May 15, 2008

Dysfunction Attracts Dysfunction

Name: Regretting It |  | Location: Hell , TX |Question: I did something(s) terrible and am now payingMoxiesept1113 the piper for my actions.  I had a feeling this day would come, but hoped it wouldn't.  My ex-boyfriend and I broke up in December.  It was a hard breakup, and even though I knew it would do more harm than good, we kept up a FWB situation.  Huge mistake.  He believed he believed he could tell me about other women he was interested in and meeting, and yet every time he would tell me about them, I grew more resentful and jealous.  No matter that we were broken up. 
Some days he would be affectionate with me, others he would be cold and aloof.  He is prone to moodiness and now I suspect he is clinically depressed or even bi-polar.  He has more mood swings than a pms-ing woman.  But when he told me he messed around (no sex) with a woman who is well known in our social circle, I became livid, but didn't show it.  I hid it, and tried not be jealous because after all, he wasn't my boyfriend any more. However, I couldn't let go of the fact that he had previously said he wouldn't ever touch her with a ten-foot pole, yet there he was telling me about a night he got drunk and played around with her.  A few weeks ago I couldn't stand it any more and confided in a friend I thought I could trust.  I hadn't told her anything that was going on between him and I because I didn't want her to know.  No one but his best friend knew we were still maintaining a sexual relationship. But then a week or so ago, I told her everything, including his play session with this woman and how it made me feel.    After more drama and emotional crap between my ex and I (I was responsible for half of it, of course), I decided to end the sex and take time away from him.   I needed to disconnect and go out on my own and learn to live without him at last. 

The friend I had confided in invited me out last week to meet her and some friends.  One of whom was a guy I'd met last year prior to meeting my ex-bf.  I'd thought he was cute, but a little too wild for me.  She said, "You need him to help you get over your ex. He's sweet."  And, of course, I took the bait, and flirted with him.  I had been attracted to him before, and still was.  It wasn't the same level of attraction I'd had with my ex, but I decided I need to stop comparing people and just have fun and enjoy myself. 
Well, it ended up that this guy and I stayed behind past closing, chatting and visiting.  We talked about video games, our favorite movies, briefly about our exes.  (He said not one bad word about his, which told me volumes about his character.) 

We've talked on the phone a lot this past week and have made a date for this weekend.  The kicker is this:  my friend now says she wants him.  She told me she wanted a relationship with him before but he wasn't interested in her so therefore she was "giving him up to me" because I needed the cheering up more than she did.  I couldn't believe what she said.  New guy also showed me a text message she had sent him, stating, "I'll be damned if you have sex with her before me!"  New guy and I hadn't even discussed that option yet.  We are still just getting to be friends. 

Last night I went to see New Guy, talked and played some video games, and and pretty much had a good time.  He kissed me, and it felt nice.  But nothing more happened.  Today, my ex-bf sent me several text messages while I was at work.  What I had told my friend about him playing with another woman had gotten back to him.  He is livid, embarrassed, accused me of betraying his trust (which I'm willing to acknowledge), and he then stated he had been considering a reconciliation for the last 3 weeks but not now. 

I replied to him, I knew he wouldn't want a reconciliation simply because he has been so off/on with me during the FWB the last few months.  And I said some terrible things to him, lashing out about how he'
d made me feel, etc.  But now, regret is seeping in.  I know she is the one who made sure he found out about I repeated his little escapade.  She's the only one I discussed it with.  Now even our acquaintances know, but are getting a mangled version.  I shouldn't have confided in my friend.  I should have known better, shouldn't I?  I know I'll never get back together with him, but how do I salvage this situation so we can at least rebuild a foundation for a cordial friendship in the future?  I'm leaving him alone for now. 
I feel so stupid. |Age: 34

Holy Christ. Get away from these people. All of 'em. Including New Guy. Because, FYI...guaranteed he's flirting with you're psycho girl friend.

Let's address the FWB thing..okay, you know it was poor judgment. And quite frankly I'm tired of giving the same speech about how, if a man wants you, he'll be with you completely. Not just for sex.

