I Need Dating Advice!

United States
September 9, 2012 8:52am CST
I feel so stupid. I really hate when I get like this, but I just keep racking my brain trying to figure out what I feel and what to do about it. I met a guy on a dating website a little over a month ago. We met in person not long after we started emailing each other on the website. I don't know how to explain this, but he works long hours and has children, plus other responsibilities. I have met his children and he has met mine. He says he goes to bed early as he has to get up very early every morning for work. So, many times if I text him late at night, he doesn't text back. But other times, if I ask him to come to my place (which he has never been here), he doesn't text me back, not even to say no. Plus, I have never been invited to his place, even when I try to imply that I would like to come see him. Last night for instance, I told him that I didn't have any kids and was free but he had nothing to say to that and then later on, he just stopped texting me. I take him lunch a couple times a week, which doesn't give us much time to spend alone, the other 3 times we were together, he had his kids 2 of the times and the other was short and sweet. He keeps saying we are going to spend some time together and that he wants to take me out on a real date, but I'm just wondering how long I have to wait for a real date. I know that he is still active on that dating website, which can only mean that he is still looking for someone, but at the same time, he tells me how much he likes and misses me on a daily basis. I have wanted to bring it up to him, but I'm scared of pushing him away if I do. So, what is your take on this situation? Am I just thinking too much? Should I keep giving him the benefit of the doubt? I'm just so confused.
9 people like this
20 responses
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
9 Sep 12
I am not trying to be mean or hurt your feelings but it seems to me he is not as interested in u as u want him to be.Don't settle for less when u can have the best.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (157545)
• United States
10 Sep 12
She is worth more than being on the back burner.
2 people like this
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
10 Sep 12
She sure is.
1 person likes this
@winterose (39887)
• Canada
9 Sep 12
your are not thinking enough! The signs are there, you are doing everything for him he is doing nothing for you. He can't find time to be with you or even text you, yet he has time to look for other women, let me repeat look for other women! Get rid of him, there are other men out there who will be more suitable for you. From what you told me, he is not the one for you and you will never be happy waiting on him. This is new relationship, in new relationships people want to spend as much time with each other as they can. He doesn't want to spend that much time with you. The signs are there girl dump him. I too went out with a man like that until I saw that I was the last priority in his life and then I said goodbye and found someone better.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (157545)
• United States
10 Sep 12
Pretty much what I was thinking, but you say it better.
1 person likes this
@mentalward (14691)
• United States
12 Sep 12
Ditto! Winterose said it better than I could. He apparently does not want to commit but instead is looking for someone else. I'd like to reiterate that he has time to look for other women so his excuses for not having enough time for you are apparently just attempts to keep you hanging on. That is definitely NOT a guy you want to get involved with. Don't settle for this man, wait for the right one to come along. You won't have questions like this when the right one comes along.
1 person likes this
@_sketch_ (5742)
• United States
9 Sep 12
I think that you should be straightforward and tell him your concerns. Ask him if you are going to go on a real date soon and ask why he doesn't seem to want to spend time with you when you are trying to get together. Your feelings are completely valid and you have a right to know what's going on. Perhaps, he is socially awkward or phobic, or perhaps there is a darker reason for his strange behavior. It would be better to push him away than to keep being strung along and having to deal with the stress of confusion about it.
1 person likes this
• United States
9 Sep 12
You are right, if I do push him away then atleast I will know where I stand and that this isn't or wasn't going anywhere and it would definitely relieve a whole lot of stress for me!
• India
17 Sep 12
Nice advice sketch I think you have such experience dating with lover. You are right directly ask and feel shy.
1 person likes this
• Portugal
9 Sep 12
he should delete his pic of that dating site. if he found you and is interested in you he should do that. anyway i think that if you met his kids its bcs you are important to him. cause kids are an important part of his life. just wait and see what happens. see his attitudes towards you. that way you can know if he really likes you or not. its too soon to make a judgement. maybe he didnt reply bcs he was sleeping already or something. trust him for now and see how things go.
1 person likes this
• United States
9 Sep 12
I agree, he should delete it if he is really interested in me. I deleted mine the day we met in person simply because I was scared I would keep talking to other guys and meet them and miss out on something great with this guy. Now, I'm kinda wishing that I would have just kept my profile and kept talking to the other guys because I feel like maybe I missed out on one of those other guys because of this guy.
