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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 235... Gird those loins for November

1000 replies

OnceRuralNowUrbanbliss · 01/11/2022 22:05

The Rules:

1.The first rule about the dating thread is don't talk about it with people you're dating.

  1. Develop a thick skin.
  2. Do not invest emotionally too soon.
  3. It's all BS until it actually happens.
  4. Trust your gut instinct.
  5. People vanishing, lying & being generally weird is not your fault.
  6. Know your worth.
  7. If it's not fun, stop.
  8. 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:
Definitelycross · 27/11/2022 19:56

How do you unmatch on Match?

The usual absolute dire offerings on Bumble. None of them are even local to me.

dizzygirl1 · 27/11/2022 20:17

Mila14 · 27/11/2022 16:33

@dizzygirl1 …I think if there’s no spark and I don’t feel attracted physically…it is a no for me…I’m no longer OLD but that was my rule when I was ( and of course being compatible socio/economic/culturally)

That's it, I was thinking no as no real spark might do a 3rd date and see whether there is anything.

Mila14 · 27/11/2022 20:44

Deffy…don’t you have lots of irons? I lost count!

Definitelycross · 27/11/2022 22:03

Mila14 · 27/11/2022 20:44

Deffy…don’t you have lots of irons? I lost count!

Yep 😳

Just the stupid one last night messed my brain up a bit.

I'm meeting MrG for coffee on Tuesday. He's very witty and down to earth. But a younger man 😳

Am waiting to sort the others out 😂😂

Mollymolloy · 27/11/2022 23:01

Which site are you on @Definitelycross? You are doing way better than me! I am on eHarmony..

Mollymolloy · 27/11/2022 23:10

I am going out on a 2nd date. I have spoken to the guy loads of times on the phone. He has started asking about my relationship with my Ex, which is fair enough, and I have been very vague.

I divorced my ExH 7 years ago on the grounds of domestic abuse. It was horrific and lasted 10 years. I never really think about that time as it was a lifetime ago and I am living my best life now! I hate having to ‘revisit’ it now but, feel that I need to explain.

We are going out for dinner on Weds. As we speak every night, I was going to explain over the phone. That way, if he doesn’t want to continue, that’s fine. If I explained in person, it might be awkward and a shock. I am really proud of how much my DDs and I have overcome to be the people we are. But, I am sure that not everyone will get it..

5thWisdom · 27/11/2022 23:39

Mollymolloy · 27/11/2022 23:10

I am going out on a 2nd date. I have spoken to the guy loads of times on the phone. He has started asking about my relationship with my Ex, which is fair enough, and I have been very vague.

I divorced my ExH 7 years ago on the grounds of domestic abuse. It was horrific and lasted 10 years. I never really think about that time as it was a lifetime ago and I am living my best life now! I hate having to ‘revisit’ it now but, feel that I need to explain.

We are going out for dinner on Weds. As we speak every night, I was going to explain over the phone. That way, if he doesn’t want to continue, that’s fine. If I explained in person, it might be awkward and a shock. I am really proud of how much my DDs and I have overcome to be the people we are. But, I am sure that not everyone will get it..

You absolutely owe this new man no explanation whatsoever.

I don't think it's necessary that you have to explain any form of past abuse to a man you've just met. You don't owe him any details.

Get to know and trust him first.

Definitelycross · 27/11/2022 23:44

Mollymolloy · 27/11/2022 23:01

Which site are you on @Definitelycross? You are doing way better than me! I am on eHarmony..

Match and stupid rubbish Bumble

5thWisdom · 27/11/2022 23:47

Boxer boy called this evening, as he suggested.

He's funny. Knows he's good looking but with a tinge of insecurity- or he just wanted me to smooth his ego a bit.

He asked what I wanted. I told him I don't know until I get to know someone properly whether they are what I want or not. It's dependent on the person what sort of interaction I want with them. He agreed!

He seems keen to meet but no details are pinned down yet. I'll leave that to him.

We'll call him Mr Boxer. For now!

