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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

A message out of the blue

270 replies

WhatTheHellsGoingOn · 30/01/2026 05:07

NC’d.

I had a pretty weird experience yesterday evening.

Someone I deleted from my fb friends sent me a message in the morning, which I realised was a scam and not sent by her, then in the early evening I received a message request by a deleted ex BF.

This person dumped me over a decade and a half ago via voicemail (long distance relationship) then blocked me and deleted me from fb. I then got an email a few weeks later apologising for how he went about it etc, which I replied to, but he made no attempt to u-turn or rekindle the relationship, which was short, around 6 months.

Within a year or 2 I got random message requests on another platform which I would accept, then nothing. I felt like he wanted me to make the first move communication wise, which I was not prepared to do as I’d already accepted the requests, but then he’d do nothing. I suspected he was too cowardly to initiate conversation at the time in case I was angry, but who knows. He’d also done that weird poking thing on fb a couple of times, I can’t remember if he tried to request being friends again, like I say it was a long time ago.

A year or two after we split I noticed he’d put an ultrasound up as his profile picture on fb (back when that was a thing) and assumed he’d obviously happily moved on.

Anyway, no communication attempts for over 15 years. Then I received a message on fb today asking if I still have the same email address, saying he still had his and giving me his phone number and asking if we could talk on something other than fb. It was a short message but sounded like it may be urgent. I wasn’t sure if it was another scam but after speaking with a friend and wondering whether this was a cry for help I said yes I was using the same email and he replied straight away asking me to check my messages.

He’d written me an email a few hours earlier apologising for how he’d ended things and said that he’d written this message a hundred time over the last x amount of years etc. That he wanted to make sure I was ok and when you care about someone, that’s important. I mean ?

He said he just wanted to make sure I was ok and gave me his number again.

I’ve had messages by ppl who have dumped me before, (admittedly not almost 20 years after the event!) but this was seriously weird. I was going to ignore, but then I thought maybe it was one of several scenarios -
he had an STI he’d been told he needed to inform his exes about (I know this was unlikely and it hadn’t affected me),
he was newly single and looking up ppl from his past,
he had a daughter who was being treated shittily by a bf which had finally made him reflect and feel ashamed,
he or a close relative was dying or seriously ill and he wanted to make peace with events from his past,
or, as my friend suggested, he was drunk or high. But he’d first emailed at half 5 in the afternoon.

I also thought maybe he was suffering from MH issues and was at risk of self harm or suicide so I responded by text message to ask if something had happened. He’d suggested text or WhatsApp and I didn’t want him knowing when I was online etc so text seemed the better option.

He messaged straight away again, thanking me for responding. He then sent me a series of short messages saying he must have drafted the email a hundred times over the last x amount of years, he knew it seemed sudden to me but it wasn’t for him. He then asked me for ten minutes of my time - THIS WEEKEND! He asked if I still lived in the same place I did when we were going out and that he was available Saturday evening or the whole of Sunday.

He said he’d really appreciate 10 minutes to explain and afterwards I could walk away, yell at him etc. anything. But he said he’d waited 15+ years, he couldn’t wait another weekend and he didn’t want to say it over text.

I didn’t reply and 20 minutes later he sent a longer message asking me to pick a spot I’d feel comfortable and saying that if I’m in another country he’d buy a plane ticket, on another planet he’d build a rocket, that he’s dying to speak to me for ten minutes anywhere.

He signed off saying he’d buy me a coffee, a three course meal or the whole damn cafe. Wherever and however I wish.

I mean WTAF?

OP posts:
BadgernTheGarden · 30/01/2026 09:01

Is he doing AA or something and one step is to make amends?

I would just say no, it was a long time ago and I have no interest in meeting up. Hope you are happy and well, Goodbye. Please don't contact me again.

Lemondessert · 30/01/2026 09:02

You don’t need to meet him. I had similar and it was due to therapy recovery on his part. Completely about what was going on for him tbh. I would shut it down. The 10 minute conversation can occur by email if it’s that important. If he regrets his life decisions that’s not your issue.

DrossofthedUrbervilles · 30/01/2026 09:03

There are times when curiosity is your enemy i.e. I would not be meeting him under these circumstances. He sounds unstable and lets face it you don't know him at all any more.

TwattingDog · 30/01/2026 09:03

I'd assume he's doing a ten step programme where they are vehement about making apologies in person for anything you've done.

That doesn't mean you have to engage.

Personally I'd tell him you're not comfortable meeting up and he can say it via the platform you're talking on. Or you can just block him.

WhatTheHellsGoingOn · 30/01/2026 09:03

TaraC25 · 30/01/2026 08:55

What was the dynamic when you were together? As I noticed from your post that there's quite a lot of anxiety around his mental health/if he's in crisis etc.

