OurPath Open Forum

This Open Forum is funded and administered by OurPath, Inc., (formerly the Straight Spouse Network). OurPath is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides support to Straight Partners and Partners of Trans People who have discovered that their partner is LGBT+. Your contribution, no matter how small, helps us provide our community with this space for discussion and connection.


BE A DONOR >>>


You are not logged in. Would you like to login or register?



July 8, 2020 12:49 pm  #11


Re: How to find hetero love? During a pandemic?

The pandemic can be a time to sort through things mentally as well as physically and decide what you want to do with your life afterwards. You mention losing your career before this hit and are living with our parents now. Are there things you can do during this period to move you towards re-employment and a place of your own? Both will enhance your dating appeal when this is over.

Living with your parents as an adult normally is a flashing red light to potential dates. Right now though it can be seen as a plus because you are protecting them to avoid the risks of going out for groceries etc. Meeting people virtually protects you from the risk of bringing Covid-19 back to them, which also shows that you are a good person.

Social distancing is hard on everyone. I have a significant other and we cannot visit each other because the health risks are too high at our ages. Waiting is hard. Use the virtual dating as a screening process - much less awkward and time consuming than in-person coffee shop first dates. If all goes well you will have met
several whom seem worth a post-Covid get-together.

Stay safe and just try to out-live this.
 


Try Gardening. It'll keep you grounded.
 

July 8, 2020 9:23 pm  #12


Re: How to find hetero love? During a pandemic?

Victo,
  Boy, do I get it.  You got some decent answers about how to position yourself for when you can actually connect with someone.  But yeah, I get it.  The whole "hands off" "at arm's length" life?  It sucks and how nice it would be to get some hands on.  To get out there and find a woman who appreciates you for being a man.
  But you know what?  As bad as it is feels to you right now, you're young and you will have a chance.  Men find women.  I know of few men who were looking for a woman who didn't find one. Women don't find men so easily, especially women of a certain age.  And many of us are not only "a certain age" but a decade beyond it.  

 

Last edited by OutofHisCloset (July 8, 2020 9:33 pm)

 

July 9, 2020 1:00 pm  #13


Re: How to find hetero love? During a pandemic?

Thank you for your responses.  

Believe me that I understand the 'red flags' of wanting to jump into a relationship too quickly or of living with parents at my age.  I still have my little place in the big city but have not sheltered there precisely because I would be stuck alone.  It is certainly very strange to be living with my parents at the moment.  Not only is it odd to be back at home at my age, but they are senior citizens who run a pair of nursing homes.  It has been an incredibly trying time for them and I have helped teach them how to go online to buy food, etc...  They had never even streamed TV before March, and now they have binged the entirety of Mad Men.  So, yeah.  I have helped them in this regard, and they have helped me by giving me some human contact and support.

As for dating, I am in agreement with Rob. I cannot be hurt the same way anymore.   I am not looking to jump into a long-term relationship.  My goal was to date as widely as possible.  And if I wanted to get physical with someone, I was not going to 'wait for marriage' again.  I cannot imagine committing much to anyone any time soon other than committing to be as respectful as possible until I see evidence I should not be.  I am wise enough now to walk away if I see any of the behaviors my GID narcissist ex had convinced me were normal.  I don't care if I am not the 'nice guy' all the time anymore.  I have learned that women can be incredibly shitty, brutal, narcissistic and demeaning.  So, why on earth should I always take the nice guy high road?  Forget that!!

I am not saying I intend to be selfish, only that I am not going to sacrifice the self anymore. I am not looking to be cruel in any way, of course.  But I will also not put up with manipulation or cruelty.  I don't care HOW it is couched.  

It is my turn.  And yet, the pandemic has taken my turn away.  I am incredibly frustrated.

     Thread Starter
 

July 23, 2020 6:28 pm  #14


Re: How to find hetero love? During a pandemic?

Hi Victo,
I hear you.  I keep on thinking, well now I get my turn and it’s oh no, no you don’t.  

First you have to get rid of the parasitic husband and then you can and oh no you don’t so my cautionary tale is to say it’s all very well to be all sensible like you’re sounding but what happens when you fall in love, all that good sense goes out the window.  And here’s the kicker – it is that being in love thing that we want to feel.

I give up!

 

Board footera

 

Powered by Boardhost. Create a Free Forum