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Dating Thread 250 - Autumn

1000 replies

librauk · 21/09/2024 17:58

The Rules:

• The first rule about the dating thread is don't talk about it with people you're dating.
• Develop a thick skin.
• Do not invest emotionally too soon.
• It's all BS until it actually happens.
• Trust your gut instinct.
• People vanishing, lying & being generally weird is not your faulT.
• Know your wortH.
• If it's not fun, stop.
• Loo update is mandatory.
10. No dating the thread.
11. Treat others as you'd like to be treated
12. Any relationship you have that could get ruined by having a conversation about your feelings, standards and/or expectations wasn't really stable enough to begin with
13. The things you choose to ignore/ tolerate now are the reasons you will break up in the future
14. OLD can get very time consuming. Keep doing other activities you enjoy.

Optional: Please give your irons (potential dates you are talking to) nicknames like Mr Scottish. Initials are allowed (Mr S) when you are an item*

OP posts:
Thread gallery
6
TwistedWonder · 08/10/2024 15:32

Ok what’s with someone sending an opening message with a 👋 nothing else?

Is that really the amount of effort they think women want? Maybe it’s just me but it’s pretty pathetic to not even say a word just an emoji

category12 · 08/10/2024 19:07

TwistedWonder · 08/10/2024 15:32

Ok what’s with someone sending an opening message with a 👋 nothing else?

Is that really the amount of effort they think women want? Maybe it’s just me but it’s pretty pathetic to not even say a word just an emoji

That guy would be getting nothing back.

TwistedWonder · 09/10/2024 20:09

It’s not me is it?

Matched with local guy a day or so ago and messaging going pretty well and he vaguely mentions meeting up. He said ‘you’ll have to wear heels as I’m tall’ so I reply ‘that’s good I like tall men but I don’t do heels. Though I can offer platform adidas’

He then got really stroppy and said if a woman can’t even make the effort to wear heels on a date to impress him then no wonder she’s still single’ and unmatches me

WTAF??? Are there actually any men on OLD that aren’t complete tossers?

NervesOfCotton · 09/10/2024 22:06

No it's not you TwistedWonder. It really isn't. There's loads of men OLD who try to tell you what to wear for a date. High heel fetish etc. I had one ask me to wear a basque corset once. I replied 'A what? What's one of those?' (I know what a corset is but the Basque threw me!) & he said 'Well if you don't know then you are uncultured, common, rough as F* I expect & definitely not for me' then blocked meGrin

librauk · 09/10/2024 22:15

TwistedWonder · 08/10/2024 15:32

Ok what’s with someone sending an opening message with a 👋 nothing else?

Is that really the amount of effort they think women want? Maybe it’s just me but it’s pretty pathetic to not even say a word just an emoji

I got a 👍. He got unmatched 🤦‍♀️

OP posts:
LittleFloatingGhost · 09/10/2024 22:39

@TwistedWonder It’s not you. Not many people I know wear heels anymore - in fact, can’t think of anyone, unless it’s a little heel on a boot. Not necessary in any way, shape or form! Lucky escape.

Dauntedbydating · 09/10/2024 22:40

There are a lot of "Hi" or emoji openers.
I have put some thought into my profile, so if someone puts no effort into either a message or a reply...I am not interested

TwistedWonder · 09/10/2024 22:47

NervesOfCotton · 09/10/2024 22:06

No it's not you TwistedWonder. It really isn't. There's loads of men OLD who try to tell you what to wear for a date. High heel fetish etc. I had one ask me to wear a basque corset once. I replied 'A what? What's one of those?' (I know what a corset is but the Basque threw me!) & he said 'Well if you don't know then you are uncultured, common, rough as F* I expect & definitely not for me' then blocked meGrin

OMG how rude! Who do these men actually think they are?

Im 58 - my days of heels are long gone. It’s comfort for me nowadays 😅

Im shocked how many men my age group are bald and overweight yet think mature women should dress like 10 bob teenage hookers.

TwistedWonder · 09/10/2024 22:49

librauk · 09/10/2024 22:15

I got a 👍. He got unmatched 🤦‍♀️

I unmatched mr 👋 - how lazy can you get?

I also got sent a 🌹. Again no words just a flower emoji. I mean what on earth can you reply to that?

NervesOfCotton · 09/10/2024 23:05

GrinTwistedWonder They are all god's gift & we are lucky if we are chosen to date them (apparently)

Sometimes if I'm in a good mood I'll reply to an emoji or one word first message,
but they get one chance. If they send a second emoji/one word then I'm done.

Healingsfall · 10/10/2024 08:54

My instinct was right - the other night he messaged me asking how my day was? I replied it was quite stressful as on a big work project deadline. He then offered to call me, which again is lovely, but 2 dates in and he seems to want an emotional connection by talking through my stressful day with him. I just said thanks but I'm just gonna chill and not think about work.

