Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

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

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

New Man - feel weird and awkward after last night.

557 replies

EasterEggs22 · 09/04/2023 12:52

Morning all. I’ve been following the relationships board for a while now and have seen some great advice given to others, so I’m hoping you can all help me too. Hopefully this makes sense..

I recently started seeing/meeting up with a man that I met off tinder around a month ago. Very early days I know. For context, I’m 26 and he’s 32, no kids and both work full time. We’ve met around 9-10 times at various locations for walks, food and coffee dates (last night was the first time at my house) as we live over an hour away from each other, but both of us drive so it’s not really an issue. We get on very well, have lots in common, he makes me laugh, seems really kind and sweet (last night he turned up with a bunch of flowers and an Easter egg in hand). I do like him and have enjoyed spending time with him over the last few weeks.

Last night didn’t go to plan at all and I’ve woken up this morning feeling really disappointed about it. He was working until 1pm and then decided to go and play golf with a friend for a few hours afterwards. He didn’t actually get to my house until 8pm. I’d gone out to the shops and bought us some bits to have for tea, so I was just waiting around for him. By the time he arrived it was too late to actually do anything other than have food and watch a film. I wrongly presumed that he was staying the night as he didn’t arrive until late, had a long drive back and also brought a bag filled with clothes. We went up to bed around 10 and had sex for the first time. For context, I’m not on any contraceptives at the minute as I’ve been single for 3 years and haven’t had sex in over a year, so I bought some condoms yesterday just in case.

I explained this to him before we started having sex and he put a condom on. We got a bit carried away and (sorry, TMI) he took the condom off in between us having sex so I could give him a blowjob but we stupidly forgot/didn’t put the condom back on to have sex again. He pulled out to ejaculate, but I know that there is pre ejaculation to consider. He was in a panic straight afterwards, saying he was worried I might get pregnant, he’s not ready for kids yet. I told him I would buy the morning after pill (ordered it online in front of him) and said try not to worry. He told me that he’d dated/slept with women in the past who lied and said they were pregnant just to keep the relationship going, so he was worried it might happen again (I won’t lie, this comment pissed me off because it felt like he was accusing me of doing something like that). For context, I don’t want kids yet either. I actually became pregnant when I was 15 with my first boyfriend and suffered a miscarriage at 12 weeks. It changed my life and I’ve always said I don’t want kids until I’ve met the right person/been with them a long time. Even though this is very personal to me and I don’t talk about it very often, if ever, I told him as I thought it might reassure him that I don’t want children yet and that I’m not out to trap him with a baby or whatever he was thinking. This wasn’t good enough though as he just kept going on about it all night, even though I’d done everything I could (ordering the pill) in that moment.

Anyway, the rest of the night was so bloody awkward. We just lay in bed watching tv, barely spoke a word to each other, other than him asking me about when the shop would be open again so I could pick up the pill. He didn’t even touch me/cuddle me after sex, and then announced at 11 that he was going home as he needed to be up early the next morning to visit his cousin. I told him he could stay over and just get up earlier if that was easier but he said he didn’t want to wake me up really early. I think that was an excuse though just so he could get out. I’ve woken up this morning to an email from the doctor at Superdrug authorising the order but it won’t be available until Tuesday to collect. I naively thought it would be ready by tomorrow, and I’m due to go away tomorrow night for work and won’t be back until late Tuesday evening, so I have sent a message to the doctor explaining all of this. The only thing I can do is go in there tomorrow to see if I can speak to someone, and maybe try Boots as well.

