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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

Something feels off - could he be gay?

151 replies

Pigglywink · 09/12/2025 04:29

Been on 4 very good dates with a genuinely lovely guy. He’s been exemplary in terms of how he’s treated me, organised everything, chosen beautiful restaurants, just been very ‘gentlemanly’ and thoughtful. He makes me feel very safe. He’s been so consistent and intentional.

We kissed for the first time on the first date and he seemed pretty attracted to me. 3rd date we spent like an hour just kissing at a booth at the bar. 4th date was at his place, he cooked me dinner so it was kind of implied this would be a sex date.

After dinner I had to suggest we go upstairs and then we couldn’t actually have sex because he couldn’t get hard. He said it was common for him with new partners and was a mental thing. He did express an interest in making sure I was satisfied but didn’t go down on me. It kind of just felt like that really strong sort of ‘passion’ or desire was missing though, I don’t know if that’s because he couldn’t follow through. I’ve never actually experienced this with a guy before.

Then the next day he told me he had a hair appointment later and just randomly made a comment about his hair stylist seeming really straight but referenced a male partner recently so he was surprised he was actually gay. It seemed an odd thing to randomly mention.
Over breakfast he was talking a lot about gay / lesbian people at his company and how they were actively looking to increase their LGBT hires, again a bit random to mention.
On date 2 we ordered cocktails and his was very pink and I jokingly said just as well he was comfortable with his masculinity / sexuality and he went a bit OTT and said ‘oh I’m VERY comfortable with my sexuality’ and it just seemed a bit of an excessive reaction.

Looks wise I am very feminine, I have long hair, slim but curvy with boobs and a bum. He seems attracted to me in that he will instigate physical affection and kiss me a lot but there just seems to be something ‘missing’ that I’ve had with other men where they just kind of have less… control around me almost. I haven’t felt like I’ve had to ‘fend him off’ or set the pace sexually like I have with other men, although dinner at his on the 4th date was his suggestion. But maybe I am used to men being less respectful!

I am mid thirties he is mid forties, divorced, two kids. His ex-wife was unfaithful. Been around 4 years since they split and has not had any LTRs in that time. From what he has told me it’s all fizzled out around the 3/4th date mark. He got married pretty young. He seems keen to settle down and have more kids.

I honestly don’t know if I am over thinking this but something just feels ‘off’ - the ED thing has really thrown me but it was more he just also didn’t seem wildly turned on even. For context (and not needlessly being big headed!) I am very conventionally attractive and tend to get a lot of attention from men generally. He’s made comments about how much he fancies me. But I don’t know, the other night has thrown me. In every other way it has seemed a little too good to be true because he is so lovely and thoughtful and seems really eager to please me and see me a lot. He doesn’t have any sort of effeminate mannerisms or present in that way at all but that doesn’t necessarily mean anything. This is honestly not an ego thing and if I felt like he just didn’t fancy me that would be totally fine, but his consistency in organising dates etc and otherwise pursuing me don’t suggest that, and then I suppose it’s the other things which seem small but have me wondering…

Please be kind as I feel really vulnerable posting this. I hope I am wrong but I can’t shake this feeling and not sure if I am just paranoid because I’ve had such bad experiences with men in the past / if I’m just looking for problems. I really do like him as well. First person I could have actually seen myself having a long term relationship with in ages.

I’ve never encountered the performance anxiety thing before either so not sure how I should handle that, just wait to see if it resolves and maybe I will have my answer. He’s already organising dates 5 and 6 so as I said he seems keen.

I don’t know I guess I just feel flat and a bit disappointed and just like something is wrong 😞

OP posts:
Pigglywink · 09/12/2025 08:10

Ohdearwhatnow4 · 09/12/2025 08:04

The poor blokes wife cheated on him and possibly broke his heart, so was probably him over thinking things, build up trust. The comments are bit random but I'd personally either ask him or get to know him. If theirs no spark though I'd consider if I'd want to carry on

Yeah there’s definitely a spark, at least there is my side, but normally with guys I just feel like there’s this constant undertone of trying to shag me whereas this feels just sort of calmer and more controlled and I’m not used to it.

OP posts:
ChamonixMountainBum · 09/12/2025 08:13

As others have said it should not be this hard (no pun intended). The early months of dating should be thrilling and exciting and not tying yourself up in knots thinking about his sexuality due to pink cocktails, hair stylists and you not 'fending' him off.

