The Student Room Group

Please help

I'm genuinely so confused as to what to do. And it's getting harder for me to understand so I need some advice.
Basically there's this boy and I like him. He works and I go to school and he works from 5:30pm to 1:30am. Meaning I might be able to see him from 3:30 till 4 when I'm at school so he needs to eat and get ready for work. Now that doesn't happen often as he's tired from work as it runs late and he often struggles at sleep meaning he might only wake up at 3 and not be able to meet.
He also can't take leave as it's the holidays and all the other people he works with takes leave. The last time he had leave for a week we went from wobbly friends to almost dating I guess. And after he went back to work we still met and were close but the meetings got further and further apart and the messages on WhatsApp stopped coming and sometimes I might hear from him once a week at most and I don't know what to do.
He also has a motorbike so I'm always stressing that he's crashed and stuff and once he did crash and didn't tell me but he was ok. No injuries.
He also recently took more days to work. Usually he works Monday to Friday but he chose to work on a bank holiday, and two weekends leading to when I was going away and I wished he didn't because I wanted to meet before I went away. Right now I haven't seen him in a month but I'm still trying.
I have to be respectful that he's tired from work and that he has stuff to do in his life. He has been looking at new jobs and had an interview recently though I have no idea how it went and what it was for. I have never felt like this before for another guy and I know there's more fish in the sea but I live in an area where I know all the guys and he's the first one to be interested back and he's the first one I'm properly interested in and not just a tiny crush. I just don't know what to do. I feel bad that I keep pushing him to meet and basically spamming him with messages (I usually message about once to five times a day but that builds up after a while of him not checking) but I also miss him and I'm pretty clingy I guess so I like having physical contact with people who I like and trust.

Any advice? I'm pretty lost right now as to next steps and stuff like that. Any questions are also fine as I understand this is confusing lol
Hi,

I think you need to ask yourself some questions...

1) How much do you like this guy?

2) How important is it to have "quality time" with your partner?

3) How important is it for them to be completely honest and upfront with you?

4) Do your parents know about him and are they supportive?

5) Is it a permanent job or just a temporary / summer job?


The reality is that now is peak holiday time, so it will be difficult for anyone to get some time off (unless they book it well in advance). Also when people work very late or night shifts, it can be a strain on friendships and family relationships. However, it's normally better paid than the same job 9-5.

It's natural to stress and worry when you care about someone... but it's also useful to have a reality check. It sounds like you live in somewhere like a small town, so if there had been a serious accident, chances are word would spread pretty quickly (word of mouth, social media etc.).
Reply 2
Hi, thank you so much for replying, I really appreciate it.

I like him enough to want to ask him to go out with me despite me never feeling like this for anyone in the past, ever. Even past crushes thinking about actually dating them I always thought no, I could never.

I think it's important for me as I love spending time with people and just being able to talk and see things and experience things together in which I have never done before. Even just walking around alone with a guy, I'd never done it before but with him I had.

I feel like that's the building blocks of a relationship. Without honesty and being upfront, you couldn't have a relationship.

They do know about him and have met him. They often don't get involved with me and what's going on in my life though so they don't ask about him at all. I have also met his parents

Permanent as of right now. He's trying to get a new job which I'm happy about but I don't think he's having much luck..

Yes ... He's recently tried to get his 18th off and Christmas to spend with family and at home but they said he can't as too many people are taking leave for then.
That's true and the news is pretty good so when I'm especially worried I stalk the news page for a while until the worry dies died
Reply 3
Original post by Anonymous
Hi, thank you so much for replying, I really appreciate it.
I like him enough to want to ask him to go out with me despite me never feeling like this for anyone in the past, ever. Even past crushes thinking about actually dating them I always thought no, I could never.
I think it's important for me as I love spending time with people and just being able to talk and see things and experience things together in which I have never done before. Even just walking around alone with a guy, I'd never done it before but with him I had.
I feel like that's the building blocks of a relationship. Without honesty and being upfront, you couldn't have a relationship.
They do know about him and have met him. They often don't get involved with me and what's going on in my life though so they don't ask about him at all. I have also met his parents
Permanent as of right now. He's trying to get a new job which I'm happy about but I don't think he's having much luck..
Yes ... He's recently tried to get his 18th off and Christmas to spend with family and at home but they said he can't as too many people are taking leave for then.
That's true and the news is pretty good so when I'm especially worried I stalk the news page for a while until the worry dies died

Down sorry, not died.
Sorry about the delay in getting back to you.

