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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 Thread 218: The one where we're respectfully selfish

983 replies

WeWantTheFinestWines · 18/11/2021 23:09

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:
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20
JustThisLastLittleBit · 25/11/2021 17:05

@VanGoghsDog well it sounds to me like you need to cut him loose as you have feels which aren’t reciprocated and as a FB he is not fulfilling a meaningful function. No need for unpleasantness, just a respectful and clear communication from you? You have very happy, untarnished memories of your time together, best to keep them that way.

That’s what I’d do in your situation I think, but these days selfish is my middle name!

Heartbeats0708 · 25/11/2021 18:26

No need to apologise at all @InABetterPlaceNow it was an interesting reflective moment for me! I too find people fascinating, most people have a story to tell and different views of the world. I think this is why I haven't been too jaded by OLD; I genuinely like just finding out about people (and haven't met/come across too many dickheads).
@StartingAgain6369 I didn't realise that I kept my cards close to my chest until it was highlighted. It's not even a case of deliberately not giving anything away, I think it's more that it takes the right sort of question/ing for me to expand on things. A few people I've chatted to have t wanted to know anything about my history which is fine (don't want to seem 'vulnerable' anyway) but it holds me back on asking about them and theirs.

@VanGoghsDog thanks for the wtf notebooks pointer, that's my Xmas shopping started 😂
Need to catch up, hope you're feeling okay @BelladiMamma my LFT was positive but PCR negative?!

Onesmallstep67 · 25/11/2021 19:03

@VanGoghsDog, hopefully not adding to the’ what are you going to do? ‘ chat too much but maybe think of an incremental increase? So how much more would be enough to satisfy your needs? I know his schedule is very hectic and somewhat unpredictable but I’m not sure this limbo is good for you. I have almost been where you are with Mr Cocky ( who got a bad press on here but did actually enrich my life greatly in many ways for a very long time) the situation that you are in could go on like it is indefinitely. You’ve developed feelings for a man who is more or less telling you not to. It may be a tough conversation but I think it’s probably got to be had. Because presently your heart probably isn’t in really looking for anyone else. Mr WG is giving you enough in the respect that you have someone to focus on but not enough to satisfy your needs.

BelladiMamma · 25/11/2021 19:18

@Heartbeats0708

No need to apologise at all *@InABetterPlaceNow it was an interesting reflective moment for me! I too find people fascinating, most people have a story to tell and different views of the world. I think this is why I haven't been too jaded by OLD; I genuinely like just finding out about people (and haven't met/come across too* many dickheads). *@StartingAgain6369* I didn't realise that I kept my cards close to my chest until it was highlighted. It's not even a case of deliberately not giving anything away, I think it's more that it takes the right sort of question/ing for me to expand on things. A few people I've chatted to have t wanted to know anything about my history which is fine (don't want to seem 'vulnerable' anyway) but it holds me back on asking about them and theirs. *@VanGoghsDog* thanks for the wtf notebooks pointer, that's my Xmas shopping started 😂 Need to catch up, hope you're feeling okay *@BelladiMamma* my LFT was positive but PCR negative?!
Hang in did you get LFT positive and PCR negative as well?!! Too weird. Maybe it's a new variant 🤷🏻‍♀️
InABetterPlaceNow · 25/11/2021 20:13

[quote Eesha]@InABetterPlaceNow video calls are always a good thing I feel now. Were you chatting that late though? I'd have been looking like Droopy Dog at that point. Childcare is a toughie but most are in the same boat I feel so any decent bloke will just make a call on whether that works or not. Child free people are busy too don't forget.

@Shayelle2009 hey, how are you? Yes, I'll be posting here if its a terrible disaster (or not). I am finding myself looking for red flags (like scary ones) but I keep reminding myself that we aren't getting married, just having a first date to suss out whether we even like each other. He seems to be very respectful so far though and puts my mind at ease with regular communication which is what I wanted.[/quote]
Haha yup! Totally out of the ordinary for me, I’m usually in bed by 10:30! But today was my non working day, and I’d happened to be on a few video / voice calls with old friends (which again I usually shy away from) so was feeling unusually confident. He was doing one of his online hobbies so asked me to wait till after then time just flew by!

I’m so, so glad I did. I think whole disclosure thing got to me so much as it was over text, with someone I haven’t met F2F enough to know “how” he was saying it. So I was automatically filling in the gaps with my exes voice in parts.

I apologised for the “jealous” comment and that he was free to keep seeing others. He said the comment was quite endearing and also comforting as it indicated I was as keen as he is. And that the him saying “no” to the other interested party was not meant to be to put any pressure on, just that he’s the same as me in that he’d rather focus on one person at a time, then reassess if it doesn’t work out.

Honestly, he seems like a proper grown up. We laughed and teased over the more difficult questions and most importantly he listened to my concerns and appreciated my perspective. He said it would take a while for me to feel like I could trust him but he’s happy to prove to me I can.