Definitelycross · 27/11/2022 23:55

Mollymolloy · 27/11/2022 23:10

I am going out on a 2nd date. I have spoken to the guy loads of times on the phone. He has started asking about my relationship with my Ex, which is fair enough, and I have been very vague.

I divorced my ExH 7 years ago on the grounds of domestic abuse. It was horrific and lasted 10 years. I never really think about that time as it was a lifetime ago and I am living my best life now! I hate having to ‘revisit’ it now but, feel that I need to explain.

We are going out for dinner on Weds. As we speak every night, I was going to explain over the phone. That way, if he doesn’t want to continue, that’s fine. If I explained in person, it might be awkward and a shock. I am really proud of how much my DDs and I have overcome to be the people we are. But, I am sure that not everyone will get it..

I too, unfortunately, have come out of an extremely abusive marriage.

You should be proud of yourself that not only did you get you and your children out of it, but that you've thrived.

I told both dates I've had a little bit about my marriage and I really wish I hadn't. I felt exposed and I also felt like it seemed that I wasn't ready to date yet. It gave off the totally opposite impression of who I am now.

Only you can decide but I'm not telling any new dates anything more than we split, it's complicated, until I know them very well.

I also received a lot of pity from people and I don't want that. Fair enough I had no choice to do the things I did to rebuild our family. But I don't need pity for it.

Another thing I'll say is, the two guys I told about it, well it turns out they had very similar personalities to me husband. When I realised that that's when I changed the people I swipe on. Also if there's one line answers right at the beginning they're gone too.

Our lives aren't some soap opera that people can tune in and out of. We lived them and we had to discover what we really want and like. I'd been with mine for 33 years.

So, if you're not comfortable yet don't tell him.

And I'm sorry if I'm overstepping the mark here, but if you're worried he'd not want you when he does find out that's really not great.

I'm so sorry you went through this too 🤗🤗🤗

Justatoe2 · 28/11/2022 00:41

@Mollymolloy I left a 20 year abusive relationship 9 years ago.
Someone on here (sorry can't remember who) said their ex doesn't deserve space at the table and I follow that now: I offer no explanation as he has no right to be part of a new conversation.

Definitelycross · 28/11/2022 00:42

Justatoe2 · 28/11/2022 00:41

@Mollymolloy I left a 20 year abusive relationship 9 years ago.
Someone on here (sorry can't remember who) said their ex doesn't deserve space at the table and I follow that now: I offer no explanation as he has no right to be part of a new conversation.

I love that.

Thank you I'll remind myself of that all the time

Afreshstar · 28/11/2022 01:38

After 3 years of barely going anywhere due to the pandemic I decided to jump in and sign up to OLD earlier this month. For context, I'm childfree in my 30s and have been single for years.

So it's been interesting! I've had a few men ghost me when I've politely declined to give them my number after literally one message which is amusing - they've shown me who they are early on and I just unmatch and forget.

That said I gave my number out to a few after we chatted for a week or so and developed a rapport.

One of them texted me on Sunday asking what I'm looking for in a life partner/husband. We had a nice conversation and all was promising but it's only now I'm realising he didn't really properly answer the question he asked me, when I asked it back. His reply was he wanted that feeling of first love like he had when he was 16 (he's now 41!) but he didn't list qualities or characteristics as such. He said he wanted to talk on the phone, so I said Wednesday was fine.

On Tuesday texted me saying he just got in and he'd call soon. I was busy so asked if we could stick to Wednesday. He seemed confused and long story short after a few more texts, it turned he thought it was already Wednesday.

It could just be me but I found it a bit weird that he got to the end of the day without knowing which day of the week it is, considering he works mon-fri in an office! And he didn't apologise for the confusion either which grated on me slightly.

Then finally on Wednesday, he texts me to say he 'probably' can't speak that evening due to 'not getting out early from work'. I don't know if he was trying to play a game since he felt foolish about the previous night or the issue is he is just emotionally unavailable but something felt off!

I just didn't reply and also unmatched him. No regrets about that and glad I didn't end up meeting him, but just hoping I won't be OLD for ages because it gets tiring having to weed out these kind of men.

