Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

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

Dating thread 54-New year new irons?

1000 replies

bluedabadeedabadoo · 07/01/2026 23:11

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
-No dating the thread
-Treat others as you'd like to be treated
-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
-The things you choose to ignore/ tolerate now are the reasons you will break up in the future
-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
BoxOfCats · 09/02/2026 23:14

bluedabadeedabadoo · 09/02/2026 22:10

@rubberduck68 all sounds good and no I wouldn’t worry about this.

@CleanShirtyou are made of stronger stuff than me! But if you are having fun and feeling ok then all is good!

Met Mr Cheval tonight. Didn’t feel helped like his pictures which is odd so don’t feel attracted right away but towards the end I did start to feel a spark in the way we looked at each other. It was very easy and time went so fast. We were there well over 2 hours. We have text loads since we got back and got agree there was something there and want to meet up again.
he hasn’t talked much about his kids (which is unusual) so I need to ask about them on the next date and also a bit more about his relationship history but all good so far.

Awww, well that sounds promising!

Roslos · 10/02/2026 06:59

Sorry long rant post ahead not sure if this is the right thread for it but Just recently started OLD again and bloody hell just wanted to share do I attract some oddballs!

So I was talking to this guy for about 48 hours and all he wanted to talk about was the superbowl performance and his dance classes.

Fine it was fairly interesting but I wanted to dig a bit deeper and eventually asked what he was looking for on the app. His reply was “nothing, because you can’t find anything out of texting someone you don’t know on a dating app”. 🙄 he was taking things way too literally so I said let me rephrase, “ what kind of relationship are you hoping to get in real life from someone you meet on this app?”

He struggled to answer, despite saying on his opening message to me that he wanted to settle down and agreeing with my prompt about being an intentional dater.

Then he eventually said he wants a best friend he was madly attracted to, and to feel the same way as he did when he was a teen in love . I could see a bit of a red flag there as he seemed preoccupied with teen style highs and infatuation rather than describing a solid relationship.

I said to him about in my view love was a verb and choosing that person every day and it’s more than a feeling of infatuation. He didn’t really seem to get it so I asked him if he could please share any lessons he’s learned from his previous relationship or why any of them didn’t work out and he said he wasn’t willing to discuss that until he was comfortable.

I was like ok fair play, but I’d also noticed he hadn’t made any real attempt to ask about my availability to meet or even raise the idea of organising a coffee date so I didn’t see how this would progress.

There was some other stuff too like him saying he wanted an ambitious woman while earlier saying that he himself wasn’t ambitious anymore and only worked part time?!

He seemed nice but I just got a feeling about it and sent him a polite text saying it’s been lovely chatting past couple of days but I don’t think we are looking for the same thing. I wish you all the best.

He replied a few minutes later saying good because I was getting on his nerves, it wasn’t an interview so he wasn’t here for chats about his previous relationships. But if I must know his ex killed his first child and lost his second and used to beat him up. 😵‍💫😵‍💫

The whole thing sounds bonkers, if she “killed” his first child why was he around for a second child? And why tell me now after saying he wasn’t going to share about his exes and when I’ve said goodbye?

His whole tone had turned quite nasty while he delivered the trauma dump and I felt it was manipulative like maybe he was hoping I’d apologise?

But for me that last outburst was a parade of red flags. I could tell my gut had been right and this was an emotionally immature guy who wasn’t ready for a healthy relationship and probably thrived on drama.

Should’ve just unmatched without saying anything tbh which is what I usually do! Trying to shake it all off and continue but it has put me off OLD again.

BoxOfCats · 10/02/2026 07:14

@Roslos What a weirdo! Sounds like sour grapes to me. He didn’t like that you weren’t into him, so he threw his toys by saying you were annoying him anyway, and all the rest of it. He sounds incredibly immature so it was lucky you found that out before you actually spent time meeting him!

Onwards and upwards… I try to just think of it as entertainment, it’s the only way to stay sane 😁

NervesOfCotton · 10/02/2026 07:17

Sorry, Roslos He sounds like one of the many who just aren't in the right headspace to date, or are so fed up with the Apps that they just self sabotage it really, don't they? I've spoken to a few of those.

I hope you are ok. You just have to unmatch, quickly!

Roslos · 10/02/2026 07:17

Thanks @BoxOfCats yeah he really was weird!

Yeah I guess as they say if you don’t laugh you’ll cry, so best to look it that way 😆

Just was a bit shaken up at his tone in that final message but indeed onwards and upwards!

Needless to say I unmatched after that last message.

Roslos · 10/02/2026 07:21

NervesOfCotton · 10/02/2026 07:17

Sorry, Roslos He sounds like one of the many who just aren't in the right headspace to date, or are so fed up with the Apps that they just self sabotage it really, don't they? I've spoken to a few of those.

I hope you are ok. You just have to unmatch, quickly!

