We got coffee, went to a bookstore to poke around for a while and after he suggested, out to dinner. Got lost in conversation too many times to count. He didn’t try to “make a move” and neither did I as I want to make sure I take things slow this time. We’ve known each other for a few months and have been interested/talking since a few weeks after we met, and when we decided to get together he said “I know you have a lot going on, let me know when you’re available and I’ll figure it out”. After our date, he said again “I know you have a lot going on (I’m in school and work full time) and I don’t want to distract you from that, but I’d really like to get together again soon”.

When he’s out with his friends, or out doing something I probably wouldn’t even be on my phone during, he’s communicating with me. Enjoying his time but reaching out in ways that I know whatever he’s doing he wants to talk to me. He’s respectful, seems to understand/agree with the pace I want to go at, and it feels like we’re just genuinely enjoying getting to know each other and exploring what could be without rushing into it or trying too hard. I’ve NEVER had that before. I followed a few basic dating techniques I learned from here after a string of literally terrible relationships that sent me into a depression and forced me to evaluate why the hell I keep finding LV men.

THANK YOU LDS. I’m not saying he’s the one, or my soulmate, but I’m not even sure I’m looking for that. Just found I had a connection with someone and for the first time felt free to explore that on my terms at my own speed, and although I’m not investing too much, I’m excited to see where it goes, and if it doesn’t work out...it wasn’t meant to. I’ve changed from a hardcore “mommy” type girlfriend who lost her entire life savings to a boyfriend who moved in with her after a month, to being single and happy and now NOT terrified to allow myself to feel anything for anyone and realizing my limits, boundaries and expectations.

I went from “how do I keep him around” to truly evaluating on a daily basis if whatever I’m feeling/receiving is worth STAYING around for, and it’s such a brand new feeling I don’t even have a word to explain it other than excited and happy. My past self is jumping for joy for the healing I’ve gone through, my present self is giving past me a big ass high five, and I have a feeling my future self is looking at both of us like “oh, you think this is good? Just you wait”.