Even if he is... And without sounding harsh... It is not your responsibility to fix or rescue him. It's not like it was a recent friendship/relationship.

I'd be wary of the fact he seems to be trying to love-bomb you also (offering to buy you the whole cafe) ... It have narcy red flags about it.

Personally I would just explain you are happy with your life and not looking to ressurect old connections and that you have no interest in meeting in person, see if he'll explain over message?

I would be very very wary. The fact he's tried to gauge where you live etc... Weird.

I agree with what you’re saying, thanks. He is/ was very narcy and self-admittedly selfish.

You’re right, it is love-bomby. Which fits a narcissistic profile, I hadn’t thought of that, and the asking where I live was creepy - particularly as he massaged me Thursday night with the intention of driving to see me on Saturday/Sunday! That’s pretty bloody erratic and a huge red flag. I will NOT be meeting him.

OP posts:
TaraC25 · 30/01/2026 09:05

WhatTheHellsGoingOn · 30/01/2026 08:58

Thanks so much for all your replies. I think as some have suggested I’ll thank him for his latest apology, tell him I won’t be meeting up as I’m in a LTR and wish him well. My thoughts were, as others have mentioned, that he might be in recovery for something and this confessional apology was part of the program. I googled him as a friend suggested (he told me he’s not on SM, which is why he wanted to check I was alright this way) and he is still in the same profession and looks to be doing well. He also mentions his 2 sons.

He’s messaged me this morning to acknowledge more context was probably needed and more chat would have probably put my mind at ease, then repeats he’d just like the opportunity to catch up after so long face to face about everything that’s happened in between. He assures me he’s still very calm and sane, not in a relationship, not a bad guy, he’s just live to speak to me and catch up.

I think I may need to block if he continues or wont take no for an answer. Not once has he asked if I’m single as well, I think he assumed I must be and still living in the same place, possibly with my parents, and I haven’t moved on at all since he ended it. I think this is possibly all an elaborate fantasy of picking up where he left off, but I admit I’m interested to know what these magic ten minutes he keeps mentioning would actually consist of!

The ten minutes is solely to hook you in, get his foot in the door so to speak.

I reckon he's bored with life, looking for a little thrill and hopes you'll be a reliable source of fun and nurturing.

Or how about meeting him and saying you're going to bring your partner along, he should bring his wife and kids.. Bet he changes his tune then!!

WhatTheHellsGoingOn · 30/01/2026 09:08

Lurkingandlearning · 30/01/2026 08:54

He might have something urgent to tell you but he is still being a self- absorbed arse because he is pressuring you to see him in his time frame. If it is something that is really time critical he should tell you over the phone or by email, rather than you having to arrange time to meet him for ten minutes. And it won't be 10 minutes, it will take that long to say hello and order coffee or whatever.

I would be inclined to say that I wouldn't be able to meet him for at least a couple of weeks and as it sounds so urgent and dramatic, I don't want to wait that long so he needs to call or email to tell me in the next day or so, rather than leave me on tenterhooks.

If he won't do that then I would say that it can't be that important so you'll leave it and never know.

I haven't read all the other posts. Has someone suggested he has got involved with multi-level marketing. That would make sense of the non-specified urgency.

I have to admit my first thought was scam followed by he wants me to ‘lend’ him money for something - probably the plane ticket or building that rocket 😂 (or the cafe!)

OP posts:
TheBlueKoala · 30/01/2026 09:09

He wants an ego stroke. His relationship failed and now he's looking for a quick fix.."hmm that girl I dated 15 years ago. She was really into me- bet I can get her hooked again"
Don't meet him! What good would that do for you? You don't owe him anything and if he's got problems they are not your problems. He should reach out to friends or family- not an old gf he dumped by voicemail a decade ago. Twat.

Goditsmemargaret · 30/01/2026 09:09

I know that I'd meet him but I don't think you should. Because I don't always do what's best for me! Honestly curiosity would get the better of me and I'd have to see what absolute nonsense he was planning to come out with.

Who does this fella think he is? Getting a spaceship to see you and buying you the cafe? He's been deluding himself that you never moved on, you've remained in the same hurt state he last saw you in.

He's coming for you to satisfy his own needs; excitement, guilt, whatever - he simply can't be at peace in his own life.

If possible avoid. But if you do decide to meet him then make sure your partner is realu ok with it and most importantly - come back here and update!

Imbusytodaysorry · 30/01/2026 09:11

@WhatTheHellsGoingOn he dumped you for someone else . Settled down it’s all went wrong and he needs and ego boost . You were kind , nice or whatever so he is clinging on to that so you can make him feel better .

That’s always what these situations are about .

LaundryScales · 30/01/2026 09:11

I admit I’m interested to know what these magic ten minutes he keeps mentioning would actually consist of!