• India
10 Sep 12
I would suggest you give him time for doing that. Too many expectations always spoil a relation. With time, when he gets more closer to you, he will give you more and more priority. Its all about patience.
2 people like this
@laydee (12798)
• Philippines
11 Sep 12
I don't think it's her right to tell him to delete the profile. He didn't tell her to delete her profile picture, didn't he? I think if they want to do it, they will do it, regardless if someone asks them to or not. :)
1 person likes this
@Raine38 (12257)
• United States
9 Sep 12
Seems to me he's got a lot of stuff going on for him at the moment. Why not just see how it plays out, say give it a month or two. I'm sure you'll be able to see if he makes some effort to make this work. He wouldn't let you meet his kids if he's not taking you as someone important. He doesn't sound like someone who keeps on showing and introducing people to his kids just for nothing.
1 person likes this
• United States
9 Sep 12
Yeah, he hasn't hid me from his kids, so that does make me feel a little better about the situation.
• Canada
13 Sep 12
Hi! I would give it some time...From your listing it looks like he is interested in you you just need to give it a little bit of time... You both have kids so you know what it's like to raise kids on your own..Maybe he is still trying to heal from his previous relationship. Who knows how well that went...The fact that he has children and he has introduced you to them it is a very good sign, He has introduced you to the people who are very important to him... It is very hard in the beginning of a relationship while it is exciting, and scary at the same time, because you don't know who has to make the next step...You just need to be patient...You've done your part for now, It will be his turn to make the next move.. vanessa
2 people like this
@laydee (12798)
• Philippines
11 Sep 12
I think you shouldn't think too much about it. If it works, it works, if it doesn't, then it doesn't. Just because you met him and met his kids and so forth, doesn't mean you're a couple. Did he say he wants you to be his girlfriend? If he didn't commit then it's just friendship. I saw on one of your comments to the other people in this discussion that you took down your photo the moment you met him. I think that move wasn't called for. You should take it up again so that he sees that you are active too. Which means that if he likes you, he'd want to be exclusive, if not, then it wouldn't bother him if you were checking out other guys as well. As for the texting late nights and invitations that got no answers, it just proves that he doesn't see that thing going on with you as something that is a priority right now. Perhaps he's just not into it. Stop sending messages for a while, let's see if he runs after you, if he doesn't, then end it there - no need for explanations. The thing that I notice with us girls is the fact that we're too convenient. We make the person feel that he's into our world without him ever wanting to be there. We make room for him in our lives when they don't do the same for us. I think it's high time that we make them work for our worth rather than prove to them that we are worth their while. Remain cute. Don't message unless he's really calling you and wondering what's up. If he asks you where you are, don't answer like an obedient property (you are not his property yet). Do not explain why you've been far off, you could just say "I was busy". Nothing attracts a guy more than someone who's mysterious and something they cannot have instantly. I remember in a book that I once read "Why men like B!tches" something like that. It said there that men are like animals who are going for a hunt in the wild. They don't appreciate being given a meal, instead they love the challenge of hunting for their own food. Keep the hunt close and they'll keep running after you. Remember, you don't need to change yourself, just change the way you are always available for that guy. Be open to other guys who'd see you not because you've flaunt your worth but because they just see it. You are worth a lot more than you know. Have a great mylot experience and enjoy the dating scenario. Remember, the world of relationships is too complicated these days, so don't make the mistake of choosing the wrong one because you were too afraid to look at your other options.
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
10 Sep 12
It's pretty clear to me from reading what you've written that he's getting exactly what he wants out of your relationship--I couple of paid lunches a week and some companionship. If you've been going out for a month and he hasn't tried to be alone with you other than the times you talked about, it's not going to happen. Cut your losses and move on to someone that wants a real relationship. You're not getting what you want out of this one, he's controlling it and he's the only one getting what he needs.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (158958)
• Boise, Idaho
10 Sep 12
I would not wait for 'a real date' with this guy. I would find someone else. He needs some competition so he either comes around or he doesn't. It sounds like you are dangling the apple and he knows he has it if he wants it so he isn't biting. If he had some competition and you weren't so available to take him lunches a couple of times of week I bet he'd change his tune. And HE SHOULD BE BRINGING YOU LUNCH NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND. You need to play hard to get instead of SO AVAILABLE.
