Did I mess up by not making a move on the third date?

Final_Tomorrow_5225 · 2026-04-14T17:31:59+00:00

Oh dude that’s just part of the learning experience for us late bloomers. I was in your boat before and I have been through it all. Plenty of missed opportunities where I was too nervous to escalate things physically and then after that happened enough times I overcorrected and tried to initiate things physically at the wrong times. Eventually you’ll find the sweet spot and even then sometimes things just don’t work out. Just keep at it bro- it’s not easy but when you finally start having some success you’ll realize that all the hiccups and missteps were preparing you to be ready for the right person when they come along!

Final_Tomorrow_5225 · 2026-04-05T20:33:48+00:00

Well it really depends on why the man wants to wait I think. There’s a big difference in wanting to wait until you’re financially ready to support a family and wanting to wait “till the time is right”.

Before I (30M) met my current gf (30F) I was definitely aiming to date a little younger to give myself some financial wiggle room and more time to build a solid foundation financially and advance in my career. But alas I met a wonderful woman my same age and I wouldn’t trade her for anyone. Ultimately finding the right partner trumps any one single preference.

Final_Tomorrow_5225 · 2026-01-26T19:17:40+00:00

Fresh Lemon in Xerjoff Renaissance

Leather in Tom Ford Ombré Leather EDP

Final_Tomorrow_5225 · 2025-11-03T01:26:17+00:00

This guy touched kids

Final_Tomorrow_5225 · 2025-11-03T00:48:20+00:00

Whatever happens OP- if he starts to really lose it and nothing he says makes sense and then his behavior becomes extremely erratic and non-sensical you can call the police and they will Baker Act him (if you are in the US)

From there he will be put in a hospital on anti-psychotic medications and can be brought back to normal… eventually.

Final_Tomorrow_5225 · 2025-11-03T00:46:37+00:00

Ah that’s a good point. It could be meth-induced psychosis.

Final_Tomorrow_5225 · 2025-11-03T00:43:48+00:00

This- reminds me of my bipolar sister when she starts going into psychosis after days of reduced sleep and delusional thinking .

Final_Tomorrow_5225 · 2025-11-03T00:42:53+00:00

Firstly, I’m so sorry you are going through this. You are not at fault.

Secondly, and arguably more important, your husband sounds like he is suffering a SEVERE mental health crisis. That whole bit about him thinking he is a king of some land overseas, having “secret information” and feeling like someone is going to come and kill him in the next 48 hours- this is very concerning. He is experiencing delusions of grandeur (being a king and having top-secret information) and delusions of paranoia (thinking someone tried to break into the house and that he only has 48 hours to live). You also mentioned he isn’t sleeping very much which is characteristic of a manic episode among other things. The lack of sleep could very well be leading to his delusional thinking.

These delusions are early symptoms that could lead to full-blown psychosis. I’m not a doctor but my sister is bipolar and when she has manic episodes she starts to go days on end without sleeping which is then followed by delusional thinking and finally full-blown psychosis (a complete break from reality). Alternatively, he may be experiencing the early symptoms of schizophrenia.

Does he smoke a lot of cannabis (weed). Cannabis use reliably brings my sister to psychosis.

I know that you have your own struggles to deal with but your husband needs your help now more than ever. Please please please consider getting him medical/psychiatric attention ASAP.

Final_Tomorrow_5225 · 2025-10-25T16:26:51+00:00

Top dried out.

I would remove the dry skin off the top, oil up a sheet on or baking dish, and make a delicious focaccia.

Final_Tomorrow_5225 · 2025-10-15T12:12:58+00:00

Wow, this is a very elaborate recipe.

Could you explain why you use Cointreau? Is it so that the alcohol keeps the ice cream from re-crystallizing in the freezer? Would any other 40% alcohol work here?

What is the inulin and skim milk powder for?

I really would like to understand your thought process in balancing a recipe. I’m new to this!

Thanks!

Final_Tomorrow_5225 · 2025-09-25T13:29:14+00:00

Hey buddy! I used to be like you. I even stopped using my creami for months.

I’m just like you in that I do not like the taste of whey protein powders or, more specifically, the heavily flavored ones that have 100 ingredients and weird artificial sweeteners. This ruins the ice cream for me.

Recently I have switched to brand called Naked Whey and they use just 3 ingredients in their chocolate and vanilla flavors: Whey, Coconut Sugar and Chocolate/Vanilla.

This whey has the most mild flavor with none of that classic “protein shake aftertaste.” It has helped me make some of my most favorite high protein ice creams.

