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I met this charming man, and he has everything that makes the hopeless romantic in me look forward to a happily ever after. You might be wondering why I don’t just say he’s my everything—well, it’s because he’s only partly that. We’re still in the attraction phase of our relationship. Oh yes, I’m aware of the stages of romance! Lately, I’ve been thinking maybe I could be a relationship coach soon—like, very soon! Hahaha!

Back to my charming guy: we’re getting to know each other, and of course, the red flags always have a way of popping up, even in the early stages. But girl, you know how it is—we ignore them and hope they might turn pink. Hot pink kinda looks like red, right? Especially if you’re color blind like me! Hahaha!

This Mr. Charming has a knack for shutting me out and dismissing my opinions and concerns. So far, in barely a month of knowing each other, he’s ghosted me twice after misunderstandings. The first time, he stood me up, and I got so mad I deleted his contact. Oh boy, the infatuation was overwhelming, and after 48 hours of deafening silence, I found his number and reached out. When I questioned why he hadn’t looked for me, he said, “You had blocked me since I couldn’t view your DP on WhatsApp, so I was waiting for you to calm down before reaching out.” To show he still cared, he showed up at my place soon after our call. We went to a nearby chill spot where we talked—no physical intimacy at all. I respected him more for keeping his hands to himself.

He’s such a wonderful person in person; he can make you fall in love with him all over again. Before he left, he promised to take me on a proper date the next day. That day came, and he kept affirming he would pick me up. But guess what? I ended up being stood up for the second time. I texted him about the importance of clear communication when plans change. He apologized, saying he had gone out with the boys and ended up drinking one too many.

My empathetic heart let it slide, but that was just the beginning of some mean remarks from him and a bit of avoidance. We don’t live far apart, but he’s either too busy to see me or thinks it’s good to miss each other. So, the naive me has to believe he’s actually busy or that he genuinely misses me.

I’ve been trying to stay positive because I tend to worry a lot. So, I tell myself, “Tabi, let’s keep on the positive end of the worrying spectrum. He’s a good guy who would never harm you, so whatever he says, he means it. If you feel otherwise, it’s just the negative speaking…” It sounds noble, but a part of me wonders if we’re going anywhere. Still, I’m holding onto hope that he changes.

Recently, I aired my concerns, and he said he heard me and would make time for us soon. Well, I guess I’ll just wait for him, hahaha, as I ponder the question, “Will the red flags ever turn pinkish?”

Beloved readers, what’s your take? Your hopeless romantic here needs some sense knocked into her thick skull.

Till next time, keep the comments coming!