Pigglywink · 09/12/2025 08:20

ChamonixMountainBum · 09/12/2025 08:13

As others have said it should not be this hard (no pun intended). The early months of dating should be thrilling and exciting and not tying yourself up in knots thinking about his sexuality due to pink cocktails, hair stylists and you not 'fending' him off.

I escaped a highly abusive marriage a few years ago and whilst I feel ready to date and my life is finally back on track and stable, sometimes it’s normal and natural to be cautious. It doesn’t mean it’s that the person is ‘wrong’. So yes it could be my brain trying to keep me ‘safe’ but isn’t the point of posting on here to get objective opinions and just get a bit of a sense check?
dating him isn’t ‘hard’, he hasn’t done anything wrong or is treating me badly, and I actually wasn’t overthinking it at all before the last date. Just now I’m sorting of adding everything up and probably, hopefully coming to the wrong conclusion.

OP posts:
Seaoftroubles · 09/12/2025 08:41

@Pigglywink l think it's fine to take your time, get to know him and allow things to unfold gradually. Your abusive marriage has left you on high alert for any red flags but so far he's behaved perfectly, apart from the disappointment of his performance anxiety.
He doesn't sound gay to me, an hour kissing and chatting sounds lovely. Of course he could be bi but you can always ask him that in conversation. I hope things work out as he sounds a kind and decent man and they are not easy to come by!

TwistedWonder · 09/12/2025 09:06

OP it sounds like you’ve come out an abusive marriage then maybe subconsciously picked the wrong sort of men who are only after a quick shag.

Now you’ve found someone different who’s treating you with respect, you have no idea how to deal with him.

If you like this guy, maybe pull back on the sexual stuff and let things occur naturally in time. Meanwhile enjoy nice dates and getting to know each other on a proper level

Ygfrhj · 09/12/2025 09:18

He might have a very low sex drive, some people do. Perhaps the ED is a permanent thing and he's excusing it as nerves for now. Maybe that's why his ex was unfaithful!

BeNoisyFish · 09/12/2025 09:18

Yes he might be gay and the ex story could be made up... be but for sure i'd recommend not seeing him again, say like, an ex returned and you realised you still has feelings for him afterall.😁😁😂

Channellingsophistication · 09/12/2025 09:21

Well, time will tell. It's great that you feel a spark with him and feel comfortable and safe with him, after what you've been through with your marriage. This relationship will of course feel different. The pink cocktail and gay remarks may mean he's bi and he's sounding you out about it, or it may be a red herring....

He has been cheated on that will affect him and give him anxiety I would think. It's clear he really likes you and maybe that's why he is anxious, because he has met someone he really likes? See how dates 5 and 6 go. Hope it works out for you.

GreenGodiva · 09/12/2025 09:21

The first time me and my DH tried to have sex he couldn’t get an erection and then the first few times after that when he could GET an erection he struggled to maintain it. He told me it was perfectly normal and he was just a serial monogamist. His penis struggles with transition 😂🤷🏼‍♀️. Been together almost 25 years and never had problems after that initial hiccup. On the plus side I’ve got zero problems writing about him cheating, if he wandered in on an orgy he would be the most likely person to be making the tea and coffee to ensure everybody were hydrated.

Pigglywink · 09/12/2025 09:26

GreenGodiva · 09/12/2025 09:21

The first time me and my DH tried to have sex he couldn’t get an erection and then the first few times after that when he could GET an erection he struggled to maintain it. He told me it was perfectly normal and he was just a serial monogamist. His penis struggles with transition 😂🤷🏼‍♀️. Been together almost 25 years and never had problems after that initial hiccup. On the plus side I’ve got zero problems writing about him cheating, if he wandered in on an orgy he would be the most likely person to be making the tea and coffee to ensure everybody were hydrated.

😂 thank you this is reassuring!

I’m hoping it’s just me unnecessarily having an issue because I’m not used to men actually genuinely being caring and liking women without there being some massive sexual subtext.
I did think the other stuff was a bit random / out of context that it caught my attention but I could just be looking for anything to justify a theory. There is of course a lot of other evidence he is straight 😂

OP posts:
Springtimehere · 09/12/2025 09:27

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

couldthisbethenewname · 09/12/2025 09:28

He could be.

