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Natalie NoahMember #382,516Attraction isn’t about playing games with timing or counting hours and minutes. If you truly like someone, the key is to communicate your interest in a way that feels natural and confident, not calculated. Worrying about exactly when to call back often signals insecurity or overthinking, which can actually make the other person less attracted. The bigger concept April is pointing to is that attraction thrives on genuine connection, confidence, and timing that feels effortless not on artificial delays or “rules.” So instead of obsessing over the perfect moment, focus on being present, showing interest authentically, and letting the relationship unfold in real time.
Natalie NoahMember #382,516Sexual intimacy is a vital part of a romantic relationship, and when your needs aren’t being met, it can feel isolating, frustrating, and even heartbreaking. The fact that you’ve noticed the problem early, recognized your own needs, and are willing to address it openly is incredibly important. From what you’ve described, this isn’t just about timing or stress, it seems like there may be a fundamental mismatch in sexual desire between you and your boyfriend. That doesn’t make either of you “wrong,” it simply means your natural drives may not align, and that’s something that can’t be ignored without causing long-term dissatisfaction for both of you.
The most constructive step now is honest, compassionate communication. Sit down with him without blame or accusation and express clearly how this affects you emotionally and physically. Ask him if he’s willing to actively work with you to find a solution, whether that’s exploring intimacy in new ways, understanding what might be blocking his desire, or seeking professional guidance. But you also need to prepare yourself for the possibility that he may not be able or willing to meet you there. If that’s the case, it’s not a reflection on your worth; it’s simply a sign that you deserve a partner whose needs and desires are naturally compatible with yours. Love thrives when both people feel fulfilled, and your happiness matters just as much as his
Natalie NoahMember #382,516Sweetheart, I can feel the whirlwind of emotions you’ve been through reading your story. What you experienced with both S**** and K** is something many young hearts go through intense feelings, first loves, the excitement of attraction, and then the painful sting of choices made in the heat of the moment. The most important thing I want you to hear is that this isn’t about you being unworthy or failing it’s about learning how relationships, trust, and timing work. You acted from your heart, even if it got messy, and that’s human. What matters now is what you do moving forward.
April’s advice is really spot-on here: chasing him or trying to “earn back” his trust will not give you the result you want. Trust isn’t something you can force someone to give; it’s earned over time through consistent actions and mutual respect. Right now, the best way to show him you are trustworthy and capable of being in a mature relationship is to let him come to you. Step back from the chase and give him space. Let your interactions be calm, kind, and natural. Be your normal self friendly, confident, and grounded in your own life.
It’s also crucial to focus on yourself during this time. Dive into your classes, spend time with friends, pursue hobbies, and enjoy experiences that make you happy. This does two things: it helps you heal emotionally from the rollercoaster you’ve been on, and it naturally makes you more magnetic. When someone sees that you are balanced, happy, and not desperate for validation, they are much more likely to respect you and want to be part of your life.
Finally, remember that chemistry and connection can’t be forced, but they also shouldn’t be ignored. If S**** still has feelings for you and sees the value in being with you, he will make moves in his own time. Your job is not to chase or beg, but to be present, genuine, and confident in who you are. Love is as much about patience and timing as it is about passion and right now, letting him set the pace is the healthiest choice for both of you.
Natalie NoahMember #382,516What April is really pointing out is something that often gets overlooked when we’re swept up in the excitement of attraction: effort matters. You pursued him, you showed initiative, and that’s perfectly fine but relationships aren’t one-sided. His lack of affection, the way he prioritizes his dog over spending meaningful time with you, and the minimal energy he puts into seeing you all signal where his heart truly is. Actions speak louder than words, and right now, his actions are telling you that he’s comfortable with you being available without reciprocating the same level of interest. That’s not a reflection of your worth, but it is a reflection of his capacity for connection and commitment.
The loving, hard truth is that continuing this pattern is only setting yourself up for disappointment. If he truly wanted to be with you, he would actively pursue you, create moments together, and show that your presence in his life matters. By giving him his key back and stepping back, you’re reclaiming your own power and sending a clear message to yourself that you deserve attention, affection, and investment from someone who values you equally. It may sting at first, but it’s an act of self-respect that allows you to preserve your heart and make space for someone who will truly cherish you.
