Woman here, 37f, I am going on a date with someone m45, who I have good chemistry with and have been playing the long game with for a couple years due to circumstances related to where we live and our jobs. Everything normally feels great except I can tell I make him nervous whenever I've tried to flirt with him more explicitly with body language like leaning in during conversation at a bar.

In the past he has claimed to be very awkward out loud in conversation. He's initiated this meeting coming up. How can I move forward? How can I help him feel more relexed?

I always try to be in the mindset of " we're lovers already, I'm relaxed, I'm very into him, I know he's attracted to me and I am to him."

Help appreciated.