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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

GF doesn't know what she wants - time to finally walk away?

19 replies

FloydPink · 24/09/2024 10:09

Totally confused by how someone can think like this but I am starting to get really angry about my gf (or ex I suppose) keep changing her mind. I have posted on here before as we went through a tough patch in summer and against advice of friends I didn't back out of relationship. LONG POST WARNING!

Background - 2 normal 49/51 yo, two kids and all is normal. Did a holiday with all of us in April which was great, similar upbringings, morals etc... Met 14 months ago and was a bit of a whirlwind, felt totally amazing, not felt anything like it before. Then after holiday tells me she doesn't thing we have the same spark she had with ex and he got back in touch. A few months of her being indecisive, we were not 'together' but saw each other every 2 or 3 days, days out etc... had some very passionate times and when we said to not message each other were both useless at sticking to it. Both as bad as each other for that and intimacy etc... Had, on a high level discussion, the fact we could be happy to move in together pre-holiday. Not sure either are each others ideal types in some ways but we do have an amazing connection and have not felt that before even though she would not be someone I go for in a bar.

After a while, I did give an ultimatum - she needs to choose me or walk away, and we sort of stumbled into giving things another go. I guess I was quite relieved so didn't really give things much thought. We booked a couple of trips away and it was ok, although I did back off a little as she prefers to be more laid back rather than planning. Didn't really stay round each others much which I assumed was just wanting to take things slower.

Went away last weekend and had a great time, but she was a bit off with me last week. Had my parents round so we didn't see each other much and I 'annoyed her' by keep offering cake and bread I had made (she is trying to lose weight, but it wasn't meant in a bad way). She did make a bit of a fuss about not tagging her in stuff on FB that trip which alarmed me a bit (but to be fair she has hardly posted on there herself in last 6m).

So, Sat I bumped into an old friend at the pub, we had a beer and he was telling me about his rubbish date that night. In front of me he started looking at his dating app and guess what, as he was swiping I saw her picture. it said new here, and I was shocked by seeing that. So I popped round the next morning to confront. Some of her comments in no particular order:

  • I was going to tell you after you parents left, I was bored Sat night (probably believe her on this)
  • I think I just see you as a really good friend (but she is very touchy feely and all over me sometimes)
  • There isnt the spark (sorry but I totally don't believe that based on some of the times we had together)
  • When I see you its amazing but I don't miss you so much when you go (compared to her ex when she did, but he lived 3 hours away, I live 5 mins)
  • Feel I had more of a spark with him (different relationship, but if it was that good why not go back with him)
  • The height thing bothers me (I am an inch shorter) and I can't get over that - but if everything else is so good does that matter and why did we keep going for so long
  • I want to have more male friends (reason for the app rather than finding a bf). She does have male friends
  • Not looking to shag around, just go out and do stuff
  • Don't like the bf/gf label or being in a relationship
  • Spent the last 8 years in a long distance relationship so used to being on my own more

So all these things, many of which I find contradictory and she seems to just be throwing stuff out there. I do agree that we are best friends and if she doesn't see past that I get it, but why book trips (even last Wed she was saying about booking something for Dec).

She disagreed when I suggested that it could be something with menopause (sorry for throwing that in but my ex wife went through a tough time with it, especially not knowing what she wanted) but she denied it was a factor.

I am not prepared to go on/off/on/off like I did in the summer. I feel like she has crossed the line in 2 ways - one with the app, and secondly by making plans and wanting to make more but seemingly on a friend basis, but not telling me that part. When se suggests a trip in Dec I stupidly think things must be ok.

I think I could have stayed friends had she chosen ex over me as thats life, but this really has angered me. I feel a mug, embarrassed... It almost sounds like the perfect FWB situation, we do stuff together and have the occasional moment but I am not wanting that. I do want that conventional relationship.

I think I know what people will say - I was going to say a) that what she has said makes no sense, she keeps picking things and throwing them in, so lets go on our trip in a month and put effort in before that and evaluate then, or b) you have messed me around too much now, I can't even be friends the way you have treated me (which is a pain as we have mutual friends, will bump into each other a lot).

I guess most will say b, but is there a chance she genuinely is confused and it could be hormones or something causing all this indecisiveness?

OP posts:
Girlmom35 · 24/09/2024 10:52

It doesn't matter what's causing her indecisiveness.
You can analyse it to death, in the end she's hurting you with it.
Whether it's being ill willed or just being confused, it all adds up to her not being good for you right now. Stop focussing on why she's behaving this way, and start looking at the way it's impacting you.
You're suffering.
You're being hurt.
Walk away

isthismylifenow · 24/09/2024 10:57

I am not going to type a long post, but will say ... walk away from this.

If it was right for you, you would know.

cheezncrackers · 24/09/2024 10:57

Agree with the PP. She's messing you around and you don't have enough in common. Having an amazing physical connection on its own isn't enough - you need way more than that for a happy LT relationship. Your different styles of travel, although a small thing, speaks of much greater incompatibilities.

Edited to say: when something is right it really isn't this hard work!

PashaMinaMio · 24/09/2024 10:58

She’s keeping you on the back burner until someone she prefers comes along. That’s why she’s on the dating site!

Read the writing in the wall. Walk away. She’s more angst than you need.

Catoo · 24/09/2024 11:01

LTB

Nannerli · 24/09/2024 11:01

It doesn’t matter whether you think her reasons ‘make sense’ or not, though. This relationship is no longer working for you, so end it.

