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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

need advice about my new man

136 replies

datingdilema1 · 11/04/2023 17:52

I've been with my new man for 4 months. I've been a single mum for around 2 years now and have 2 children who are 5 and 9.
My new man is honestly the kindest guy I've ever met and most loving. He showers me with compliments constantly and is very affectionate. He is keen to meet my kids. Examples of his kindness include being v helpful in my house and fixing some things, cooking for me, being very available and reliable, giving me small gifts and always asking how I am etc. He also looked after my pet for me when I was away and lent me his car when mine broke down.
My situation is that I don't have much money but I'm on 50k and have a mortgage and some financial help from ex £100-300 a month. Because of cost of living this covers me, the kids and I have some money to go out, book cheap trips, but that's it.
Now my new man is very sweet and generous, but he lives in a council house, has his own business which doesn't make much money atm and is on income support.
He pays very small maintenance for his kids, but seems happy in his situation mainly.
He used to have a difficult past and is turning his life around for last 3-4 years it seems, looking after himself and building his life.
What it means though is that when I plan trips, I've already been slightly subsidising him, which I'm worried will drag me down financially long term... Also I feel that he would be happy to live with me long term, but how would this work.. Even if his business gets better, he doesn't seem to think that it would bring him much. He doesn't want to go back to his previous work, as I think he enjoys working for himself and what he does. He lacks confidence in trying to expand his business or try to increase his profits.
Second dilemma is about our differences in political beliefs and general knowledge. He says himself that he just was never curious about current affairs so his knowledge is based on what he hears from his family, who take their knowledge from the Sun. They are all very sweet people, but that means things like 'Britain is full', 'jobs should be kept for people in the uk' etc. This is problematic for me as I have a diverse background and take these kind of beliefs to heart as a personal insult almost. When we talk about this he feels guilty for not educating himself more in the past. But then I really went into dating thinking that I'm not going to get myself a project as I've done it before with my ex where I helped him and taught him loads and was left with not much.
Sex is fine, but also there was some ED from time to time, but seems to be improving.

We are both 40 something. Is it normal to have doubts? I feel that I love him and maybe just need to keep getting to know him. We've had lots of fun together with really fun activities, some of them initiated by him, but a lot of them initiated and paid by me, although he pays for drinks etc. He also takes me out for cheaper things which I guess is fair enough as there is a difference in income, but I'm also aware I'm spending money I should be perhaps saving in my situation. I'm also aware my ex used me financially so don't want to repeat the pattern..

OP posts:
SpecialMangeTout · 11/04/2023 18:56

As someone with an international background his political views themselves are enough to say a big fat NO.

The CM and his dcs… if he really isn’t earning much, he won’t be able to pay much. But how involved is he with them? That will tell you how he sees his role as a father and a (VERY potential) stepfather…. I suspect not very involved….

The difference in wage is harder for me. Because it’s a quite common situation the other way around with the woman earning not much. The answer then is always that if you are a partnership, then the logical organisation is to share.
The fact you’re very much resisting that idea makes me think that, even though you are describing him as a great man, you’re not enough into him to make it a LT partnership with you ‘subsiding him’. And that’s ok btw.

ShowUs · 11/04/2023 19:01

Slow down.

How are you ok so much money but don’t have much left over?

Why after only 4 months is he so involved in your life.

You say he’s so kind etc - of course he is, it’s only been 4 months it would be weird if he was anything but lovely!

I think you need to slow things right down and keep him at a distance.

If you want to carry on being together that’s fine but there’s no need to move in together or to be in each other’s pockets all of the time.

It is much easier to see if the relationship is going to work out if you take things at a slower pace.

Catwithbigfeet · 11/04/2023 19:02

Red flags galore OP
If you want to keep seeing him for now, try telling him you won’t let him meet your kids until at least 18 months have passed.
Also that you really enjoy your independence, like living on your own and don’t want anyone moving in with you… ever.
Tell him you want to keep the finances separate as you don’t want any complications due to past experience and from now on he should pay equal for days out etc.Just tell him straight you’ve been there and done it with the ex and don’t want a repeat as it brings back horrible memories.