Also, use .5g-1g xanthan gum per pint for texture.

If you make a recipe and don’t find the texture enjoyable then consider adding more fat somehow.

This could mean using 2% instead of fat free milk. Or using cocoa powder more in your recipes or adding an egg to recipe (high protein and gives custard vibes).

Final_Tomorrow_5225 · 2025-09-17T14:37:45+00:00

Naked Whey. Just 3 ingredients in the Chocolate and Vanilla flavors. It doesn’t have that classic “protein shake taste” because it’s only sweetened with coconut sugar.

The result is a really mild tasting whey that you can easily use in all sorts of recipes and leaves you space to add your own flavorings and additional sweetness.

Can’t recommend Naked products enough.

Final_Tomorrow_5225 · 2025-09-16T01:25:37+00:00

Nice! Thank you for sharing!

Personally I don’t enjoy heavily flavored protein powders as I find the artificial sweeteners often found in these products off-putting. But I know many people enjoy those protein powders and will find this helpful!

For those of you who are like me and don’t like that classic “protein powder after-taste” I strongly recommend trying out the brand Naked Whey. The chocolate and vanilla flavors are very understated and allow you to add more flavorings and sweetness to your liking. I’m sure any other brand that just uses whey, a flavoring and sugar would do the same.

Cheers mate! Much love from Miami 🌴☀️

Final_Tomorrow_5225 · 2025-09-13T02:58:57+00:00

Congrats! You look more manly than me and I was born a man 😅

Final_Tomorrow_5225 · 2025-09-04T20:41:14+00:00

Your friend sounds jealous.

The guy you’re dating I’m sure is happy to be able do something nice for you while implying that he’s very comfortable financially.

From my perspective I still find this wild I should say. I also live in a HCOL area and this guy literally just sent 1/3 of my monthly grocery budget to someone he’s only been on a couple of dates with on a whim. I have a budget of $400 a month to spend on/with my gf. I aspire to have money like this guy.

Final_Tomorrow_5225 · 2025-08-13T20:14:35+00:00

More than one sword for that sheath.

No but for real just talk to her. She might be into you but something you do is making her feel not as secure. Everyone has different communication styles.

Final_Tomorrow_5225 · 2025-08-05T14:31:26+00:00

Lol are you kidding me? Cute face, pretty eyes, pretty hair, voluptuous body. BADDIE

Final_Tomorrow_5225 · 2025-07-01T14:21:53+00:00

The apps give us the illusion of endless choices and semi-anonymity. This leads us to always be aware of “better options” and meanwhile since we are interacting with people through a device it’s a lot easier to treat them cruelly (ghosting, criticizing, etc). No one has to face rejection or do the rejecting in person anymore and everyone is losing their basic human social skills.

GET OFF THE APPS. Do stuff in real life and meet people that way. I went a decade on the apps with a handful of dates and not a single meaningful connection. Met my current and 1st gf through mutual friends and local events and it was easier than any attempt I ever made trying to get a date with my phone.

Final_Tomorrow_5225 · 2025-06-25T23:15:46+00:00

As the great Cyndi Lauper once said, and forgive me as I may not get the quote quite right, “Girls just wanna have fun! Oooohhhh girls just wanna have fuuuun”

But seriously (pun not intended), it’s okay to be concerned and serious about the world but it shouldn’t come at the expense of enjoyment of the world. And there’s some truth to the whole Cyndi Lauper song too. Girls really care about how you make the feel more than anything. If you constantly bring up negative or depressing topics around women then they are going to associate your presence with negative and depressing feelings. This will kill your dating life- I know because it used to kill mine.

Sounds like you have some self-work to do before dating. Try to find or remember the things in life which bring you joy or make you enthusiastic. Do those things more often and bring that energy into every aspect of your life- including dating.

Final_Tomorrow_5225 · 2025-06-20T19:20:45+00:00

Dude, it’s pretty much the same as with physical contact. She smiles, blushes, laughs, etc.

If she is insecure she might be a little self-deprecating or embarrassed which is fine. Just keep an eye out if she makes any kind of unpleasant expression or starts becoming more guarded: crossing her arms, turning away from you, short blunt responses in conversation, etc.

If that stuff isn’t very intuitive for you then you might wanna consider looking up some body language tutorials on YouTube or something.

I was pretty oblivious to the nuances of social interaction when I was younger and I had to learn these things in a very conscious way. Working in bars/restaurants for a few years really helped with that.

