I've been exclusively dating this guy for about 5 weeks. No sex yet, but a lot of other physical activity. He checks all the initial boxes of being a HVM (owns his place, gainfully employed, pursued me very persistently, I'm very attracted, pays for dates, hasn't said any creepy or sexist shit, takes care of his kid, communicates with me all the time, etc, opens doors, affectionate, ). So I really really like him.

But. But. When it comes to dealing with relationship talks....he kinda sucks. For example, I wanted to discuss our disparate experiences in dating and relationships, and whether that could be a problem. He has dated A LOT and the longest relationship was 4 yrs. Me, I had been married for a very very long time. Basically, I was concerned that he liked doing all that whereas I didn't, and that wasn't what I wanted.

He became very passionate and hurt? Not angry....just jumped the gun and assumed I was gonna dump him. Told me he hated dating and having to get dressed up only for it to not work out. Said he hated coming home to an empty house.

I nonetheless spoke my truth where I said perhaps you need variety which explains your history. He assured me that was not the situation. I believe him too. But speaking my truth in the face of such....an impassioned defense was not easy. A more timid woman would have retreated. I, however, am not timid lol. I bulldozed right thru calmly, but still.