My ex and I have been divorced for 6 years yet neither of us has moved on. We are best friends and he is still in love with me. I would be willing to give it another shot except for one thing... I am no longer physically attracted to him. He's a smoker and very badly needs to go to the dentist but he won't. He is an absolute sweetheart and good-looking otherwise. I don't want to hurt his feelings. What do I do?

likesmartfunny
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

You move on

likehelpful

If the situation was the opposite, he or any other man would not hesitate to body shame you for being overweight. It’s time to women to apply aesthetic pressure on man too.

likefunny

Hilarious. Up to 80% of women filter for 6 feet and above on dating apps. Even morbidly obese women. Women are driving aesthetic pressure in modern dating. Not to mention the “6’s”. Must be 6 feet. Must have a 6 pack. Has to have at least 6 inches. Must make 6 figures.

like

If neither of you are with anyone else have an honest conversation with him. Both of the things you mentioned that you want changed only improve his health and quality of life. It's not like you're telling him to hang out with friends less or to do more around the house. You're telling him you're very sensitive to the cigarette smell and care about his health. Regarding his teeth, that's a big one. I'm super sensitive to teeth as well and there's no reason to sugar coat it, just let him know you find his lack of care unattractive and want him to be better. And that if he can address these two things (teeth easy, smoking hard) then you guys can give things another shot.

If you guys are in relationships, our of respect for those people, call it quits. You obviously have unfinished business with each other. Not fair to the people you are with.

likehelpful

Question: if he quit smoking and had healthier teeth (plus maybe some cosmetic work afterward like Invisalign?) do you think you might become physically attracted again?

As you note, this is super sensitive, it's obvious you care about him and you don't want to hurt his feelings. But there may be a way to bring this up, putting him first and maybe just focusing on one thing at a time. Here's an example:

"I'm so concerned about your health, there's just so much research that smoking hugely increases risks for all kinds of health issues. Have you considered quitting? I would do anything in my power to support you and help you through it."

If he says yes, and actually takes action, maybe then you bring up that unhealthy teeth (especially gums) are linked to heart issues (google this, it's true!)

So maybe if he quits smoking, sees and dentist and gets some cosmetic work done, you can see how you feel at that point?

But I do wonder to what extent you can "fix" him vs. understanding that his situation is what it is. Really it's all up to him!

helpful

Yeah I’m crazy about dental too. Everyone must look after their teeth. Goddamn I dont know what’s wrong with people who neglect their oral hygiene. You have been honest, you are willing to stick to your principles which shows you have integrity. If he won’t clean up his act then don’t bother. The moment has passed time to move on. Personally I think you should remain friends and look to meet someone else. Once a relationship or marriage is over that’s it. There is no going back.

like

Be straight up with him. “I like you but lost attraction to you. Hit the gym, fatass”. If he’s a real man he’ll hear you without crying

Physical attraction is important both ways so make sure you’re keeping in shape too. But no sympathy for those who don’t physically take care of themselves. None. Either gender.

funny

Ask your new man to kindly tell him that you think he’s a good guy but she has moved on. Let new man protect you and keep you safe from him.

funny

Um, was she in danger?

Tryyyy Mee!

like

Was that the reason for the divorce?

The smoking was part of it. I advised him of my smoking boundaries when we were engaged, and he quit (Smoking caused my own mom's death) t but ended up starting again after we were married. So it was a big factor. I take amazingly good care of myself and just can't understand the desire to hurt your own body like that. The dental work has happened since we have been divorced as a symptom from the habit.

likehelpful

If he went to the dentist and quit smoking, would things automatically change or would it take time? Being friends, let along best friends, is quite the dilemma with an ex spouse. Is it possible that you're hanging onto him because you feel pity, or something else? If it's unresolved feelings, let him know but stipulate what's unattractive. If it's pity, remorse is okay but don't get into a relationship because of guilt or the wrong thing.