I’m so used to love bombing / being told “what I want to hear” and ignoring whopping red flags that this all feels like a refreshing change. Honestly it’s restoring my faith a bit that there really are adult men out there.

Main takeaway for me is to not cover anything “heavy” over text at this stage. It made SUCH a difference to see his face (partly because I like it so much!) and his tone which is really soothing and reassuring. Plus to feel confident that I can challenge him - and be listened to!!

Might not last but right now, bring on Saturday and next meet!!!

Heartbeats0708 · 25/11/2021 21:00

@BelladiMamma yep exactly that. And now I'm a bit like "so am I isolating or what?!"
@InABetterPlaceNow sounds like a perfect, grown up conversation with lots of lovely bits in there too. It is so hard to have those kinds of conversations via text and it's something me and Mr D have agreed not to do again as it caused more problems than anything else. We're coming up to 6 months now and it's still sometimes impossible to work out tone!

Eesha · 25/11/2021 21:00

"I’m so used to love bombing / being told “what I want to hear” and ignoring whopping red flags"

@InABetterPlaceNow this line really resonated with me as I wonder how many men do this, and I'm paranoid someone just says stuff to get their leg over! How do you see through this? My date says he hasn't dated for 7 years but how do I know that's not just a line.

Date all set for tomorrow so hoping it goes smoothly. Nails done....

InABetterPlaceNow · 25/11/2021 21:22

[quote Heartbeats0708]@BelladiMamma yep exactly that. And now I'm a bit like "so am I isolating or what?!"
@InABetterPlaceNow sounds like a perfect, grown up conversation with lots of lovely bits in there too. It is so hard to have those kinds of conversations via text and it's something me and Mr D have agreed not to do again as it caused more problems than anything else. We're coming up to 6 months now and it's still sometimes impossible to work out tone![/quote]
On the isolating thing, I think the official line is that the PCR is king. So if that’s negative, you don’t legally have to isolate. However I’d be pragmatic about it - minimise contacts where you can, don’t see anyone vulnerable etc for 10 days just in case!

Yup I think we will have the same rule! Text is so, so easy to misread. We both said a few times even on the video call, “can you clarify that?” after an initial statement.

InABetterPlaceNow · 25/11/2021 21:33

@Eesha

"I’m so used to love bombing / being told “what I want to hear” and ignoring whopping red flags"

@InABetterPlaceNow this line really resonated with me as I wonder how many men do this, and I'm paranoid someone just says stuff to get their leg over! How do you see through this? My date says he hasn't dated for 7 years but how do I know that's not just a line.

Date all set for tomorrow so hoping it goes smoothly. Nails done....

I think this is the million pound question!! Especially as I think it is a spectrum, my ex was extreme, but even I use subtle manipulation tactics (technically flirting is exactly this as you’re naturally trying to get someone to like you!!) without meaning to.

My thoughts are to note anything that could be “just a line” / “red flag” in a mental notebook. Over time I think these will either naturally fall away as you build trust with people or you’ll get some glaring ones and need faith in yourself you will walk.

I actually let my “mental notebook” slip on the call last night. He said no pressure, but if I felt like telling any of them then he’d like to see if he could help with them.

Was a nice conversation starter. I learnt for instance that he doesn’t ask questions as he tends to learn from how the conversation goes. I explained I find it difficult to talk too much about myself without prompts or “permission” so some questions would be helpful. We agreed he’ll ask a few more questions and I’ll talk a bit more about myself unprompted (eep so grown up)!

I’ve kept a few things to myself but generally it’s made me far more comfortable. Which has actually made me less obsessively thinky about things and more able just to enjoy when we connect. For me, the biggest red flag is feeling like I’m on a rollercoaster rather than taking a walk with breathtaking scenes.

StartingAgain6369 · 25/11/2021 22:09

@InABetterPlaceNow

I learnt for instance that he doesn’t ask questions as he tends to learn from how the conversation goes. I explained I find it difficult to talk too much about myself without prompts or “permission” so some questions would be helpful.

He sounds like me, but I'm use to very talkative females in my life. Ms Sunglasses kept saying sorry I'm asking so many questions when we 1st started chatting but I said no worries ask away

BelladiMamma · 25/11/2021 22:19

@Heartbeats0708 as I've come down with a disgusting chest infection I've decided to act 'as if I had Covid' which means isolation til Monday. There's a few appointments I've missed etc but this wasn't a busy week. It's the weekend that I've really had to change things which makes me sad as I was once again due up in London to see friends. One of them is HIV positive so I'd never take a risk with him anyway.

@InABetterPlaceNow your dating style is very grown up! I'm all about the connection at first and then once that's established and I know we have something to build on, that's when I start to go, ok so where is this going? I also find that i suss out what's not right fairly early on and most of my dating experiences have finished only a few weeks in as I know they're not worth more than 'fling' status. I understand that attitude doesn't work for everyone and it doesn't stop me from being hurt!