His potential bi-polar disorder? Um...no. Although it does seem like so many women like to self-diagnose men and assign all these disorders to them rather than just say, "Oh. He does that because he's an asshole. Not because he's mentally unstable." The mood swings aren't mood swings. It's him wanting you when he wants you, and not needing you when he doesn't. It's him sensing that you're getting attached and purposefully being a dick so you'll get the hint and not get the wrong idea. Diagnosis? Selfish Asshole Disorder. SAD. Look it up. It exists. Or at least it should.

Your girl friend? She sucks. She doesn't have your best interests at heart, and she's the girl who can't be happy for a friend because her misery overrules anything and anyone else's needs.

New guy? Distance yourself. Why? Because the drama is inevitable. Oh, and he'll be nailing your friend soon, too. And then she will feel compelled to tell you saying "she thought you should know."

Oh, and you're Ex's petty schoolyard "Well, I was going to invite you to my birthday party but not now" passive aggressive shit? Tell him to shove it. He never had intentions of getting back with you. He just wanted to make you feel bad.  He threw in your face the one thing he knew you wanted most and wanted to shame you with it. Matter of time before he nails your friend and then feels compelled to confess that to you. Rinse. Repeat.

Now, for the real issue here...why are you attracting all this drama in your life? Why do you attract and settle for such low lifes? Figure that out and you'll figure out how to deal with this current situation. You're friends with all these people because you think it's better than having no one. And because you're probably a bit of a drama queen and don't know how to break out of that pattern. Break out of it and fast. You stay around people like this and you will never be able to get your shit together and attract the right people.  You'll start thinking that all this chaos is normal and therefore you won't be able to recognize true contentment and happiness.

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What's Worse - Being With Someone Who's Just Okay or Being Alone?

Name: R |  Location: swarthmore  , pa |Question: Is it better to be with a rather pleasant companion whoMoxieinthecityjune20083 one has been dating for a year, or to look for an upgrade if he doesnt seem like husband material?  He does not act interested in long term committment but also hangs on to the relationship for comfort and convenience.

But couldnt I find someone else, by chance, at some point and leave him then?  Maybe we will both grow out of this relationship when we feel ready, but ending it now seems pre-mature, b'c we both like eachothers support sometimes as friends and lovers.  I abhor being alone.  I have been alone for a long time, by my choice, before this. |Age: 27


YOUR THOUGHTS?

Evaluating The Risk

Name: starseven |  Location: Oakland , CA |Question: Dating a man with a kid:Moxiemay20091
I've recently met a man (recently divorced) who has a 4 year old. Although he doesn't live with his child, she is a priority for his free time - as she should be - and he spends most of his evenings & some weekends with her when his ex is out. He wants to develop a relationship with me, but I'm a bit apprehensive to it. He works 10-12 hrs a day with the remainder spent caring for his little one. Some nights, after his visits with his daughter, he wants to come over and see me, but to start an evening at 9/9:30pm doesn’t work for me as I have a crazy job & start my days at 5am (hey, I like my sleep). When I'm exclusively involved with someone, I like to spend a lot of time with them. Naturally, this is a potential problem for us as time is pretty limited. The bigger problem is that I REALLY like him, so I'm stuck. Do I forfeit the relationship because of this or risk getting more attached knowing that some of my basic needs probably won't be met? |Age: 37

This is a battle between your heart and your head, with a tad bit of your self-esteem thrown in. You like this guy. But you know that he can not offer much. What's really making this situation difficult is that you're lonely and you like the idea of having a companion and someone to spend time with.

You know what the right thing to do is. But your fear that you'll never meet anyone else, coupled with your feelings for this guy, are what are keeping you "stuck."

You're wrong. You're not stuck. Stuck would be if you fell in love with this guy and had to decide whether or not to stick around knowing that your needs are not being met. Right now, you can control just how "stuck" you get.  Can you compromise your needs for the time being until this guy gets more invested and can make more time for you? If not, then you need to take care of yourself and detach.

Just keep something in mind. I'm all for advising people to take care of themselves and do what's best for them. However, make sure that your expectations are appropriate. Most people when they first start dating usually only see each other once or twice a week anyway, one of those times being on weekends. So it's possible that maybe you're just getting a little antsy and want this guy to meet your expectations right away and therefore getting frustrated unnecessarily. It's hard not to get anxious and want to see more and more of someone that we really like. But just because you have that need  doesn't mean that this guy should be expected to meet it on your time table. Just some food for thought.

