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-   -   Can you get a man back? (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=286489)

  • Nov 29, 2008, 07:46 PM
    packer04
    Can you get a man back?
    I was with a man for about 4-5 months. He said I was what he wanted and he is for me. He said he didn't have feelings for me and thinks we should just be friends. Well I am trying to be a great friend, but its hard since I fell for him. My friends say to try and get him back. Does that work? I don't know of a woman out there who did it. So guys and gals out there, is that true or not? I would love to have a chance with him, but I think we were just meant for friends.
  • Nov 29, 2008, 10:17 PM
    talaniman
    Is this the same guy you have asked about before?

    https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/relati...im-283793.html

    Are you still in contact?
    Quote:

    I would love to have a chance with him, but I think we were just meant for friends.
    He has said that's not what he wants, and you are not ready to be his friend.

    The answer to your original question is NO!
  • Nov 29, 2008, 10:21 PM
    Alty

    You could try and it might work, or it might not, it all depends on both of you and the situation and how he feels.

    Problem is, if you try and fail you might end up losing your friendship too.

    The choice is yours.

    Good luck.
  • Nov 29, 2008, 10:36 PM
    xoxaprilwine

    If he said he wants to be friends... he wants to be friends. If you are not ready to be his friend because of your emotional involvement then move on. Why try to win someone back? Why want someone who doesn't want you the same way? Just be yourself and give it time... maybe he will want a romantic relationship with you later or maybe he won't but I wouldn't put all my eggs in one basket.
  • Nov 29, 2008, 11:35 PM
    packer04

    Yes it is the same guy. I have not contacted him, but he has called me. Why would he call me if he is not that interested in me. I know I shouldn't talk to him, but he said something to me that has stuck in my mind(his ex wife and he were friends first then broke it off, then months later got back together, he said sometimes things like that happen and it could with you and I) So I don't know what to think. He wants friendship and he knows I want more. But everyone here says no to him!! My fear is never having anyone,and it gets worse as you get my age(49), believe me!! Its not easy getting over someone you have feelings for. I guess I am stupid for having hope and thinking he could want me. I know you are all right-no contact, but it hurts a lot. Thanks!!
  • Nov 29, 2008, 11:39 PM
    Alty

    Love hurts, it sucks, but holding on to someone that you don't have a future with and wasting more years running after him would suck even more.

    Don't waste your time on this guy, it's time to find someone who will want to be with you no matter what, someone who won't play any more games.

    Good luck.
  • Nov 29, 2008, 11:51 PM
    talaniman
    Quote:

    Why would he call me if he is not that interested in me
    He doesn't want, what you want, it's that simple.
    Quote:

    My fear is never having anyone,and it gets worse as you get my age(49), believe me!!
    Stop wasting your time with someone who ain't going to give you what you need, and get out in the real world, and find your own happiness.

    49 is hardly the end of the world, as I am 54, and hope to be in my second prime very soon.

    Adjust your attitude and outlook, and the world will change, and it starts with leaving the old playa alone, and focusing on YOU.
  • Nov 30, 2008, 12:33 AM
    packer04

    I hate not to be his friend. As I have always been a great friend. Some friends come and go, but I am the type you can rely on for friendship(thats how I was raised) I don't want him to think I don't care about his Dad being sick(they were very good to me and loved me) So I would like to be kept up on how his Dad is. I know 49 is not old, but it is easier for a man your age or mine to find someone. I seem to find men that want younger women or they are angry at the world(due to there ex) I am trying everyday to be positive about love. I guess I thought being I was what he wanted - I had a chance with him. When you feel that spark, its hard to get rid of it in your heart(even if he doesn't have the spark for me) Its just been hard being alone, when no family and my friends don't seem to get it. So I guess that's why I wanted to try and get him back-I know foolish.
  • Nov 30, 2008, 06:59 AM
    talaniman

    Not foolish, misdirected maybe, but hardly foolish. You need a support group, or people around you, that can appreciate that giving quality you have. This is a great time of the year for some volunteer work.

    I also suggest you close, and lock the door on this friendship, and focus on the things that you enjoy.

    Looking for men, is a waste of time, at any age. Building a life that makes you happy, is the real thing to do, and making friends that way, is both healthy, and rewarding.

