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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

Dating Thread 208 - sausage fest summer

991 replies

Dancerinthemoonlight · 23/07/2021 11:56

The Rules:

  1. The first rule about the dating thread is don't talk about it with people you're dating.
  2. Develop a thick skin.
  3. Do not invest emotionally too soon.
  4. It's all BS until it actually happens.
  5. Trust your gut instinct.
  6. People vanishing, lying & being generally weird is not your fault.
  7. Know your worth.
  8. If it's not fun, stop.
  9. Loo update is mandatory.
10. No dating the thread. 11. Treat others as you'd like to be treated 12. Any relationship you have that could get ruined by having a conversation about your feelings, standards and/or expectations wasn't really stable enough to begin with 13. The things you choose to ignore/ tolerate now are the reasons you will break up in the future 14. OLD can get very time consuming. Keep doing other activities you enjoy.

Optional: Please give your irons (potential dates you are talking to) nicknames like Mr Scottish. Initials are allowed (Mr S) when you are an item

OP posts:
Thread gallery
5
BelladiMamma · 04/08/2021 18:06

[quote SpringlikeBunk]@BelladiMamma

I'm 30's! Great age but I think the eligible guys in my age range can be fairly arrogant and entitled and hypersexed as they feel they have women "chasing after them"?

Can go lower in age, but again if a guy has grown up with porn/hookup culture, often they're very "sex obsessed"?

I don't have or want children so that makes things a bit different. So I'm not on a timeline and not "feeling pressure".[/quote]
Yes, we are all post marriage and kids so the agenda is slightly different. In theory we should all we be chill but there are lots of guys eyeing you up for 2nd wife material or who haven't done so well financially and are quite happy to join in with your lifestyle.

Guys in their 30's who are doing well, I think I remember, are quite arrogant. I was married with kids so didn't get much attention from the singles but all the marrieds were very pleased with themselves

ActonSquirrel · 04/08/2021 18:11

We still have no contact from Mr penpal.

I did accuse of him of blanking me and ignored his reply on Sunday though

Shuffleuplove · 04/08/2021 19:02

@ wontsomebodythinkofthechildren that’s great! Is all back on again?

Misty9 · 04/08/2021 19:19

Sorry to hear about all the flakes and fakers. It's a minefield out there. Sigh, so an update is Mr Blue Eyes is coming over and I'm planning for us to chat about whether we're on the same page. Which we're clearly not.

@BelladiMamma I'm the same about people in my home now - I've got so used to it being just me (and dc half the time) that having a big messy man is quite frankly oppressive - including my own family! Grin I'm also quite a tidy person and take pride in my home, whereas I'm finding that the average bachelor just doesn't... Shock

OnwardsEverStridingOnwards · 04/08/2021 19:21

@wontsomebodythinkofthechildren that's great! So glad he's been in contact! ❤️

WeWantTheFinestWines · 04/08/2021 19:53

@wontsomebodythinkofthechildren

WE HAVE CONTACT. I REPEAT, WE HAVE CONTACT!

Ok I'm clearly over-invested already Grinprobably need to talk myself down a bit but it's hard when you've been so adamant that all men are rubbish for so long!

But I had reason to contact him as I had an excellent idea for the weekend we are supposed to be seeing each other next that was time sensitive as it needed booking before it sold out. Sent him a message about it and went out for the day, left my phone in my bag and returned home to find about 15 messages from him about how great it sounds and let's do it.

He's been doing 12 hour days as he's struggling to work from home and had some kids related shit to deal with as well which I totally get as we'd touched on it previously and I also have stressful offspring!

Yay! He's keen, hooray!
BelladiMamma · 04/08/2021 20:14

@Misty9

Sorry to hear about all the flakes and fakers. It's a minefield out there. Sigh, so an update is Mr Blue Eyes is coming over and I'm planning for us to chat about whether we're on the same page. Which we're clearly not.

@BelladiMamma I'm the same about people in my home now - I've got so used to it being just me (and dc half the time) that having a big messy man is quite frankly oppressive - including my own family! Grin I'm also quite a tidy person and take pride in my home, whereas I'm finding that the average bachelor just doesn't... Shock

One of my irons used to tidy up after me. That also drove me mad because my house is pretty damn tidy. Or have a lie in when I went to sort the animals. I just think it's rude not to get up when your new partner does. But that was also partly because I was always hosting. I always do. Something else to learn!
Dee03 · 04/08/2021 20:18

Well I've just received a text..... it says "I've decided to stay with her"
That's it, no apology, no let's rearrange, nothing!! I've read it so will show blue ticks but I'm not replying.....I really think I've been taken for a mug....