@Eesha oooh nails. What did you go for? MrBeau and I have been discussing nails. I'm slightly addicted to getting them done 🤣

VanGoghsDog · 25/11/2021 23:01

[quote JustThisLastLittleBit]@VanGoghsDog well it sounds to me like you need to cut him loose as you have feels which aren’t reciprocated and as a FB he is not fulfilling a meaningful function. No need for unpleasantness, just a respectful and clear communication from you? You have very happy, untarnished memories of your time together, best to keep them that way.

That’s what I’d do in your situation I think, but these days selfish is my middle name![/quote]
Why cut him loose though?

I like seeing him. I've not said anywhere that I don't like it.

Also, if I plucked up the courage to speak to him, maybe he does have feelings, we don't know that. The conversation was a) by text and b) back in July.

Eesha · 25/11/2021 23:11

@BelladiMamma brighter red in the end, which suits my skin. I agree, great nails can look brilliant and finish things off.

InABetterPlaceNow · 25/11/2021 23:13

[quote BelladiMamma]@Heartbeats0708 as I've come down with a disgusting chest infection I've decided to act 'as if I had Covid' which means isolation til Monday. There's a few appointments I've missed etc but this wasn't a busy week. It's the weekend that I've really had to change things which makes me sad as I was once again due up in London to see friends. One of them is HIV positive so I'd never take a risk with him anyway.

@InABetterPlaceNow your dating style is very grown up! I'm all about the connection at first and then once that's established and I know we have something to build on, that's when I start to go, ok so where is this going? I also find that i suss out what's not right fairly early on and most of my dating experiences have finished only a few weeks in as I know they're not worth more than 'fling' status. I understand that attitude doesn't work for everyone and it doesn't stop me from being hurt!

@Eesha oooh nails. What did you go for? MrBeau and I have been discussing nails. I'm slightly addicted to getting them done 🤣[/quote]
Aww thank you! It’s nice to think I have a dating style as it’s all so new to me!

Ultimately, I know I’m only sexually attracted to someone who I have an intellectual relationship with along with feeling secure. Which is a pain in the bum usually as it’s totally incompatible with OLD. Mr Tux got a chance to build this when our first meet was back in July then all hell broke lose for me and he, in a no pressure way, stayed in touch.

I think I’ll be really sad if this fizzles out anytime soon. On the other hand I have a good feeling that even if it doesn’t work, it will be more of a parting of ways than either person being a dick. Let’s see what I think about that in 6 months time!! Grin

Dancerinthemoonlight · 25/11/2021 23:59

A very sad update from me. My dog went over the rainbow bridge this afternoon. I was with her at the vets when it happened and they made it as good as it could have been by giving her a blanket to lay on and being incredibly kind and compassionate. Although I have been expecting it and I knew the end was near it's still been an incredibly difficult day with lots of tears shed tonight.

InABetterPlaceNow · 26/11/2021 00:04

@Dancerinthemoonlight

A very sad update from me. My dog went over the rainbow bridge this afternoon. I was with her at the vets when it happened and they made it as good as it could have been by giving her a blanket to lay on and being incredibly kind and compassionate. Although I have been expecting it and I knew the end was near it's still been an incredibly difficult day with lots of tears shed tonight.
I'm so sorry. It being expected makes it no more easy. Take gentle care of yourself ❤️
VanGoghsDog · 26/11/2021 00:19

@Dancerinthemoonlight

Flowers
StartingAgain6369 · 26/11/2021 05:54

@Dancerinthemoonlight
So sorry to hear your news, sending hugs 💐

Eesha · 26/11/2021 05:59

Sorry to hear your sad news @Dancerinthemoonlight

MizK · 26/11/2021 06:38

@Dancerinthemoonlight oh I'm so sorry to hear that. Such a sad day for you and hope you are OK.

BelladiMamma · 26/11/2021 07:00

@Dancerinthemoonlight oh no, so sorry to hear this. They steal a little but of our hearts ♥️ Thanks

SortingItOut · 26/11/2021 07:04

@Dancerinthemoonlight Your dog had the best life with you and you have always done everything in her best interest.
Sending love and hugs💕💕

ibelieveinmirrorballs · 26/11/2021 07:15

What a sad day @Dancerinthemoonlight, sorry to read your news 💐

JustThisLastLittleBit · 26/11/2021 07:38

So sorry to hear your sad sad news @Dancerinthemoonlight 💕💐🐾

ibelieveinmirrorballs · 26/11/2021 07:55

@InABetterPlaceNow “I think I’ll be really sad if this fizzles out anytime soon. On the other hand I have a good feeling that even if it doesn’t work, it will be more of a parting of ways than either person being a dick. Let’s see what I think about that in 6 months time!!”

I feel like this too. The strange thing for me, navigating dating post my v difficult marriage and divorce, is that when I do encounter a boundaried, decent seeming guy, it amplifies my sense that I’m not like that and makes me feel quite different to him. At this early stage I’m trying not to go to my iron for validation or when I feel like my anxiety needs soothing and as a result I’m sure he thinks I’m way more normal than I actually am 🤪