If he’s genuinely Into you he’ll agree and be happy to comply.

MissingMoominMamma · 11/04/2023 19:03

How often does he see his kids?

Crazykefir · 11/04/2023 19:06

Oh god please no. To be crude your not even getting a decent fuck.

Whattodo112222 · 11/04/2023 19:08
Sad Dog GIF

He isn't your equal.
Throw this one back...

Whattodo112222 · 11/04/2023 19:09

Have no idea how I posted the dog gif 😂

ruddygreattiger · 11/04/2023 19:09

Catwithbigfeet · 11/04/2023 19:02

Red flags galore OP
If you want to keep seeing him for now, try telling him you won’t let him meet your kids until at least 18 months have passed.
Also that you really enjoy your independence, like living on your own and don’t want anyone moving in with you… ever.
Tell him you want to keep the finances separate as you don’t want any complications due to past experience and from now on he should pay equal for days out etc.Just tell him straight you’ve been there and done it with the ex and don’t want a repeat as it brings back horrible memories.

If he’s genuinely Into you he’ll agree and be happy to comply.

THIS.

You say you don't want another 'project' man but that is exactly what he is - and it's already costing you money.
I've recently escaped a similar relationship and will never fall for a lazy, workshy skinflint ever again, it nearly cost me everything.
Be warned op. Xx

datingdilema1 · 11/04/2023 19:09

Whattodo112222 · 11/04/2023 19:09

Have no idea how I posted the dog gif 😂

It’s good 😂

OP posts:
datingdilema1 · 11/04/2023 19:10

MissingMoominMamma · 11/04/2023 19:03

How often does he see his kids?

They are young adults but still in education so basically whenever they want to. He’d like to see them more I think but they have their own lives

OP posts:
2bazookas · 11/04/2023 19:10

Whattodo112222 · 11/04/2023 19:09

Have no idea how I posted the dog gif 😂

Don't worry, I really enjoyed it

datingdilema1 · 11/04/2023 19:11

ruddygreattiger · 11/04/2023 19:09

THIS.

You say you don't want another 'project' man but that is exactly what he is - and it's already costing you money.
I've recently escaped a similar relationship and will never fall for a lazy, workshy skinflint ever again, it nearly cost me everything.
Be warned op. Xx

Thanks both

OP posts:
datingdilema1 · 11/04/2023 19:13

ShowUs · 11/04/2023 19:01

Slow down.

How are you ok so much money but don’t have much left over?

Why after only 4 months is he so involved in your life.

You say he’s so kind etc - of course he is, it’s only been 4 months it would be weird if he was anything but lovely!

I think you need to slow things right down and keep him at a distance.

If you want to carry on being together that’s fine but there’s no need to move in together or to be in each other’s pockets all of the time.

It is much easier to see if the relationship is going to work out if you take things at a slower pace.

good advice. Regarding money it’s mostly cost of living, always something breaking, kids activities etc..
I definietely think we need to slow down

OP posts:
AllOfThemWitches · 11/04/2023 19:14

As soon as you said 'council house' mumsnet decided he was a walking 'red flag.'

datingdilema1 · 11/04/2023 19:16

Landndialamrhf · 11/04/2023 18:00

NO
he pays little for his existing kids but is ‘keen’ to be involved with more kids? Why?
does he parent his existing children? If he’s not doing 50/50 with them he’s hardly in a position to be taking on any sort of relationship or responsibility with more.

he doesn’t want to do the work to expand his own business or go back to his old job (where he presumably made more money?) but IS happy to take your money. That’s handy isn’t it.

and he is happy to declare that he has no thoughts or interests in a topic, but still willing to give his opinion as though it’s fact. That’s a red flag for stupidity if nothing else, which I personally couldn’t abide by. Nevermind the issues that come with what he’s actually saying.