I’ve told him all of this, and we have been speaking as normal today but it still feels really awkward. It’s not the way I thought the night would go, especially since it was our first time having sex. But I do understand his worries. I wonder if he feels awkward too. I’m also concerned that every time we’ve met up it’s always been during the evening for a few hours. Not that I think he’s after me for just sex, because we’ve spent time doing other things too, but he always goes out with his friends after work and then meets me in the evening for a few hours. Today he’s gone out with his friend, and tomorrow he’s decided to take an extra shift at work, and didn’t bother to ask me what I was doing/or if I wanted to do anything with him. I’ve only just noticed this because I normally work until 5pm, so meeting up at night has worked really well for us so far, but I’ve been off work this week and it’s been the same thing. I’m worried it will be like this on weekends, and I don’t want a relationship where we just see each other for a few hours at night. I want to go out and do things together during the day as well. He has been really trying this morning to keep the conversation going, but I’m worried he’s just doing that until I get the pill and then he’s going to end things. Should I get in there first and let him know I don’t think it’s going to work out, but will obviously let him know when I’ve collected and taken the tablet? I do really like him, and feel so disappointed it’s ended up like this.

Sorry, this thread is a lot longer than I expected but I didn’t want to drip feed and there are a few issues to think about.

TIA

OP posts:
Thread gallery
12
CallintheClownies · 09/04/2023 20:44

OP I don't think you did anything wrong, except take the risk of being PG or getting an STD. I appreciate it was 'in the heat of the moment' and if all ends well, it's a lesson to learn - that sometimes your sensible head needs to be given a nudge even in moments of passion.

He was 50-50 to blame and IF he's had bad experiences of women pretending they were pregnant to keep him, he ought to be more careful with contraception.

I think his behaviour is suspicious. He's either in a relationship or not really interested in one. If he was just after sex I think he'd have given up on you long before date 9 or however long it is. Guys who just want sex don't hang around usually and you've met up twice a week-ish for a month.

He was 'ungentlemanly' by buggering off and making you feel bad about it all.

Just dump him.

chaosmaker · 09/04/2023 20:54

StayGoldenPonyGirl · 09/04/2023 17:30

Worried about being targeted and trapped by women desperate to breed with him but voluntarily has sex without protection? This alone without all the whining, cold shouldering and unavailability should put you off him.

I've had the whole gamut of excuses/manipulation around condoms and been 'stealthed' more than once. You have my full sympathy and understanding - placating and comforting these men in the moment (like you divulging a painful, personal experience and making all arrangements, effort and cost) feels hardwired, it's only from a distance you see them for the selfish, cowardly arses they are. No, no, no.

I don't understand the 'stealth' thing. I'm so paranoid about not getting pregnant that I check that's it's still on them. Why it's called stealth is a mystery too, it should be called shitheading or something more appropriate.

Doodar · 09/04/2023 20:55

hope you get sorted OP, he's a shit for leaving you to sort this out on your own.

Newmum1998 · 09/04/2023 20:55

He sounds really really sketchy OP..he totally overreacted and the stuff he told you about other women pretending to be pregnant to get him to stay with them sounds like total rubbish!
Honestly I think you’d be better to just block him and carry on with your life. There are plenty more fish in the sea..even if you don’t want a relationship with him you could still find a better FWBs he just sounds like he is going to cause trouble to be honest.

intotalfreefall · 09/04/2023 20:56

YetMoreNewBeginnings · 09/04/2023 19:51

It is right. The MAP works by delaying/stopping egg release. If you’ve already ovulated it can’t be delayed or stopped.

Thats why if you know you’ve ovulated emergency coil is the best option.

From the patient leaflet:

Levonelle 1500 is thought to work by:
stopping your ovaries from releasing an egg;
preventing sperm from fertilising any egg you may have already released.

Levonelle 1500 can be taken at any time in your menstrual cycle assuming you are not already pregnant or think you may be pregnant.

Blueey · 09/04/2023 20:58

OP when you say your last period was about 2 weeks ago, do you mean it started two weeks ago? If so you're likely around ovulation. The MAP only delays ovulation, so if you had just ovulated sometime around the time you had sex, the MAP won't do anything to help. Obviously still worth a go but just to forewarn you. So many people don't seem to know how it works.

Good luck

GreyCarpet · 09/04/2023 20:59

I agree that this guy doesn't sound great at all.

