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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

Sounding board needed…

38 replies

Peterpan7 · 10/01/2026 16:27

I have had a boyfriend for 3 years, he is a single man with a daughter he pays for but unfortunately does not see. I have a child in their teens and I’ve worked part time until recently to ( last few years). I’ve also dealt with emotional abuse from my ex of many years and have had no support except for the minimum payment, and difficulty with access.

So I’m playing catch up here and have not been focussing as I should have on both pension, property and savings and investment. I intend to try and make up for it now.

So my boyfriend had said he wanted marriage and a child. However he’s got himself in a situation where he’s financially comfortable with a lodger. I don’t think he could afford his house, and have much to spend on the side due to debts accumulated. Obviously this could be addressed. My issue is he has committed to myself and my child moving in, and backed out three times. He’s actually gone as far as showing the room to my child last time so this is not acceptable. Prior he has wanted us to move in with his lodger, or tried to persuade me to sublet my place to him, however I am not allowed. He seemed to think I could break the rules, and I’ve refused. This is obviously a second red flag alongside the first three. A fourth being he’s saying he wants a child but will not consider ivf, I suppose that’s his perogative but how will it ever happen if we don’t get on with things?

In addition when I try and have a clear conversation about the future, having split and since reconnected he gets cross and seems to flip the conversation. I’m unclear if he think I’m doing what he’s doing it it’s for the benefit of his friend overhearing. Very odd indeed.
He’s also saying he wants to retire and move away, and seems to think as he’s paying for the house he decides where. He’s since agreed to compromise. When I worked out his pension vs income it’s obvious he’ll have to still work in some way. He’s since said he meant retire but still work? Just total lack of clarity, and refuses to discuss more. As a partnership I think clear discussion about the future at this point is important, to avoid any confusion again and I do think this is the last time we approach a solution the three of us! I can only do so much I can’t force commitment and I don’t want to be lead on. I have explained I’d like to invest in property, and he says fine if you buy half we decide where together or buy separately.

He is alluding to let’s have fun and discuss dates and plans later, but I’d like clarity upfront as to our potential plans at this stage.

To me it feels like he is not able to commit or think as a pair. I will understandably struggle to trust him after he’s let me down beforehand. I think I am best to walk away but am I being unreasonable here?

OP posts:
pinkyredrose · 10/01/2026 16:30

Don't walk, run. You can't trust him, he's full of hot air, you can't believe a word he says.

IrradiatedHaggis · 10/01/2026 16:35

First response nails it!

ActiveTiger · 10/01/2026 16:38

Sorry first red flag not seeing child I wouldn't have even gone with him! So many flags but your choosing to ignore them!

Peterpan7 · 10/01/2026 16:39

Obviously he’s tall, handsome, often kind, communicates otherwise well and funny. It’s not all bad but right now it feels like crunch time… we did discuss this all upfront.

OP posts:
BillieWiper · 10/01/2026 16:41

He's not going to do what you want. He literally just wants the fun parts, no commitment.
Don't wait around thinking you can change his mind.

Unless your happy to have a boyfriend you don't live with (nothing intrinsically wrong with that at all).

However his attitude of flip flopping and trying to keep you on side with breadcrumbs of hope for you and your child is not on. So he's not suitable and you need to move on.

Peterpan7 · 10/01/2026 16:41

Yes on child situation, of course a bit sad story of mother wanting him or no access, and didn’t want to drag them to court and still pays (the min). I will agree Id have self represented and it would have gone to mediation, but there we are.

OP posts:
Peterpan7 · 10/01/2026 16:42

BillieWiper · 10/01/2026 16:41

He's not going to do what you want. He literally just wants the fun parts, no commitment.
Don't wait around thinking you can change his mind.

Unless your happy to have a boyfriend you don't live with (nothing intrinsically wrong with that at all).

However his attitude of flip flopping and trying to keep you on side with breadcrumbs of hope for you and your child is not on. So he's not suitable and you need to move on.

I think you’re right but I’m upset so I wanted clarity from other women. Thank you x

OP posts:
Peterpan7 · 10/01/2026 16:44

pinkyredrose · 10/01/2026 16:30

Don't walk, run. You can't trust him, he's full of hot air, you can't believe a word he says.

I want to find a laughing face đŸ¤£ thank you for sparing your time x

OP posts:
BillieWiper · 10/01/2026 16:45

Peterpan7 · 10/01/2026 16:42

I think you’re right but I’m upset so I wanted clarity from other women. Thank you x

I understand you're upset. But draw a line in the sand. You can't control him and make him do what you want. To not have to think about these expectations would be a weight lifted off your shoulders. You can be happy without him. X

ForLoveNotMoney · 10/01/2026 16:45

This is never going to work OP.