Anyway, the messages were getting more frequent, and it was getting too much when I'm so busy with work as it's really stressful at the moment. So last night I politely text him saying I'm going to call off our dating as I don't have the headspace for it with xyz going on, and wished him well/I'm sure he'll find someone.

No reply but this morning he sent a grinning selfie with him at some game with a trophy behind him, no mention of my message. Then about half an hour later, sent:

"Sad about the dating, the dating stage should be the fun part, play it nice and cool 😎 I still owe you a dinner, we can go next weekend, it'll be fun! Also I can message you less, say about 9pm each night. Xx"

Wtf, he completely ignored what I said and tried to make more plans with me! I didn't reply and blocked him.

TwistedWonder · 10/10/2024 12:02

I’m actually staring to actively hate men after being on OLD.

I’ve just seen a profile of a bald, overweight 65 year old who dresses like man at BHS and looks every minute of his age. His profile reads - I’m only interested in women under 50 who are very attractive (no less than a 8), slim(size 10 or smaller) who don’t have children or any barriers to meeting up as often as possible for fun and maybe more. Please do not swipe right if you don’t meet this criteria thank you.

Now I know we all have our preferences but get real mate 😅

librauk · 10/10/2024 15:08

Ok all, here is our problem

Hope the link works

vm.tiktok.com/ZGde2UwUF/

OP posts:
ElleintheWoods · 10/10/2024 20:13

Why is falling for someone so euphoric and terrifying at the same time? 😂Mostly the former thankfully but still... I'd forgotten how full of 'feeling feelings' and finding a mutual rhytm/ balance these first few weeks/months were!

Don't you find that @LittleFloatingGhost?

Day99 · 10/10/2024 21:06

TwistedWonder · 10/10/2024 12:02

I’m actually staring to actively hate men after being on OLD.

I’ve just seen a profile of a bald, overweight 65 year old who dresses like man at BHS and looks every minute of his age. His profile reads - I’m only interested in women under 50 who are very attractive (no less than a 8), slim(size 10 or smaller) who don’t have children or any barriers to meeting up as often as possible for fun and maybe more. Please do not swipe right if you don’t meet this criteria thank you.

Now I know we all have our preferences but get real mate 😅

Poor man, imagine the horror he'd have to go through if he opened the app one day and one of his likes was from 51 year old woman who was size 12 😅

LittleFloatingGhost · 10/10/2024 22:28

ElleintheWoods · 10/10/2024 20:13

Why is falling for someone so euphoric and terrifying at the same time? 😂Mostly the former thankfully but still... I'd forgotten how full of 'feeling feelings' and finding a mutual rhytm/ balance these first few weeks/months were!

Don't you find that @LittleFloatingGhost?

@ElleintheWoods love? Are you in love, Elle?! 🥳

I’ve definitely caught feelings, but approaching cautiously, as I need to figure out what I’m feeling 🤣🤣 Plus there’s loads I feel I need to assess before fully being open to really leaning into that! I’m not sure if it’s euphoria for me, but I feel happy, calm, content, giddy and very, very emotional. A little overwhelming as it’s been a long time.

ElleintheWoods · 10/10/2024 22:47

LittleFloatingGhost · 10/10/2024 22:28

@ElleintheWoods love? Are you in love, Elle?! 🥳

I’ve definitely caught feelings, but approaching cautiously, as I need to figure out what I’m feeling 🤣🤣 Plus there’s loads I feel I need to assess before fully being open to really leaning into that! I’m not sure if it’s euphoria for me, but I feel happy, calm, content, giddy and very, very emotional. A little overwhelming as it’s been a long time.

Haha no no I’m not in love 😂 But I notice my moods. When I’ve just been with him or on my way to meet him I turn the music up in the car and have a dance party, just feel happy and invincible. And generally find myself smiling unable to stop randomly on a rainy Monday night. Just so happy, calm, content and giddy most of the time - just like you describe.

But also like yourself I’m eyes wide open and assessing. For example he might say he likes a terrible flavour of ice cream and “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off” song enters my head! There’s maybe a couple of longer-term things I should pay more attention to and they sometimes enter my head, but equally I just want to enjoy it and not think too much.

It is a bit terrifying as well though! Finding out what kind of routine the new person operates in, their communication style, how to handle them when they’re stressed etc. It’s ‘change’ and change and uncertainty about what the future will look like are by definition stressful, right?

Mollymolloy · 10/10/2024 22:50

Just a quick one… I signed up to Facebook Dating two weeks ago. There was one guy that I liked and we had a lot in common. We chatted for a bit but, the length of time between his responses got longer. He has now said that he is too busy to date. His profile is still live… obvs..