Natalie NoahMember #382,516Sweetheart… this isn’t really about that girl at all. it’s about how deeply you want to feel chosen, seen, and valued. And when it keeps happening that boys look her way instead of yours, it can sting in a way that feels personal, even though it isn’t. What April is really trying to teach you is that attraction isn’t a competition you “lose” it’s chemistry, timing, confidence, and individuality. The more you lean into who you are your style, your hobbies, your kindness, your humor the more naturally people who match your energy will notice you. And honestly? Someone who overlooks you because they’re dazzled by someone else was never your person anyway. You don’t need to dim her light you just need to stand confidently in your own. Your people will see you.
Natalie NoahMember #382,516I know she feels special to you right now older, warm, maybe giving you attention that feels meaningful but April’s core message is right: if she’s still married, even technically, she isn’t emotionally or legally free. And you deserve someone who can actually choose you without hesitation or complications. When a woman is still in the middle of a divorce, she’s in transition, not in a place to build something steady. Her heart is still tangled in the past, her life is full of legal and emotional loose ends, and her child is about to go through a huge shift. No matter how kind she is, you would end up carrying the weight of all that and at twenty, that’s a lot to put on your shoulders.
What I want you to hear most is this: you are not short on options. You don’t need to attach yourself to someone who isn’t fully available. There are so many women out there who are free, emotionally ready, and not tied to a messy situation. You’re just starting your life, you get to date without walking into storms that aren’t yours. Let this one go gently, and trust that someone who is ready for you, uncomplicated and fully present, will come along. You deserve a relationship built on clarity and freedom, not confusion and waiting.
Natalie NoahMember #382,516You haven’t “waited too long,” and she doesn’t think you’re weak. What she sees is a guy who seems thoughtful, maybe a little hesitant, maybe a little shy not someone unworthy. Women don’t lose interest because a man took a little time; they lose interest when a man never acts. And you’re not there. You’ve just had a lot emotionally circling you a breakup, lingering drama, and a big life transition and that would throw anyone off their rhythm. If you’re feeling genuinely ready now, the best thing you can do is simply approach her with calm confidence and ask her out. Not a speech, not an explanation just presence. A simple, “Hey, I’d love to grab a coffee with you sometime,” resets everything. Interest can spark again fast when a man finally steps into action.
Natalie NoahMember #382,516You’ve been in a long marriage, you’ve lived a whole life, and now you’re stepping into dating with a tender, curious heart. That already makes you respectful, grounded, and self-aware which matters more than any dating rule. A real kiss on a first date isn’t “too fast” if the connection, safety, and chemistry are genuinely there. But if you’re unsure, hesitant, or still figuring out what you want, then holding back isn’t only okay, it’s beautiful. It builds anticipation, and men actually love that space of wanting.
Let the man initiate, let yourself respond naturally, and don’t force anything you’re not ready for. A kiss should never be scheduled it should feel like a moment you both lean into, not a rule you manage. When the connection is right, the timing will feel right too.
Natalie NoahMember #382,516Rejected, confused, and alone, this situation is making you feel! and none of those emotions are silly or overreactive. When the person you love suddenly pulls away physically, it hits you in the most vulnerable place: your desirability, your connection, your confidence, your security. But here’s the truth, spoken gently: his porn use isn’t a reflection of you. it’s a reflection of something going on inside him. Men often turn to porn when they’re stressed, overwhelmed, mentally checked-out, ashamed of a drop in libido, or avoiding emotional intimacy. It’s not because you aren’t attractive. It’s not because you’re doing anything wrong. But the distance it’s creating between you two is real, and the only way to bridge it is with an honest, calm conversation one where you’re not attacking him, but inviting him back into intimacy with you. Tell him how this shift makes you feel, ask him what’s going on emotionally or physically for him, and make it clear you want to fix this together, not blame him. That’s how you protect the relationship and yourself before temptation leads you somewhere that complicates everything. I’m right here, talk to me about what part hurts you the most.
Natalie NoahMember #382,516The pain you’re feeling is real, and it makes sense. You didn’t just lose a girlfriend, you lost the future you imagined with her, the trust you built, and the identity you were forming as someone’s partner. That kind of heartbreak shakes you at your core. But nothing about your reaction is “wrong” or dramatic. You loved deeply. You were loyal. You tried. And when someone behaves the way she did lying, hiding, seeking validation from whoever will give it, and doing it all while sharing a home with you it cuts in a very particular way. It makes you question your worth. Your attractiveness. Your judgment. But let me tell you this clearly: her behavior does not reflect your value; it reflects her instability.
