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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

Dumped out of the blue and totally devastated - can I have a virtual hug please?

205 replies

HazelCat · 07/02/2024 11:47

On paper, I have my life together - nice friends, house, lots of hobbies and activities (walking, gym etc.), financially comfortable, good health etc. However, I've been single for a long time and I do feel lonely. Over the years, I've tried OLD, but it has been pretty disastrous - just a stream of the usual knobs, fuckwits etc. etc. - and I've had a ton of rejections, which has left my self esteem pretty much in the gutter.

Much to my surprise, that all changed (or so I thought), when I met a guy on Tinder a couple of months ago. He was kind, caring, attractive, intelligent, similar interests, great company - everything that I was looking for - and I really fell for him. Like me, he has no DC or other commitments (other than a demanding job), so it seemed as though we were set to have a lovely time together. The only drawback was that we live 70 miles apart (about an hour and a half's drive), but we discussed that and he said that it wasn't a problem for him. I have a lot more time on my hands than he does and I said that I was happy to do most of the travelling, which he gratefully accepted.

We got on brilliantly well and never ran out of things to talk about. He made it clear that he was looking for a long term, committed relationship and seemed to be as keen as I was. He was very affectionate with me, constantly telling me how attractive he found me (which is relevant to the story) and going to the trouble of planning lovely dates for us. When we weren't together, he was always WhatsApp-ing me with nice messages and gave every appearance of being fully engaged in our relationship. We had sex on our second date (which I now realise was a BIG mistake on my part, but at the time, it felt like the right thing to do), and it was all very passionate with chemistry aplenty (or so I naively thought).

All in all, I was on cloud nine and was utterly over the moon that my long period of bad luck had changed. How wrong I was!!!!!!

We spent last weekend together (at my house) and as always, had a lovely time. He asked me if I would spend Easter with him and talked about planning a holiday together. As he left on Sunday afternoon, his final words to me were 'I can't wait to see you again'. On Sunday evening, he sent me various nice WhatsApp messages to say that he had got home OK etc.

Then on Monday evening, I received a curt message from him to say that he has decided to end our relationship, as long distance doesn't work for him and he doesn't feel 'that spark' for me.

I'm completely devastated. Can't eat, can't sleep and can't stop crying. My self esteem has now disappeared completely and I just don't know how to cope with yet another rejection - the worst one ever, as I never saw it coming. I interpret 'lack of spark' as 'lack of attraction', yet there was no indication that was ever an issue - as mentioned, it was very passionate. I know that it was only a short relationship, but it was so happy - not a red flag in sight - and it's not just the loss of the relationship that hurts so much, but the loss of all those future plans and the loss of the friendship. I've had loads of relationship breakups over the years, but none have hurt as much as this - even the breakups of long relationships, which I suppose I saw coming.

I haven't replied to his message and I won't. The idea of his feeling no attraction towards me and my not being good enough for him makes me feel sick, particularly as I know that he will be straight back onto Tinder and Bumble without giving me a second thought.

Please be kind to me, as I'm feeling very fragile and couldn't cope with any cruel comments. I already know that I was stupid to have trusted him, so I don't need that pointing out.

Sorry this is so long and thanks for reading x

OP posts:
CharlieUniformNovemberTangoYankee · 07/02/2024 20:02

HazelCat · 07/02/2024 18:10

The rancid breath was bad enough @CharlieUniformNovemberTangoYankee , but the horrific all night snoring was even worse. My poor cat was terrified!

He sounds soooooo attractive 😂

You sound a bit better already. Good to hear. Onwards and upwards x

WitheringTights000 · 07/02/2024 20:11

@madeleine85 - bog breath 😂😂🤣....yes deffo save his number under that !

HazelCat · 07/02/2024 20:35

madeleine85 · 07/02/2024 19:48

It's childish, but I always used to change their names in my phone to something I didn't like about them so I wasn't tempted to text/call them after. When "bog breath" texts you in 3-6 months you can laugh and delete.

That's a brilliant idea @madeleine85

Mind you, there were one or two other physically unappealing aspects to him, so I could be spoilt for choice when it comes to names .......

OP posts:
Janetime · 07/02/2024 20:35

Op, I get you think you were played, and yes I suspect he has met someone else, but to be honest, it’s feasible you meet someone else and he ends it also after a month, a year. Whatever. Because being excited at rhe beginning doesn’t mean it’s going to last.

Threecrows · 07/02/2024 20:37

ClawedButler · 07/02/2024 15:33

Big cardigan hugs here from me too, HazelCat.

Please don't let this donut change you. It hurts like hell, but it hurts because you are a nice, trusting person and not a cold-blooded arsehole.

Would it help if I tracked him down and put itching powder in his pants?