    It also helps you to love yourself, and do good things for you. So get past that fear, and try something new, and different, and start being good to yourself.
  • Nov 30, 2008, 05:45 PM
    packer04

    I started volunteer work with children and the elderly. My friends just don't seem to understand what I am going through, so I just don't talk about it anymore. I just smile, try to be happy and love myself more than I use to, I have to say. And I have seen counselors, but they don't quite understand what its like after divorce-so I don't know where to turn. And this guy came when I least expected it. So how can a man be a waste of time? I try not to look for one, but men and women do want copanionship and I am sur most people want love. They say love comes when you least expect it, and I have got nothing from no one and it just hurts so bad. So I try to be a good friend to everyone and not be sad around anyone.So your saying no friendship, no excepting his calls, and don't get my hopes up that he could very well want me. I have never been friends with a guy and would have liked to, but that heart of mine is getting in the way. I am at my end. I have tried and tried out there and I am a great friend and a nice, giving person, and still I have no one. Its hard to be completely happy when you just want to shar your life with someone. I hope someone out there understands. It is much harder than I thought to be alone. Thanks for everything.
  • Nov 30, 2008, 06:13 PM
    xoxaprilwine
    Evidently your divorce was very hard on you and I am sorry you had to face the aftermath…its not easy for anyone (I have a sibling that went thorough divorce and it was ugly – its been five years and they are still dealing with issues). Not talking about it is not going to help you deal with your situation. Your friends should understand but they may have given you advice and you have a hard time accepting what they are saying. So, they have their lives and their own issues too…sometimes people have a way of detaching from the situation if their efforts are hopeless and they give up.

    This guy came when you least expected it because you where not waiting for Mr. Right or Mr. Wrong, you where continuously living to your needs and wants (which is what you should continue to do)…it was not a waste of time; it was a pleasant gathering of two adults and it didn’t work for one of you. Everyone wants to be loved and feel loved equally, everyone wants a friend and a lover, someone to trust and care about them…this is our nature. If it’s not mutual though you can’t force it…why would you want to subject yourself to that and to the rejection? I think that if you can’t accept friendship with him then how can it evolve to anything else? I don’t think you should ignore him or not answer his calls…but if your emotionally not ready (your heart gets in the way) to be his friend then how do you expect to move on to the next step (you where married you know all about this-don’t belittle yourself). Letting things happen naturally and if they don’t, they simply won't. You will have to face it; will you be just his friend? Can you just accept his companionship and nothing else? Love does come when you least expect it; not to say that every potential relationship that comes is meant to be.

    My heart pours out to you and I am so sorry for your loss and loneliness, but please don’t let that be the grounds of why you need this new guy in your life because you are not truly being honest with yourself or with that partner. I have heard in numerous posts that you said you do volunteer work and that is great but how about doing something for you? You said you only volunteer some days and not others so curb it with some self-empowerment techniques.

    I hope you heard me; I just feel bad for you and really think you need to move on as difficult as it is.

    Best and warmest wishes
    Xox
  • Nov 30, 2008, 07:18 PM
    packer04

    My husband abandoned me in the middle of nowhere(after talking me into selling and moving) took money and everything else. Found out that he had planned it to be with another. Never found him,so got divorce and have moved on. My friends say I should have went after him for the money. Wasn't worth it for me. It was verbally and physically abusive(he drank,etc) So after meeting numerous men such as that, I finally met this nice guy-total opposite so I thought great this is what I want and he told me I was his list. So I really thought this was the guy-he was with me. My friends have never been through this(don't wish it on them)they say get over it and move on. Its not easy, when your'e alone. Sure I volunteer,do things with the girls, the gym for me, but it doesn't make up for the loneliness. I still come home to an empty house. That sucks. I would like to be friends, but I don't want to always be the one to initiate a call. I miss him and was hoping he would miss me. I believed him when he said he would like to be friends. I have tried to be a good friend. I guess I was a fool to think he would want me. I can't help how I feel about him. But there is that tiny bit of hope and that seems to be all I have anymore. All I want is someone to love and someone to love me and I am finding that very hard to find. Thanks again.
  • Dec 1, 2008, 07:01 AM
    pandora2

    <All I want is someone to love and someone to love me and I am finding that very hard to find>

    Packer, you need to love yourself first, you need to build a great life for yourself , when you do , men will flock towards you , you will be beaming and bright and happy without a care in the world.