Another one has sent loads of chatty messages. He suggested that we meet up. I said that I would rather have a phone call first. He said ‘well, I don’t really talk on the phone’. He has now pretty much stopped chatting….

What the actual fuck!! Is this it?? 🤷‍♀️ Are they all a bunch of bloody weirdoes on online dating.. ??

Healingsfall · 12/10/2024 11:18

Does anyone else think when a guy writes on his profile when asked about his favourite/most important quality in a person/must haves in a relationship: showing me affection/passion, it comes across as slightly bitter? To me it reads like "my exes didn't show me the affection I wanted because she was exhausted taking care of kids/house/work and I was very hard done by so my new date must show me lots of affection/passion.

😁😁 I'm probably wrong, it's just when they include it so prominent, sometimes above communication/honesty etc...

LittleFloatingGhost · 12/10/2024 11:29

ElleintheWoods · 10/10/2024 22:47

Haha no no I’m not in love 😂 But I notice my moods. When I’ve just been with him or on my way to meet him I turn the music up in the car and have a dance party, just feel happy and invincible. And generally find myself smiling unable to stop randomly on a rainy Monday night. Just so happy, calm, content and giddy most of the time - just like you describe.

But also like yourself I’m eyes wide open and assessing. For example he might say he likes a terrible flavour of ice cream and “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off” song enters my head! There’s maybe a couple of longer-term things I should pay more attention to and they sometimes enter my head, but equally I just want to enjoy it and not think too much.

It is a bit terrifying as well though! Finding out what kind of routine the new person operates in, their communication style, how to handle them when they’re stressed etc. It’s ‘change’ and change and uncertainty about what the future will look like are by definition stressful, right?

Edited

I’m definitely all over the big stuff particularly as we both have kids. I saw him this week and I just love spending time with him. He is so emotionally attractive and considerate which is a huge thing for me, but I’m so scared of getting hurt. Whilst my separation was two years ago and it was my decision, it hurt and I still have the scars. A me problem, but something Mr Local resonates with too and he is understanding that there is no rush - just savour the here and now.

I mentioned him to my kids yesterday as a friend. He had brought cake over and the kids and I had it after dinner, just a casual “my friend bought us cake”, they asked who and I said “Mr Local”. That was it. I was sweating a little! 😂😂

@NervesOfCotton Thank you! I’m trying to not think too much of the what if, but it’s tricky too! X

ElleintheWoods · 12/10/2024 11:46

Healingsfall · 12/10/2024 11:18

Does anyone else think when a guy writes on his profile when asked about his favourite/most important quality in a person/must haves in a relationship: showing me affection/passion, it comes across as slightly bitter? To me it reads like "my exes didn't show me the affection I wanted because she was exhausted taking care of kids/house/work and I was very hard done by so my new date must show me lots of affection/passion.

😁😁 I'm probably wrong, it's just when they include it so prominent, sometimes above communication/honesty etc...

Oh yes definitely bitter!

I mean, many people definitely think it if they have come out of a relationship with little physical affection, but it’s not really a good think to put on your profile. Honest I suppose, but would put people off. I went on a date with someone who had put something similar and thinking back he certainly had ‘issues’ related to previous relationship and lack of affection in it.

I’ve said before that people go on OLD often before they have processed the ending of their last relationship and these types of things demonstrate it.

Or some of the early conversations where things to do with their ex and how they want something different comes up right away.

I’m guilty of it myself but in different ways, I used to have on my profile that I wanted someone that was into adventurous foreign travel, wine and cheese, theatre etc - basically a list of things I couldn’t share with ex. I’ve chilled out since now that I’ve got my theatre dose in 😂

Healingsfall · 12/10/2024 11:55

@ElleintheWoods glad it's not just me 😆

Most feel that way after a relationship as the physical side often dwindles. But putting in your profile just screams "I will not be happy/whine/sulk/not see that you're exhausted if you don't pay me the attention and affection I desire!" 🤨😄

ElleintheWoods · 12/10/2024 12:54

LittleFloatingGhost · 12/10/2024 11:29

I’m definitely all over the big stuff particularly as we both have kids. I saw him this week and I just love spending time with him. He is so emotionally attractive and considerate which is a huge thing for me, but I’m so scared of getting hurt. Whilst my separation was two years ago and it was my decision, it hurt and I still have the scars. A me problem, but something Mr Local resonates with too and he is understanding that there is no rush - just savour the here and now.

I mentioned him to my kids yesterday as a friend. He had brought cake over and the kids and I had it after dinner, just a casual “my friend bought us cake”, they asked who and I said “Mr Local”. That was it. I was sweating a little! 😂😂

@NervesOfCotton Thank you! I’m trying to not think too much of the what if, but it’s tricky too! X

Yes, can't ignore the big stuff! But sometimes when I think about what could be the 'big stuff', I feel like I'm overthinking it and overcomplicating it. Neither of us have kids or a complicated ex or assets situation, so I genuinely might be making a bigger deal out of little lifestyle things.