What she did wasn’t just “she’s single now.” It was reckless, emotionally chaotic, and disrespectful in the context of your living situation and the words she was giving you. She wanted the emotional safety of you… while enjoying the physical highs of other men… while refusing to be honest… while still asking for your tenderness. That’s not love. That’s using you as a soft place to land while she runs from her own emptiness. And it’s heartbreaking because you weren’t wrong about her potential just wrong about her readiness. She’s not grounded. She doesn’t know who she is. And people who don’t know themselves often make choices that hurt the people who love them most.
No, you’re not crazy or harsh for feeling disgusted, betrayed, or heartbroken. You’re not misreading the situation. Her actions show a pattern of someone who is lost, impulsive, validation-seeking, and unable to be alone with her own emotions. That mix creates destructive behavior not just toward partners, but toward herself. You were trying to build a life; she was trying to escape her own inner noise. Those two agendas will never align, no matter how deeply you care. And yes, she has “issues,” but she is the only one who can decide to heal them.
This girl is not your future. She is your lesson. And as painful as this is, you are being redirected toward someone who shares your values, your honesty, your loyalty, and your depth. Relationships are not built on chemistry or history alone, they’re built on shared standards, and she didn’t meet yours. You deserve someone whose words match their actions, whose love doesn’t require detective work, and whose loyalty doesn’t evaporate when life feels confusing. You will love again in a way that’s calmer, safer, more mutual, and far more fulfilling. But first, you need to step back from this chaos and let yourself breathe again. I’m right here with you. Let me know what part of this hit you the hardest, sweetheart.
Natalie NoahMember #382,516You did nothing shameful by noticing your limits. Wanting to protect your personal space and not be the parent is perfectly reasonable. You were honest (brave) with her, and feeling relieved at the idea of seeing her when the hyper kid is with his dad doesn’t make you cruel, it makes you clear about boundaries. That clarity is healthy and, in the long run, kinder to everyone (including her child) than pretending you can be the disciplinarian when you can’t or won’t be.
Practically, if you want to give this a fair shot, you need a calm, nonjudgmental conversation with her about expectations and management strategies before you spend more time together with the kids. Ask about the medical issues she mentioned and get the facts diagnosis, treatments, triggers, what works and what doesn’t. Then discuss concrete plans: agree you’ll be “grandparent-lite” (no discipline), but establish your boundaries (e.g., you don’t tolerate climbing on furniture, you step out calmly when needed, you won’t be alone with him until there’s a plan). Suggest small, controlled trial outings when he’s less likely to be wired (no sugar, quiet activities, short duration), and offer to help create structure (bring a favorite quiet toy, plan a one-on-one activity that channels energy). If she resists trying tools or refuses to address patterns that stress you, that’s a huge signal.
The hard truth with softness: parenting style and willingness to co-manage kids is a fundamental compatibility issue. If she’s defensive or says “there’s nothing I can do,” or won’t take any steps to help the situation, you’re looking at a long-term mismatch. If she responds by being open, grateful and willing to try strategies (parenting classes, consistent routines, or even professional help), you can proceed cautiously and re-evaluate after a few planned trials. Protect your peace, be compassionate, and remember: wanting a relationship that doesn’t make you want to run is not unreasonable, it’s wise.
Natalie NoahMember #382,516Oh sweetheart. I can hear how torn you are, and that ache is real. What she’s doing is emotionally generous yet practically evasive: she’s saying with words that you matter “I miss you, I like you, it would kill me if you fell for someone else” but with actions she’s opening the door for your life to move on. When someone tells you “please don’t wait” and gives you “permission” to date, that is a clear, practical boundary: she does not want you to put your life on hold for an indefinite, uncertain return. Loving words don’t equal a commitment; they equal kindness from afar.
So here’s what to do (gently, firmly): decide what you need do you want an exclusive future tied to her uncertain return, or do you want to keep living and loving locally? Tell her honestly and briefly: “I care about you deeply, but I can’t freeze my life indefinitely. I’m going to continue dating, and I hope we can stay close or if you want something different, tell me.” Then protect your heart: date other people, invest in friendships and goals, and keep contact with her on terms that don’t keep you suspended. If she truly intends to build something with you, she’ll make a clear plan; if not, you’ll have preserved your self-respect and given yourself a chance to find someone present. You deserve someone who chooses you not someone who asks you to hold.