Original post by Anonymous
Hi, thank you so much for replying, I really appreciate it.
I like him enough to want to ask him to go out with me despite me never feeling like this for anyone in the past, ever. Even past crushes thinking about actually dating them I always thought no, I could never.
I think it's important for me as I love spending time with people and just being able to talk and see things and experience things together in which I have never done before. Even just walking around alone with a guy, I'd never done it before but with him I had.
I feel like that's the building blocks of a relationship. Without honesty and being upfront, you couldn't have a relationship.
They do know about him and have met him. They often don't get involved with me and what's going on in my life though so they don't ask about him at all. I have also met his parents
Permanent as of right now. He's trying to get a new job which I'm happy about but I don't think he's having much luck..
Yes ... He's recently tried to get his 18th off and Christmas to spend with family and at home but they said he can't as too many people are taking leave for then.
That's true and the news is pretty good so when I'm especially worried I stalk the news page for a while until the worry dies died

No worries... just happy to help (it makes me feel useful lol).

I like him enough to want to ask him to go out with me despite me never feeling like this for anyone in the past, ever. Even past crushes thinking about actually dating them I always thought no, I could never.


OK, so it sounds like this is the first guy you've "properly" liked, and that's fine... main thing is not to get too carried away with things. This is for both your sake and his (some people get scared off if someone comes on too strong... also saves you from getting hurt if you don't have "Great Expectations"). Play it by ear to start with, and don't make any grand plans yet. Given the limited time you can spend together in person, maybe you can treat this like a long-distance relationship (it's something that works for a lot of people... although they're normally a bit older than you).

I think it's important for me as I love spending time with people and just being able to talk and see things and experience things together in which I have never done before. Even just walking around alone with a guy, I'd never done it before but with him I had.

I feel like that's the building blocks of a relationship. Without honesty and being upfront, you couldn't have a relationship.

They do know about him and have met him. They often don't get involved with me and what's going on in my life though so they don't ask about him at all. I have also met his parents


At some point you'll need to have a talk, about where the two of you are going... if you do, then that would be the time to bring up the fact that you need him to be upfront about significant events that happen... and you can use that motorcycle crash as an example (assuming he knows that you know). You would also need to mention that you like frequent contact, and have a realistic agreement of what you can both do, based on your own commitments and constraints. With a lot of couples, the contact doesn't even need to be that deep or meaningful... even something like a joke, a cute animal picture or some stupid gossip might be sufficient, as it shows they're thinking of you. You don't say what his work is, so I don't know if they've got a policy on staff checking their mobiles when they're supposed to be working.

As for his work, if he's doing an 8 hour shift, then he must be entitled to a break at some point- (I'm guessing it would be around 9-10ish, for about an hour?), could you maybe arrange a video call a couple of times a week during his break? Not all the time, as he'll need to spend time with his colleagues and maybe call his family. It wouldn't need to be the full hour either.

It's just a suggestion... you and he would need to decide / agree on the terms and conditions.

Permanent as of right now. He's trying to get a new job which I'm happy about but I don't think he's having much luck..

Yes ... He's recently tried to get his 18th off and Christmas to spend with family and at home but they said he can't as too many people are taking leave for then


Regarding his job search, it's tough for anyone to secure a job (unless you know how to network, and you have "contacts"). Also, most employers prefer to hire people who are over 18 for various reasons. You mentioned something about his 18th birthday, so maybe things will get easier for him once he is over 18.

Some workspaces prioritise peak holiday times... so if he didn't get Christmas off this year, he may be higher priority next year (assuming he stays there). Consolation is, some places pay more at Christmas, so he may be able to treat you
.
That's true and the news is pretty good so when I'm especially worried I stalk the news page for a while until the worry dies down


You will need to get a grip on your worrying, as... showing a little bit of concern is good, as it shows you care about him; but when it's excessive, you risk coming across as a "nag", or like his mother. Maybe you need something to distract yourself and occupy your time? I know it's summer vacation, so not much school work presumably? Could you get a hobby? Could you go out with your friends somewhere? You could learn a new language (Duolingo is great for that lol)... or try and beat your best score on Candy Crush. Go to the gym or exercise in your own way (you'll look and feel great). Anything... think of something that interests you so you're not stressing about whether he's had and accident. Having said that, I'd limit your time on social media, if I were you... as that can easily trigger those worries.

