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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

Dating in your 50s, he’s not that into me

127 replies

Deepcalm · 29/06/2024 10:44

I met a man online through a mutual interest and we have been out on about 7 dates. He seems like he’s a good person and tells interesting stories about his life. The last time I saw him he was a bit “handsy” and I’m pretty sure he’s expecting to stay the night tonight. I’m not altogether sure I want that as I don’t feel he’s very keen on me from his behaviour so far. .

He never suggests anywhere we could go, he says “ what are we doing this evening? “ so I end up arranging/ booking.

I have always been very generous and so are my friends when paying for meals/drinks. We are practically fighting each other to pay. This man, ( he’s not short of money) gets the calculator app on phone and works out exactly what I’ve had as he has had a soft drink and I have a glass of wine . I feel a bit uncomfortable with that so our last date I booked and paid to avoid the embarrassing precise working out.

I showed him pictures of the plants on my patio ( which I’ve put a lot of work into and I’m proud of my efforts) and he said there were too many pink flowers and my patio needed pressure washing ( it doesn’t it was wet not dirty). When he visited my house (which I have taken great care and pride making it nice) he immediately put his phone torch on to look at a slight mark on the plaster in my kitchen. He didn’t say anything positive about my home.

Our last date I told him a neighbour had knocked on my door and asked me out ( I was all flustered as it happened just before our date). He said “ Oh he must feel sorry for you because you look desperate “. He then said he was only joking.

When we’re together he does most of the talking and doesn’t ask me any questions and often asks the same question on the next date so I feel like he’s not really listening or interested in me.

I’m wondering if I’m being over sensitive or I should cancel our imminent date saying I don’t feel that he’s really into me. I have been on many dates over the years and generally I found if a man is keen on you he’ll be happy to plan and suggest date venues/ activities. I’ve never experienced anyone so precise about dividing the bill in the early days of dating- I made it crystal clear I’m happy to pay my whack. He has a multi million business and 2 top of the range cars so he’s not having to watch every penny.

I have a history of getting involved with the wrong men so I’m hyper vigilant in making further mistakes. Am I right in thinking that in the beginning of a relationship that he should be a bit more keen? Also, is he negging me?

NB I’m not interested in his money, I am financially independent and don’t want to move in with anyone- just someone to go out with and have fun with

OP posts:
TheBestFriend · 29/06/2024 13:28

The fact that you’ve made a thread and are highlighting so many negatives at a time where you should be really keen…

You just aren’t that into him!! Doesn’t sound like it could progress into a relationship that would add much value or fun to your life

ClairDeLaLune · 29/06/2024 13:28

Deepcalm · 29/06/2024 12:38

I’m really not sure about dating a close neighbour, it could get awkward if it doesn’t work out or am I thinking too far ahead?

Do you like the neighbour though? Might be worth giving it a go and see how it goes?

CheeseSandwichRiskAssessment · 29/06/2024 13:35

He sounds boring. Who examines plaster marks and thinks it's a great conversation topic ?

BogusHocusPocus · 29/06/2024 13:52

Excellent news, @op very pleased for you

Cattery · 29/06/2024 13:55

And I bet he wears nylon trousers

Janehasamane · 29/06/2024 13:58

Glad you ended it, well done. This wasn’t he wasn’t keen, it’s you weren’t and for good reason,

Deepcalm · 29/06/2024 14:07

@ClairDeLaLune I do like my neighbour but I’m a bit wary as I had another (much regretted) fling with another neighbour during covid. We were in lockdown ( we are in an area where lockdown was very protracted) and lonely and bored I suppose. We kind of had a nice friendship with benefits and cooked tea for each other etc. Nothing dramatic happened, no big arguments, ( I don’t do confrontation) he just turned up one weekend with a new girlfriend on his patio and then promptly stopped talking to me. Despite attempts to smile benignly/ say hello when I bump into him he just totally blanks me. I don’t want another situation like that again- awkward

OP posts:
Uricon2 · 29/06/2024 14:07

Well done on the binning.

I don't think giving the neighbour a shot would be a bad idea if you were inclined,can't see he could be worse than Mr Calculator. In this day and age where everything is via app, it showed a certain amount of enterprise to ask you out face to face. You could take it very slowly, no expectations.

CheeseSandwichRiskAssessment · 29/06/2024 14:09

Cattery · 29/06/2024 13:55

And I bet he wears nylon trousers

With cuban heels and short sleeve collared top

Deepcalm · 29/06/2024 14:11

Thank you everyone. I felt a bit down this morning but your answers have cheered me up

OP posts:
downday24 · 29/06/2024 14:14

He sounds very boring and not fun at all.

Dontliketheheat · 29/06/2024 14:19

I think you made the right call OP - there were far too many negatives .

Does the neighbour asking you out know about the previous neighbour relationship , is there a chance he’s looking for a similar set up ?

