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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

Dating -want to be ready but I don't know how to get there

2 replies

Greenfieldsandpaddocks · 24/07/2021 13:37

I got out of a rubbish horrid marriage over 5 years ago. But it has taken that long to relocate and move and lots and lots of court.

After a year or so I met a 'nice man' that all my friends encouraged me to date -he had a 'mad' ex wife but everyone loved him -I held my ground and wasn't ready and he essentially groomed me. Friends yeh? and so on. After 18 months of friendship we became a relationship. I had massive online abuse from his ex calling me a whore etc We lasted 4 months -until his ex wife contacted me and gave me proof that he was still trying to get back with her and using me to make her jealous (voice recording so no doubt). I finished it that day. I'm 2 years on. Single for over two years. I have two kids.

I would love a relationship. But my ex married me as no one else was interested in him -and he had never had a relationship until me at aged 40. It was a horrid marriage -he played a part of a loving husband and boyfriend right up to children -and then showed himself and the marriage ended.

I have recently had two men ask me out -one lovely nerd guy never had a second date with anyone age same as me (he wants children -not for me I'm past that age now). It reminds me of the ex except he is witty and kind.

One is ten years younger but likes older women and was a friend but wants to try dating me. I just feel ick -like he wants to date me as I'm older than him (10 years older) he says it's his type and I'm ick about it.

I had abusive parents. I've done a lot of counselling. My self esteem is better. I won't find a boyfriend by refuses dates will I?

Anyone suggests a date to me -I turn them down -as I'm looking for a fault and why it won't work.

I don't want to be alone and yet I'm happy on my own.

Has anyone else been like this and what did you do?

Am I just not ready? I know why I want a relationship and they match my nerd friend -but I'm also thinking -how can you not get a girlfriend? What's wrong with you -before we have even been for coffee.

OP posts:
bathsh3ba · 24/07/2021 17:09

Everyone is different. But it took me about 7 years to be ready and ultimately it was a leap of faith. Dating and love is a risk. My approach was to have certain non-negotiables, take things slowly and basically make a risk assessment. But ultimately the final step is a leap of faith and only you know when you are ready to risk being hurt again.

B1rdflyinghigh · 24/07/2021 20:54

The first man you've found wants children, So he's not right for you.
The second isn't right for you as he's giving you the ick.

Write a list of what YOU want. You're not on this planet to appease everyone else. Do not deviate from this.

You've been hurt before and that's why you struggle to date. I struggle too. I know what I want, but protect my heart. But after online dating, the list of what I dont want has extended.

Watch TED talks about dating on youtube. They're enlightening.

I've come to the conclusion that meeting someone in a face to face situation in a bar, activity etc, would be preferable.

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