It's normal to have scars and as a result worry a bit once you start getting seriously into someone, right? Especially with kids involved. Guess there's just a fine line between staying grounded and relationship anxiety - sounds like very much the former and all positive for you though! Are you usually a slow mover when developing a connection?

My last serious ex was emotionally very complicated (the type that pulls away and goes to his man cave when he is worried, instead of being able to share it) and I probably have some scars from that/ look out for similar behaviours.

Mr WorkCrush is very different. He opens up without me even asking. He seems... uncomplicated in the best way.

It's a strange month for us. We are both pushed to the limit at work and unable to message/meet til the evening. Every day when he gets out, he immediately messages 'can I see you?'

And we meet but because we're so worn out and on the edge, we probably spend the first 15 mins just unloading on each other before we relax a bit and actually enjoy it. It's an odd situation to be in so early on, although I suppose it's not bad for building emotional closeness and psychological safety.

Having said that, I don't want to overburden him and actually still keep it fun and relaxing between us. So I'm feeling pretty horrific this morning and would love to see him, but just feel like we aren't 'that far along' yet. I know I can be a bit much when I'm like I am today, just feels weird having to think 'if I do this, the other person might not receive it well'. Whereas 1-2 years into a relationship it's obviously very different.

The point I'm making is that while this early stage is so exciting and happy, there's also times where you need to hold off doing what you feel like doing as it might be 'too much, too soon'. Also you're constantly finding out new things about the other person that can make you readjust. Weirdly, the more we get to know one another, the more we realise we are quite alike - both having thought we're a bit unconventional and would find it hard to find someone aligned with our life choices.

Anyway, I'm just leaning into the happy and secure feelings and have decided to 'just enjoy the ride and don't put pressure on it as there's actually nothing to lose'. But I can feel myself craving his company, and I'm usually quite independent, so I'm certainly falling and it scares me a bit.

LittleFloatingGhost · 12/10/2024 13:46

ElleintheWoods · 12/10/2024 12:54

Yes, can't ignore the big stuff! But sometimes when I think about what could be the 'big stuff', I feel like I'm overthinking it and overcomplicating it. Neither of us have kids or a complicated ex or assets situation, so I genuinely might be making a bigger deal out of little lifestyle things.

It's normal to have scars and as a result worry a bit once you start getting seriously into someone, right? Especially with kids involved. Guess there's just a fine line between staying grounded and relationship anxiety - sounds like very much the former and all positive for you though! Are you usually a slow mover when developing a connection?

My last serious ex was emotionally very complicated (the type that pulls away and goes to his man cave when he is worried, instead of being able to share it) and I probably have some scars from that/ look out for similar behaviours.

Mr WorkCrush is very different. He opens up without me even asking. He seems... uncomplicated in the best way.

It's a strange month for us. We are both pushed to the limit at work and unable to message/meet til the evening. Every day when he gets out, he immediately messages 'can I see you?'

And we meet but because we're so worn out and on the edge, we probably spend the first 15 mins just unloading on each other before we relax a bit and actually enjoy it. It's an odd situation to be in so early on, although I suppose it's not bad for building emotional closeness and psychological safety.

Having said that, I don't want to overburden him and actually still keep it fun and relaxing between us. So I'm feeling pretty horrific this morning and would love to see him, but just feel like we aren't 'that far along' yet. I know I can be a bit much when I'm like I am today, just feels weird having to think 'if I do this, the other person might not receive it well'. Whereas 1-2 years into a relationship it's obviously very different.

The point I'm making is that while this early stage is so exciting and happy, there's also times where you need to hold off doing what you feel like doing as it might be 'too much, too soon'. Also you're constantly finding out new things about the other person that can make you readjust. Weirdly, the more we get to know one another, the more we realise we are quite alike - both having thought we're a bit unconventional and would find it hard to find someone aligned with our life choices.

Anyway, I'm just leaning into the happy and secure feelings and have decided to 'just enjoy the ride and don't put pressure on it as there's actually nothing to lose'. But I can feel myself craving his company, and I'm usually quite independent, so I'm certainly falling and it scares me a bit.

I have never been this cautious before. I feel we’re moving comfortably, but it all still feels really soon too.

It’s nice you’re finding more similarities! :)

JaquiRussell · 12/10/2024 13:51

Yes @Mollymolloy it is unfortunately that awful!! Don't worry it's not you nor is it who you're attracting necessarily.
Just the dreadful way of it sometimes. What is it they say, when you are in hell, keep going?!

You're not alone

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