Talking of accidents, they CAN be a blessing in disguise... it can make someone more aware of the risks they are taking. I once had a car accident (I don't want to give you nightmares, so I'll spare you the details), but it was a real wake up call and I've been far more conscious of my driving since then. I've not been involved in any incidents since that time (touch wood)

Hope that helps 🙂
Reply 5
Original post by Old Skool Freak
Sorry about the delay in getting back to you.
No worries... just happy to help (it makes me feel useful lol).
OK, so it sounds like this is the first guy you've "properly" liked, and that's fine... main thing is not to get too carried away with things. This is for both your sake and his (some people get scared off if someone comes on too strong... also saves you from getting hurt if you don't have "Great Expectations"). Play it by ear to start with, and don't make any grand plans yet. Given the limited time you can spend together in person, maybe you can treat this like a long-distance relationship (it's something that works for a lot of people... although they're normally a bit older than you).
At some point you'll need to have a talk, about where the two of you are going... if you do, then that would be the time to bring up the fact that you need him to be upfront about significant events that happen... and you can use that motorcycle crash as an example (assuming he knows that you know). You would also need to mention that you like frequent contact, and have a realistic agreement of what you can both do, based on your own commitments and constraints. With a lot of couples, the contact doesn't even need to be that deep or meaningful... even something like a joke, a cute animal picture or some stupid gossip might be sufficient, as it shows they're thinking of you. You don't say what his work is, so I don't know if they've got a policy on staff checking their mobiles when they're supposed to be working.
As for his work, if he's doing an 8 hour shift, then he must be entitled to a break at some point- (I'm guessing it would be around 9-10ish, for about an hour?), could you maybe arrange a video call a couple of times a week during his break? Not all the time, as he'll need to spend time with his colleagues and maybe call his family. It wouldn't need to be the full hour either.
It's just a suggestion... you and he would need to decide / agree on the terms and conditions.
Regarding his job search, it's tough for anyone to secure a job (unless you know how to network, and you have "contacts"). Also, most employers prefer to hire people who are over 18 for various reasons. You mentioned something about his 18th birthday, so maybe things will get easier for him once he is over 18.
Some workspaces prioritise peak holiday times... so if he didn't get Christmas off this year, he may be higher priority next year (assuming he stays there). Consolation is, some places pay more at Christmas, so he may be able to treat you
.
You will need to get a grip on your worrying, as... showing a little bit of concern is good, as it shows you care about him; but when it's excessive, you risk coming across as a "nag", or like his mother. Maybe you need something to distract yourself and occupy your time? I know it's summer vacation, so not much school work presumably? Could you get a hobby? Could you go out with your friends somewhere? You could learn a new language (Duolingo is great for that lol)... or try and beat your best score on Candy Crush. Go to the gym or exercise in your own way (you'll look and feel great). Anything... think of something that interests you so you're not stressing about whether he's had and accident. Having said that, I'd limit your time on social media, if I were you... as that can easily trigger those worries.
Talking of accidents, they CAN be a blessing in disguise... it can make someone more aware of the risks they are taking. I once had a car accident (I don't want to give you nightmares, so I'll spare you the details), but it was a real wake up call and I've been far more conscious of my driving since then. I've not been involved in any incidents since that time (touch wood)
Hope that helps 🙂

No don't worry :smile:) also I have no idea how to do the quoting thing so I'm sorry if it's confusing. I'll separate each point into paragraphs :smile:

Yeah.. the only thing is long distance relationships generally are able to call and message in the evenings for example but he hardly messages and I can't call.

Yeah. I often try to do this. Even if it's just a small update on what I'm doing and asking him a question or sending him random things I see throughout the day. I don't think there's a policy per se but you wouldn't be able to
Reply 6
Sorry I did it again. I keep accidentally pressing submit.

