Hey ladies,
I’m 27F , I haven’t dated or genuinely talked to anyone romantically in the last four years. I’ve been on my own for a long time, and now that I’m finally starting to like someone, I feel completely lost.
I can’t tell if I have high standards, unrealistic expectations or if I’m simply not used to navigating romantic feelings anymore.
Sometimes I feel like he’s trying to communicate with me or make an effor but I’m not meeting him halfway because I’m scared, unsure, or waiting for something more obvious. Other times I feel like he’s not trying at all and I might just be overthinking the little things because I like him.
I genuinely cannot tell the difference anymore. 😭
I don’t want to be the woman who expects a man to do all the work while I sit back and wait for him to figure everything out. I understand that communication and effort should go both ways. But at the same time, I don’t want to be the woman who keeps making excuses for someone who isn’t genuinely interested in her.
So how do you find that balance?
And another thing I’m struggling with- is it okay for a woman to let a man know she likes him?
I don’t mean confessing my undying love or chasing someone who gives me nothing in return. I mean simply being honest about my interest and allowing things to develop naturally. Part of me thinks that’s perfectly normal, but another part of me is scared of putting myself out there and feeling embarrassed if the feelings aren’t mutual.
I’ve been independent for so long that I don’t know if I’m protecting my peace or putting up walls that make it impossible for anyone to get close to me.
I don’t want to settle for less than I deserve, but I also don’t want my fear of being hurt to make me miss out on something potentially good.
Ladies, especially those who started dating again after a long break:
How do you distinguish between having healthy standards and having unrealistic expectations?
When should you give a man a chance, even if he doesn’t communicate or show interest exactly the way you imagined?
Is it okay to let a man know you like him or is it better to wait and see whether he makes his intentions clear?
How do you know when to meet someone halfway versus when you’re doing all the emotional work yourself?
I’m not necessarily looking for someone to tell me that he likes me or doesn’t like me. I’m trying to understand myself, my expectations, and how to navigate this without either sabotaging something good or accepting something that isn’t right for me.
I feel so lost, and I would genuinely appreciate hearing your experiences and advice.
Help a girl out, ladies. ❤️