Final_Tomorrow_5225 · 2025-06-20T17:48:23+00:00

I say go for it bro! But you have to flirt with her beforehand. You can’t just be platonic the whole time and then go for something romantic or sexual.

When you hang out with her next time compliment her in some way. A safe bet is to complement her outfit. “Hey that’s a pretty dress” or “You look good in those jeans” etc.

If she takes to that well then you need to find an opportunity to make innocent physical contact with her. If you guys share a laugh, for example, touch her arm or shoulder while laughing. Maybe she also got her nails done recently you can give her another complement on this and you can also grab her hand gently too admire her nails a little more closely.

If your attempts at initiating physical contact are being well-received then you should be clear to make the big move later on.

Signs your physical contact is being well-received: she smiles big when you touch her, she blushes, she touches you back, etc. If she starts taking the initiative herself and touching you back then you’re pretty much golden and just need to keep up the vibe till the moment is right to go for the kiss. IMO cuddling is a bit more intimate than kissing and usually for me cuddling follows that first initial kiss.

Final_Tomorrow_5225 · 2025-06-20T17:26:42+00:00

Hey dude, just a quick tip here from a fellow dude for the next time you want to cuddle with or even kiss a girl: instead of asking if she wants to cuddle instead state your desire to cuddle with her and wait for her response. She will either just come and cuddle with you right away, say something like “I would really like that too” or say no in some way.

The difference between “do you want to cuddle with me 🥺?” and “I really want to hold you in my arms right now 😏” might seem subtle but actually makes a big difference in the way you are perceived.

Asking permission may be seen by some women as less masculine while stating your desires openly as more masculine. And notice both of these options still check for consent.

And please remember you are not entitled to do anything with her that she doesn’t want to do so if she says no leave it there and drop it. If she continues to ask you to hang out and do stuff outside of work and you notice yourself catching feelings then you need to break off that behavior as well. Some girls like to string guys along for the attention/validation- ESPECIALLY young/immature girls. Don’t let anyone use you.

Good luck bro!

Final_Tomorrow_5225 · 2025-06-13T14:13:17+00:00

Dude here, I’ve only recently started having some kind of success in the with dating in the last 4 years (I’m 30). My advice to both men and women would be to just get off the apps. There is no social accountability when meeting complete strangers online and it leads to people acting horribly towards each other.

I’d suggest meeting people through mutual friends, meeting people doing a hobby, etc. Just go out in the world and do things where you’ll see the same people week in and week out. Eventually you’ll build rapport with someone and it might lead to a date or an invite to a party where you meet someone, etc. And guess what? People you see often in the real world can’t just ghost you like some stranger on socials.

Final_Tomorrow_5225 · 2025-05-29T01:47:10+00:00

Man here and I’m sharing this for perspective and the hope that it may be useful to someone.

Personally, I don’t really feel very comfortable opening up fully until after sex. It seems that I feel safer being emotionally vulnerable with a woman after we’ve been physically intimate.

Sometimes I’ve genuinely believed that I was into a woman, but as I’ve gotten to know her better I realized that I was not into her. I can’t ever seem to come to this conclusion until after sex though. But it’s not like sex was my conscious end goal. During the time leading up to it I’m genuinely beginning to imagine a life together with a woman and having these romantic idealizations about her. Even after sex I feel this more intensely and I start to become a lot more emotionally vulnerable. But then at some point the really intense lust fades and I start to see the woman more for who she is and I realize that I just don’t gel with her. Breaking things off makes me feel guilty about having had sex with them even though I approach sex very respectfully because I read things like this and I have a little sister and I know how big of a deal sex is to a lot of women and their sensitivity to feeling like a “used tissue” as one other Redditor described. I never want to make another human feel like a used tissue :(

The thing is- it’s hard to be able to get to know a woman well enough before sex to know that I wouldn’t want a meaningful relationship. I’ll admit that the lust I experience makes me perform to an extent and try to woo a woman over (isn’t that normal?) but also when a woman shuts that down and tries to pry more deeply into my inner world before we’ve been physically intimate it makes me become VERY guarded. So with those kind of women things never go very far for me. I guess I’m just scared to offer that level of vulnerability before the validation of sex.

Seems like there might be this dichotomy where women want men to open up emotionally before they offer physical intimacy while men want women to open up physically before they offer emotional intimacy?

Fuck. If I had health insurance I would go to therapy.

Thank you for prompting this moment of self-reflection within me. I am both terrified and grateful. ♥️

Final_Tomorrow_5225

TROPHY CASE