I think he’d just be happy to be doing cheaper things or hang out ant home and it’s me who suggests things and then pays for them although he got me an expensive activity ones. And took me out several times for cheaper activities such as cinema. But yes he happily accepts if I take him to a gig or somewhere, although probably it also embarrasses him a bit so I try to not do it too often. And also I don’t really have much money either.

OP posts:
datingdilema1 · 11/04/2023 19:18

Landndialamrhf · 11/04/2023 18:00

NO
he pays little for his existing kids but is ‘keen’ to be involved with more kids? Why?
does he parent his existing children? If he’s not doing 50/50 with them he’s hardly in a position to be taking on any sort of relationship or responsibility with more.

he doesn’t want to do the work to expand his own business or go back to his old job (where he presumably made more money?) but IS happy to take your money. That’s handy isn’t it.

and he is happy to declare that he has no thoughts or interests in a topic, but still willing to give his opinion as though it’s fact. That’s a red flag for stupidity if nothing else, which I personally couldn’t abide by. Nevermind the issues that come with what he’s actually saying.

and yes, found this very annoying the tabloid inspired comments but then he has regretted it and explained its down to his background and how he grew up and also being stuck for many years in a lad culture and routine.

OP posts:
datingdilema1 · 11/04/2023 19:21

COPPER3 · 11/04/2023 18:29

Plus... sex shouldn't be 'fine'...it should be 'amazing'! Not sure what ED means? Please don't settle.

That’s true. It’s hard as he would do anything to please but I’ve been almost like having to coach him

OP posts:
datingdilema1 · 11/04/2023 19:23

AllOfThemWitches · 11/04/2023 19:14

As soon as you said 'council house' mumsnet decided he was a walking 'red flag.'

What do you think?

OP posts:
Hell121 · 11/04/2023 19:23

@Whattodo112222 🤣🤣🤣 that really made me laugh

Pashy · 11/04/2023 19:26

Surely you can do better than an ignorant racist who is happy to take money from a single mum?

SquidwardBound · 11/04/2023 19:26

if you’re already feeling like you’re subsidising him and worrying about him being a project rather than a partner: run. This is not a good relationship for you.

Nothing to do with the council house. Everything to do with all the many other issues you’ve outlined.

datingdilema1 · 11/04/2023 19:27

Thank you everyone for replies, I’ve just realised no way I can reply to everyone. I’m taking all views into consideration, lots to think about. He’s met a few of my friends and my sister and they all loved him saying v kind, generous, caring, friendly, lacks a bit of confidence. His family told me he is madly in love with me basically.
i really wanted to meet someone who would be available and I feel loved more than ever before but thought I’d meet someone who would have their financial life a bit more sorted and also who I wouldn’t have to explain some things that I feel are basic eg regarding politics, cultures, food..
😫🤔

OP posts:
Unsure33 · 11/04/2023 19:36

I agree I can see red flags . I would take this very slowly , very slowly . See if he makes any attempt to improve things . Go with him on low cost outings but don’t offer to pay for expensive nights out . I think he is trying too hard . Unfortunately .

Onlinetherapist · 11/04/2023 19:36

They’re all nice 4 months in! Especially when you’re in a much better position. Wait a little longer for the mask to slip..

HaggisBurger · 11/04/2023 19:38

datingdilema1 · 11/04/2023 19:27

Thank you everyone for replies, I’ve just realised no way I can reply to everyone. I’m taking all views into consideration, lots to think about. He’s met a few of my friends and my sister and they all loved him saying v kind, generous, caring, friendly, lacks a bit of confidence. His family told me he is madly in love with me basically.
i really wanted to meet someone who would be available and I feel loved more than ever before but thought I’d meet someone who would have their financial life a bit more sorted and also who I wouldn’t have to explain some things that I feel are basic eg regarding politics, cultures, food..
😫🤔

@datingdilema1 i really think than sooner than you imagine the lack of interest in the world / politics etc will grate and you and far override the other stuff. No one wants to be a grown man’s teacher. Either in bed or about life. It’s honestly not very sexy.

I think you’ve inadvertently landed yourself another project.

i wouldn’t set much store what other people think. They only see what he and you project.

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