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May 14, 2008

When Is Okay To Break Out The Porn

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Name: of  | Location: NY , New York |Question: Curious....What is the rule - or is there even one - on watching porn with your significant other? I'm no prude and watch it by myself sometimes, but I always thought that you shouldn't watch it with a guy if you want him to think of you as long term material. Backgroud: dating a guy for solid 4 months.. |Age: 31-female

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May 13, 2008

She Only Confessed Because She Got Caught

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Name: Jimmy | Location: Chicago , IL |Question: This past weekend I was hanging out with my girlfriend watching a movie when my cell phone started beeping.  When I went to pick it up, there were no new text messages or voice mails.  When I said, "I wonder why it's beeping?", my girlfriend told me that while I was in the bathroom, she took my cell phone and was going to read my text messages!  She accidentally hit a wrong button, and that's why it was beeping.

I tried not to make a big deal about it, as I wasn't sure what to think.  We've been dating for 3 months and things have been great, but now I am wondering why she did this.  I asked her if she trusts me and she said she does.  She also said that she didn't know why she did it, and wanted to come clean about it.
Now I'm not sure what to think.  Should I make a big deal about this or be concerned?  Is this a red flag to a larger issue?  Help! |Age: 37

I want to give her kudos for admitting to her snooping. But I can't because you'll never know if she truly felt bad about it or simply copped to it because she got caught. I think it's a red flag. As adults, we all know right from wrong. Snooping through your private messages was wrong. So, this woman consciously chose to do the wrong thing. That's not a great sign. Her fear or anxiety or mistrust overruled rational thinking.

I won't say you should dump her. If things were great then she deserves the benefit of the doubt. But with this one thing always in the back of your head I fear she may have done herself in. Now the both of you have trust issues. in regards to the other person. Those are hard to over come, especially at this early stage. All you can do is try to re-build the trust.

I'd suggest asking her why she did it. Maybe if she comes clean and you two have a heart to heart that will actually help get you back where you were quicker. It could actually help build the intimacy between the two of you.

Seek first to understand, then to be understood. That's what my uncle always says. Works for him.


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May 12, 2008

New Website Design

http://www.MoxieintheCity.net

Just a few more tweaks here and there left. Interested to hear your thoughts.

YOUR THOUGHTS?

Crazy

Hi moxie,Moxieinthecity8
I need help to stop this guy's craziness. Please scroll this email down and reading from the bottom. I met this guy last thursday. Went out with him on sat. To Brooklyn museum. I called it an early night on sat after dinner. He called me right after I got off subway and persistantly asking me if I want to hangout more that night, I clearly told him I was tired, he then said what about Sunday. I told him I was busy...anyway, there r some behavior of me that night freaked me out so I decided to tell him what I felt and sent him an email on the same night...and below r his reactions...help!!!

(READ FROM THE BOTTOM UP)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Joe Blow <artxxxxxxxx@gmail.com>
Date: May 12, 2008 6:08:16 PM EDT
To: Kat <kxxxxxxxx8@gmail.com>
Subject: RE: this email

Generally, when I'm on a date I like to share the expenses EQUALLY.  Ever thought of that?  Having things be equal in a relationship...what a thought...

How long are you going to continue to act like this?  Don't you feel your clock ticking?  You WILL die alone if you continue this game.

You are more than welcome to share this dialogue with your next victim. 

Move back to Taiwan.  You really don't belong here.  Find some grown Taiwanese boy who collects children's toys to chauffer you around Taipei. 

Nothing I said was angry either.  You are not the first woman I have come into contact with...not the first Taiwanese woman for that matter.  I know the games.  I KNOW you want someone with money.  It's obvious.  Your comment about paying proves how concerned you are about money.  I'm secure enough to be able to make objective judgements about the people around me.  Your presence or non-presence in my life has no impact on my emotional state.

