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Doomed?

14 replies

AmITheIdiot · 25/04/2025 02:28

Met a man basically right as he separated from his wife, they have children together. I liked him but I wasn't keen on the circumstances so I denied his advances for half a year, maybe a little more. He has been separated 2.5 years now, young kids under 10y/old. 6mths after meeting, we became a couple properly. At first he was great, very invested, open to the future with me re marriage, kids, a life together. 2 years together now, he and the (ex) wife still own a house together, share divorce/bills and divorce not filled, and only sees children for maybe 15 hours a week. He would like more but ex has said no. I feel like I'm at him constantly to sort this situation out, move forward, get in a position to be able to plan a proper life together. More recently, he isn't interested in this future with me, he'll say he doesn't want; to live together, more kids with me, or to get re married. This isn't what I signed up for, and feel as if he has pulled the rug out from under me by taking these things off the table after I've already invested myself in a future with him. When I bring it up, he becomes frustrated and ends the relationship stating he doesn't want XYZ (children, marriage), but comes back days/weeks later saying he loves me and we can make it work. Then another disagreement happens and the cycle repeats where he throws in these huge NO's. I'm so confused, he says he loves me, but he doesn't appear to want a "real" relationship with me that involves any commitment or responsibility. His separation has been hard, and I understand that and have witnessed, but he pursued me and I make it clear I didn't want this. Should I let him walk away? My gut tell me this he is not ready and needs to be alone to process the life change further, but I love him so much I don't know how to let go. What should I do?

OP posts:
Maitri108 · 25/04/2025 02:38

If he did want children how do you see that working out? Has he gone to court to see more of his children? Is he involved in their lives? Takes them places, knows their friends etc?

He sounds lazy and uninvolved to me. Why hasn't he sorted out the divorce and child arrangements?

He told you whatever you wanted to hear when you first got together. How could he afford more children and where would he get the time as he's such a dedicated dad?

He's not even divorced OP, it's obvious that he doesn't want to get remarried or commit.

FullOfLemons · 25/04/2025 03:04

I think your gut feelings are correct.

You have been saying you want to build a life together including children.

He is now saying he doesn’t even know if he wants to live with you.

After 2 years !??

Sorry.

ResultsMayVary · 25/04/2025 04:15

He's not ready for a new relationship and it sounds like even if he was he'd come with a lot of baggage. He doesn't sound like an ideal man ti start a family with.

LBFseBrom · 25/04/2025 04:42

You'd be mad to continue a relationship with him, he has three young children for goodness sake! Avoid. There are childless men around.

Either phase this one out or accept it for what it is, uncommitted but enjoyable. Some people like that, if you don't it's not for you. It's too soon for him to think of permanence and especially having more kids.

Piggled · 25/04/2025 06:40

You can walk away instead of ‘letting him walk away’…

Girlmom35 · 25/04/2025 10:49

Why are you letting him dictate your future?
He has told you very clearly how he feels and what he wants. All you have to do is believe him.

Of course he wanted a family, a marriage, more children when you just met. He was suddenly single after a long marriage, which left a huge gap in his life. And he wanted nothing more than to fill that gap as quickly as possible. All he had to do was feed you a few stories and suddenly he didn't have to be alone and lonely.

He is not going to magically change his mind. He's still getting over the loss of his marriage and his family. You are nothing more than something to soothe his pain, a distraction. So instead of helplessly sitting by, waiting for him to offer you the things you want and deserve, why don't you be the one to walk away and go after them on your own?

Pamspeople · 25/04/2025 11:05

"he says he loves me, but he doesn't appear to want a "real" relationship with me that involves any commitment or responsibility" - it's not really that confusing, OP. He clearly doesn't want to commit to a relationship with you, but comes back when he's a bit lonely and tells you what you want to hear. I'm sorry but unless you're happy being just a bit of occasional fun for him, this isn't the relationship for you. Walk away now and find someone who wants the same things you do.

Anyonefoundmysparesock · 25/04/2025 11:18

He wants what he wants and basically saying it very loud and clear.
Its hard to say if he really wanted all of these things at the start of the chase, him chasing you, but now that he has you securely where he needs you, he wants you to stop bothering him with YOUR wishes.

I would toss this one back where you found him.

Anyonefoundmysparesock · 25/04/2025 11:22

OP pressed too soon.

This is not love, he likes what comes with you, ans by leaving you over and over again he is disciplining you into submission. He is an asshole.

Can you close the door on him next time he comes back claiming he loves you and only you.

Find your worth, he has clearly stamped on it enough by the sounds of things.

WindingStair · 25/04/2025 11:29

Look, OP. You want to go on a specific journey with someone. You have a small backpack. Do you choose the guy with the similarly small backpack, who’s all ready to go, interested and eager, or the guy who is teetering under seven suitcases and a trunk, and doesn’t even want to take the first step?

GreenCandleWax · 25/04/2025 11:33

The time table of your relationship isn't very clear from your post, OP, but if i have it right, he separated from his wife two and a half years ago, and you have been together as a couple for two years. Six months before that he tried to persuade you. So he went straight from the broken marriage to trying to get into relationship with you? He was mightily on the rebound, and still has not properly disentangled himself from his former relationship. This does not look hopeful for you. All the early promises he has gone back on. It is fairly clear he has never really committed to you as he is still in some senses with his wife. Awful that he is now re-writing his history with you. Sadly, you need to cut your losses here, and move on. I am so sorry. 🌺

Owl55 · 25/04/2025 11:36

So you want marriage , 3 stepchildren, an ex wife , more kids, all with a man who doesn’t want another marraige and sounds like he’d like to get back with his wife????

ukathleticscoach · 25/04/2025 11:43

Ditch him

SeventeenClovesOfGarlic · 25/04/2025 11:49

He's married, a deadbeat, and wants to keep you as a casual girlfriend, no house sharing, further kids or marriage.

If that doesn't appeal to you just dump him.

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