    You probably need to heal from your past relationship, it sounds like you still have a lot of hurt from it.
    Until we heal it is hard to really move on.

    You are not ready to be his friend.
  • Dec 1, 2008, 08:47 AM
    xoxaprilwine

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by xoxaprilwine View Post
    please don't let that be the grounds of why you need this new guy in your life because you are not truly being honest with yourself or with that partner.

    And

    You said you only volunteer some days and not others so curb it with some self-empowerment techniques.

    I see how difficult that must have been to feel abandoned, slipped the pink note for someone else and taken for a ride. This is not acceptable and you have not taken steps to take what was rightfully yours... a portion of the marital assets. I think that you deserve your portion but for you to just give up without a fight was a shock to me... you should seek it out but if you feel that you do not need anything then all the power to you; you are the most self-righteous individual I have ever met. I just wanted to say that your ex-husband will get his later. Karma has a way of coming to everyone and by the way he treated you, his outlook is not going to be a good one. Your ex does not sound like a very nice man and you are probably better without him and I can understand that meeting someone who is completely opposite (someone with those same traits) is what you needed in the first place. From a previous post I note that you dated this new guy for 5 months…this is not nearly enough time to establish him as “meant-to-be”. Maybe meant-to-be for the duration, meant-to-be so you know what you want, but not meant-to-be because Mr. Meant-to-be is on his way? I see he said you where on his hit list…that does not sound comforting and I would have taken a step back and said “well if I am on your hit list…what happens when you have me?” Even though there are some nice guys; even the nice guys have their faults. I wouldn't initiate the call unless you are ready to go for a coffee or Christmas drink for just that…for just companionship for now…maybe for a while... maybe for the duration/remainder of the relationship. If he isn't initiating to contact you that obviously tells you something about him.

    I quoted myself again, I am not sure if you heard me but your response indicates you haven't. You are turning to this man because like pandora2 said, you haven't dealt with your past issues and need to concentrate on yourself. It sounds like you have taken steps for self-improvement but not self-empowerment... there is a difference between the two. I see your going out…its coming home that's the issue. Have you thought of maybe redecorating? Or maybe adopting a pet as animals are extremely therapeutic and their love is unconditional? Or get a roomy who is compatible to your traits/personality? Or join a "support group" with other women going through similar situation? Getting in touch with your inner child? I am exasperated for words. You don't need a man to make you feel whole and you don't need a man to make you feel loved if you're content in your own skin and have accepted your circumstances that have led you here. A woman has great power over her life once free from the shackles of burden from an abusive, self-absorbed SOB so embrace it and bloom.

    I have a friend that is hitting her 40's, she has turned to men for love, changing them, they fail her and she moves on to the next trying to find the right man... she has spent so much time looking for love in all the wrong places that she swallowed her education, settled for a career that is far less deserving then she is capable of, claimed bankruptcy and now supports a good for nothing, non-working, alcoholic/gambler that she can't get rid of because he emotionally guilt trips her that if she leaves or kicks him out he has nowhere to go. He doesn't want kids and they live like roommates... can you settle for this type of lifestyle? No, you are better then that and wiser then that... you need to love yourself and come to terms with the truth of your very being. You are capable of doing anything you put your mind to and don't settle for anyone that offends you or your morals.

    Best of luck again.
  • Dec 2, 2008, 11:40 AM
    talaniman
    I just told another poster, that its unrealistic to think of someone in the long term, after only a few dates.

    I think the same thing applies to you. Its always disappointing to put long term hopes, on short term facts. (meeting a nice guy)

    Quote:

    I was with a man for about 4-5 months.
    That's a little to soon in my opinion, to have long term hopes.

    As you have seen those facts, are subject to change, and be better defined after learning more.( that nice guy is not ready for what you want) Don't set yourself up for disappointment, by having unrealistic goals. Enjoy the now, and deal with what comes tomorrow, when it gets here. Now have fun and enjoy yourself, or at least, learn how to.

    The ideal situation would be to be friends with this fellow, and enjoy getting to know him better and see what happens, and if it doesn't blossom into more, then accept it and keep moving forward.

    The only reason everyone tells you to leave the guy alone, is because your own unrealistic hopes for more, are hurting you, and at that point you must back off the situation.

