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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

Is he a douchebag or I screwed up??

106 replies

AstroGirl5 · 29/12/2021 20:31

I need your help please. I think I may have just lost a great guy, and it might be too late. I met this guy online a month and a half ago. We are both in our early 40s, both divorced, both have two kids. His son lives with him. He just finished his divorce, which started a year ago, and is just finishing with property split. We slept together on something like date 7 - so not too early, that was important to me. And he invited me on a romantic trip to Paris for 3 days - where I am now, and he left.

We were talking about this trip for a long time, planning the logistics, he booked a very romantic hotel, we planned where to go together, made a playlist and so on. Before we went on the trip, I told him I had a slight complication - I would have to pick up my son from his father in Germany on the way back. My son was spending Xmas with his dad, but New Years with me, and that was the only way to make it work. So I asked my new guy whether that would be ok with him - he said of course - and then I said that I then needed to introduce my son to him beforehand so that he is not totally surprised when we pick him up together. He said of course, and suggested he comes to my house - where he ended up meeting both my kids, but I introduced him as a friend - and then we went sledging together.

It seemed rushed though and I told him I normally would not have introduced my kids so early on as it's best to get to know each other first, but that was the situation.

Anyway, then when we met in Paris, two days ago, I asked him if he had told anyone he was going here with me. He said he didn't as the whole trip away was a way to see if we work together as a couple. That was upsetting for me to hear, as I did tell my close friends I was going to Paris and that I met a great guy. By this time, we had been dating for a month and a bit. Then in Paris, we actually had an amazing time, laughing, going to a spa, museums, shopping etc. Earlier, he also had invited me to spend New Year's Eve with him, his friends and his brother upon our return. And so today, I asked him about that, who else would be there and just to know what to expect.

He then said he'd introduce me as a friend. I was surprised - and he then asked what I thought about people being friends if a relationship didn't work out. I suddenly sensed something was really off and asked him what he meant - was he talking about us? A serious conversation started - completely out of the blue, we had been laughing and kissing a minute before and spent an amazing half of the day exploring Montmartre. But suddenly, he said that with his divorce just being finalised, with his kids he needs to take care of, and so on he just can't see a relationship. That Paris is nice but we can't just do Paris - we live in Zurich and we both work and have difficult logistical situations. I said that I agreed but that we could try to make it work, without expectations. But he didn't say that he wanted to even try. He asked several times why we were suddenly having this serious conversation and how we got there so early in dating. That made me wonder - yes, it was still early but we had been dating for a month and a half, in contact every single day, and now on a romantic trip where he invited me. I kind of think that it warranted me wondering at least where this was going.

So I don't know if I again did something wrong. I would love to take it slow, without discussing future trips, and just go with the flow. No introductions to kids or even friends for now, just getting to know each other. At the same time, if somehow on this trip he already felt that something was off - I suppose it's not going to work regardless and he's simply not that into me.

What should I do now? Is there any way to still try and remedy this? Should I wait for him to contact me or should I text him and explain that I don't have any expectations, don't want commitment and don't want a relationship right now either - and then with time we just see how it develops? I worry that I may be too late, again.

OP posts:
RantyAunty · 30/12/2021 12:10

From your other thread, he told you he wasn't interested in a relationship.
That's all you need to know.

Google love bombing and future faking.

You asked what you are doing wrong.
You've instantly made this stranger your entire life. Hours talking and chatting, over eager to accommodate him and threw your boundaries out the window.

You have to set your boundaries and expectations before you meet anyone.

For example you have your own life. A partner is a bonus to your already full life. That means pushing back on a pretty much stranger taking up all your free time.

I hope a little of that made sense.

Eslteacher06 · 30/12/2021 12:29

Blocking him will not help. Infact that shows you still care because you wouldn't need to block him if you were over it. You need to speak to him to get closure. Otherwise you'll be back here in a week asking what went wrong.

You may say you're not anxious, but actions speak louder than words.

AstroGirl5 · 30/12/2021 12:37

@Eslteacher06

Blocking him will not help. Infact that shows you still care because you wouldn't need to block him if you were over it. You need to speak to him to get closure. Otherwise you'll be back here in a week asking what went wrong.

