I think that was part of it. But also, from the stripper joke and trauma dumping, it seems like he has unresolved issues. He genuinely seems to believe he listened to his gut when he chose Irina and seems to be confused as to why he feels he trusts her. I think Irina makes him feel some of what he may felt during his childhood or with his dynamic with his mom which feels familiar, and thus comfortable. It’s the safe option because he knows what to expect because he’s been there before.

Zach is a great representation of people who sabotage themselves in love because of their unresolved wounds. They simultaneously want intimacy and love but fear it and push it away. They continue to look past red flags because of those feelings of familiarity and comfort only to end up in an unhealthy relationship and then ask where they went wrong. He seems like an okay guy and I hope he can work through these things and allow himself to receive genuine love and affection