@ClawedButler you sound like you’re an amazing friend! Loving the itching powder 😄

HazelCat · 07/02/2024 20:39

CharlieUniformNovemberTangoYankee · 07/02/2024 20:02

He sounds soooooo attractive 😂

You sound a bit better already. Good to hear. Onwards and upwards x

I am feeling a lot better than I did this morning and it's all thanks to you lovely posters. I am so grateful for your support, empathy, hugs and wit. What a fabulous community this is xx ❤️

OP posts:
HazelCat · 07/02/2024 20:41

Threecrows · 07/02/2024 20:37

@ClawedButler you sound like you’re an amazing friend! Loving the itching powder 😄

And don't forget the Deep Heat disguised as hemorrhoid cream!!!

OP posts:
Ididntknowuntiliknew · 07/02/2024 20:41

Ah @HazelCat.
Sorry it made you feel like crap.
You sound lovely, and I think he's been a twat.

I know it feels like YOU did something wrong, Especially when you have even told friends that it seems promising.

His relationship history makes it absolutely appear to be a HIM problem.

Behaviour like this early on can quickly be filed under 'good to know'.
Imagine wasting further precious energy on him.

Onward and upward! 💐

Catoo · 07/02/2024 23:04

Just popped in to say you’ve handled it really well by completely blanking him. You took the power back.

He will hate it.

He will message you again one day to see how you are - as he won’t quite believe you just moved on without a single comment. Ignore again.
💐

JoanThursday1972 · 08/02/2024 09:35

Easipeelerie · 07/02/2024 16:34

I’d message briefly about his horrendous breath which nearly knocked you out then block.

No I wouldn't, it looks petty and he will use that and call you crazy. Just ignore him, he's the twat, not you @HazelCat. I had a guy like this when I was 20, all I thought was he was much better than me and I wasn't good enough, so he looked around for someone better. He eventually did get married but has since then messaged lots of other women to be sleazy, including me. Absolute wankers and inadequate members of society.

Mitherations · 08/02/2024 10:06

Feeling dumped is totally shit, it really is, but I think you can reframe this in a more helpful way. He has changed his mind after a couple of months of dating you, he's not a villain. Believing that you're his victim, that you've been lied to and manipulated, and played, all gives him the power. When actually, he's just a normal bloke, albeit with several undisclosed physically unappealing aspects.

I really am kicking myself for having sex with him on our second date. If I hadn't done so, I would have maintained a much clearer head about the situation - and rather suspect that he would still be hanging around now.

But would you want someone hanging around for months waiting to shag you to then do the same thing? The outcome would be exactly the same, you'd have just prolonged the agony.

I think that if you're focused on having a relationship to the extent that you'll overlook things like bad breath and snoring, and second guess yourself on what you've seen with your own eyes and know to be true regarding his online dating habits, that's what is going to make you overlook issues and make poor choices, not how many dates you've been on until you have sex.

You've said that you feel lonely and your self esteem is in the gutter. With respect there's not a man out there that will change that for you, that's something that you need to work on in order to find and operate well within a healthy relationship. Lick your wounds and focus on building yourself up so you're ready to find someone wonderful. They are out there.

Roussette · 08/02/2024 10:29

Totally agree with blanking him.

If you were to send a msg about his breath or something derogatory, he will then think to himself "I knew I was right finishing with her, she's batshit"

HazelCat · 08/02/2024 10:31

Many thanks for this @Mitherations . You are very thoughtful and insightful.

Sex always bonds me to the person and makes me strongly emotionally attached. That makes me turn a blind eye to both physically unappealing characteristics and dodgy behaviour (as happened in this case). If I don't have sex, then I am able to cool appraise the man in question and walk away without a second thought if I find anything to be unacceptable.

So it's for that reason that I regret having sex with on the second date, rather than wishing that I had held out in an attempt to manipulate him.

It's fine for him to change his mind, but just a bit odd that he did so with such suddenness, after being quite over the top lovey dovey with me on the previous day. I can normally tell when someone is losing interest.

You are right - I do need to work on my low self esteem and feelings of loneliness.

Thanks again xx

OP posts:
HazelCat · 08/02/2024 10:33

Roussette · 08/02/2024 10:29

Totally agree with blanking him.

If you were to send a msg about his breath or something derogatory, he will then think to himself "I knew I was right finishing with her, she's batshit"

Indeed. I have no wish to be labelled as a 'crazy ex'!

OP posts:
Roussette · 08/02/2024 10:34

It's shit behaviour @HazelCat

Long time ago I had a relationship with someone for over a year. One night lying in bed he said to me that what we had was the best thing ever and he wanted to be with me for the rest of his life, even when he was old.
Next day he finished with me in a very cruel way!

Cathbrownlow · 08/02/2024 10:35

Actually I am another who thinks he might rear his head a month or 2 down the line. Please don't take him back, OP, but perhaps be ready to ignore him.

