I went on my first date in quite a while—and wow, was it a rollercoaster.
On paper, he was kind of perfect. Sweet, thoughtful, charming in a quiet way. The kind of guy you want to like. But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t stay fully present. My thoughts kept drifting back to my ex, quietly comparing every little moment. It wasn’t fair—to him or to me—but there it was.
Then came the clumsy cherry on top: I tripped after dinner. Like, really tripped. Knees to pavement, knees and palms scraped, full drama. He rushed to help (which was sweet), but then gently started massaging my knee in this oddly tender, intimate way. And something in me just… panicked. I blurted out, “Don’t touch me,” harsher than I meant to. The mood, understandably, took a nosedive from there.
I walked away thinking the night was a total mess. Embarrassing at best, hopeless at worst.
But then five minutes ago, I got a text from him.
“Hey, I really enjoyed dinner. Would love to see you again if you’re up for it.”
Wait… what? I don’t know how to respond.
🫣🫠
Comments
I mean, I wouldn’t want someone massaging my bleeding knees either. He probably felt embarrassed that he’d overstepped or maybe even hurt you, not that you snapped at him.
He of course had no idea about your inner monologue, so perhaps you’re better at faking enjoyment than you realize. That, or he’s the kind of man who is self absorbed and doesn’t notice that his conversation partner is not enjoying themselves and assumed since he had a good time you did too.
There’s not necessarily any reason to find it weird he asked for another date. The question is whether you want to go. Just turn him down if not.
ETA: you can just say, oh thanks, but actually I’m not up for it. All the best, Creative_Purple. No explanation is necessary. It’s not going to make him feel better to hear your were comparing him to your ex all night. Just leave it at you aren’t interested in continuing.
You could apologize for saying that. And then sleep on whether or not you’re ready to date
It sounds to me like you may not be ready to date right now. I mean it’s fair and ok to not want some guy you really didn’t know touching you, but it sounds like your head’s not in it and neither is your heart. It’s ok to take a break and just do you for awhile.
I feel like guys are way more forgiving and chill about stuff like that than how we women would react. He probably already forgot the fall and your reaction.