Wouldn't be able to actively check and message back.

I'm not sure how long his breaks are but I don't think he often checks his phone through it. I am also unable to call at all unless I'm alone which I never am. I'm either at clubs or at home in which I can't call.

I will talk to him about this stuff though :smile:

That's the reason why he mostly takes extra hours at work or extra
Reply 7
Original post by Anonymous
Sorry I did it again. I keep accidentally pressing submit.
Wouldn't be able to actively check and message back.
I'm not sure how long his breaks are but I don't think he often checks his phone through it. I am also unable to call at all unless I'm alone which I never am. I'm either at clubs or at home in which I can't call.
I will talk to him about this stuff though :smile:
That's the reason why he mostly takes extra hours at work or extra

I did it again. I'm so sorry. :facepalm:

Extra days is to earn extra money to save or help pay for bike stuff or to do stuff out and about

I'm generally a pretty busy person and always have something going on, even during summer. I'm doing athletics training, hockey training, competitions, piano, violin, school stuff. Basically everything I normally do minus a few. Luckily I'm also not on any social medias really except WhatsApp.

I'm sorry that happened to you and I hope you're ok :smile:
That's very true. He's crashed a few times though not badly and he says he's learning from his mistakes even if he learns the hard way. He's not crashed the same way twice though so hopefully he has learnt..
Original post by Anonymous
No don't worry :smile:) also I have no idea how to do the quoting thing so I'm sorry if it's confusing. I'll separate each point into paragraphs :smile:
Yeah.. the only thing is long distance relationships generally are able to call and message in the evenings for example but he hardly messages and I can't call.
Yeah. I often try to do this. Even if it's just a small update on what I'm doing and asking him a question or sending him random things I see throughout the day. I don't think there's a policy per se but you wouldn't be able to

No worries

To do the quoting thingy, you can do it in one of two ways:-

a) Hit the reply button in the bottom RHS corner of the post and it will quote the whole thing (looks like that's what you're doing this already? )

b) If you see the 3 vertical dots next to the Reply button, there will be an option called "Add Quote". This will allow you to quote multiple posts in a new text box at the bottom of the page.


I'll let you into a little secret, I don't know how to multi-quote on these new boards either. On the old board, you used to be able to edit other peoples posts once you'd quoted them, so you only quote the bits that are relevant to your reply. On this new board, you can no longer do that (at least I can't, maybe I'm just rubbish 🤭🤔😆 ). Not sure why they've stopped that (maybe someone was changing what other people had said?) So I cheat.😛

Now, I do my multi posts, by manually copying the bit of a post I want to quote, and at the start of the post I add [QUOTE ] and a [/QUOTE ] at the end. If you do that, then the text will appear as a quote in your response once you post it (just take out the space between the "E" and the "]" if you want to do this).

Oh, and don't worry about hitting the "submit" button; we've all done it at some point. Still, it's worth remembering that if you're posting as yourself (i.e. your own username, and not anonymous) you'll have the option of editing your post, so you can make the necessary changes, if you wanted to. On the other hand, if you still wanted to post anonymously, then maybe write out everything first in something like MS Word or Notepad, and then copy it onto here when you think it's ready (I do this all the time now... especially after losing posts after spending ages typing it directly on here, and the screen refreshes; it's very frustrating when that happens).
Original post by Anonymous
Sorry I did it again. I keep accidentally pressing submit.
Wouldn't be able to actively check and message back.
I'm not sure how long his breaks are but I don't think he often checks his phone through it. I am also unable to call at all unless I'm alone which I never am. I'm either at clubs or at home in which I can't call.
I will talk to him about this stuff though :smile:
That's the reason why he mostly takes extra hours at work or extra

As for your situations, I can only offer some tips, ideas and opinions based on what you've written. You will need to have a discussion with him and reach an agreement of what you are and aren't willing to do in order to maintain the level of communication you would like, moving forward.


Original post by Anonymous
I did it again. I'm so sorry. :facepalm:
Extra days is to earn extra money to save or help pay for bike stuff or to do stuff out and about
I'm generally a pretty busy person and always have something going on, even during summer. I'm doing athletics training, hockey training, competitions, piano, violin, school stuff. Basically everything I normally do minus a few. Luckily I'm also not on any social medias really except WhatsApp.
I'm sorry that happened to you and I hope you're ok :smile:
That's very true. He's crashed a few times though not badly and he says he's learning from his mistakes even if he learns the hard way. He's not crashed the same way twice though so hopefully he has learnt..