Related Posts

Can someone refer me in Accenture. I am currently working as Process Leader with 9 years of experience in project management and process management.

like

This is my story. Think and act

Post Photo
likehelpfuluplifting
funnylike

Hello Sharks,

Can anyone please let me know the in hand monthly salary?

Post Photo
like

When shall we get the revised compensation letter on ultimatix?

like
like

Misled on Maternity Leave Policy. I found out I only get 4 weeks pay for maternity leave (STD +“sick days”). I will take 12 weeks but wont get paid for 8 weeks. I work for a US, west coast based company in the tech/VC industry. Their website claims to offer “paid parental leave and other progressive benefits for parents”. I didn’t find out until after I was hired their pay was only 8 weeks but since I have been at the company less than 12 months, I don’t qualify for their policy. Is this unfair?

like

Can I take sick leave in my notice period in wipro?

like

I have been giving interview from last 2 months and yet I haven't got a single offer and people here are getting multiple offers. Even if interview goes nice, I would get rejection mail.

I guess Luck matters a lot even if you perform well. There would be always someone who will do better than you.

I am getting demotivated, but have to continue trying hard.

I really wish luck could be on my side.

YOE- 6
CCTC- 8

likehelpful

I applied for a job at Embark about a week ago - should I be worried that I haven't heard back? How long does it usually take to hear back from a company after applying online? It's been a while since my last job search and I don't want to get too worked up after only a week if I don't need to.

like

Has anyone worked at a smaller branding agency? Would love to switch from big agency to actually creating brands but not sure how to start there.

like

What is a go-to-market strategy?

funnylike

Do you drink at holiday parties? This is the first company I've worked for that does a real holiday party and I'm kind of anxious about letting my guard down around my co-workers like that...

like

Any thoughts around how to use M&A tax skills for the better good? I’m a CPA and originally got into this for a stable / interesting job, but in the long-term I’d like to do something that either influences drafting of tax legislation or helps the public (however naive that may sound). Perhaps I’ve gotten too introspective during the pandemic. Don’t really want to go back for a JD and aside from keeping a roof over my head I’m not very motivated by money. Anyone else have similar ideas?

like

After how many years of joining American express I can go for IJP?

like
like

2/4 Thread (General):

like

Within Salesforce, @Quip, Slack, Tableau Software how often are there leadership changes at the VP or above level? Is this an annual thing? X years after acquisition?

likesmart

Ex ACN Digital Products Consultant. Looking for referrals into similar competitive firms that are rapidly growing. Any takers?

like

For all you Toronto transplants on here... what brought you to the city?

like

Additional Posts in Relationships

How do you know if you have outgrown someone? Known my boyfriend for 2 years but have dated seriously only for 6 months. Confused as why i’m feeling this way.

like

Any tips for hard launching partners on social media? For context, I’ve (Indian American female) been dating my white American boyfriend for 3 years and we just got engaged after two years of convincing my parents. They are very happy and excited now, but I’m scared shitless about being ostracized / judged by my extended family and Indian community in the US once I “let the cat out of the bag” on the engagement news. I want to be proud and confident about this but could use some moral support.

like

Boyfriend threw a bottle at my laptop screen last night. Another toxic Friday night after drinking 😞

like

Is giving birth w/o the epidural really that crazy of a concept? People laugh at me when I say its very feasible...

like

Folks that got a prenup. How and where did you get it? We have spoken to a couple of lawyers and it simply seems to be a back and forth they want to do to rack up billable hours/complicate the issue. My SO and I pretty much know what we want. We are doing it mainly to protect my SOs inheritance. Looking for the simplest way to execute this. TIA for any advice.

like

Men of FB, how did you girlfriends / wives sex drive change with age?

like

My girlfriend is willing to break off our entire relationship because she found out my mom doesn't approve of her. We have no issues between each other but she said she can't be with someone who's family doesn't like her.