Why don't you suggest a walk and a coffee with the neighbour ? All very platonic and low risk

Deepcalm · 29/06/2024 14:35

@Dontliketheheat good advice- I only want to take any friendship or potential relationship slowly

OP posts:
Theneverendingcycle · 29/06/2024 14:37

Hi OP
Firstly well done for getting rid of that creature - what a vile man he is...it's hard to trust yourself with these choices I get that I am exactly the same as you and turn to mumsnet for validation if I'm right before I act. So good on you for acting
You have done the right thing 100% big red flags putting you down like that..
In regards to your neighbour, I wouldn't do this as I wouldn't want to have someone this close to home should it go wrong however if your interested in them then why not...coffee and a walk to see who they are as a person never hurts and if not a friendship may bloom?

I am 32 and single and recently got in touch with my ex after seeing someone new who turned out to be a total looser - I turned to mumsnet to validate why trying to speak to my ex (whos made it clear he still thinks about me and would love to have sex and nothing more with me) and that it's wrong to be even considering it. It's hard isn't it.

All the best op. I hope you find a man who loves your patio and your house as much as you clearly do because you deserve that and nothing less

Ambleberry · 29/06/2024 14:44

Well done on blocking him!

Sounds like you need some extra friends for weekends - could you get involved with local craft fairs or an open mic night or writing or walking group? A few years ago I ran a little free craft market out of the local pub on a Sunday, advertised on Facebook and loads of lovely people contacted me for a stall, many in your age range, all with different interesting hobbies they wanted to talk about. I'm still friends with many of them.

There are more people than you think who just want someone nice and low drama to have a meal out with! It's just finding them.

Good luck, you sound lovely. Don't let the bastards get you down.

And you're right to be cautious with the neighbour, you could tell him you're not dating right now but you're happy to get to know him better if he wants to come and help you with your garden!

Cattery · 29/06/2024 15:15

CheeseSandwichRiskAssessment · 29/06/2024 14:09

With cuban heels and short sleeve collared top

Yep. Yucky yuck yuck

QueenBitch666 · 29/06/2024 15:17

He sounds grim 🤢

Maverick66 · 29/06/2024 15:26

Calculator .......red flag
Phone torch .....red flag
'Joking' about neighbour asking you out .......red flag .
No complements.........red flag
Talking about himself .....red flag

It's a no from me and I wouldn't spare his feelings either .

DogsandFlowers · 29/06/2024 15:30

The 'joke' and the calculator have made me heave
He sounds absolutely vile get rid and pity the poor unfortunate who has to deal with him and his calculator next!
Pleeeeeeeeease don't sleep with him in fact, do not let him into your house ever again.
His behaviour will only get worse and worse xx

PrincessMee · 29/06/2024 15:32

Next!

DollyBelle · 29/06/2024 15:50

Whoever Calculator Colin is (no disrespect to anyone else with the name!) throw him back. If only you could add a warning with him.
He has nothing to recommend him at all, does he? Tight, critical, judgmental.
Well done for blocking him!
I know my reaction was to ask what your neighbour is like.
But I’ve noted you have just started counselling after a long wait so I think it would be great to concentrate on your own life and doing your therapy. Adding another potential romance in to the mix probably won’t help.
Take the positives. Calculator Colin has provided singular human form all the things you aren’t into.
You are being asked out so it will happen again.
You have an independent life and when therapy is done your newly confident self can say ‘yes’ to someone worthy of you.
A man is supposed to bring something of value to your life, not question yours.
And can we all pray for the next soul on the end of his grasping, calculator-bashing digits?
Be thankful it’s no longer you.
A fresh chapter awaits.

NonPlayerCharacter · 29/06/2024 16:02

Deepcalm · 29/06/2024 12:41

By the way, I’m very happy in my own company and have some great friends. My friends, however, are all married so not available to go out at the weekend. I just like someone kind and funny to go for a meal or to the theatre with and have a laugh with

I'm married and I go out with people at the weekend!

As for this tosser, I can't believe you need to ask!

Deepcalm · 29/06/2024 21:21

Thanks again everybody. I’m sat in with my cat celebrating the fact I’m not having to contend with Mr Colin Calculator and his octopus arms. Who knew men in their late 50s still did that trick of undoing your bra strap whilst hugging you. Yuk!
I have taken in your advice and I need to concentrate on progressing with my counselling to improve my self esteem. If my neighbour approaches me again I will suggest a walk and make it clear I’m having a sabbatical from men. My neighbour seems lovely but I can’t cope with another man blanking me if things go pear shaped. Sometimes I think maybe I should give up with dating altogether. I have started a new yoga group and there’s lots of friendly women that have invited me to a pub night so that is maybe a way of increasing my social circle

OP posts:
CeruleanDive · 29/06/2024 22:38

Great update, OP.

Mirabai · 29/06/2024 22:40

Wrong thread!