Oohhh another msg as I'm writing this "hope you're ok"
🙄 ffs

SpringlikeBunk · 04/08/2021 21:02

@wontsomebodythinkofthechildren

That's good to hear!

But please do be cautious - obviously you've not decided you want to go steady yet, but if you're already getting the vibe he's "still on the apps searching for option B" (whilst you think he's enough and would be happier just focussing on him) then there's a disconnect there which you may need to communicate?

@Dee03

I think my last round of dates the two guys who suggested "big first dates" rather than just "meet for a quick coffee and see what happens" were both complete flakes!

Like a pp said, they suggest the nice night out/afternoon out to "lure you in and get you making time in your diary and agreeing" . You think they must really like the look of your profile to suggest this!

But they don't have any serious/genuine plans to do it or follow through.

troobleflooble · 04/08/2021 21:11

Arrg. Had a busy couple of days being on holiday so not been able to see Mr Metal again yet but he asked to see me again! Our work shifts clash a bit this week but we've made a plan to see each other Sunday morning for brunch 😁 I'm really looking forward to seeing him again!

I tailed off communication with Mr Campervan because he kept making excuses not to see me and tbf his home situation and things with his DD/ex partner were really complicated. That alone made me less than keen! Hadn't heard from him for almost a month when he suddenly got back in touch. He reminded me that I'd left my favourite jumper in his car so I think he's angling to meet up again. The chemistry is still there and we had really good sex so I'm tempted! But maybe I shouldn't, it might just complicate things all over again (I really want that jumper back though, it was new and pretty expensive! 😂)

Been chatting to another guy, Mr Big. We've been getting on well, very flirty and there seems to be good chemistry but I'm not sure how much we have in common. I'm super horny though so I'm tempted to meet him just for some 'fun' if nothing else. He does seem quite sweet too though so who knows, he might surprise me!

I really hadn't intended to start chatting to anyone else other than Mr Metal as I think he's a good prospect but I'm tempted now.. help!! 😂

SpringlikeBunk · 04/08/2021 21:14

@BelladiMamma

At a temp workplace a few years ago, a consultant from outside came in (late 40's, tall, nice face, into sports, never been married or kids, financially successful)

He actually was interested in me (cradle snatcher) and I thought he was masculine and attractive, but I was coming out of an abusive relationship and my MH was very poor so not dating.

What really struck me, was how he was seen as "social hot property" by a lot of the women there?

How much "social work" they were doing for him? Can't imagine the same thing happening for a successful woman his age.

It just showed up societal sexism - I'd have loved to have made some platonic friends but I found women there who were "just too busy" for a coffee with me or other women, were chasing him round with offers of city tours and drinks and all sorts?

He had his "sexual pick" of some women who offered to host him and let him do "cocklodger lite" when posted in our city, and wanted to do all the mental load for him.

So if that dynamic is on the apps, then no wonder guys get so lazy!

Dee03 · 04/08/2021 21:17

@wontsomebodythinkofthechildren
He's now msgd saying he's upset we didn't get to go out, can we rearrange for Monday (he knows this is my night off) and he's not mucking me about Shock

So I either bin him off now or agree to Monday and see what happens!

Onesmallstep67 · 04/08/2021 21:21

@Dee03, I think you should judge him on his next move. No one can possibly know if what he’s telling you is the truth but if he has had an ongoing issue with his mom today then that would naturally take priority. He should have said earlier in the day though that it would probably be for the best to reschedule.

Onesmallstep67 · 04/08/2021 21:23

X post- I think see how much he stays in touch and decide about the next date based on that. I’m glad he’s been in touch.

Dee03 · 04/08/2021 21:29

@Onesmallstep67
I'm just such a people pleaser that I let people walk all over me but I'm trying to change that so now I just think Is he playing me.....this happened with another guy a month or so ago....so if he is playing me id rather cut him off but then again it could be genuine.....
Gah it's all so rubbish...think I'll just go with the flow, agree to Monday's date but one hint of the date not happening and I'm done

Misty9 · 04/08/2021 21:29

@Dee03 I'd give him the benefit of the doubt and judge based on his comms from now on.