    Stop looking for that life mate, and you will make many friends. I guarantee it.
  • Dec 5, 2008, 05:55 PM
    packer04

    To the previous posts. I wasn't looking for a man when he just appeared. And I have been through more than most and feel better about myself more than I have in along time. I know all of you say we don't need a man, but it is nice to be cared and loved and have some companionship. This man I may not have known long, but he was everything in a man I was looking for and he said the same of me( I had everything in a woman he was looking for)
    It just hurt when out of nowhere he stopped everything with me. I have tried to be a good friend as he said he doesn't want to lose my friendship. So the last ime I called we talked like friends and I asked him if he ever wanted to meet for coffee and he didn't say yes or no. So I am confused by what a man means when he says friends. I need to wait to see if he contacts me, especially since he is a nice guy and I guess I will no where friendship stands with him. I am the friend that people can count on and he knows I will be a good friend. I guess this will prove if he really says what he means when it comes to being friends. I have just been through so much in the last few years that I thought being he was the opposite of my ex and a nice guy he would really like me and appreciate me. I know I have friends but they have their families and they can't make up for that loss in my heart. I just thought it would be easier to get over someone you really care and just seem to click with. I know I can't make someone want me, but I would like some friendship with him someday. I know someday there is something out there for me. I am trying each day, myself esteem has come a long way since all this hurt and I am trying everyday to love myself more and more. Thanks so much.
  • Dec 5, 2008, 06:21 PM
    artlady

    You can't make someone love you or want you !

    Your friends say try to get him back but dear you can't get back what you never really had.

    If you can be friends without always pining for more and making yourself sick over it than go for it. But it sounds like this is a one way street and he has been honest with you and said he does not want you.

    Move on and spare yourself the pain and embarrassment.

    Hate to be so harsh but many of us have loved someone who didn't return our feelings and you just have to look
    Elsewhere.

    Or not look elsewhere and just enjoy being single.. it's not like it's a death sentence or anything ,it can be a lot of fun!

    Believe me .there is someone for everyone!

    I am 54 and I have been in and out of love more than once and when it is right it does not sound like this... let it go.

    I met the love of my life at 43 and I never expected it! Out of no where!

    Some old adages do stand true*when you least expect it your love will come*.

    I wasn't looking ,I had given up on it and then wham... so enjoy your life and make it full without a man in it.

    Blessings
  • Dec 5, 2008, 09:13 PM
    packer04

    I know there is someone for everyone. It just seemed like it was meant to be. When he told me often that I was the woman he was looking for, I had hopes that this guy really wanted something with me. It hurt because you don't tell someone that for 5 months and then just stop suddenly and say to me I just don't have the feelings I am suppose to have to you. I feel he should have known long before that, as he knew what my feelings were for him. I know they say when you least expect it. But its hard when you love someone and care for them. He knows how I feel and wants to be friends. That confuses me. It also hurts but I am willing to be his friend and I hope he will be mine. Thanks a bunch. Trying everyday to go on and get through this hurt. (its just so hard to look elsewhere when this man was what I visioned and had everything a woman would want in a partner.) I know I never had him, but being friends maybe the answer. Maybe he'll want was he doesn't have. Thanks.
  • Dec 5, 2008, 09:57 PM
    packer04

    I do know you can have a full life being single, but I certainly would like to share my life with someone. I also try very hard not to get my hopes up. And I try to be a positive person everyday at work or home. Some of my friends say I am too positive, happy and too nice. But those traits are me. So I am trying everyday.
  • Dec 5, 2008, 10:10 PM
    artlady

    Hay Packer... sounds like this guy played you in a way.. telling you that you were what he was looking for and because you were ready to believe it and you wanted someone you became a victim.

    Screw that friend thing.. he knows you care so he most likely wants to be a friend with benefits.. which means in real language he wants you there to be his booty call girl but not have to have any of the responsibility of a real relationship.

    He wants to be friends so he can take you out to dinner or does he want to be friends so he can help you paint your kitchen or does he want to be friends so you can be there for him?

    I would ask him what he means by friendship and go from there.

    I bet his idea is a whole lot different than yours.

    One sided friendship is what you will probably end up with.

    Sorry for the bluntness but its my bane.


    Best of luck and Im still here to talk... Michele

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