‘I Snatched My Tupperware Away From Him’

Q.

I met this guy on a dating app. He messaged me first and asked to meet for drinks. I’m 23, he’s 28.

After going to a restaurant, we sat in his car talking for five hours. He didn’t try anything physical. Two weeks later, we went out on our second date. We walked around downtown, again chatting for several hours. We kissed that night, both of us nervous to initiate, but he stepped up to the plate.

After a few more dates, I tried to add him on social media, but a google search pulled up wedding registries and pictures. I was shocked and texted him. He explained that he was married and separated, and that it was likely leading to a divorce. I was hurt but I had already fallen for this man; it all happened so fast. I ignored the moral problems and said I’d continue seeing him.

I met up with him and brought him dinner, and he ate it in his car while talking about his soon-to-be ex-wife and how horrible she was. I caught on to his indecisiveness and flipped. That night I snatched my tupperware away from him. I told him to stop leading me on. He apologized and things were OK for a few days, but but shortly after, he told me it wouldn’t work.

He’s everything I ever wanted. How do I move on? How do I fix what I destroyed?

– Destroyed

Advertisement
A.

He is not everything you ever wanted, because from what I can tell, you want a single person. He is not that.

He’s also not a straightforward, honest person. You had to google him to figure out his martial status. Even then, he told you he was “likely” getting a divorce. That’s a big maybe. (For the record, I read it as a “maybe not.”)

You say you’ve fallen for this man, but I’d argue that you fell for the version of him you created after your first date. You imagined him as a list of things (charming, available, thoughtful, respectful), and you’re clinging to the hope that he can make it all come true.

You need a more accurate list of what he’s shown himself to be (dishonest, selfish, confusing). Keep that list handy as you get back on that dating app. Whenever you have doubts, remind yourself that you didn’t destroy anything. You simply listened to your gut and protected your tupperware.

– Meredith

Readers? Is he everything she ever wanted?

Advertisement

To comment, please create a screen name in your profile

Love Letters

What’s your love and relationship problem?

Ask Meredith at Love Letters. Yes, it’s anonymous.

Advertisement
About Love Letters
Advertisement