I have been in a long term relationship with my girlfriend but I keep getting overpowering feelings of wanting to date other people.
My girlfriend and I have been together almost 7 years now. We have a great life together and I love her dearly. She’s my best friend who I talk to all the time, we always have so much fun when we do things, we travel, great sex, etc. Recently talk of engagement has been popping up which I’m not ready for even though we’ve been together for so long. Despite that, I’m very happy with our relationship.
I do envision spending the rest of my life together and building toward a great future but recently I’ve been experiencing feelings of wanting to date around. I never dated before her. She’s my first partner and only women I’ve had sex with. As I’m getting into my late 20s I feel like I’ve missed out on dating and meeting knew people. Before my girlfriend I never had the confidence to ask girls out, I skipped all of my high school dances, and I had trouble talking to girls in person. I have a lot of regret because of my lack of confidence at that time.
Now I’m confident and much better socially. I just want to experience the thrill of dating. This is despite having a great partner who I love dearly. I’ve been trying to stop these feelings of wanting to date others for months but they’re stronger than ever. I know the grass is not always greener on the other side and dating is not easy. It’s also likely I won’t ever meet someone as good as my current partner. But I can’t shake these feelings. I don’t want to be 40 and having regrets when I already have so many.
What should I do? What other perspectives can I think of? Sorry for the relationship rant, but this site always gives great advice.
You’re gonna regret giving up a loving relationship more than you’ll regret not fooling around. Dating can be fun sometimes but it’s also exhausting and filled with bad experiences.
The grass always looks greener, comrade
Forgot to mention, I’m in a long distance relationship for the next year and I’ve begun to enjoy my alone time and independence. I guess the grass looks greener because I feel like a weekend night out with someone seems fun when I’m spending it alone.
That’s what friends are for, go hang out with em.
people don’t have friends anymore
Then jerk off like the rest of us
lmao straight up
We’re long distance for the next year so lots of that.
I gotta be real with you, dude, it doesn’t really sound like you’re wistful for what could be, it sounds like you’re bored and horny and trying to justify getting your dick wet. And that’s a totally normal way to feel in those circumstances. But again, you really gotta consider what you’re giving up here for it.