So Mr Blue Eyes just left. Essentially he wants me but doesn't want to give what a relationship needs. To anyone. I said if someone wants something enough then they make it work. So that's done. I feel a bit bruised and weary of the process, so won't be back on the apps anytime soon. I'm just tired of it all.

BelladiMamma · 04/08/2021 21:30

[quote SpringlikeBunk]@BelladiMamma

At a temp workplace a few years ago, a consultant from outside came in (late 40's, tall, nice face, into sports, never been married or kids, financially successful)

He actually was interested in me (cradle snatcher) and I thought he was masculine and attractive, but I was coming out of an abusive relationship and my MH was very poor so not dating.

What really struck me, was how he was seen as "social hot property" by a lot of the women there?

How much "social work" they were doing for him? Can't imagine the same thing happening for a successful woman his age.

It just showed up societal sexism - I'd have loved to have made some platonic friends but I found women there who were "just too busy" for a coffee with me or other women, were chasing him round with offers of city tours and drinks and all sorts?

He had his "sexual pick" of some women who offered to host him and let him do "cocklodger lite" when posted in our city, and wanted to do all the mental load for him.

So if that dynamic is on the apps, then no wonder guys get so lazy![/quote]
This is so interesting. My ex used to work away a lot and very occasionally I'd get invited to events at the places he'd been working. It was quite clear that he had an entourage of women who were enabling and supporting him to have the cushy lifestyle he had at home, whenever he worked away.
There'd usually be one or two women who'd become quite proprietorial over him and would be very frosty or avoid me. Or a very welcoming person, often a woman, who'd be very nice to me but at pains to tell me how hard he'd been working and how much they'd been helping him.
I think it had a lot to do with the fact he was generally there to hire and fire, invest money etc. People would fall over themselves for them.
I realise it's quite possible that he was having affairs with those women who were frosty / wierd with me.
But in any case, men seem to have a ridiculous amount of social currency and power. I've seen female ceos and investors command it, also Hollywood actresses. But I know they've had a lot of crap along the way too.

BelladiMamma · 04/08/2021 21:31

[quote Misty9]@Dee03 I'd give him the benefit of the doubt and judge based on his comms from now on.

So Mr Blue Eyes just left. Essentially he wants me but doesn't want to give what a relationship needs. To anyone. I said if someone wants something enough then they make it work. So that's done. I feel a bit bruised and weary of the process, so won't be back on the apps anytime soon. I'm just tired of it all.[/quote]
Bless you. Hope you're ok and it's provided some closure Thanks

Dee03 · 04/08/2021 21:33

@Misty9
Yeah I think that's what I'll do. It's just all my friends are telling me to bin him off now.....so good to get a different perspective from people who are also dating using the apps, which none of my friends are!

Sorry to hear about Mr Blue Eyes....I know how much these things hurt

BelladiMamma · 04/08/2021 21:41

[quote Dee03]**@Misty9
Yeah I think that's what I'll do. It's just all my friends are telling me to bin him off now.....so good to get a different perspective from people who are also dating using the apps, which none of my friends are!

Sorry to hear about Mr Blue Eyes....I know how much these things hurt [/quote]
I agree with @Misty9
Without meeting him you'll never know

OnwardsEverStridingOnwards · 04/08/2021 21:41

@Misty9 I'm so sorry Thanks at least you've got closure. You deserve someone who can give you the attention and love you deserve ❤️

Shuffleuplove · 04/08/2021 21:43

@Misty9 it’s his lossFlowers

OnwardsEverStridingOnwards · 04/08/2021 21:45

Everything's okay with me.I'm still having a bad week with my CP, but I'm going to focus my energy on my studies. I've got some coursework that I deferred on that I need to finish before I start my CIPD associate diploma in September.

Things are a bit better with Mr. Driver. We talked about books for a while this morning. I think he's just not a big fan of messaging, I'm going to see how it goes ❤️

OnwardsEverStridingOnwards · 04/08/2021 21:48

I know I'll find the right person. It just might take me a bit longer. I'm just more chilled about it now. I still think about my ex sometimes, I think I always will think about him, but it's getting less and less now ❤️

Misty9 · 04/08/2021 21:50

[quote Shuffleuplove]@Misty9 it’s his lossFlowers[/quote]
Indeed it is!

I'm okay. Sad but okay. I feel a bit inured to it all tbh. I don't want to be alone for the rest of my life (I'm 40) but I also don't relish the thought of going through this process many more times Confused