You're arrogant, selfish and aloof.  You are certain of your own superiority.  In your mind you are always right. 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: kxxxxxxxx8@gmail.com
To: artxxxxxxxx@gmail.com
Subject: Re: this email
Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 11:01:34 -0400

Bravo!!! U just proved how insecure u r! U don't send out an angry email just because someone is not interested in u....that's very immature! I didnt judge u, just didn't find any connection.... And I thank u for ur comments about me as I could care less about what u think. Just one suggestion for u tho...don't even go on a date if u can't afford to pay!!!(u don't need to b a sugar daddy to afford) good luck to u and please I really don't want to see another angry email. Grow up!!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On May 11, 2008, at 10:36 AM, Joe Blow <artxxxxxxxx@gmail.com> wrote:

I'm not sure why you agreed to meet me given your opinion.  But if you want to communicate about it great:

You're starting to show your age.  You really seem to be out of touch culturally. Outside of your MBA I have to question any educational experiences you may have had.  Your taste in clothing is very "Jersey Club Girl."  You are full of yourself, conceited and seem content with the way people and things seem on the surface.  Your stories of past relationships tells me you lack the ability to discern quality and substance in men.  I think you are very materialistic and put a priority on a person's income level rather than what their personality may be like.  You're arrogant.  You've been in New York seven years and couldn't find your way to the Brooklyn Museum.  Personally I think it is rude to use your cellphone when you are on a date with someone else.  Chai is tea, which is only served in caffinated form.  I fail to understand why someone who is lactose intolerant decided to order such a dairy heavy beverage.  Iron Man is a dumb summer blockbuster full of robots and explosions.  It is a proven formula designed to make the production studio some quick cash.  To be quite honest, a sugar daddy may be your best option for a relationship.  Other than that: buy a dog.

Joe Blow
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: kxxxxxxxx8@gmail.com
To: artxxxxxxxx@gmail.com
Subject: Re: this email
Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 02:11:41 -0400

Cant sleep... I think that decaf wasn't really decaf...anyway, just want to let u know that it was fun hanging out with u....., but I really dont want to mislead u in anyway....u r nice just not my type of guy....and I don't find any connection whether emotionally or physically btw us.... Sorry. Really don't want to waste ur time.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

On May 10, 2008, at 12:52 AM, Joe Blow <artxxxxxxxx@gmail.com> wrote:

See you tomorrow.  :)

YOUR THOUGHTS?

May 11, 2008

What's More Important - Happiness or Sex?

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Name: Chandra | Location: Boston, MA  |Question: I'm hoping your readers can shed some light on this. My friends and I went to a party Friday night and we ended up talking with a crew of men our age. The topic of break-ups came up. When the subject of when is the right time to break up with a woman (how soon, before/after holidays) one of the guys said it depends on how great the sex is. His friends agreed. Is that really something men consider when they are about to break up with a woman? Can great sex really make a guy want to date a woman longer? Can sex really make up for negative aspects of a relationship? |Age: 34

The answer is YES to all your questions. As I've said before, men will always avoid drama. They will find things about the relationship that they do like in order to endure or deal with the bad stuff. That way they can stick things out as long as possible and avoid conflict.

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In Defense of Older Women

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Name: Lorraine | Location: NYC, New York  |Question: I take great offense to how you depict women in their forties on your blog. If we choose to date younger men then that's our right. Why are you so judgmental? Are you jealous of those of us who can attract the younger, attractive men?  We have a right to choose who we date and we shouldn't be judged by anyone. Least of all another woman who is almost 40 and single herself.  |Age: 46

Oh, Lorraine. Why is it that when a woman voices an opinion about another woman, she's deemed jealous? For the record, I've always said that I have no problem with two people of varying age ranges get together as long as they are honest with themselves of why they are in that relationship. Even if that reason is that the attention and the sex makes them feel more desired. What I take issue with is these women who delude themselves into thinking that they are somehow deserving of praise for nailing a guy in his 20's or who refuse to confront or admit the possibility that the reason they go for younger men is because they don't have a choice.

Here's my thought...if you're 45, 48, 50 and you're a woman, then you're probably hoping to date a man 45-55. Well, those guys (for the most part) either already have children or do not want them or have given up trying. They're in a place where they are okay with the idea of never having kids. So, that one huge hurdle that we face when we're in our late 30's and early 40's is taken out of the equation. So, if that' the case, the question is...why wouldn't these men want to date someone closer to their age? Well, there are a number of reasons:

She's jaded/bitter. As I've always said, men want a woman who makes them feel good. They want someone who has learned how to take care of themselves and who will allow them to try and help take care of them without any sort of defensiveness. They want someone who is positive and open. They don't want to scale these ridiculously high walls that we all tend to build around ourselves as we grow older. In other words, they're lazy and don't want to do a shit load of work.

