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interweb's avatar

What does it mean when you're called a Sister by your significant other? (details within)

Asked by interweb (319points) April 19th, 2012

Is he simply not attracted to me or suck at accepting rejection?

Recently a family acquaintance asked me out on a dinner date. I accepted and we arranged a set day and time to meet. During the meal I felt very uncomfortable with what was being said and asked. He had shared his preferences and expectations which he looked for in a partner. I was a bit offended knowing personally that I did not fit his criteria and even asked what he saw in me. He said I had “potential” being younger I’d have the time to change; he is older than I am by seven years. Again, I took offense, I did not want to change into someone that he would date; I wanted someone who was willing to accept me for me.

Fast forward, a day later after our dinner I contacted him saying we were not compatible for one another and because of our family’s’ ties we would remain as friends; keeping personal and professional separate. Unfortunately I was not able to say this in person but through social networking in a private message. He apologized and said he was just excited to see me and tried asking as many questions as possible in order to get to know me. He admitted he still liked me and was upset that I had turned a cold shoulder so soon. I told him another date would not be appropriate but something more casual would be fine as friends. This time it went well. He asked me to join him for dinner unexpectedly another night, he showed up at my house and drove me to an unknown destination. Again he gave me a list of his preferences….upset we argued in our ride back to my house. Ready to leave his car he kissed me goodnight. It felt forced.

Days later I asked if we could get together to talk, I wanted to end things with him. He came over and talked; he laughed and said he was glad I brought it up because he had apparently felt the same. He then said after kissing me it did not feel right, that it was like kissing his sister. I was extremely confused but the tension was now gone. We both were laughing now on how silly it was. We both agreed on being friends or at least fake siblings by the end of the night.

Can someone truly define a person by one kiss? He has always joked and called me his younger sister from the get go saying he was only teasing me. Now it’s just weird… being kissed and called his sister. Can two people of opposite genders just be friends without any attractions or should I simply ignore him?

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15 Answers

gailcalled's avatar

Of course you can be friends.( And you are different, not opposite genders.)

And nowhere do you describe someone who is your significant other. You dated twice and had the good sense to both see that it was not developing into a relationship. He said it felt like kissing his sister, which is different from calling you his sister.

It sounds like the start of a wonderful friendship. Why nip it in the bud?

Sunny2's avatar

A good friend is very valuable. Just be friends. If you do not meet his requirements, that’s fine. Make a list of your own requirements and evaluate him. (you don’t need to share them with him unless you want to) Meanwhile have fun together,

likipie's avatar

It’s possible that he’s not that into you. It’s also possible that he is, he just feels so close to you that you’re like a sister. Neither one is bad, but I understand, we have our preferences.

PurpleClouds's avatar

What significant other are you talking about?

downtide's avatar

I see no “significant other” in this story. You had a couple of dates and it didn’t work out as a romantic relationship but I think you have a fine friendship there. The problem with many straight people is they feel that a friendship with a person of the opposite sex must be sexual/romantic or else it can’t/shouldn’t happen. This is utterly not true. This is a friendship to be treasured.

Shippy's avatar

Yes you can be friends, and yes a kiss is often a “tell all” about how you feel about a person.

janbb's avatar

You don’‘t like him that way, he doesn’t like you that way – where’s the drama in all this?

Strauss's avatar

You and your friend are very fortunate. I’ve seen a lot of friendships ruined by an attempt to take the relationship to a different (not necessarily the next) level.

marinelife's avatar

You can just be friends. If you are ever tempted toward more just think about that list of preferences!

SuperMouse's avatar

I think that you can be just friends. I don’t think he is defining you by just one kiss. He is basing the decision not to be involved on the whole of your experiences together on these “dates”. From your continuing feelings of being upset by his assessment of you and your discomfort with his plans to help you change to suit him, it sounds as though you also understand that a romantic relationship is not a good idea.

6rant6's avatar

I can’t get passed your going out two more times with a guy you obviously didn’t like,

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Ela's avatar

No offense but he sounds pretty unstable and a bit whacked. I wouldn’t worry about it too much unless he starts contacting you. Think i’d just let that dog sleep.

lol @6rant6

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