seraphina's picture
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How do I set boundaries and still keep things drama-free?‏

I've met a great new man, and need some advice on a tricky situation: we haven't been dating long, but things have progressed quite quickly to the point where we've been intimate twice. Both times it's been preceded by a lovely date and quality time together, which I've been ok with.

However, today he sent an email implying that our next meeting be about sex (we've had some flirty email banter around the subject, and he was more forthcoming about it today); he also sent me a long description of how busy he is this week, including that he's free one evening this week after 7:30, and fully booked over the weekend (he has his daughter most of the weekend, which is legit, but said that Friday night he "has plans" - which I'm taking to mean he has a date with someone else - we haven't talked about being exclusive, and I'm trying hard not to raise the issue as I think it would lead to him pulling back).

Anyway, my old self would have suggested that he come by on his one free night this week, even if it means we're essentially just getting together for sex; but the new me recognizes that this would mean I'm accepting having a relationship with him that's primarily about sex, which isn't what I want ultimately ...

But, not having much experience with setting this kind of boundary, I'm not sure how to do it. If I turn him down this week, it means not seeing each other until at least next week/weekend (and, possibly, falling off his radar); if I don't, then I'm letting him know that I'm ok with a mainly physical relationship.

I know I need to set a boundary. How do I do this without making a big deal of it? Do I say to him outright that I don't want a primarily physical relationship with him? Or do I just say that I'm busy this week and ask for a raincheck, without making an issue of it one way or another? Or maybe I say that it's too bad that he's booked on Friday, since I have the evening free - for now?

I want to give him space to pursue me so I haven't been calling, and only send emails if he sends one first, and when we're together I do my best to be "in the moment" and not project or hint at an imagined future ...

Any thoughts, advice, help, insight are appreciated!!

Some background on the guy for anyone interested:

-He's recently separated

-We met online; last week he took his profile down, a few days after we had sex for the first time - I didn't ask him about it so don't know why he decided to do that

-He has told me (after I asked) that he's meeting other women (though I suspect he's not sleeping with anyone else, but don't know this for sure)

-He says he's not looking for anything serious, but *is* looking for more than just sex, and to connect with one person (I'm not sure what that means exactly for him; I'm guessing he's using the "nothing serious" line as an easy out if he decides to back off)

-The connection and chemistry are great - we have really good conversations, I feel very comfortable, safe and at ease with him, in a way I rarely have - but am really trying hard not to make more of it than it is!

Replies

 
ToughCookieGirl's picture
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Gold Poster

"Sorry, I have plans for that evening! Perhaps another time? :)" And then GO and make plans for that evening. If you don't want to have a purely physical and open relationship with him, then quit sleeping with him without exclusivity unless that is what you want. Yes, he may fall off the radar after you turn down his invite for a purely physical night-time activity, but don't you want more than that?

 
seraphina's picture
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Thanks TCG - I guess I felt a bit responsible since I initiated the playful innuendo - I realize that my intention was misunderstood, and now I'm trying to figure out how to pull back graciously and leave room for things to develop (if they're meant to), without making it sound like *he's* entirely responsible - I have so far allowed this to get physical (and enjoyed it), but saw it as part of something bigger; I'd like to do what I reasonably can to give him time & space to get to know & like me for all of me ... my pattern has usually been to have sex early, and then develop a relationship based on sex. Seems I've done it again. I'll definitely consider your suggestion!! (Part of me also wants to just be really blunt about not wanting a purely physical relationship with him ... and if he says no, then at least I know before I get too invested ...)

Thanks again for your suggestion! And yes, I definitely want more than just night-time fun. :-)

 
thetababe's picture
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From what you write there is a lot of ambiguity. You don't know if he is sleeping with other people, you don't know what he means by wanting more than just sex--(maybe he wants sex and breakfast)

TCG has the right idea about NOT being infinately available to him. That is fine, but if he persists I think honesty is the best policy.

Tell him straight out--I enjoy the intimacy and flirty banter with you but I do not want a FWB if that is what this is. Then stick to your guns.

My guess is that he will verbally protest, then run for the hills if that is what was on his mind.

If, however, he really does like you, he will respect you, and what is more important is you will respect yourself.

 
itspossible's picture
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Seraphim...LEAVE HIM ALONE!

Sorry! You are going to end up in an FWB relationship! He has told you that he is not looking for anything serious but want something more than sex...BULL CRAP...this is so you will feel like he isn't truly an insensitive pig and a dog (in one)!!!

Also...HE IS STILL MARRIED!!!! Why do women get involved with men just b/c they say they are SEPARATED? When its all said and done..she can come back at any given time she wants and stake her claim to HER MAN!

He is playing the field and letting you know that he is seeing others...Seraphim...guess what? HE IS SEXING THEM TOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
Don't fall for this guy! I know you think you will lose him if you don't play by his rules...but sweetheart, you DON'T HAVE HIM AND NEVER WILL WITH HIS MARITAL STATUS, HIS MINDSET AND HIS LIFESTYLE!

Let him go now, before you look up and its been a year or 2 and you are living in misery!

I did the FWB...baby I was on here crying everyday! Please don't do it to yourself!

 
AimeeW's picture
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Bronze Poster

I agree with itspossible..... He's MARRIED.

What else do you need to know?

Seriously.... this guy is still legally hitched and he's taking you and other women out? Sounds like a straight up case of "playing the field" to me.

As far as the "not wanting anything serious" line... all guys says that. Who goes on a first date with someone and says "I'd like to be married within two years and have 2 kids and white picket fence within five"? No one .... well no one sane at least :)

Bottom line, while he is married ad playing around, you are not going to have anything potentially long term with him. Rain check things until he clears up his own drama and then re visit it at sometime in the future when he's NOT MARRIED.

 
thetababe's picture
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Well, I guess we know why he is separated. If he is playing the field now he probably cheated in his marriage.

He is not long on straight answers is he?