If not having kids is that important to him, why isn't he making sure he's protecting himself from impregnating someone?

I had cause to take the MAP once. The man apologised profusely for the fact it had turned out like that. Apologised for the fact I would be taking medication and gave me the money to pay for it. I wasn't even dating him. He was 'just' a friend. He checked in on me loads afterwards to make sure I was ok. It was totally unnecessary. I had no problem taking the medication and certainly didn't want to become pregnant but he felt awful for putting me in that position and knowing that I'd be worried about it until my next period.

It's not ideal to need the MAP but he didn't not behave very gentlemanly at all. If this is a sign of how he will treat you whenever there is a problem, it's not great really is it.

Blueey · 09/04/2023 21:00

intotalfreefall · 09/04/2023 20:56

From the patient leaflet:

Levonelle 1500 is thought to work by:
stopping your ovaries from releasing an egg;
preventing sperm from fertilising any egg you may have already released.

Levonelle 1500 can be taken at any time in your menstrual cycle assuming you are not already pregnant or think you may be pregnant.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/how-effective-emergency-contraception/

nhs.uk

How effective is emergency contraception?

Find out how effective emergency contraception is at preventing pregnancy after having unprotected sex, including the morning after pill and the IUD (intrauterine device, coil).

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/how-effective-emergency-contraception

BestZebbie · 09/04/2023 21:04

Just to check a different point - you weren't planning to have round two with a condom he had already finished in and then taken off to put aside, right? Once you take it off, best to use a new one, as you don't want to risk any spread of fluids from inside to outside (including pre-cum that can still contain sperm, etc).

IcedBananas · 09/04/2023 21:16

Good luck OP hope you weren’t waiting too long at the pharmacy. I’d be tempted to end the relationship unless he went out of his way to show he really cares. Probably too little too late even if he did some big romantic gesture at this stage tbh. The fact you always come after his friends already feels off, let alone how he’s reacted to this situation. Sorry you’ve had this experience and really hope you meet someone really lovely and kind to you soon.

Tiddler39 · 09/04/2023 21:19

MeridianB · 09/04/2023 20:30

Do get an STI test as soon as you can.

More generally, it’s not clear if you agreed a time for him to arrive at your house or not, but if you did and he was late then that’s not good.

Agree with others saying he seems hung up on avoiding babies but was careless about contraception, and his preoccupation with the whole thing is strange. If you’re going to keep seeing him then visit his place next as it will give you a more rounded picture of him.

I’d be willing to bet that OP hasn’t been to his place…

niugboo · 09/04/2023 21:22

Think of it this way, an hour on the phone to 111 is using far less resources than being pregnant. Those berating you don’t have a clue.

having also been in pharmacy hell today because we opened sons prescription to find the wrong bloody medicine I feel for you.

hope all is sorted now.

Coffeepot72 · 09/04/2023 21:26

Hoping you are ok, OP

OldFan · 09/04/2023 21:27

Buying condoms probably turned him off

@SleepingStandingUp I assumed the PP meant because men moan about condoms virtually without fail. Or worse.

321user123 · 09/04/2023 21:30

Viviennemary · 09/04/2023 13:07

Not surprised. What a disaster. If you were intending to have sex you should have gone on the pill. Buying condoms probably turned him off. But it's early days yet to be spending bank holidays together. It could work out. I wouldnt end things yet if you like him a lot. See how it goes. But dont expect too much in view of what you have said.

Are you high?
Why are you encouraging irresponsible behaviour? Condoms prevent pregnancy, yes, but more importantly prevent STDs.
Remember Herpes, Gonhorrhea, Siphilis, AIDS, etc?

321user123 · 09/04/2023 21:31

Tiddler39 · 09/04/2023 21:19

I’d be willing to bet that OP hasn’t been to his place…

No need to bet. She said neither of them have been to each other’s homes before as they live far and always met in public.