You may say you're not anxious, but actions speak louder than words.

I can speak to him but I know exactly what went wrong… I’ll try to be more careful in the future. And I am over him already - I’m not sad or angry. Disappointed, yes, but I’ll deal with it…
OP posts:
RantyAunty · 30/12/2021 12:42

@Eslteacher06

Blocking him will not help. Infact that shows you still care because you wouldn't need to block him if you were over it. You need to speak to him to get closure. Otherwise you'll be back here in a week asking what went wrong.

You may say you're not anxious, but actions speak louder than words.

That's nonsense.

You block people to keep them from coming back later and because you don't want to talk to them.

The only closure you get is what you give yourself. Some flaky guy isn't going to make her feel any better.

Eslteacher06 · 30/12/2021 12:51

Well, it's not like he's planning to harass her or even contact her after that phone call, according to her, so I think blocking him is excessive and really not necessary.

Especially as she was hoping to start again this morning. But apparently she's over him? Even though she's made about 5 threads about not wanting to mess it up in the last month.

Spidey66 · 30/12/2021 13:00

Blimey you’ve posted a lot about him…..sounds like he’s not worth the hassle tbh

AstroGirl5 · 30/12/2021 13:01

@Eslteacher06

Well, it's not like he's planning to harass her or even contact her after that phone call, according to her, so I think blocking him is excessive and really not necessary.

Especially as she was hoping to start again this morning. But apparently she's over him? Even though she's made about 5 threads about not wanting to mess it up in the last month.

You’re right - I didn’t want to mess it up. I think I probably knew on some subconscious level that this was not going to work out. He’s a really good looking, very successful guy with a very high level job. It’s way too early after his divorce and I always worried this would be a rebound relationship for him. I was myself with him - and I didn’t need to test him the way he was testing me, asking about brick walls or kitchen design or the colour of his next Porsche. Clearly, he’s looking for something/someone different - and as I said, I’m disappointed but I don’t want to hear him tell me one more time why he thinks it won’t work out. That’s why I don’t want to speak to him - there’s just nothing more to speak about. He already said he didn’t want a relationship. That’s plenty of information. So I’ll block him and forget about this time, that’s easier
OP posts:
Ugzbugz · 30/12/2021 13:09

Hes rushed it and now panicked or wants to have fun on the single side.

I would cut your losses, absolute pig for leaving you in Paris but agreed you hadn't planned this for ages as was only together 6 weeks.

dramalessllama · 30/12/2021 13:51

Would it be possible to text him back to say there's nothing more to discuss? That he's made it quite clear he's not looking for anything serious right now/with you.

You can wish him well and THEN block him.

ponkydonkey · 30/12/2021 13:58

Oh dear he sounds just my very old ex who weirdly lived in Paris

He did all of those questionnaire things and it put me right off
When I didn't play his game he did get a bit moody with me! So I asked him out right don't you think it's a bit soon to be talking about schools and buying houses? His future faking was exposed and he left the house for an hour 🤣

Suprima · 30/12/2021 14:06

@AstroGirl5

Indeed. I think after a month and a half, hours on the phone, constant texting and several long dates - and now a trip - there should be at least a conversation about some commitment! But yeah, he either got cold feet or simply decided - in Paris, spending hours and days together - that we will not work.

It’s all been rushed. His invite to Paris and to celebrate NY eve with his brother (ie his family) was also way too soon. Exciting - yes, and made me wonder if magically he was ‘the one’ haha. But rationally speaking, I should’ve said no to Paris. And meeting his family. He rushed - and then himself got cold feet.

Anyway, he just texted, apologising for how the trip ended. I replied - saying that if he wanted to rewind to before Paris and just do dating without expectations and heavy stuff, I’d love to do that.

I wonder if he will reply. But I feel that this particular relationship is now over…

Dating without expectations and ‘heavy stuff’ means he just wants to shag you and call you when he feels like it.

He isn’t the one.

100problems · 30/12/2021 14:08

Christ you are needy.