like

How many dates do you give someone if you don’t feel a “spark” in the first 1-2 dates but genuinely enjoy their company (I.e. talking and learning about them etc)?

like

Had a second date planned for tonight, she text me this morning and has a high fever! Should I send a care package?

like

Gift ideas for GF dad? We have been dating a year and a half, I get along with him super well. He is dealing with some medical complications so isn’t to active at the moment but loves cooking and golfing. He is one of those guys who already has everything he needs, and they are super wealthy so I feel bad getting him any clothing or accessories knowing it wouldn’t be as nice as the things he wears, although I know he doesn’t expect anything and would genuinely appreciate anything I got him

like

Do you think you and your significant other should have similar personalities? My significant other and I are doing long distance and I feel like when I FaceTime with him, I emote more and show interest by asking more questions but from his end, he doesn’t always have a reaction or just nods, and it makes me feel like he’s uninterested. On his end he sees it as he’s comfortable.

like

Boyfriend and I have been dating for ~1.5 years and we still only spend weekends together. I want to move in together at the 2 year mark but bf thinks it’s too soon... just feels our relationship is stagnant and not going anywhere. Any thoughts from ppl who’ve gone through similar situations?

like

Is it irrational for me to get an “ick” for this?

I went on a “date” recently. I paid for the tab as they were going to the bathroom. As we were leaving they said “thanks for lunch” — I was hoping they’d at least ask to Venmo me half as a kind gesture. Following lunch we grabbed dessert. I was hoping they’d offer to cover dessert since I covered lunch but it didn’t happen.

I am fine w/ paying but I was hoping the gesture would at least be presented… am I crazy?

like

My friend just got out of a relationship and hooked up with his ex's best friend a week later. They're now dating and seeing each other everyday.
I couldn't help but feel like this wasn't an appropriate thing to do for both parties. He also revealed that he cheated on his past exes.

I'm naturally feeling a bit weary of his character and questioning whether this is a friend I want to keep close in my life. Perhaps I'm being too judgmental?

like

I’ve been with my bf for 18 months and we have not said ‘I love you’ to one another. I keep hearing about how the best/healthiest relationships are a slow burn, you’re friends first, grow to love each other, etc. I’ve never been in a relationship as emotionally slow as this one. It feels like we are friends who sleep together. I can’t tell if it’s healthy or if we just have no emotional spark. Idk... I feel like wanting romance is not a bad thing, right?

like

These dating apps. ARGH! Someone “likes” you (takes the time to do that) then never messages you back. I don’t understand.

likefunny

So… 3.5 year relationship came crashing in Jan due to covid depression, work burn out, lockdown etc. We have stayed in contact and recently he has come around to apologizing and considering getting back together. However he also revealed he started seeing someone casually 4 weeks ago and technically is cheating on her by meeting me for coffee and to discuss this. I’m upset that he’s dating others but shouldn’t be right? I mean, I did the same. Still hurts though. And I told him to sort that out

like

So much baggage brought into the relationship. 2 years in and just discovered a whole lot more. Its been mentally extremely difficult and it’s changed me as a person. Just venting but feel hopeless and I know my SO is suffering. Wish there was a solution but I’m losing hope

like

My GF and I are dating for 2.5 yrs , She met an office colleague (he has a GF) recently who she initiated a friendship with. I feel that they interact a lot and I'm a little worried of her getting too close to him. A day ago she asked him for lunch and they were out for almost 4-5 hrs. When I expressed how I felt she keeps saying there's nothing going on. I feel that when start to get emotionally close to some other guy than SO then it's not a good sign in relationship. Am I overthinking? contd.

like

This is a question about friendships. Two friends got into a really bad fight this past weekend. They have each asked me to hang out this weekend. What do I do? I don’t want to have to choose sides. One is a friend I’ve known a little longer and has been a good friend and so she would feel betrayed and angry if she knew I were still friends with her now-enemy. The other I’ve known less longer, but we seem more compatible. Advice??

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal