Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

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

New dating relationship, don't know how to do this anymore

40 replies

neckdeepinchildrenstoys · 11/11/2022 11:14

I am divorced with DC. Recently met another divorcee also with DC. Started dating, it has been fun and respectful. All in all it has been two months of dating. Went away together two weeks ago. For some reason I have been triggered this week and my head is all over the place. Can you help me figure this out?

Following quite an intense time away together (3 days solid in each others' company) we have returned to normal life, with work and DC demands. The relationship started out as quite lopsided (he actively sought me out and pursued me - I was unsure if I was interested at the beginning, but we have a few connections via work and some overlapping projects so we naturally saw each other quite a bit.)

This week has been the following:

Monday - he asked to meet for lunch. I agreed. We had a fun, enjoyable lunch. He had a commitment for work in the evening.

Tuesday - he had a work commitment in the evening and asked to see me afterwards. I agreed. He said the commitment would be from 7-9pm and we'd have dinner at 9. I put my DC to bed and got a babysitter at 8 and sat and waited for him to contact me telling me where to meet him for dinner. It got to 9.30 and I felt like an idiot: the babysitter was wondering why I wasn't going out, it seemed to be getting late for dinner, I had sat around the whole evening, so I messaged him and said, "look it's getting a bit late, you said the meeting was until 9, I need to send my Nanny home. Let;s meet another time." I sent my Nanny home. At 9.45 he called me saying where are you, I'm ready, let's go! I said "I sent my Nanny home, you said your dinner would finish at 9." He was a bit drunk and came and stood outside of my flat and spoke to me from the window (I am two floors up in central London.) Then he went home. We agreed on the phone that we would have dinner together on Wednesday.

Wednesday - in the morning he texts me to tell me that his daughter has had an emergency and he needs to be with her tonight. He has told me before that she has an eating disorder, so I completely understand. I say of course that's fine. We chat as usual for an hour or so and agree that I will go with him to his work dinner (10 people) on Thursday (last night) because there is some crossover with my work too.

Thursday - I get a bit nervous as I do not know anyone at the evening dinner. I text him and say I am nervous and worried that people may wonder why I am there. He texts back and says it'll be okay, you'll have a good seat, you can sit next to me and it will be relevant to your line of work. I get to the dinner and he is quite formal and polite. I presume it's because it's because of his work colleagues. I speak to everyone, and have some good conversations. When it comes to sit down there is fixed seating (name cards) and I am not next to him but next to two people I do not know. Instead he is next to a different woman. We do not speak all night, but I make conversation with the people next to me. After the dinner he grabs me and says he has to stay for a drink with this other woman who is a client, and can I join them. I sit through another hour of them talking and laughing about in jokes. She finally leaves, it's 11pm. He turns to me and says let's get another drink. At this point I feel really frustrated and uncertain and I say that I am not happy. He says he doesn't understand, why would I not be happy?. I say that I am going to go home. I book a taxi and I leave. He sends me a text saying that he doesn't understand what's going on. I don't reply.

We have texted a bit this morning and agreed to meet today to talk about it. I cannot think clearly at all. I don't know if IABU or he is BU. I don't know if he's not in to me. What do you think? What would you do or say to him?

OP posts:
OldFan · 11/11/2022 11:21

I wonder how much alcohol is playing a role in how he's acting?

itsnotdeep · 11/11/2022 11:25

I think there are 2 things happening - firstly you are seeing him too often and it's just overwhelming you a little bit. You can dial it down a bit!

Secondly he seems to be making all the decisions about where/when you meet and you just go along with it. Can you not choose when and where the next date is? What would you like to do? You're making it too easy for him - why would you go to HIS work dinner when you're only 2 months in, particularly as he didn't give you the attention you deserve. I think you need to be a little bit more assertive so he realises that he needs to think about your needs a bit more.

itsnotdeep · 11/11/2022 11:26

oh and I wouldn't meet him today. I'd have a few days off and just have a nice date next week.

Gloriosity · 11/11/2022 11:30

Annoying that he said 9 and didn’t show till 9:45, yes. Otherwise I’m not sure what he’s done wrong, and I have no idea why you were upset last night, were you jealous of him laughing with the client? He certainly seems into you?

WednesdaysChild11 · 11/11/2022 11:33

I don't see a problem with anything you've said really. The babysitter thing is slightly annoying but that's it. You sound a bit childish (sorry being cruel to be kind here). There's no issue.

OrlandointheWilderness · 11/11/2022 11:41

I don't see the issue. Arranging dinners after a work thing is never a particularly good idea as no one can really predict how long things actually take! The seating at the dinner may have been something he just didn't realise about. I'm not getting it tbh, I don't think he's done anything wrong!

neckdeepinchildrenstoys · 11/11/2022 11:48

Thank you for these replies. I feel embarrassed that I walked out.
If I don't see him later I may be perceived as playing more games.
I am a very "all or nothing" person. He put in a huge effort to get me to the table, so now I am here, I expect it to be a thing.
I have been hurt in the past, I don't have much faith in relationships. I feel like just going back to how I was before (head down, getting on with my job.)

I don't know whether to tell him this as I don't want to be this vulnerable if he really is playing me.

Do I sound paranoid?

What should I ask him later? What should I clarify? Will it be heavy to go through the days of the week and what happened, as I have put here?

OP posts:
oobeedoobee · 11/11/2022 11:51

At only 2 months in, it's a bit intense isn't it ?

Going on a 3 day mini-break trip or to his works night out are things not usually done until you've been together for many months i.e an established 'relationship.

It all seems to be running far too quickly, and under his sole 'control ?

Seems very 'love bombing' to be honest.

You said that initially you weren't 'sure' whether you really 'liked' him or not ? And it seems like you've actually just been 'caught up' in his big, sweeping, all consuming kind of 'romance' ?

I'd be dialling it right back to basics, because you are actually still at the stage of finding out who he is etc ! It's way too soon to be so enmeshed so much in each others lives ! Especially when you've got kids to consider.

Dating is a gradual progression in finding out about someone, their ideals, morals, goals, preferences, personality etc. It's not a race !

Buteverythingsfine · 11/11/2022 11:54

I think he's trying to integrate you into his life and work and it's too much, too soon. It's then leading to unsatisfactory interactions where you are not the main focus and this is upsetting you, whereas really taking a back seat and supporting your partner at work is what you do when more firmly established. I would dial it all back. Twice weekly dates would be much better than this mishmash.

neckdeepinchildrenstoys · 11/11/2022 11:54

We had a text conversation this morning. This is what was said:

Me: I am so sorry I was not able to communicate properly yesterday and that I walked out. I must have some emotional baggage from my marriage to have reacted like that. I want so much for this to be different.

Him: I was at a loss, but figured it might have been to do with that. I'm sorry it will be difficult at times, but I'd rather see you than not, even in tricky circumstances with other people around. If you think that's not going to be enough for you, then let me know. I'll understand.

Me: I want to be close but I don't know how to make that happen. The tricky circumstances are in your control too. It's hard to meet late/get a babysitter etc.

Him: Yes it's tricky, and my work is crazy. It will change next year and I will have more flexibility. I am sorry it is not easy.

OP posts:
Buteverythingsfine · 11/11/2022 11:56

Also if you have kids, the juggling will be far too much in the week..I would have one date clear a week day when kids are elsewhere or childcare is available and if you can fit in another midweek fab, if not wait. Daily meeting up when you have kids is chaos two months in.

Buteverythingsfine · 11/11/2022 11:57

Sounds fine to me, just have fewer, better planned dates!

WednesdaysChild11 · 11/11/2022 12:09

Awwww. He seems to like you. Please CHILL or you're going to ruin it.

Hollyhocksarenotmessy · 11/11/2022 12:09

I'm too old to want a drunk calling up at my window, for a start.

He sounds both too full-on and a bit flakey.

garden12 · 11/11/2022 12:17

I read through what has happened each day and I'm confused what it is he has supposedly done.

Surely if he had a work thing finishing at 9, he would need travel time to get to yours?

So the main issue he didn't sit next to you at a works dinner? Or that he had a drink with you and another female after dinner? Not like he ignored you to go for a drink with her, plus it was work related

honestlove · 11/11/2022 12:21

He just seems to want to have you around and he is trying to fit you in wherever he can to be near you.