Also met some guys who appear lovely, that I'm hoping to go out with once I get back from holiday. I have been hesitant to meet in person so far but that's my next thing!

Shwingbada · 28/11/2022 05:19

Just caught up with the thread, hope everyone had a good weekend.

I’m two months in to my relationship with Mr K and it had all been going well, albeit rather fast. However, I’m starting to feel rather insecure and worried now that I’m going to ruin things.

For various reasons I have been spending half the week at his house, due to a temporary situation, and that has perhaps accelerated and distorted aspects of it. I’m struggling with the contrast between the intense but very intimate time we have when together and the necessarily more separate and less communicative time when we’re apart. Occasionally he can seem withdrawn or not make eye contact etc when together, but it’s easily resolved through conversation or just time together; the text equivalent is harder to deal with but I am extremely sensitive to it and doubtlessly overthinking. We both have our teenage kids half the week and he is also very busy with a house project at the moment.

Yesterday after a meeting with a friend during which we barely communicated directly with each other, I sent him a message saying he had seemed distant which he didn’t respond to. My insecurities started kicking in when I didn’t get any reassurance and I sent him a long message (copied below) which he also didn’t respond to, although he did message to say goodnight. I realise that I will have come across as needy etc but he has been very emotionally open and I’ve felt completely supported up to now.

My only real concern is that he hasn’t deleted his profile on the apps but he said doesn’t receive messages so I assume he isn’t actively using them. I’m trying to be cool about this as he has not given any reason to doubt his commitment. I’d be grateful for any opinions.

Am I out of order with my message or do you think it’s odd that he hasn’t directly responded? I feel quite hurt that he’s not really concerned to make me feel better but it’s very possible that I have no grounds for anxiety and maybe he’s frustrated by that (last week he told me that he loved me, something that he didn’t do lightly).

My terrible text message here:

“I feel a bit distracted (which admittedly doesn’t take much). You seeming distant makes me feel quite anxious and unsure, which is how I have felt for much of the day. It may be totally needless as I don’t really have much to go on and am doubtlessly over-sensitive. I realise I should probably just compartmentalise and not let it affect me. But as I am like this and as it is easy to address, maybe you could just give me an indication that all is well with you/us? And if there is a problem (whether with me, or something else that is on your mind) then please do communicate, even if not in any detail. Are you feeling preoccupied with your house stuff, or the boys? Or simply busy?
Sorry if this is an annoying disturbance but a minute of your time would help to assuage my anxiety.
I am possibly not my most robust self as weather so dismal and marking so abundant”

He read it but didn’t respond and then replied to my goodnight message about 4 hours later. I tried to call him and he didn’t answer but he is generally a phone on silent type person.

Thanks for your thoughts on this. I am new to OLD and hadn’t expected to get into a relationship so quickly.

Mila14 · 28/11/2022 06:29

Mollymolloy · 27/11/2022 23:10

I am going out on a 2nd date. I have spoken to the guy loads of times on the phone. He has started asking about my relationship with my Ex, which is fair enough, and I have been very vague.

I divorced my ExH 7 years ago on the grounds of domestic abuse. It was horrific and lasted 10 years. I never really think about that time as it was a lifetime ago and I am living my best life now! I hate having to ‘revisit’ it now but, feel that I need to explain.

We are going out for dinner on Weds. As we speak every night, I was going to explain over the phone. That way, if he doesn’t want to continue, that’s fine. If I explained in person, it might be awkward and a shock. I am really proud of how much my DDs and I have overcome to be the people we are. But, I am sure that not everyone will get it..

Molly …so happy for you. Surviving what you have with your DDs is enough to feel on top of the world. You have NOTHING to feel ashamed of. This is a part of your life that is closed and you moved on beautifully. I think it’s important to discuss what happened with your ex when you feel comfortable. I wouldn’t give much personal details until you feel there’s a real connection and you want to keep seeing each other. Best wishes for your next date 😊

Mila14 · 28/11/2022 06:51

@Shwingbada …I think your message is very respectful and not pushy at all. It’s strikes the right note and it’s totally fine.
The one concern I have is that you have been quite close and intimate and half living together at times and you are off apps and he’s still in them.
I think you need a bit of reassurance and he should offer it to you. It can also be he’s quite reserved at times and not that expressive? In any case…I’m like you…if I sense a distance…I have to ask and get re assurance.
It’s probably too early to see anything else but on the whole he seems solid and into this relationship with you.

