What would you do if you found a great guy (or girl), who you adored, and who your kids LOVED, but when it was just the two of you, you had zero interest in taking your clothes off? In other words, there was no passion. That’s what I address in this week’s “Love Essentially” column, published in Sun-Times Media local yesterday.
Boyfriend Great With Kids, But Passion Isn’t There, by Jackie Pilossoph
Dear Jackie,
I’m dating a man with a 4-year-old. I have a 4- and 5-year-old. We have been out alone and with our children. I always have a great time when all the kids are there. But when it’s just he and I, I feel a bit awkward. I don’t feel comfortable doing more than kissing him. I like him. I find him attractive. We have fun together. I’ve never had this issue dating after divorce except for with this man. Should I keep this moving forward?
My gut reaction to this is that this guy sounds great. He seems like he’s a good dad who likes kids, he’s handsome and fun, and if you enjoy being with him, he must be affable. All that said, you are asking if you should “keep moving forward” with this man, when clearly, you can’t. Thus, your decision is already made, isn’t it?
Moving forward means getting closer, both physically and emotionally, and it doesn’t sound like you want to do that with him. In other words, when the kids are in bed, do you want him in your bed? Didn’t think so.
However, does that mean you have to stop seeing him? Not at all! This man sounds like he could become a close friend, and someone who could add value to your life, as well as to your kids’ lives. Every friendship is a gift, so I’d say grab it if you can.
But, you owe it to this man to be open and honest with him, and tell him how you feel. If you were him, wouldn’t you want to know? It’s the fair thing to do. Then it’s up to him to decide whether or not he wants to accept what you are capable of in the relationship.
He might be hurt and angry. He might tell you he doesn’t want to see you anymore. But, after thinking it over, he might agree to the friendship, and the two of you could build something very valuable and enjoyable. Furthermore, you could end up falling in love with him overtime. You never know.
In closing, I’ll say this. As a divorced person, I can attest to the fact that when it comes to dating, it’s very important for your kids to like the person you fall in love with. Actually, the relationship becomes blissful if your kids not only like him or her, but rather adore the person. However, YOU have to adore that person, too. In other words, you can’t make a relationship work because the kids are happy. You have to absolutely love your guy whether it’s dinner for five at Mickie D’s, or a week long vacation in Aruba for just the two of you.
My advice is, “move forward” with honesty and with hopes of a friendship, for now. If you lose him, you’ll come to realize you did the right thing. On the flipside, if the two of you become platonic friends and fall madly in love at a later time, you won’t have to worry about introducing each other to your kids!
Share
Sylvia80
Big mistake to strart a relayionship with such a guy, he is good, he’s a good dad, he’s a good friend. They are all great. But what it has to do with a woman looking for a partner. A partner who is not even attracted to you. Im saying this because i have 9 years experience of living with a man who wasnt interested in sleeping with me and still i thought he was a good man, i had to file for divorce and after that i could know him better, i realized he wasnt as good as i thought, and i made a big mistake i sacrificed my best years staying with a man who didnt even wanted to touch me. Im 34 with no kid, no experience of being loved , having proper sex, and whatever you imagine a woman needs.