When He Has His Son, I’m Out of the Picture. Am I Being Sensitive?

When He Has His Son Im Out Of The Picture Am I Being Sensitive
Updated:
Dr. Wendy Walsh
Lillian Castro

By: Dr. Wendy Walsh

Editor: Lillian Castro

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Reader Question:

I have been divorced for six years and feel I am ready to start dating. I have put my profile online, but in the meantime, I met a guy through my job. He initiated the first date and I did the last two dates. At first he would respond to all my texts. Now he does not. When he has his son, I am out of the picture. When he doesn’t have his son, I am in the picture.

Am I being oversensitive? Or is my gut right on? Should I tell him I am going to date other people (since he doesn’t really have the time to foster a relationship)?

-Melissa (Tennessee)

Dr. Wendy Walsh’s Answer:

Dear Melissa,

You don’t have to tell him one thing. That’s like saying, “I’m going to tell him to stop calling me because he keeps not calling.”

You haven’t made a commitment to this man, and I hope you haven’t had sex with him. You and he are two free people who can explore compatibility when you have time.

But, let me remind you, exploring compatibility means paying attention to his signals. And I’m glad to hear you are doing that. You’ve initiated the last two dates, so now it’s time to back off and let him lead. If he doesn’t, then you have your answer.


No counseling or psychotherapy advice: The Site does not provide psychotherapy advice. The Site is intended only for use by consumers in search of general information of interest pertaining to problems people may face as individuals and in relationships and related topics. Content is not intended to replace or serve as substitute for professional consultation or service. Contained observations and opinions should not be misconstrued as specific counseling advice.

About the Author

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Dr. Wendy Walsh

By: Dr. Wendy Walsh

Women's Dating Expert

Known as America's Relationship Expert, Dr. Wendy Walsh is an award-winning television journalist, radio host & podcaster, and the author of three books on relationships and thousands of print and digital articles. More than 1.5 million people follow her sage advice on social media. She holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and teaches in the Psychology Department at California State University Channel Islands and has been the host of "The Dr. Wendy Walsh Show" on iHeart Radio's KFI AM 640 since 2015. Walsh is also a former Emmy-nominated co-host of "The Doctors," as well as former host of the nationally syndicated show "EXTRA." She was named a Time Magazine Person of the Year in 2017 after speaking out about harassment at a major news network.

See Dr. Wendy's full bio »

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