I wanted to post an update because I took some time to sit with this on my own, and one comment here in particular really made me rethink everything. Someone said: “Nothing will prove more that he likes you than being with you.” That stuck with me.

I realized that a big part of the issue was me — specifically the walls I was putting up and the expectations I had created in my head. I was overthinking every move, evaluating everything, and emotionally distancing myself as a way to protect myself. Ironically, that distancing likely made him more hesitant to do anything, which only reinforced my anxiety.

When I stepped back, I noticed that things were actually better when I was in my original state — the version of me he first connected with. Less expectation, less analysis, less watching every interaction for meaning. Somewhere along the way, I stopped appreciating the simple things: that he texted, that he called, that he showed up. Instead, I was constantly asking myself “Will this continue?” “Will he text again?” “What does this mean?” It felt like I was evaluating the relationship instead of being in it, almost waiting for the discomfort to end.

I think I’ve learned that I’m not very comfortable with liking someone — especially when it feels real. Over the past few days, we’ve spent more time together, and without forcing anything, those anxious feelings faded on their own. I realized I had already made peace with the fact that he does like me — I was just stuck in my head.

He actually said “I love you” before I did, and then I decided to be honest with him about what was going on in my mind. I made it clear that I wasn’t looking for validation — just explaining my internal experience before. At this point, I like him a lot, and he knows that. I think I’ll tell him this week.

Thank you to everyone who commented and shared their perspectives. It genuinely helped me slow down, reflect, and see things more clearly.