital. When you do over mid week it seems to work - so can he talk to you about what added pressure it’s created in other parts of his life, so you can manage it together... and work from there.

A relationship is a partnership like any other and you have to manage it’s ups and downs with calm conversations, rather than fraught exchanges when you are both feeling fraught.

Please ignore your friend - playing mind games with him will destroy it. She probably means well - but do keep in mind she might be jealous.

Obviously if this is still happening in 6 months then he isn’t ready to commit and you need to move on.

nolovelost · 16/05/2021 10:59

I can understand the not wanting to meet after work if it's late. He probably wants to just flop and then go to bed. He likes his own space after a busy day/night, it's not personal. I would be exactly the same. And then I wouldn't want my partner in the house the next day on their own if it was a fairly new relationship. Some would be happy with this, but just putting my view on it.

What I think is unfair is if he says no to any other day where he's not working late. What's his reason for this?

stuckducks · 16/05/2021 11:04

@nolovelost he says he just doesn’t know how late he will be. I know what the banking world is like and I get it, but mostly he will be done by 8/9. I’ve said just text me when done and I will head over so we can have a quick chat and go to bed.

I also understand the wanting to just crash when you get home. Fair enough. But either he wants a relationship or he doesn’t?!

OP posts:
shivermetimbers77 · 16/05/2021 11:04

I suspect he just likes his own space and way of doing things and as others said , tends to compartmentalise. However the key issue here is not him , it’s whether what he can offer is what you want. It doesn’t sound like he is in a position to step things up to the next level but is happy having a ‘days off’ only relationship. You want something different and that’s totally fine, but he may not be able to give you that.

nolovelost · 16/05/2021 11:10

So he potentially works til this time every night and he can't offer you a single whole night together? He's either a workaholic or he doesn't want a full on relationship. I'd be ending it to be honest. You'd be gutted but that's no way to sustain a relationship.

user1471457751 · 16/05/2021 11:12

Honestly I wouldn't want a newish boyfriend spending the whole day in my house without me there. You don't really just want an overnight. Perhaps if you changed it to you going in the morning when he leaves then he might agree

nolovelost · 16/05/2021 11:12

Or the weekends that he doesn't work he should be happy to spend some lengthy period of time with you. If he's not happy to do this, it would appear very much like he's using you.

Clymene · 16/05/2021 11:17

I wouldn't want anyone staying in my house when I wasn't there either. And it feels a bit like creep - you're not suggesting you just go over for the night. This is how people gradually get bulldozed into their girlfriend/boyfriend moving in - I'm not saying you're doing that but I would find that alarmingly pushy.

ElphabaTWitch · 16/05/2021 11:21

Why is your friend so keen to have you give him an ultimatum? What’s his past like? Do you think this has an ominous undercurrent? Do you trust him ?? I can’t help here. Maybe he’s secretly a controlling narcissist. Or a really nice guy who is shy?? Which do you think?

ElphabaTWitch · 16/05/2021 11:26

Maybe he doesn’t want you snooping when he’s not there and finding his dress up box, blow up sheep and sex doll !!!!

wizzywig · 16/05/2021 11:29

How can he be everything if your contact is on his terms

IND1A · 16/05/2021 11:32

Are you sure that it’s not his week day / commuter flat you are visiting and that he’s not spending his weekends with his wife and kids ?

Have you met any of his close family like his parents or siblings ? Have you been to any work events with him ? What about his social media? Do you see each other his birthday and did you spend Christmas Day together ?

UseOfWeapons · 16/05/2021 11:32

I wouldn’t like someone staying in my home when I’m not there, unless it was family or close friends. Sounds like he values his private space.
That said, I don’t think he’s that into you. He’s not being straight with you, nor actively seeking your company without being prompted. However nice he is, this would be too hard work for me.
I also think your friend is not giving you the kindest advice, in your position, I’d suggest one more time coming over for one night, and if he is evasive, simply say that this is not working for you, and be on your way. Him bursting into tears and saying he’s shit at relationships wouldn’t cut it, you’ve already made him aware of the issue and he’s not fussed enough to resolve it, or improve his interpersonal skills.
Good luck💐

moovinon · 16/05/2021 11:35

I don't think he should be in a relationship to be honest.

I can understand that after working until8/9 at night, the last thing you would want to do is have someone coming over, chatting your head off until bedtime, staying at your house all day and returning to them there again. Particularly if he is a bit introverted?

However, it's different when you're in a relationship isn't it? You are meant to look forward to coming back and spending some time with them.

It sounds like maybe he just really like his own space and is used to doing things his way. As nice as he might be, I just don't think it sounds like this could be a proper relationship in the future. Sounds like he's quite happy alone but with you popping over every now and then.

Bluedeblue · 16/05/2021 11:36

Stop chasing him. Let him come to you. See other people if you don't get much contact from him.

Minezatea · 16/05/2021 11:37

I agree with @partyatthepalace - don't start playing mind games. That is not healthy in any relationship. I actually don't think your DP has done anything wrong other than his 'I can't see how it will work' which is a weak way of saying 'I don't want to talk about it'. You seem to want more regular contact than he does. That's OK. But you need to decide whether this relationship will work for you or not. At 5 months in btw, my now DH was staying at mine when I was at work, though I respect others if they feel differently about that. I don't think this is the relationship for your in all honesty. It's going to continue to feel like hard work and this is the honeymoon phase. You want someone who also needs more regular contact. Nothing wrong with that and I hope you find him .

MintMatchmaker · 16/05/2021 11:37

He possibly doesn’t want to leave you alone in his home. 5 months is early for that.

Bluedeblue · 16/05/2021 11:37

I know what the banking world is like and I get it, but mostly he will be done by 8/9

I worked in Banking for 27 years. All of my friends have worked in Banking. I've never stayed at work till 8pm and nor has anyone that I know.

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