Shwingbada · 28/11/2022 07:05

@Mila14 thanks very much. I think something is probably up with him but it’s good to hear you understand where I’m coming from and my message wasn’t too annoying!

Your message to @Mollymolloy very wise too.

Hope all is going well with Mr Ex - do you find it easy to stop using the apps? Impressed by your decisiveness!

Thisisworsethananticpated · 28/11/2022 07:12

Mollymolloy

id keep it succinct and swerve
it wasn’t great , it’s over , we Don’t speak anymore

No one needs the Ex files so early in
no one needs to drag up the past

and , men don’t understand abuse in the
same way women so . They should but they don’t

OLDstolemybrain · 28/11/2022 07:20

5thWisdom · 27/11/2022 23:39

You absolutely owe this new man no explanation whatsoever.

I don't think it's necessary that you have to explain any form of past abuse to a man you've just met. You don't owe him any details.

Get to know and trust him first.

This!

my ex came up on my date and I just said that was a conversation for another time. He seemed to get it and we just moved on

don’t feel you have to expose anything which would make you feel uncomfortable

OLDstolemybrain · 28/11/2022 07:22

Meant to add that my ex was abusive too, mainly emotional but also physically at times and I felt that wasn’t appropriate start chatting about 😊

Thisisworsethananticpated · 28/11/2022 07:22

Shwingbada

i don’t think men understand women and vice versa !

our communication styles can be very different
leading to insecurity and confusion all around

the fact he said he loves you speaks volumes , and My main question is if that’s the case - why is he still on the bloody apps ?

is say that’s the issue , so maybe when he goes uncommunicative you assume the worst ?

ibelieveinmirrorballs · 28/11/2022 07:29

@Shwingbada I’m so sorry he didn’t reply to your message. I found it quite emotional to read your text to him as it sounds like the kind of thought process I find myself having.

As an outsider I think it is cruel of him to not reply. You sound anxious and you are simply seeking reassurance. I’m sure he is in many other ways fantastic, which suggests to me that he is uncomfortable with complicated feelings or needs put upon him by a partner. I would be wary of letting this slide because the message it very much is sending is “don’t come to me for reassurance, you will not get it”. I would raise it face to face with him. It sounds like things have moved quickly and I think there can be a cognitive dissonance between the intense together periods and then this distance… it is no wonder you feel perturbed by it.

I have direct comparisons to men in my life - one FWB who also can’t deal with these sorts of displays of emotion/need, and a straightforwardly open MrN who I know if I sent him a message like that would reassure me straightaway. Several months in with the FWB I think I’m going to have to end it because even as a FWB I have feelings and need to express them - in my case he listens and is lovely at the time, but is clearly panicked by them as he always pulls up the emotional drawbridge afterwards and it doesn’t make me feel good.

Thisisworsethananticpated · 28/11/2022 07:33

Definitelycross

it’s uncanny how many similarities that the men I like seem to have

the one now , he doesn’t have the same blistering rage 😡- which is why I like him as he’s much gentler

but without being outing there are some Practical
and Logistical and cultural things

our kids even have similar names albeit in different languages

it freaks me slightly , are we trying to re make the past and make it better ?

And one commonality that’s huge I’ve only learnt 10 months in

Mollymolloy · 28/11/2022 07:42

Thank you so much @Definitelycross. You have perfectly summed up my concerns. I never think about my ExH. I am a completely different person now. I am really proud of how far that we have come.

I have just said that it is complicated. This iron is still on really good terms with his ex’s. He always goes on about how wonderful they are. The fact that I don’t say much that is good about my ExH must seem suspicious and makes me look like a right bitch!

I am not 100% about this bloke so, I will save it for another day.

Mollymolloy · 28/11/2022 07:44

Thanks @5thWisdom …It feels like it has all been dragged up again..

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