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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

Dating 2 men - I need to chose

85 replies

merrysunflower · 15/08/2025 00:04

I’m 37 and been single for 5 years. Over the years I’ve been on/off dating apps. I’ve never dated more than one person at a time. Once I arrange a first date, I just lose interest in the ones in the talking stage. I find I either lose interest in someone quickly, or I end it because I quite like them but they’re not emotional available. The last guy I dated I really liked but he was so hot and cold that I just walked away.

So sick of dating disasters I decided to just have fun, go on as many dates as possible and accept it’s probably going nowhere. Except; I’m now dating 2 people and I like them both. They’re so different, I like them in very different ways, but I can’t keep it up, I need to chose but I can’t.

Guy 1 is polar opposite to me, extrovert and I’m introverted. He’s very high energy, open, honest, wears his heart on his sleeve. I’m less open naturally but I have built trust, he recognises when he’s moving faster than me and adjusts. He’s a good dad, good job, own home. Actions match his words. Makes the time to see me around my children whilst still prioritising his, has them 50/50. So much fun to be around, we laugh and he brings out my more fun side.
I don’t know if I’d get tired of the high energy, I don’t know if he’ll calm as things get more serious.

Guy 2 is more on my level, calmer, more measured. A little more reserved. He doesn’t work, full time dad, no mum involved, big horrible back story and has had to make lots of sacrifices to be there for his daughter. Really difficult to find the time as both single parents but does make plans as much as possible. Cancelled a few times but I do understand, he has very limited support network. Has plans/ambitions for when daughter starts school. Less open emotionally and slower paced but not unavailable, I’d say cautious but not closed which is similar to me. I feel more secure in his presence but more anxious when away, more so because of all the barriers than how he is.

both have similar amounts of pros and cons. I just don’t know how to choose. Physically attracted to both but I’m holding back as I don’t want to go further with both at the same time. I couldn’t handle that.

how do I chose

OP posts:
Cardinalita90 · 15/08/2025 00:16

I understand why you don't want to be intimate with them both, but I do think sex can bring you closer together and highlight compatibility. So it's a shame you haven't got that to help inform your decision.

Have you spoken to either of them about how things are going? It's a risk to pick either if you don't know where they're at.

GivingUpFinally · 15/08/2025 00:16

You choose the one with a job. Otherwise, you'll get bored of subsidising the other guy over time the financial differences may become a hindrance to progress long term.

TheThreeStingrays · 15/08/2025 00:18

You’ve not mentioned chemistry and which one you have the most with. What does your heart tell you?

sausageupanalley · 15/08/2025 00:21

Oh definitely number 1! You feel yourself around him and he makes you laugh plus he's been prioritising your time together. Number 2 sounds like hard work- do you really want that? You haven't mentioned romantic chemistry, have you kissed or slept with either of them? Are you more physically attracted to one more than the other?

Ladedahlia · 15/08/2025 00:21

Who do you feel the most relaxed with? Who is the best conversationalist? Who is the most fun to be around? If you had to ask one of them to save you from drowning, who would it be?

YesThatsATurdOnTheRug · 15/08/2025 00:21

The first guy!

dontcryformeargentina · 15/08/2025 00:28

The first guy - he wants you more and more invested

researchers3 · 15/08/2025 00:31

I like the sound of number one more.

RedRec · 15/08/2025 00:32

First one by a mile.

myfitbitisfucked · 15/08/2025 00:39

putting you first and not them then - even if number 2 is lovely- I would pursue things with number 2 based on the information you’ve provided

SnowFrogJelly · 15/08/2025 00:45

Go for guy number 1

Enough4me · 15/08/2025 00:54

Number 1.

myfitbitisfucked · 15/08/2025 00:56

I meant number 1 FFS

ACynicalDad · 15/08/2025 00:59

Don’t go out with an adult without a job!

Kkcce66 · 15/08/2025 01:00

I went for someone very similar to your guy 2 and it's utterly devastated me.

shinycinnamon · 15/08/2025 01:02

Go for 1. 2 sounds like hard work

Yachtingaroundtheworldiwish · 15/08/2025 01:05

The first guy, definitely.

Crushed23 · 15/08/2025 01:07

Kkcce66 · 15/08/2025 01:00

I went for someone very similar to your guy 2 and it's utterly devastated me.

How so?

OP, both men have children - are you okay with being a step parent? You’re only 37, you could definitely meet a child-free man to have another baby with, if that’s what you want.

Of the two, I guess number 1 is slightly lower maintenance? Go with him.

Teanandtoast · 15/08/2025 01:27

You describe number 1 in a way that sounds so lovely and that you love being around him, I'd go number 1!

Ilovelurchers · 15/08/2025 01:43

Like someone up thread suggested, if you could bring yourself to I would sleep with them both and find out which one you are more sexually compatible with.

If you aren't keen on that idea though, number 1 sounds better on paper.

TracyBeakerSoYeah · 15/08/2025 02:03

Toss a coin, have heads for No1 & tails for No2 or vice versa.
Whatever it falls on & you feel very happy/excited then there's your answer.
However if falls on heads & you feel disappointed then the man on tails is who you really want, & the same way if it falls on tails & you feel disappointed then heads is your man

I wouldn't suggest sleeping with both at the same time if they both think you are exclusive.
Also how would you feel if you found out later that one of them was finding it hard to choose between you & another woman & slept with both of you to decide?
Personally that would be the budding relationship over for me, and whichever man you choose after sleeping with them both may dump you if/when he finds out.

Plus if a man came on here & said he was dating two women & couldn't decide which woman he wanted to keep & should he sleep with them both to decide, then there would be bloody uproar!

On the flip side if all of you are not exclusive & aren't bothered about who anyone sleeps with then try both out.

Flomingho · 15/08/2025 02:13

The first one. The second guy sounds like he has too much going on with being primary carer for his daughter to commit to a relationship. if he hasn't got a job this could be an issue should you decide to cohabit in the future.

DaisyDoodler · 15/08/2025 05:50

Another vote for guy 1. Guy 2 sounds like hard work and no job also not a great start. Also sounds full of excuses.

chachahide · 15/08/2025 05:55

I think guy 2 is being slightly less available and you’re finding that more attractive/more of a challenge.

If you’re being honest is it 1s openness and honesty and keenness that’s putting you off?

Trust me, go for 1, you’ll be happier in the long run.

InNeedOfASideHustle · 15/08/2025 05:57

From what you've written, Guy A sounds like the better option!

It does seem like Guy B might need a bit of a support network though. Any chance you could stay in touch as friends?

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