Oh, and just re-read some above comments. His traveling isn’t immature, it’s a lifestyle I aspire to have. Easy, breezy, filled with learning new things, going at the drop of a hat. It’s really great. You guys, he is really great. As a man, just sitting on a couch and laughing he is enough. He is fabulous. His sense of adventure and ability to do things others dream of is simply a cherry on top. If he went bankrupt, I’d still be here. No question.

Exactly, Kate. I like how you said that. I’m just going to have great thoughts, go slow, support him how I can, focus on myself and my goals/what tasks are in front of me and get some clarification on a few of his comments. We rocked our 4+ hour chat. We laughed and were funny and made it super easy, yet super pointed and serious. I was so impressed by us. Actually, sometimes typing things out, thinking, getting nice clarity from others is super helpful. I appreciate it. He’s the best, he just had never been told that before. Well, now he knows. Weight lifted.

Yep, agree everyone. He checks every box for what I’m looking for in a guy — smart, loves culture and the entertainment industry, family I love beyond words, adventurous, funny, well-connected. I guess you could say he’s the dude I always compared every other dude to, but never thought we could date.

Oh, and I only said 4+ hour talk because for a man who hasn’t had a girlfriend in YEARS and doesn’t open up easily, I was so proud of him. He said amazing things. I truly felt that his heart was opening up big time. He was honest and vulnerable and smart and funny. I guess you had to be there. We chatted, went to dinner, chatted when we got back. Easiest thing of my life. So respectful and fun. I actually enjoyed the chat because I wanted to hear him open up and share. As far as having a “come to Jesus” “state of the union” relationship talk, this one was great because I knew we’d ask some tough questions. And get some tough answers. So I could process.

I’m walking on the tightrope now between encouraging him and giving him all the space he needs and is used to. I left his house that night and he texted me, “that was amazing. Please don’t give up on me yet.” I feel like for such a tin man with his heart and so closed off he had major breakthroughs. My conflict comes from knowing my own worth and what I bring to the table and how I enhance his life and he mine. And having the strength to either stay and, as he said, “take the next step and see what happens.” Or, leave and know that I said my entire heart and if he won’t fight for me, I’ve got my answer.