Yeah if there’s any truth to what he was saying about his ex sounds like he definitely needs counselling (and if there’s not any truth to it he needs counselling too!) and to take a break from dating /apps for a while.

Thank you. I’ll take a break for a day or two then get back on it!

Yes I should’ve just unmatched immediately once I realised we weren’t on the same page, rather than sending him a message about it. Lesson learnt.

NervesOfCotton · 10/02/2026 07:24

Honestly, Roslos Some men take it SO badly when a woman dares to say 'No thank you'. It used to be a constant discussion on the dating forum that I was on, men whining about women being rude & unmatching etc, & women saying 'Well look at how (some) men behave though, when we dare to say no!'

There could have been truth to it but I'd guess not.

We are here if you need us. Sending you a hugSmile

Roslos · 10/02/2026 07:40

Yes this has been a reminder that sometimes even seemingly polite men can’t take a “no thanks” so it’s safer to leave quietly before things get ugly lol

@NervesOfCotton
thank you so much 🤗 X

rubberduck68 · 10/02/2026 09:00

Roslos · 10/02/2026 07:17

Thanks @BoxOfCats yeah he really was weird!

Yeah I guess as they say if you don’t laugh you’ll cry, so best to look it that way 😆

Just was a bit shaken up at his tone in that final message but indeed onwards and upwards!

Needless to say I unmatched after that last message.

well done for pushing him when he evaded the question - this is important because it saved you the irritation of a date with a manchild! I always block if the convo goes south - you did the right thing - you owe strangers on dating apps nothing - chin up there will be better dating days ahead x

Roslos · 10/02/2026 09:15

@rubberduck68 Yes a lucky escape.

Aw glad I posted on here, you guys rock - feeling better now :) x

Roslos · 10/02/2026 09:32

Nosdacariad · 09/02/2026 22:23

Great news!

Anyone else notice a lot of men harping on about Vanlife?

Thankfully I haven’t no! I will probably meet some now though since I’ve said that.

I wouldn’t want to live in a van myself or spend time visiting my partner in one, so I’m it will be a no for me if I do encounter van dwellers.

Roslos · 10/02/2026 09:36

Nope. He'd just come out of prison and was living in a transit van 🫠

Call me cynical but I suspect a man like that is on dating apps less for love and more because they are looking to upgrade their living situation lol

NervesOfCotton · 10/02/2026 10:27

I know this isn't the type of 'van' being spoken about but if I didn't have my kids then I'd love to live in one of theseGrin

Dating thread 54-New year new irons?
Dating thread 54-New year new irons?
Dating thread 54-New year new irons?
rubberduck68 · 10/02/2026 10:36

Nosdacariad · 09/02/2026 21:42

See what you did there!

😜

TwistedWonder · 10/02/2026 10:37

Roslos · 10/02/2026 09:36

Nope. He'd just come out of prison and was living in a transit van 🫠

Call me cynical but I suspect a man like that is on dating apps less for love and more because they are looking to upgrade their living situation lol

Yep. No one falls in love faster than a man who needs a roof over his head.

See also Hobosexual and Lesser Walletted Cocklodger

rubberduck68 · 10/02/2026 10:41

Nosdacariad · 09/02/2026 22:23

Great news!

Anyone else notice a lot of men harping on about Vanlife?

Yes, a lot of vans and also canal boats particularly on Bumble? Instagram is awash with both of these looking stunning (mostly interior designed by women) but for me, it is a very small space to hang out with someone, and I think the romantic image (I have a friend with a canal boat and the toilet contents slosh under the bed and need emptying once a week, and she's always battling rats and spiders) is not the reality.

rubberduck68 · 10/02/2026 10:42

TwistedWonder · 10/02/2026 10:37

Yep. No one falls in love faster than a man who needs a roof over his head.

See also Hobosexual and Lesser Walletted Cocklodger

I love this word "cocklodger" first came across it on MN, it's right there with cockwomble, brilliant.

rubberduck68 · 10/02/2026 10:47

NervesOfCotton · 10/02/2026 10:27

I know this isn't the type of 'van' being spoken about but if I didn't have my kids then I'd love to live in one of theseGrin

Look at that bath! I just want to climb into that, gorgeous. No evidence of a man living in there, no pants and socks trails on the floor, or damp towels in the corner of the room - this is a heavenly female space😆

Nosdacariad · 10/02/2026 10:52

Andsoitsover · 09/02/2026 22:48

Yes! And what's up with that?!
And there is an alarming number of van dwellers on Tinder. I know COL is upon us but come on...how do you expect to be in a long term relationship if you sleep above the cabin?

I think with a view to finding somewhere with mod cons and a shag.