It sounds like you've got a lot going on in your life (I'm surprised you've got time to get anxious )... maybe it would help if you chose one thing to focus on, maybe setting a goal for yourself (e.g. getting a podium finish in the next athletic competition or getting a grade "X" in your music studies?

And yes, I'm fine thanks... luckily there's been no car accidents since then (touch wood).



Spoiler

Original post by Old Skool Freak
No worries
To do the quoting thingy, you can do it in one of two ways:-

a) Hit the reply button in the bottom RHS corner of the post and it will quote the whole thing (looks like that's what you're doing this already? )

b) If you see the 3 vertical dots next to the Reply button, there will be an option called "Add Quote". This will allow you to quote multiple posts in a new text box at the bottom of the page.


I'll let you into a little secret, I don't know how to multi-quote on these new boards either. On the old board, you used to be able to edit other peoples posts once you'd quoted them, so you only quote the bits that are relevant to your reply. On this new board, you can no longer do that (at least I can't, maybe I'm just rubbish 🤭🤔😆 ). Not sure why they've stopped that (maybe someone was changing what other people had said?) So I cheat.😛
Now, I do my multi posts, by manually copying the bit of a post I want to quote, and at the start of the post I add [QUOTE ] and a [/QUOTE ] at the end. If you do that, then the text will appear as a quote in your response once you post it (just take out the space between the "E" and the "]" if you want to do this).
Oh, and don't worry about hitting the "submit" button; we've all done it at some point. Still, it's worth remembering that if you're posting as yourself (i.e. your own username, and not anonymous) you'll have the option of editing your post, so you can make the necessary changes, if you wanted to. On the other hand, if you still wanted to post anonymously, then maybe write out everything first in something like MS Word or Notepad, and then copy it onto here when you think it's ready (I do this all the time now... especially after losing posts after spending ages typing it directly on here, and the screen refreshes; it's very frustrating when that happens).

Ooh thank you so much! I really appreciate this as I saw others doing it in posts and I knew I would never be able to ask so this information is very handy thank you so much!

Yes, I apologise again... I'm typing on my phone so it gets a bit fiddly at times which is why it kept happening. That's quite a good idea, I might try it :smile:
Original post by Old Skool Freak
As for your situations, I can only offer some tips, ideas and opinions based on what you've written. You will need to have a discussion with him and reach an agreement of what you are and aren't willing to do in order to maintain the level of communication you would like, moving forward.
It sounds like you've got a lot going on in your life (I'm surprised you've got time to get anxious )... maybe it would help if you chose one thing to focus on, maybe setting a goal for yourself (e.g. getting a podium finish in the next athletic competition or getting a grade "X" in your music studies?
And yes, I'm fine thanks... luckily there's been no car accidents since then (touch wood).

Spoiler


You will need to have a discussion with him and reach an agreement of what you are and aren't willing to do in order to maintain the level of communication you would like, moving forward.


Recently I have been able to chat with him as he's been able to message a lot and I send him a few silly messages and then ask him stuff and hopefully next week I'll be able to see him more though I'll have to see. I'm hopeful though for next week but life gets in the way at times haha.

It sounds like you've got a lot going on in your life (I'm surprised you've got time to get anxious )


Yeah it's been a recent issue with me. Recently I guess it's flared up again in a way as it tends to do and I've been getting anxious more often and in a harsher way I guess. (Not able to breathe etc) I do have a lot going on but I guess it doesn't stop my brain...

maybe it would help if you chose one thing to focus on, maybe setting a goal for yourself (e.g. getting a podium finish in the next athletic competition or getting a grade "X" in your music studies?


I will try that actually as I haven't thought of that. I generally go into things just going for the best so maybe setting a goal would help me be able to push to said goal.

Thank you so much, I shall try your advice and thank you for the top tip as well :smile:
No worries... it's always nice when I can see that someone's has actually listened.

Good luck, and I hope everything works out for you :smile:

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