Reminder: I’m not dating for two years and I’ve completed 6 months already.

I met someone new to hike with, I’m 25 and he’s 35. We ended up helping each other on the trail, a lot of handholding and being close. We shared some things about one another. And I have to say, he’s very career and travel focused, something I admire.

He told me that in his 30s everyone is married and have kids and it’s harder to make friends. I’ve expressed to him I’m not interested in romance or dating and want to focus on me/career right now.

I got some weird feelings when he told me about his ex from another counter. Those kicked in later again when while we grabbed lunch afterward and I told him about this older woman I had hiked with in the past when he commented that I seem mature being that it seems like I have no problem with being around older people.

We’ve been consistently texting each other these past two days. He has asked me each day how was my day going and today he said he hope I had a good day. I told him that I was going to be busy the next two weeks and won’t have time. He asked again if I can do another hike to which I responded firmly, “I don’t.” He commented that I am a thoughtful tester (for wishing him a safe drive6 which he pointed out is rare.

I don’t look past or respond to his messages after a certain time and mainly focus on my work.

I’m already getting giddy feelings which I don’t like because I could see them clouding my common sense.

I’m still not over my ex.

I want to commit to me and finish my two years.

The guy is 10 years older than me and I know from experience this might just be a convenient opportunity for him.

I can’t help but feel like I’m getting so much care and uh it’s not lovebombing but certainly a lot of attention. Maybe I’m overthinking that he’s into me, maybe he’s lonely.

This is a reminder how quickly giddy feelings can saturate common sense and mess with your boundaries.