NervesOfCotton · 10/02/2026 10:54

rubberduck68 · 10/02/2026 10:47

Look at that bath! I just want to climb into that, gorgeous. No evidence of a man living in there, no pants and socks trails on the floor, or damp towels in the corner of the room - this is a heavenly female space😆

Oh it's glorious isn't it! My old, cold, surrounded by kids crap bath looks really unappealing nowGrin

I was thinking maybe when I'm older, but then I might need a bed without the stepsGrin

(My ex used to shove carrier bags into every space instead of just putting them away after shopping. Drove me to despair... So I noticed that there aren't carrier bags wedged next to the kettle, sink, under the bed. Etc!)

rubberduck68 · 10/02/2026 11:01

NervesOfCotton · 10/02/2026 10:54

Oh it's glorious isn't it! My old, cold, surrounded by kids crap bath looks really unappealing nowGrin

I was thinking maybe when I'm older, but then I might need a bed without the stepsGrin

(My ex used to shove carrier bags into every space instead of just putting them away after shopping. Drove me to despair... So I noticed that there aren't carrier bags wedged next to the kettle, sink, under the bed. Etc!)

It's funny how quickly our brains scan and say "no man present in this picture"!!

Andsoitsover · 10/02/2026 12:32

Roslos · 10/02/2026 06:59

Sorry long rant post ahead not sure if this is the right thread for it but Just recently started OLD again and bloody hell just wanted to share do I attract some oddballs!

So I was talking to this guy for about 48 hours and all he wanted to talk about was the superbowl performance and his dance classes.

Fine it was fairly interesting but I wanted to dig a bit deeper and eventually asked what he was looking for on the app. His reply was “nothing, because you can’t find anything out of texting someone you don’t know on a dating app”. 🙄 he was taking things way too literally so I said let me rephrase, “ what kind of relationship are you hoping to get in real life from someone you meet on this app?”

He struggled to answer, despite saying on his opening message to me that he wanted to settle down and agreeing with my prompt about being an intentional dater.

Then he eventually said he wants a best friend he was madly attracted to, and to feel the same way as he did when he was a teen in love . I could see a bit of a red flag there as he seemed preoccupied with teen style highs and infatuation rather than describing a solid relationship.

I said to him about in my view love was a verb and choosing that person every day and it’s more than a feeling of infatuation. He didn’t really seem to get it so I asked him if he could please share any lessons he’s learned from his previous relationship or why any of them didn’t work out and he said he wasn’t willing to discuss that until he was comfortable.

I was like ok fair play, but I’d also noticed he hadn’t made any real attempt to ask about my availability to meet or even raise the idea of organising a coffee date so I didn’t see how this would progress.

There was some other stuff too like him saying he wanted an ambitious woman while earlier saying that he himself wasn’t ambitious anymore and only worked part time?!

He seemed nice but I just got a feeling about it and sent him a polite text saying it’s been lovely chatting past couple of days but I don’t think we are looking for the same thing. I wish you all the best.

He replied a few minutes later saying good because I was getting on his nerves, it wasn’t an interview so he wasn’t here for chats about his previous relationships. But if I must know his ex killed his first child and lost his second and used to beat him up. 😵‍💫😵‍💫

The whole thing sounds bonkers, if she “killed” his first child why was he around for a second child? And why tell me now after saying he wasn’t going to share about his exes and when I’ve said goodbye?

His whole tone had turned quite nasty while he delivered the trauma dump and I felt it was manipulative like maybe he was hoping I’d apologise?

But for me that last outburst was a parade of red flags. I could tell my gut had been right and this was an emotionally immature guy who wasn’t ready for a healthy relationship and probably thrived on drama.

Should’ve just unmatched without saying anything tbh which is what I usually do! Trying to shake it all off and continue but it has put me off OLD again.

Don't let it put you off. Just unmatch earlier next time! I used to be miffed at guys just unmatching without a word and now I am like "great, next". The other day someone unmatched me after I said I was single for nine months (he asked). We've had a lovely chat beforehand but clearly he had his own ideas. Fair play. No explanation necessary.

Roslos · 10/02/2026 13:17

@Andsoitsoveryea I am feeling okay about it now and will get back on the apps tonight :)

Indeed no explanation was necessary and clearly wasn’t wanted either, so yeah won’t be doing that again before I unmatch.

rubberduck68 · 10/02/2026 15:45

Chatting to a friend earlier about Mr Soughdough and the good second date -she gave me a lift to the pub on the night of the date as the weather was horrible. She asked if he complimented me on the date, she said, "because you looked hot." Ha ha, she is a good friend, and her words are defo not mine. The thing is he did not on either dates pay me a compliment. I started to cruise back over previous dates and... with the exception of one man who stroked my thigh and told me I "looked lovely" on our first date (too soon for me with the thigh stroking) I am not generally complimented by men. Should I worry about this?

rubberduck68 · 10/02/2026 15:46

Roslos · 10/02/2026 13:17

@Andsoitsoveryea I am feeling okay about it now and will get back on the apps tonight :)

Indeed no explanation was necessary and clearly wasn’t wanted either, so yeah won’t be doing that again before I unmatch.

Get back in that saddle!

Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.

This thread is not accepting new messages.