NotnowMildrid · 10/01/2026 16:54

You want completely different things, and the bottom line is, he doesn’t want to commit to you.

Showing your DC ‘their’ bedroom is a despicable headfuck.

Peterpan7 · 10/01/2026 16:56

NotnowMildrid · 10/01/2026 16:54

You want completely different things, and the bottom line is, he doesn’t want to commit to you.

Showing your DC ‘their’ bedroom is a despicable headfuck.

Agreed. He did get some counselling on our break eventually after I urged him to, he has an avoidant dismissive attachment. I do think he thought it was all good and got the fear, but I do agree.

OP posts:
Fuckoffjanuary · 10/01/2026 16:58

If he wanted to be a Dad he would be a Dad to the child he neglects.

Anonanonanonagain · 10/01/2026 16:59

He is a human red flag. Run. Now.

Peterpan7 · 10/01/2026 17:01

Fuckoffjanuary · 10/01/2026 16:58

If he wanted to be a Dad he would be a Dad to the child he neglects.

The child wasn’t planned, and the mother became obsessed and stalked him and would not allow access without her being there. He did go to court and start proceedings, and she gave in. He didn’t restart proceedings when she backed up on that, but I tend to agree. Leaving the child in that situation I can’t fathom, of course he was much younger and has a neglectful start in life but still.

OP posts:
helplessbanana · 10/01/2026 17:01

Dump him. He's got it all mapped out hasn't he, what he wants, etc etc, and seems incapable of realising that you are an individual in your own right. He can't shag his lodger, so he's thinking of moving you in to pay the bills instead.

MadamCholetsbonnet · 10/01/2026 17:02

You’ve bagged yourself a Future Faking Cocklodger in Waiting.

If you move in with him you are a total mug.

If you have a child with him, you’re certifiable.

Peterpan7 · 10/01/2026 17:03

helplessbanana · 10/01/2026 17:01

Dump him. He's got it all mapped out hasn't he, what he wants, etc etc, and seems incapable of realising that you are an individual in your own right. He can't shag his lodger, so he's thinking of moving you in to pay the bills instead.

Again want to find a laughing face. đŸ¤£
I did tell him today, and he did the thing where he rang back and said he was finishing it, presumably for his flatmates benefit? Whatever gets him through I guess? I’m sad upset all over the place, so thank you for making the time for me X

OP posts:
GloriaMonday · 10/01/2026 17:06

Dump him. Seeing as he has already dumped you block his number and social media and move on.

Skibbidirizzohio · 10/01/2026 17:11

Just read that he's a dismissive avoidant. Run OP, run as fast as you can. I’m with one currently and it is an absolute head fuck. I’m also currently questioning my life decisions.

Peterpan7 · 10/01/2026 17:12

GloriaMonday · 10/01/2026 17:06

Dump him. Seeing as he has already dumped you block his number and social media and move on.

Edited

Well technically it’s the other way round, and he followed up as if it hadn’t happened, but he can have that if it helps x I don’t really care about that kind of thing, who did what. I’m all over the place so many good traits in the man I hope you can empathise

OP posts:
daisychain01 · 10/01/2026 17:18

Peterpan7 · 10/01/2026 16:39

Obviously he’s tall, handsome, often kind, communicates otherwise well and funny. It’s not all bad but right now it feels like crunch time… we did discuss this all upfront.

Edited

Oh well if those are your priorities, good luck.

he sounds like a flakey unreliable waste of space saddled with debt, but he's good looking so that makes it OK .....

Peterpan7 · 10/01/2026 17:19

daisychain01 · 10/01/2026 17:18

Oh well if those are your priorities, good luck.

he sounds like a flakey unreliable waste of space saddled with debt, but he's good looking so that makes it OK .....

I think I just forgot to share the good parts…

OP posts:
surprisebaby12 · 10/01/2026 17:23

He can’t even commit to his own child, there’s not a chance he’s someone you can trust with your life , finances and child. He’s got more red flags than a golf course.

tuvamoodyson · 10/01/2026 17:33

daisychain01 · 10/01/2026 17:18

Oh well if those are your priorities, good luck.

he sounds like a flakey unreliable waste of space saddled with debt, but he's good looking so that makes it OK .....

He’s tall as well….

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