@meticulo (1286)
• United States
10 Sep 12
I guess he was playing safe not to lose you but perhaps he was also still looking for someone in the dating site. I guess you have to confront him right away of his true intentions so that you would not be wasting time. For me, you should be honest of what you feel for him. If he gets away after that then he is not worthy enough to be spend time with. I can say there are a lot of men/women who only spend time in the dating site just to play around. I hope he is not one of them. We'll try to entertain some other guys too. Probably that's what he is doing also. He still didn't offer commitment and love so you are still free to date other men.
1 person likes this
10 Sep 12
hi, don't be afraid to tell what you really feel about it. It's the only way to know the exact answer from him. I don't think he needs to maintain his profile on a dating site, if both of you are already dating. Words are just words... his actions should tell how important you are for him. Ignoring your messages is not a good sign.. a person who has real interest with you will often remember even the smallest details you said. It is really confusing is the feeling is involved. Try to open your eyes and see things more clearly without giving much attention to what you feel.
1 person likes this
• Indonesia
10 Sep 12
I think, you should not easily believe someone especially through the Internet site,so you are not disappointed or let down....You have to know exactly who you are dating....is not intended to be suspicious but it's good to watch....A lot of people do everything they can to get what want to....Do not let happen regret later on, I do not think it would be useful....
1 person likes this
@mikyung (2232)
• Philippines
10 Sep 12
If is he really in to you, he should be active in showing you and let you feel his real intentions. Actions are louder than voice. It takes two to tango, right? You may consider waiting for some more time to give him chance to prove something. You will know the right time to ask him to talk to you, Lay your cards on the table, hope he will do the same too. To know if he is deserving for your time and attention.. Don't push too hard on things. Relax. Good luck.
1 person likes this
• United States
10 Sep 12
It's nice that you got to meet his kids. That is a big step. However, as far as everything else goes I would say put your profile back up there and continue to talk with other guys. Don't get too serious about this guy right here. Yeah I know you like him a lot but one thing I never do is put all of my time into one guy when we first start talking.. 'Cause you never know what the guy gon be on for real. If you feel this could go somewhere, then say something about it! Don't just keep quiet on this because it won't do anything but bother you more and more. I know if I don't voice my feelings right upfront, then I start to get irritated with that person and the situation becomes even more weird and crazy. Like the other people who commented on here said, don't wait around for him girl. Life is too short and who knows? Your knight in shining armor could be on that website searching for you ;) Good luck!!
1 person likes this
@banta78 (4326)
• India
9 Sep 12
I think you have valid concerns about the future of your relationship with this guy. It may be that you invested a lot more in this relationship compared to the other fellow. Or you're expecting too much too soon. I think the sooner you communicate your concerns and get your answers, the better it is for you. I think rather than being in a state of confusion, holding on to only hope. It is much better to tackle the problem head on and move on in life.
1 person likes this
@Thoroughrob (11742)
• United States
10 Sep 12
I would back off and see if he contacts you. I would not wait for him, as it does not sound good. The fact that he is still on the site is not good.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157545)
• United States
10 Sep 12
Hang loose and continue exploring your options.Stay active on the dating site as well. If you always are taking him lunch what is he doing to promote the relationship. It may be that you are seeming to be too desperate to him. If he wants to spend time with you he will find a way to do it.He may be more willing if you are less clingy. I do think you may be over thinking the situation.
• Canada
4 Oct 12
Sounds like he's just stringing you along, and only wants you when it's right for him. I think you need to dump him, and find someone who deserves you.
@jillhill (37354)
• United States
9 Sep 12
I am so leary of things like that...but my daughter and her husband met on the internet and have been married for 14 years.....I would go with my gut feelings...if I am questioning it then maybe its just not the right thing.
1 person likes this
• India
9 Sep 12
Hi friend, really your situation is complicate, i think the guy is having interest with you, but it is not a real love, may be he is interested in having a good friendship with you, as well as passing time with you, so only he tell about how much he miss you, but he is not interested in making a serious relationship with you
1 person likes this