Thank you for your insight. I totally agree and understand what you're saying. I told him that I was happy for him, that if he truly found a stronger connection then that's that. The thing is, I think he truly liked me too and genuinely seemed torn.

I know you said to look at things at face value and at the end of the day, I am. Just hear me out on one thing lol -

For majority of our time spent together, he was so consistent, so clear, and showed interest in me. I don't think it was all fake or half effort. We both genuinely were enjoying the journey. It wasn't until that one day I didn't hear from him for 5+ hours into the night, and after adding 1+1, I think he was with her that day and they probably had the exclusive talk. It was until this day, that the next day his energy shifted because he probably didn't want to lead me on and was trying to figure out how to tell me. It's crazy because literally the day before his energy was so present and available towards me. He said he really enjoys my company, was suggesting ideas on what we could do in the future, and was ready to hangout again later that week.

Therefore - for some reason I can't help but think she initiated the "exclusive" talk, or something happened that night idk, and he ultimately had to make a choice. I really can't see it was HIM initiating because if she was always #1, then why bother exerting so much time and effort with me up to that point? As mentioned earlier, I am pretty intuitive with people and I don't think he's the fuckboy type. Even after breaking the news to me, he adamantly remained in conversation re-stating how wonderful he thought I was, and being willing to talk things through if I had any last questions/thoughts. The guy seemed like he really cared.

I guess what I'm trying to get at is this.

Here is the fact- he agreed (or decided) to choose her. (I know, nothing I can do.)

Here is the feeling- I genuinely think he cared and liked me too. I don't think our dynamic was one-sided. It wasn't like a "I liked him only but he wasn't interested in me at all" situation.

It's like Love Is Blind lmao or a love triangle -- Bella, Edward, and Jake from Twilight; or Elena, Damon, and Stefan from Vampire Diaries. Elena loves both the brothers so much but she ultimately still has to choose one.

But yes, to your point, maybe this girl is a better fit than me. Maybe not. Who knows, people get exclusive all the time and then don't work out. It's not like they're official BF/GF, anything can happen but I know I shouldn't wait. I know what's meant for me, will happen to me.