Nannerli · 24/09/2024 11:03

And to be honest, you’re annoying me, even from just this post by suggesting twice that ‘it’s just her hormones’. She seems to me to be pretty clear that she no longer wants to be in a committed relationship with you.

RuleForFire · 24/09/2024 11:04

I'm surprised at your ages as you both sound very young (quarreling over fb posts).

As the MN saying goes - never make someone a priority if they only see you as an option. She sees you as an option. And nobody joins dating apps to make friends.

poppyzbrite4 · 24/09/2024 11:07

She's not that into you. Move on.

MarkingBad · 24/09/2024 11:37

It's a shame but I agree with the PP, she's wasting your time.

Bin the relationship now and find someone who wants to be with you. She is making it clear you are just FWB

FloydPink · 24/09/2024 13:09

MarkingBad · 24/09/2024 11:37

It's a shame but I agree with the PP, she's wasting your time.

Bin the relationship now and find someone who wants to be with you. She is making it clear you are just FWB

Think thats a good summary.

The weird thing was when she was going through these me v ex thoughts in summer she was the one that found it hard to stay away. Emotional connection was strong.

What is more upsetting is that she chose to go onto the app behind my back and to then say its a friends thing between us. She knew what I did want so just feel she has led me on. In a way I see that as a positive - it has given me real anger which I didn't feel in the summer so should find it easier to back away.

I knew what the responses would be but just wanted a sanity check to make sure that it wasn't just doubts or being scared of commitment or anything else. While it may appear obvious that she is not that into me many of her behaviours suggest otherwise hence my confusion. In the past its always been clear when that person changes feelings.

Going to tell her later that I am not interested in staying friends and will not be doing our trip next month.

OP posts:
Catoo · 24/09/2024 13:17

Well done OP.
Call it off. Lay down boundaries and stick to them.

It’s possible that with no contact she will really miss you and want to reconnect. Be careful about being dragged back in unless she can demonstrably and clearly show how her behaviour and thinking has changed.

MrSeptember · 24/09/2024 13:22

I remember your threads.

This woman likes you, is attracted to you, but does not want to be in a relationship with you. You need to accept that. I have had two men treat me this way in my younger days - clearly enjoyed my company, definitely attracted to me, but I didn't meet their criteria for an actual relationship. It was very upsetting and hurtful so I totally understand how you feel. The best thing to do is cut all contact. Of course she'll miss you - she likes you - but you can't be friends with someone who is causing you this hurt.

MarkingBad · 24/09/2024 13:42

FloydPink · 24/09/2024 13:09

Think thats a good summary.

The weird thing was when she was going through these me v ex thoughts in summer she was the one that found it hard to stay away. Emotional connection was strong.

What is more upsetting is that she chose to go onto the app behind my back and to then say its a friends thing between us. She knew what I did want so just feel she has led me on. In a way I see that as a positive - it has given me real anger which I didn't feel in the summer so should find it easier to back away.

I knew what the responses would be but just wanted a sanity check to make sure that it wasn't just doubts or being scared of commitment or anything else. While it may appear obvious that she is not that into me many of her behaviours suggest otherwise hence my confusion. In the past its always been clear when that person changes feelings.

Going to tell her later that I am not interested in staying friends and will not be doing our trip next month.

Your sanity is working well! No probs there.

It's hard to see the woods for the trees sometimes especially if you like them a lot. We sometimes forgive far too much and look for excuses for their behaviour. You two are around the same age as me, I have a lot less patience for commitment issues and people who want an ego boost of having several people waiting for them to make up their mind, than I used to have, I want to enjoy my life now not waste it hanging around feeling dazed and confused state. No wonder you had doubts about your sanity.

Great idea going full cold turkey as well, dragging it out with "friends" who are blowing hot and cold can be too confusing for those of us who prefer to choose something more committed.

I hope it all works out well and you find a lovely new partner who wants you for you and not keeping you dangling.

TheBerry · 28/09/2024 23:04

You’re a man, right?

In that case I can 100% believe that while you feel the connection/intimacy/sex is incredible, it isn’t for her. The number of men I know (and not just in my own relationships) who think you’ve got this amazing connection when actually it’s just average baffles me.

She just isn’t as into you as you are her.

Think you need to let this one go. You’d probably find that your intense feelings would fade in a few months anyway - she’s just way ahead of you.

Hope you find somebody else soon who’s a better match!

Noseybookworm · 28/09/2024 23:14

I would walk away from this - she's messing you about and you deserve better. Do yourself a favour and leave her to her sort herself out. No-one needs all that drama and hassle in a relationship!

harrumphh · 28/09/2024 23:24

she's not that into you

Waitforit7 · 29/09/2024 00:29

She sounds like a player and she’s messing you around. She’s up and down with you because she can’t commit, I honestly wouldn’t invest anything more into this

Pherian · 29/09/2024 11:06

So sorry you’re going through this. It’s awful and I know your heart is just trying to find a way to rationalise what has happened.

This is not a hormonal issue. I’m in my 40’s and a little younger than your lady friend - and I may have some wild mood swings and emotions, but I’ve never in my life joined a dating site while I was seeing someone.

Ive never dropped a genuine good hearted man to go back to an ex because of a “spark” it’s complete BS that she’s told you. In fact this isn’t something I’ve ever done at all.

She does have issues, I’ll give her that but please do not allow this person to waste more of your time when you seem pretty clear on what you do want and you sound like a lovely person.

Lose her number.

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