OldFan · 09/04/2023 21:33

I don't understand the 'stealth' thing. I'm so paranoid about not getting pregnant that I check that's it's still on them.

@chaosmaker Bully for you. Plenty of women experience this form of rape, through no fault of their own. I had it happen twice, two different men 20 years apart. Both times the man was going to go in doggy style so I couldn't easily see them. I handed both of them a condom and they deliberately didn't put them on.

It is my favourite position so I wouldn't want to just avoid it.

The same could've happened to you, you just were lucky. Even if you checked they had it on before you turned round, they could still take it off before going in.

JudgeRudy · 09/04/2023 21:55

Are you asking if you're unreasonable to feel awkward...no. Or unreasonable to see him again....no. Or unreasonable in what you'd like from a relationship...no.

You feel awkward, he feels awkward. It wasn't great. I'd imagine he did plan to stay over and if he brought a bag, he probably intended to spend the next day together.
He went home because it was awkward which was probably best.
If you like him though, get the MAP sorted and consider contraception (going forward).
As for expectations, talk to him when you've sorted MAP and have your next date. Start by suggesting a time that suits you. I don't think it's 'off' that he saw his friends then came to yours at 8pm. If I'd been invited round for first time I wouldn't be expecting to go out. I wouldn't be expecting to eat together either unless that had been mentioned. Ask him to meet on a Sat/Sunday - if he says he's made plans suggest the next weekend. If he says no, or I'll let you know you have your answer.

Cadburysucks · 09/04/2023 22:01

He rushed off at 11pm, are you sure he’s not married?

LovelyIssues · 09/04/2023 22:06

I'm surprised others have said he soinds horrid. He doesn't. Just realistic in the fact he obviously hopes you don't get pregnant. He's told you he's had bad experiences in the past. I would send a text when you're calm to say you found it hurtful he would think that of you and that you've took the morning after pill and are on the same page as him.

Hopefully you both recover from this

Stravaig · 09/04/2023 22:06

I think - and this is so much easier said than done! - this is about being able to stay responsive to what is actually going on moment to moment, rather than staying on the track of existing plans and daydreams.

So when he arrived late, readjust, and maybe don't have sex for the first time.
When he started being unpleasant, readjust, and don't play happy couples snuggling in bed.
When it felt awkward, readjust, declare the date over and ask him to leave. Given he's being an arse, readjust, pull back, and deal with the MAP yourself, with support of friends/Mumsnet. (You can update him once, afterwards, and then say goodbye).

Lots of crappy relationships are the result of lots of small wrong steps because we're too focused on trying to make it what we want and hope for, instead of seeing exactly what is in front of us there and then. As I said, much easier said than done though!

I'm glad you've found a MAP. Be gentle with yourself x

MattTebbuttsDenimShirt · 09/04/2023 22:07

Viviennemary · 09/04/2023 13:07

Not surprised. What a disaster. If you were intending to have sex you should have gone on the pill. Buying condoms probably turned him off. But it's early days yet to be spending bank holidays together. It could work out. I wouldnt end things yet if you like him a lot. See how it goes. But dont expect too much in view of what you have said.

Hah!

This is a joke right?

DancingDrunk · 09/04/2023 22:09

LovelyIssues · 09/04/2023 22:06

I'm surprised others have said he soinds horrid. He doesn't. Just realistic in the fact he obviously hopes you don't get pregnant. He's told you he's had bad experiences in the past. I would send a text when you're calm to say you found it hurtful he would think that of you and that you've took the morning after pill and are on the same page as him.

Hopefully you both recover from this

He’s treated OP terribly and left her to deal with it.

Another poster that needs raise their bar.

MattTebbuttsDenimShirt · 09/04/2023 22:14

Oh @@EasterEggs22 firstly at 26 avoid Tinder. You've got your entire life ahead of you. My word... I feel like the grandma I am. He's shown his true colours. Discussing and being responsible for getting the MAP etc has blown his 32 year old little mind...

Definitely not a keeper.