Roussette · 08/02/2024 10:36

HazelCat · 08/02/2024 10:33

Indeed. I have no wish to be labelled as a 'crazy ex'!

And he will want to do that. To justify his mean behaviour. He will be desperately checking his phone nonstop for a response from you. Ha, show him what for... silence is powerful.

HopeInAJar · 08/02/2024 10:41

HazelCat · 07/02/2024 18:05

Hmmmm - very interesting @WitheringTights000 . I'm going to start channeling my inner bitch! Not sure that being 'the nice girl' really gets you anywhere with men x

I've noticed this too. The old trope " all women like a bad boy" also applies to men. In my experience they all seem to like a " bad girl " . Being ' nice' gets you nowhere!

HazelCat · 08/02/2024 10:41

Roussette · 08/02/2024 10:34

It's shit behaviour @HazelCat

Long time ago I had a relationship with someone for over a year. One night lying in bed he said to me that what we had was the best thing ever and he wanted to be with me for the rest of his life, even when he was old.
Next day he finished with me in a very cruel way!

Ah @Roussette , you poor thing. That must have been so horrible.

I honestly don't get how these men can switch so suddenly. What is the matter with them?

It's not something that I can ever imagine happening to me - i.e. to be besotted by someone one day and then completely turned off by them the next day.

Inexplicable

OP posts:
HazelCat · 08/02/2024 10:46

HopeInAJar · 08/02/2024 10:41

I've noticed this too. The old trope " all women like a bad boy" also applies to men. In my experience they all seem to like a " bad girl " . Being ' nice' gets you nowhere!

Completely agree! I have always been the 'nice girl' in my relationships and all I have ever received in return is a series of ghostings, dumpings and the words 'you are really nice, but I'm just not feeling it'.

Think I'm going to be a "bad girl' from now on. Apart from anything else, it's probably a lot more fun.

Anyone want to start a bad girls club with me?????

OP posts:
HazelCat · 08/02/2024 10:53

It's probably completely unrelated, but he insisted on paying for all our dates. Being a 'good girl', I was getting quite uncomfortable with him footing the bill all the time and during our last weekend together, I put my foot down and paid for both a meal and theatre tickets (both pretty expensive). He kept trying to give me the money and I refused.

Then I got dumped.

Probably a coincidence, but maybe he prefers a 'bad girl' who expects to be paid for .......

OP posts:
Roussette · 08/02/2024 10:54

HazelCat · 08/02/2024 10:41

Ah @Roussette , you poor thing. That must have been so horrible.

I honestly don't get how these men can switch so suddenly. What is the matter with them?

It's not something that I can ever imagine happening to me - i.e. to be besotted by someone one day and then completely turned off by them the next day.

Inexplicable

The most I could imagine doing is being distracted, distancing myself, and then maybe he would ask 'what's up' and I could say I wasn't feeling it. And then we would talk and finish. That is normal. Your bloke is not normal.

I do need to add, I haven't thought of this wanker for decades, it was only your thread that reminded me so don't imagine for one minute you will be dwelling on it in years to come!

ClawedButler · 08/02/2024 10:55

I'm one of those types that can't have sex with someone without getting emotionally attached. I wish I wasn't!

Don't let this change who you are. There's no need to be a "bad girl" if you don't really feel it, just to excite some weirdos fapping in their mum's basement.

But I am glad you are feeling better. Er...what shall I do with this billboard saying HEY DEATH BREATH, GET BENT though?

HazelCat · 08/02/2024 11:01

ClawedButler · 08/02/2024 10:55

I'm one of those types that can't have sex with someone without getting emotionally attached. I wish I wasn't!

Don't let this change who you are. There's no need to be a "bad girl" if you don't really feel it, just to excite some weirdos fapping in their mum's basement.

But I am glad you are feeling better. Er...what shall I do with this billboard saying HEY DEATH BREATH, GET BENT though?

It would be a shame to waste a perfectly good billboard. Perhaps rolled up, it could make an excellent suppository. The shock would certainly stop any snoring in its tracks.

OP posts:
HopeInAJar · 08/02/2024 11:02

Yup. 'Nice' girls finish last! My good friend is forthright, demanding, bossy and makes sure she gets exactly want she wants with no room for compromise - and she's treated like a goddess - wined, dined and fawned over! She breaks hearts left right and centre, and they still beg for more. I've taken myself out of the dating game for now, but when I was, I was the type to spend hours preparing their favourite meal, dashing across multiple cities as they always had a ' valid ' reason not to travel, fitted into their schedule for dates ( who else would settle for a Tuesday night - me of course!!) ....So, yes, I know what you mean. As they say, insanity is repeating the same actions whilst expecting different results. So mix it up and try something different - Enjoy channelling that inner ' bad girl'- you'll have a blast !