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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

FWB disaster and feeling awful

51 replies

ThisOpalViewer · 31/05/2024 19:40

I’m too ashamed to speak to friends in real life about this as I have let a man walk all over me and I feel embarrassed.

I briefly started a ‘FWB’ type arrangement with a guy I had been on a couple of dates with and it initially started well and I was happy with it. He would message every day and we would arrange a couple of evenings in the week where he would come to mine (he wouldn’t let me go to his which was a red flag in hindsight), we would watch a film, sometimes have dinner, chat, have sex and then he’d stay for a bit afterwards and then leave. It felt mutually respectful at this point.

However, he suddenly started becoming very hot and cold and borderline rude when he was messaging me. One minute he would say he liked me and didn’t just want me for sex and would be messaging all day, the next he was making it very clear he wasn’t particularly interested in me, would go quiet or would make sarcastic comments about things I had previously said that he seemed to find funny. If he got the sense I was backing off he would ramp up
his efforts again and be overly nice. Occasionally he would hint at taking me out on a proper date but this never materialised. If I didn’t message him first sometimes he would sulk and accuse me of ghosting him, and he said I was hard work and he refused to chase me. It just felt like a head fuck but I overlooked all of this as it was a casual thing and I didn’t feel he owed me anything.

On the occasions we did sleep together it seemed very clinical: he didn’t pay any compliments, didn’t say if he enjoyed the sex, would pretty much do the deed and get dressed to leave. He even started making it clear he was taking the used condom home with him rather than put it in the bin which just seemed like overkill and unnecessary. He was never like this in the beginning, he actually was quite caring and sensitive in bed.

It then got to the point i wouldn’t hear from him for days and he’d text in the evening asking if he could come round. I shut this down and told him I needed more notice. To add insult to injury I think he’d actually been on a date one evening and he tried to come to mine on his way home which just cemented what he really thought of me.

The last time I saw him he came to mine after he’d been drinking all day. He actually drove to my house over the limit and I told him he needed to leave his car here and get a cab home but he refused and he drove home anyway. The drink driving, and the fact he made me feel like an unpaid prostitute, led me to block him as soon as he left. Was that the right way to end things? It was a bit knee jerk but I’d had enough.

I guess I’m looking for a bit of support as I feel like such a fool. I let things go on far too long and feel like I’ve lost all self respect.

OP posts:
Rania78 · 01/06/2024 05:53

OP, this wasn’t a FB relationship but rather a normal relationship.
In any case he seems crazy and abnormal.

Rania78 · 01/06/2024 06:05

Plus I do not understand this “he used me for sex” and “unpaid prostitute” thing that we tend to say in FWB situation. Find it really sexist.
Didn’t you enjoy sex with him? Weren’t you also there? Really don’t get this. Why don’t we say “she used him only for sex” or “as a paid zigolo”?
Only issue I see If he wasn’t good in bed.

category12 · 01/06/2024 07:08

Rania78 · 01/06/2024 06:05

Plus I do not understand this “he used me for sex” and “unpaid prostitute” thing that we tend to say in FWB situation. Find it really sexist.
Didn’t you enjoy sex with him? Weren’t you also there? Really don’t get this. Why don’t we say “she used him only for sex” or “as a paid zigolo”?
Only issue I see If he wasn’t good in bed.

I think op made it clear in her original post where the sex started feeling like being used.

She liked the beginning where they'd watch a movie, have sex and part ways after a while. (This is what I'd want with a Friends With Benefits arrangement, a bit of friendship alongside it).

She didn't like it when it turned into him rocking up just for sex and immediately going again, with the additional sting of obviously taking his used condom with him.

There's an obvious difference in attitude from him.

Hoosemover · 01/06/2024 07:18

All the signs point to him having a girlfriend/wife somewhere.

if you do the FWB again or any other relationship get an invite to his place early on.

RobinEllacotStrike · 01/06/2024 07:26

For me the main point of FWB has been amazing sex with someone who makes me laugh. Not bad/mediocre sex with Mr Dull & Disrespectful.

This guy sounds awful op. Good job blocking him. I hope you are feeling better today after a good sleep. Chin up!

rwalker · 01/06/2024 07:33

Don’t worry about anything FWB is purely sex
like anything stop soon as it’s not working for you which you have

nobody is a villain and nobody has made a fool of themselves

it was an arrangement that didn’t work out

just move on

like anything else you’ve tried it and now it gives you more of an idea what you want and what you don’t want and where your boundaries and expectations are

Newnamehiwhodis · 01/06/2024 07:49

Hold your head up, and be glad you got free. Reading your post, I only saw one person who should be ashamed and crawl away from this; one person who looks really awful, and it’s him.
he’s the problem.
you behaved with decency and were clear about things. He sounds like a mess. That’s not your problem.

do what you need to do. Any way you end this, any way that feels right for you is the right thing to do, here. You owe him absolutely nothing, not even one more thought.

determinedtomakethiswork · 01/06/2024 08:19

But he was nice and caring when he wanted something from you. When he knew it was there even if he wasn't nice then his true character came out.

I'm really glad you've got out of this relationship. He sounds absolutely awful.

LakeTiticaca · 01/06/2024 08:20

You're not the first and certainly won't be the last. Don't be so hard in yourself. Time to move on and find a man who respects you. I only wish I had ended more than one relationship sooner than I had, and saved myself a lot of heartache and aggravation

GreyCarpet · 01/06/2024 08:50

OP, this wasn't a FWB situation. This was casual sex that didn't have clear boundaries.

A FWB us a friend first and foremost. The B is a fun addition. You still hang out as friends even when there is no sex. The friendship predates the sex.

You did the right thing by getting out.

LAMPS1 · 01/06/2024 08:58

You aren’t a fool at all OP.
On the contrary, you had the sense to realise your mistake and correct it, which is how we get through life. Every one of us has something in our pasts that we feel bad about. So then you take that as a reminder not to repeat the same mistake again …and move on, older and wiser. No need to tell anybody else if you don’t want to.

He's very much the loser in this situation.
You can afford to have a good laugh at him with his ridiculous condom drama !
All the very best to you.

Bornnotbourne · 01/06/2024 08:59

Can’t believe you didn’t ring the police when he drunk drove. He’s very clearly married or in a long term relationships too.

Divilabit · 01/06/2024 09:03

Bellevilles · 31/05/2024 21:06

Sorry to hear that.

I think FWB is an arrangement that doesn’t work well for many (most?) people and it’s a shame that by giving it a jolly name we’ve made it seem as this is a normal state of affairs that everyone should be able to manage.

On top of this, this chap sounds particularly thoughtless and unpleasant. You are well rid of him.

It is, or it can be, a normal state of affairs, though. Someone with whom you have a friendly relationship, don’t cherish romantic feelings for, and have sex with. However, it will never work if the participants want different things, or if (as in this case) is an asshole. This guy was breadcrumbing the OP with the idea that he might want a ‘proper’ relationship, and was dismissive and critical.

ZebraD · 01/06/2024 09:06

ThisOpalViewer · 31/05/2024 21:28

@WalkingaroundJardine what you said about him looking down on me because I gave him sex too easily was my hunch all along. He definitely didn’t respect me.

I really appreciate all of the replies, they’re helping me feel a bit better. I learnt a lesson here that casual sex isn’t for me and I won’t be doing it again. Emotionally, I just can’t do it. I was worried I’d overreacted by blocking him but I’m glad I have.

Giving sex ‘too easily’ what does that even mean! Nonsense!
if someone cares, they care. If someone’s a dick they are a dick.
you can make a bloke wait a month and he can wine and dine you, have sex and then do one (and by that time you can feel like you’re getting emotionally involved and on the way to something)
you didn’t do anything wrong and you don’t need to be embarrassed!!
well done for blocking him - don’t ever unblock him and wonder if things will change or work out.
you can do much better than that. There is a happier relationship waiting for you whenever you are ready.

Mostlyoblivious · 01/06/2024 09:17

You weren’t a fool here.
He sounds unstable. It also sounds like you were keeping with your expectation of the arrangement which he didn’t like so he started going hot and cold for you to chase him - again, not stable or emotionally mature.

The one thing I am concerned about is you not falling the police with him driving so drunk.

Choochoo21 · 01/06/2024 10:59

This was a FWB situation and so it is reasonable that he comes only for sex.

But that doesn’t mean he should be disrespectful towards you.

FWBs can be really difficult because the rules can get muddled.
It sounds like you were texting a lot and then having fall outs over it - which shouldn’t be what FWBs are about.

The fact that he was saying that he’s going to take you out on a real date, sounds like that is exactly what you want and you want more than just sex.

Block this guy and then get on the dating sites.
There are many idiots on there but there are some that are genuine and are looking for a relationship.

You are ready for more commitment and this guy won’t give it to you (although he’ll go out on a date and be willing to give it to someone else).

FWBs can only work if there is mutual respect and you’re both on the same page.
You’re not on the same page and he definitely doesn’t respect you.

beergiggles · 01/06/2024 12:19

ZebraD · 01/06/2024 09:06

Giving sex ‘too easily’ what does that even mean! Nonsense!
if someone cares, they care. If someone’s a dick they are a dick.
you can make a bloke wait a month and he can wine and dine you, have sex and then do one (and by that time you can feel like you’re getting emotionally involved and on the way to something)
you didn’t do anything wrong and you don’t need to be embarrassed!!
well done for blocking him - don’t ever unblock him and wonder if things will change or work out.
you can do much better than that. There is a happier relationship waiting for you whenever you are ready.

We don't try to shame men for 'giving sex too easily' neither should we try to shame women!
If someone wants to paint sex as a shameful act then the shame is on both participants!!
We must not allow men to glorify in sex whilst condemning women for it.

Tillievanilly · 01/06/2024 12:30

You did the right thing. He was treating you badly. I would think fwb is about a shared understanding and mutual respect for each other. He was trying to play unnecessary games. I think women can be more involved emotionally than men but he just sounds not nice tbh. You need to think of you. I considered fwb recently but on meeting he was keen I wasn’t. I just felt we had to much in common that I may fall in. But didn’t overly fancy him so I left it as a date. Don’t know if that helps in anyway.

FiveZoo · 01/06/2024 12:32

Divilabit · 01/06/2024 09:03

It is, or it can be, a normal state of affairs, though. Someone with whom you have a friendly relationship, don’t cherish romantic feelings for, and have sex with. However, it will never work if the participants want different things, or if (as in this case) is an asshole. This guy was breadcrumbing the OP with the idea that he might want a ‘proper’ relationship, and was dismissive and critical.

I would suggest there are not many scenarios with sex that doesn't involve at least one party who wants more.

I think the term FWB as another poster suggested, jovialises sex and the importance of linking feelings to lovemaking. To me it's a manipulation of language by men to recieve sex without commitment, love or resect.

It gives a flase veil of respect to the act, a pacification to the used party and a get out clause for the user to use.

beergiggles · 01/06/2024 12:36

If I could go back in time and speak to my younger self I would tell her to assume that all men will attempt to dominate and exploit her.

FiveZoo · 01/06/2024 12:44

beergiggles · 01/06/2024 12:36

If I could go back in time and speak to my younger self I would tell her to assume that all men will attempt to dominate and exploit her.

Absolutely.

SamW98 · 01/06/2024 12:49

Tbh it seems like he wanted the B without the F bit in the end. Rather than a nice mutual enjoyable arrangement he started treating you as easy available sex and you did 💯 the right thing to break it off.

And to me the fact he’s always coming to yours and you’ve never been to his is a major red flag that he’s in a relationship and just wants a bit of fun on the side.

You’ve done nothing wrong here and well done for realising this isn’t what you want and walking away

beergiggles · 01/06/2024 12:52

OP, this man exploited your trust and your kind nature, he is the person in the wrong.

Sue152 · 01/06/2024 13:07

You learn a lot about yourself and what you want and need. You weren't a fool, just a nice person. Move on and forget about him, he's not worth your headspace.

Bellevilles · 01/06/2024 18:41

Divilabit · 01/06/2024 09:03

It is, or it can be, a normal state of affairs, though. Someone with whom you have a friendly relationship, don’t cherish romantic feelings for, and have sex with. However, it will never work if the participants want different things, or if (as in this case) is an asshole. This guy was breadcrumbing the OP with the idea that he might want a ‘proper’ relationship, and was dismissive and critical.

What I said was “normal state of affairs that everyone should be able to manage”. Not everyone can manage an arrangement like this and they should not feel bad or embarrassed about it, as if it’s a personal failing- it isn’t.

(Added to this is the fact that this bloke sounds particularly unpleasant, but my point would stand even if he weren’t.)

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