She doesn't have her life together: As I've said before, I have a small window left in my life to take my business to the next level. At 35, my choice to host happy hours is interesting and cool. Not so cool at 39 , 40. A man doesn't want to take up a relationship with a woman who can not take care of herself financially or who hasn't established herself in some way. That includes having a financial plan. Sure, there are those guys who like the whole "rescue" fantasy. That's fine. But most guys, by the time they've reached 40, have worked their ass off. They want someone they can spoil, sure, but they also want someone who they believe doesn't "need" their financial assistance. They didn't work all those years just to swoop in and save the damsel in distress from financial ruin. The want a woman with focus and direction and who have something of their own to offer. They want an equal partnership. They don't want a woman who's been laid off from her job and struggling to pay her bills. They don't want a woman who's got a pile high of debt because they know, once they get married, they acquire that debt, too. At 25 you can get away with being financially irresponsible. You can't get away with it at 35, 40, 45. You just can't. A 30 year old guy won't care that a 45 year old woman is a financial mess because he probably is, too. The 30 year old man won't care so much about the cynical attitude because they don't intend to marry these "cougars." When you know there's an escape clause, it's amazing what you'll tolerate.

If these older women are so damn confident and secure, then why wouldn't they attract a man their age who brings the same to the table? That makes no sense. Would a 49 year old man who's got his life together and is attractive and confident naturally be attracted to a 45 year old woman who is the same?

My issue with the "cougar" craze is that a large majority of these "cougars" don't cop to the real reason that they are attracted to younger men. And that is, that the men their age don't want them because they have certain detractors and/or they've grown frustrated with trying to meet men their own age. And they find that there's some sort of cache with the idea of sleeping with someone 10-15 years their junior.  Sorry, but screwing a 25 or 30 year old isn't a huge accomplishment. Reality is that most of these "cougars" go for younger men because they either don't have a choice or because they are not secure or confident in their own right.

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Kicking Him While He's Down

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Name: AmyRose | Location: New York ,  New York  |Question: So, there has been alot on here about financial affairs lately. Recently, I gave this guy a third chance..long story short, divorced, w a child, really intelligent, and not really hot, but could grow on you (also a seriously great kisser :..No mox, didnt go e way w with him! Anyway,yes I was probably in reality, "settling", but he had been persistant and was a friend of a friends. Even the fact that he is a self claimed republican was not even the dealbreaker..it was this: every date we went out on, he constantly complained about how broke he was. He had once been very succesful and his ex wiped him out in the divorce and the business he had started on his own was failing. Our last date I had offered to treat, but he took full advantage, and it made me really uneasy. In the end I bailed on him and basically told him that he was a mess and should focus his time on his finances since he had a child to take care of and should stop trying to date. Was I too harsh on this guy?  |Age: 38

I think honesty is a great thing, but not when it includes shaming someone. I understand why you were turned off and it's great that you gave the guy a chance. But regardless of how annoyed you are, I think telling someone he's a mess and needs to get his finances in order is extremely hash. We're not talking about  a guy who was rude to you or was hurtful. He was simply getting back into the dating pool and a little rusty. And, yes, he apparently had some issues with his finances. But does that make him a bad person with shady intentions? I don't think so.

If it made you uneasy to treat and pay for that date, then you shouldn't have offered. This guy was broke and yet he was still taking you out. Since he was a friend of a friend's , he probably assumed you knew the dirt on him. Maybe he just wanted to be upfront? Maybe he didn't want you hearing certain things from anyone but him? He probably assumed you already knew about his failing business and ex wife that cleaned  him out.

I''m not saying that you were wrong to cut your losses. I just don't think you had to kick the guy while he was already down. It really wasn't your place to lecture him. A simple "Thanks but I don't think this will workout" would have sufficed. We all say we want to know why we're being dumped but there are just certain things that are too delicate to address to someone, especially when you barely know them. If someone I dated 3 times chose to tell me he felt my finances were out of place, I'd thank God he dumped me because that takes a certain level of arrogance.

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