Natalie NoahMember #382,516You opened yourself up to someone you cared about for years, someone you trusted, someone you really believed would be different because of the history you shared. And when someone you like that deeply suddenly flips from “you’re the most beautiful girl in the world” to “I just want to be friends,” it leaves you spinning. It makes you question everything your worth, your judgment, your intuition. But the truth is: nothing is wrong with you. What’s wrong is that he wanted the thrill, the attention, the chase… and once he had you, the excitement faded for him because that’s how boys who aren’t emotionally ready operate. And it hurts because you were genuine.
His behaviour shows a pattern with your friend, with you, and with the girl he was messaging behind your back. That doesn’t mean you weren’t special; it means he isn’t capable of giving any girl the loyalty or consistency she deserves. He wasn’t playing you because of who you are he was playing because of who he is right now: a boy who still chases his ego more than real connection. And I know it feels like you lost both the romance and the friendship, but please remember: real friends don’t disappear or betray you the moment something better catches their eye. He didn’t ruin the friendship you just finally saw the truth of who he is.
So what do you do now? You don’t need to ignore him, but you also don’t owe him warmth. Hold your head high. A simple nod, a calm “hey,” or even nothing at all whatever feels strongest and safest for you. What matters is your energy. No drama. No tears in front of him. No showing him he still has power. Let him see a girl who is healing, growing, and slowly reclaiming her confidence. Because trust me… boys like him come running back the moment they feel you no longer want them. And that’s exactly why, if he ever tries to come back, you need to remember how this felt and protect your heart.
Getting over him will take a little time that’s normal. You liked him for a long time. But the good news? Hearts heal faster when the person who hurt you isn’t in your life anymore. Let yourself grieve, but don’t hold onto hope for someone who already showed you he can hurt you twice. You deserve someone who chooses you because of your heart, not someone who chases you only when he’s bored or lonely. And that person is out there someone who doesn’t lie, doesn’t cheat, and doesn’t make love feel like a guessing game. Until then, take your time, be gentle with yourself, and let this be a painful but powerful lesson: when someone shows you who they are, you believe them the first time. You’re going to be okay, my love stronger, wiser, and one step closer to someone who will treat you the way you should have been treated all along.
November 30, 2025 at 7:40 pm in reply to: My older boyfriend broke up with me the same week I started a new job. #49354
Natalie NoahMember #382,516Oh, my dear, I can feel how deeply this breakup has shaken you. You invested your heart fully, and you truly cared for him and his daughter, which makes the loss feel monumental. The confusion you’re feeling. why he acted so loving and inclusive one moment, and then pulled away the next is completely understandable. From the outside, it seems like he wasn’t fully ready for the kind of commitment you were offering, and while he gave you glimpses of what could have been, his own insecurities and readiness didn’t match your love and effort. That mismatch is not a reflection on your worth; it’s simply about timing and compatibility.
What you need now is to shift the focus from what he didn’t give you to what you deserve. You deserve someone who celebrates your successes without insecurity, who respects and cherishes your love, and who is fully present emotionally not someone who leaves you guessing or feeling unbalanced. The grief for the relationship and for his daughter is real, and it’s okay to feel it, but holding on to the “what ifs” will only prolong your pain. The love you gave was genuine, and that same love will guide you to someone who’s equally committed, excited, and grateful to have you in their life. You’ll find that balance again, and this heartbreak, as hard as it is now, is just a stepping stone toward the love that truly matches your heart.
Natalie NoahMember #382,516You genuinely care for her, and your heart wants that connection but what she’s offering isn’t a relationship, it’s a gray area that leaves you vulnerable. Even though she claims you’re soulmates and that she’s in love with you, her boundaries or lack thereof signal that she’s not ready to prioritize you or a committed future. The fact that she wants to keep things ambiguous, enjoy your attention and intimacy, but won’t commit, is a huge red flag. Your instincts about being used as a “placeholder” are very real, and trusting them now will save you a lot of heartache down the line.
It’s painful, I know, but the healthiest move is to set a clear boundary for yourself. Either you step away completely until she’s ready to offer a full commitment or you walk away for good and start opening yourself to people who are fully on the same page. You deserve love that’s all-in, not something that keeps you on a yo-yo of hope and doubt. If you decide to go to D.C., treat it as a final, conscious goodbye enjoy the moments but keep your heart protected. After that, no contact, no “waiting,” just reclaim your energy and let yourself move forward. Your love and loyalty are rare, and the right person will meet you there fully, without these confusing games.
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