I was with a guy for a year who was great. He found it hard to get hard and also tricky to climax. Always said it wasn't me, it was with all partners. The sex was otherwise great (for me). Fizzled out for various reasons.

He's since come out as gay. I'm happy for him!

And actually when I found out I thought 'oh yeah, that makes sense. He seemed gay'. Like not camp or anything but just... safe in a way that's hard to describe. I think you get a sense.

renthead · 09/12/2025 09:29

The ED thing happening one time wouldn’t worry me at all. That isn’t uncommon with a new partner, I don’t think. It happened with a previous boyfriend of mine and we ended up being very compatible!

It sounds like you actually really like him, so I would give it another chance. FWIW I went out with a guy in my 20s who I am sure was bi and/or gay. It did become apparent to me after awhile that something was off. But based on what you’ve written here, I don’t think it’s unreasonable to give it another go before making any decisions.

Redburnett · 09/12/2025 09:34

He's been putting on an act, he is quite a lot older than you, he has kids from a previous relationship so an ex to deal with over contact, and he has problems in bed. Many reasons to give up on this one.

Timefortea123 · 09/12/2025 09:38

Could he be on hair loss medication like Finasteride? You mentioned going to a hair stylist…..it can affect men’s libido

ChamonixMountainBum · 09/12/2025 09:45

Timefortea123 · 09/12/2025 09:38

Could he be on hair loss medication like Finasteride? You mentioned going to a hair stylist…..it can affect men’s libido

😂

Thats a bit of a reach!

Pigglywink · 09/12/2025 09:48

Timefortea123 · 09/12/2025 09:38

Could he be on hair loss medication like Finasteride? You mentioned going to a hair stylist…..it can affect men’s libido

😂 he actually has a lot of very nice hair!

OP posts:
ohnotthisagain2020 · 09/12/2025 10:01

Just chuck him back. It's far too much hassle to be this worried and ruminating so much just four dates in.

Timefortea123 · 09/12/2025 10:01

So the Finasteride is working well 😂😂but seriously you will be surprised how many men are using it and having hair transplants. Have you seen any pictures of him in his younger days, it’s quite unusual for a mid 40s man to have a good head of hair without intervention…..
n

LittleJustice · 09/12/2025 10:42

Sounds like it's possible he might just be a nice sensitive guy I'd give him a little bit more time and try to relax into the relationship and see where it goes.

BillieWiper · 09/12/2025 10:47

Having ED doesn't make someone gay. I mean he may be bi but if he was gay why on earth would he be dating a woman?!

I guess you can try again sex wise and see if it improves. But to be honest it just seems like you're not really right for eachother.

You clearly like more traditionally masculine men who maybe are a bit more forthright sexually. And that's just not his personality.

Parsleyforme · 09/12/2025 10:57

Performance anxiety is pretty common, I know a few people who’s now partners either couldn’t get it up or came very fast on the first couple of dates. But I think you need to reevaluate your opinion of men – going to a hairdresser, talking about LGBT people and simply not being a sex pest 🧐🧐 shouldn’t automatically make you think a guy is gay

HighLadyofTheNightCourt · 09/12/2025 11:17

I genuinely don’t understand why you would think he was gay from what you’ve written. He sounds like a nice guy who had a bit of performance anxiety.

My DH took me to the gay village and drank sparky cocktails on one of our first dates. Didn’t mean he was gay!

HighLadyofTheNightCourt · 09/12/2025 11:23

StickyToffeePavlovas · 09/12/2025 07:13

I find it feminine that he has a hair stylist, sorry 😅 Yes I think he could be a closet gay, it's happened to myself, my friend and another girl I know so it's fairly common. He might like the facade of being with a stunning woman to cover it up.
Aside from that I think you should go for someone your own age. 10 years is a lot.

Why is it feminine to have a hair stylist? The man the Op is describing sounds very much like my DH and he’s definitely not gay.
He’s also 10 years older than me and it’s really not a problem.

NowStartingOver · 09/12/2025 11:39

You're on MN, so naturally people are going to say to ditch him due to any slight issue. There have even been threads where someone's partner was asked for change in a car park and that led to accusations that he was having a gay affair!