I just didn't realise what I typed till I typed it haha. Looks like he is into you but not really understanding your point of view Smile

Oopsiedaisyy · 11/11/2022 12:21

Both me and my DP have children, i have mine half the week but always two nights free and every second weekend - so that's when we see each other. Some couples only see each other once a week. I'd slow, down, go for quality and not quantity at this stage.

neckdeepinchildrenstoys · 11/11/2022 12:22

garden12 · 11/11/2022 12:17

I read through what has happened each day and I'm confused what it is he has supposedly done.

Surely if he had a work thing finishing at 9, he would need travel time to get to yours?

So the main issue he didn't sit next to you at a works dinner? Or that he had a drink with you and another female after dinner? Not like he ignored you to go for a drink with her, plus it was work related

I think the issue is that things are set up to snatch time on his terms, and I read into that like he doesn't care enough or he's not into me. Also I am doing a lot of running around and arranging (babysitter, his work stuff, he asks me for lunch and I jump.)

OP posts:
honestlove · 11/11/2022 12:23

I just read the text messages. I was right! He really does seem to have you around him as much as he can even if around other people
Awwww
Don't ruin it dear, just explain him exactly what you told us. He seems to want to understand. 😃

Buteverythingsfine · 11/11/2022 12:24

Your interpretation is wrong, he's trying to fit you in too much!

honestlove · 11/11/2022 12:25

...Seem to want to have you around him... typo

honestlove · 11/11/2022 12:25

Buteverythingsfine · 11/11/2022 12:24

Your interpretation is wrong, he's trying to fit you in too much!

Agree!!

OldFan · 11/11/2022 12:27

Yes, as I understand it what the problem is @neckdeepinchildrenstoys is he is not giving you time of sufficient quality (which at this stage would need some one-on-one time.)

I would carry on but if things are the same in a couple of weeks, bin him.

As to his work, (and his blaming his actions on it) I wouldn't hold out hope for that to change in the new year.

Honeyroar · 11/11/2022 12:34

I think he sounds like he really likes you and is trying to fit you in as much as possible, despite having loads going on at work. Your reactions, while I can see what you’re thinking, are pretty over the top. If you want his undivided attention then perhaps scale it back to one night a week when you can properly focus on each other and weekends? A night booked in advance when he isn’t working. If that’s not enough then perhaps he’s not the one for you? If he can’t schedule that for you he’s too busy for a relationship unless it’s someone who can do late night drinks etc, but your life doesn’t really work for that. You have children to work around.

garden12 · 11/11/2022 12:43

* I* think the issue is that things are set up to snatch time on his terms, and I read into that like he doesn't care enough or he's not into me. Also I am doing a lot of running around and arranging (babysitter, his work stuff, he asks me for lunch and I jump.)

From reading this thread I can see how you feel like that.

However, I'm in a similar position to you in terms of divorced with dc, working full time etc and I think in the early days when you have children there are 2 options:

  1. see each other occasionally when your schedule allows. Fewer but good quality dates. Takes longer to get to know each other and less likely to get that "all in" feeling you are looking for as it will feel much more like dating than a full blown relationship Or
  2. you want to see each other as much as possible you just need to grab time whenever you can. Advantage is a lot of time together and more of a relationship feeling but downside is that it's not quality time and less likely to be loved up dates etc

He seems to keen to go for 2) but if you'd prefer 1) then it's worth a chat. I think it's unfair to say he's not making an effort though, he seems really keen and making. A lot of effort but maybe just not in the way the you'd like. He sounds open to communication to resolve it and I bet he'd re-focus is effort in whatever way would suit you.

I think the issue of dating with dc and work commitments is that we often compare it to how we felt when dating preDC. I'm not criticising, I'm as guilty of this as anyone

Right now I have an amazing dp without dc and he's the one bending over backwards and running around to fit in with my schedule, and I'm going out my way to find ways for us to "steal" some more time together. He could see it as him being expected to jump when I'm free, but equally, I'm making the effort to find time where I'm actually free to meet him (babysitters etc)

It's hard dating post-divorce with dc but it sounds like this could be worth the effort. I know there are differing opinions but to me it sounds like he is making lots of effort (in his way).
Plus your situation is harder in some ways as you both have dc, his with some comped issues.

Hope the chat goes well

Swipe left for the next trending thread