What could he possibly say in ten minutes that would be worth your time, your safety or your peace of mind?

He doesn’t want ten minutes. It’ll be just ten minutes, then just have a coffee with me, then just can’t I stay with you, I came all this way.

There is no scenario in which this meeting doesn't end up excruciatingly awkward/distressing/aggravating for you. There are no good outcomes.

Apart from anything else how would you feel if the situation for you and your long term partner were reversed? Some nasty woman had dumped him badly 15 years ago and rather than blocking her he’s expending all this headspace on her?

DrinkFeckArseBrick · 30/01/2026 09:13

It don't think the 'why' really matters. Unless you are single and have a burning desire to reconnect with him, I'd just respond 'thanks, but there is no need to apologise or explain, it was so long ago / water under the bridge, I've moved on and am happy so let's leave it there'

DrinkFeckArseBrick · 30/01/2026 09:14

It don't think the 'why' really matters. Unless you are single and have a burning desire to reconnect with him, I'd just respond 'thanks, but there is no need to apologise or explain, it was so long ago / water under the bridge, I've moved on and am happy so let's leave it there'

Omgblueskys · 30/01/2026 09:14

Op thank him, and tell him its not necessary to meet up as you away celebrating 15 lovely years together,

Find it strange he hasn't asked

Auntiebenita · 30/01/2026 09:16

You don’t owe him anything, but if you want to help him get it out of his system, you could say you don’t want to meet but suggest a FaceTime or WhatsApp video call. If he’s genuine he can settle for that. It would give him the opportunity to say whatever he wants to say and you could block him afterwards if you wanted to. If he keeps pushing for a meeting, I’d say that’s a warning sign that you shouldn’t agree.

rockingroller · 30/01/2026 09:17

How about offering a video call instead of a face to face meeting? If he has something to say he can say it that way. You could tell him it's not fair to your partner to meet an ex in person.

Nincompoo · 30/01/2026 09:18

I wonder if he’s unwell and trying to get his emotional, and possibly spiritual, affairs in order. It all sounds very very strange.

I’d probably meet him too but I’d be completely open with DH about it.

ThatCyanCat · 30/01/2026 09:18

It's also possible he's had a diagnosis that has made him want to straighten out things that aren't resolved in his head. I have sympathy for him if that's the case (and I hope it isn't) but I don't think it creates any obligation on you. As PPs say, you can let him know you're fine and happy and require nothing from him and that will hopefully help him if that's what's going on.

Clearinguptheclutter · 30/01/2026 09:20

I've had a similar scenario, though only after a few years (5? not 20) and not as creepy.

I told him (politely) to piss off. Haven't heard anything since (that was about 10 years ago). I have wondered thuough if the contact was STD related. But the relationship ended such a long time ago now that I think that's very unlikely. could that be a possibility? I think chances are overwhelmingly however that he just fancies a shag.

LucyLoo1972 · 30/01/2026 09:21

BleakAF · 30/01/2026 08:15

This screams of mid life crisis, anxiety and depression. Dwelling on guilt over things you have done and determined to do anything to put them right.

But, it's not about making the other person feel better, it's about making yourself feel better. It's a purely selfish act on his part. He wants to see you smile to know that what he did to you didn't wreck your life forever.

Don't bother, no situation could need the help of a 20 year ex friend that doctors or a therapist cannot fix.

its a bit much too if he even thinks what he did would wreck her life forever!

KTSl1964 · 30/01/2026 09:22

Maybe just maybe he's in a 12 step programme ie AA or NA etc and wants to make amends- it's part of the process.

DexterMorgansmum · 30/01/2026 09:23

Only go if taking OH along

CheeseSconeGirl · 30/01/2026 09:25

KTSl1964 · 30/01/2026 09:22

Maybe just maybe he's in a 12 step programme ie AA or NA etc and wants to make amends- it's part of the process.

That's all well and good but that's his problem.
Pushing this is Narc behaviour and shows he hasn't changed.

CruCru · 30/01/2026 09:26

tanstaafl · 30/01/2026 08:17

It’s not women’s job to fix men.

I was going to say this.

Honestly? If someone got in touch on a Thursday and said that they HAD to see me that weekend, I would be annoyed even if it was someone I had kept in contact with. There’s a good chance I would be away or taking my son to cricket practice. Demanding that an ex partner drop everything to be available with no notice 15/20 years on is downright peculiar.

ThatCyanCat · 30/01/2026 09:26

KTSl1964 · 30/01/2026 09:22

Maybe just maybe he's in a 12 step programme ie AA or NA etc and wants to make amends- it's part of the process.

Is it wise for that to be on the programme? People may not react the way the recovering person wants them to and they might not want to play a role in the recovery.