He's been a tool, but of the two of you I bet he's the one sitting with a beer thinking "fuck me I'm glad that's over".

Arabelladrinkstea · 30/12/2021 14:09

You’ve been too keen and shouldn’t have introduced your children and started asking questions such as who has he told.

That would have me running for a mile. Sorry.

You should of said that you would make your own way back from Paris and you should of headed solo to Germany to collect your son. That’s what a strong independent woman would have done. Instead you’ve dragged him into your day to day life and children waaaaay too soon.

1Ta1T · 30/12/2021 14:26

I don't know you of course but it just seems from what you post that you are over-reacting all the time. I also sometimes over-react when I am excited and I am not suggesting for a second that you start to act less instinctively (instincts are good; too much cold calculation is bad) but maybe you could find a way to take the equivalent of a chill pill. Ultimately, what will be will be. So:

1 Don't block him. Take the call and listen carefully to what he says. And ask questions so that you understand and learn, whatever his overall message.

2 Then apply those lessons, whilst trying to keep it as straight-forward as possible for little ones.

gofigureit · 30/12/2021 14:29

My thought, he's been sweep up in the idea of a brand new relationship to shove in his ex-wife's face and the reality of dating another grown up who actually has her own children to look after too has burst his balloon.

I would guess he just wants a series of light girlfriends after his divorce.

You haven't done anything wrong (I can see why you got all lived up and ended up prematurely introducing your kids) you just want different things. It's hard to learn to be cautious when dating when we would all love it to work out everytime, but unfortunately most 'relationships' end with a few months and then it's on the the next!

mewkins · 30/12/2021 15:18

The main lesson learned I think is don't date someone so fresh out of a divorce. I think he had a sudden realisation that he actually isn't ready to get into a proper relationship yet.

AstroGirl5 · 30/12/2021 15:59

@mewkins

The main lesson learned I think is don't date someone so fresh out of a divorce. I think he had a sudden realisation that he actually isn't ready to get into a proper relationship yet.
Yes, that’s for sure. He keeps texting me though. Just random stuff, like ‘I’m now watching Emily in Paris.’ Really?!
OP posts:
Clymene · 30/12/2021 16:17

Just block him.

Excitedforthefuture · 30/12/2021 16:19

How were you “planning this trip for a long time” when you met him 6 weeks ago?

Excitedforthefuture · 30/12/2021 16:21

You started the thread yesterday
And the following day you are completely “over him”

Confused
Excitedforthefuture · 30/12/2021 16:24

Bloody hell

I have just read your previous threads OP

This chap has had a lucky escape

AstroGirl5 · 30/12/2021 16:37

@Excitedforthefuture

Bloody hell

I have just read your previous threads OP

This chap has had a lucky escape

Really? That’s nice of you to say
OP posts:
Excitedforthefuture · 30/12/2021 17:06

Seriously op
in the space of less than 6 weeks you have started multiple threads about this relationship.

That is a red flag that this is clearly not a relationship that has legs

TooBigForMyBoots · 30/12/2021 17:19

@AstroGirl5 you are not ready to be dating.Xmas Sad This 6 week relationship consumed you. You became obsessed with a man you don't know and introduced your children to him.Xmas Shock That is not healthy.

Please see the red flags in your own behaviour and get help.Flowers

YummyPumpkin · 30/12/2021 17:42

You have no confidence at all in your ability to be in a relationship.

You do a lot of fault finding and you are very inconsistent, ranging from mystical ideas about him being the one, to saying it is doomed for very minor reasons.

You focus on conflict, fear and issues of attachment.

You break common sense rules about healthy relationships.

I think if you've been on your own a while or had bad relationships then you need to actively prepare yourself for a relationship. You need to learn to tolerate uncertainty, communicate better and pace yourself. You need to know where your boundaries are.

Journalling or some guided reflection would be a start.

I don't know if he was an idiot. He sounds like a fairly regular guy but maybe he was.

Please don't tell yourself you're over it yet. It's far too soon. If you listened to your feelings more and tolerated unpleasant ones, you'd make better choices and be happier overall.

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