i went on my first date after an abusive relationship..

i met a guy on hinge on sunday, today he asked me on a date. i figured.. why not? it was 2 minutes from my apartment. we met, i got two drinks, he got 2 beers and some food. i felt like i reciprocated conversation pretty well though, i might come off a self centered. i try to relate others stories to things in my life bc it makes it easier to respond.. if that makes sense?

i was visibly anxious - legs tapping, looking around, struggling with eye contact, crossing my arms for sensory input, etc. when the check came, i said to split it bc i don’t think a first date should have to pay for the woman’s order. is that what could’ve put him off? he declined and wanted to pay for the order. i accepted, and thanked him.

date ended, he walked me to my car. he hugged me and said thanks for coming out and i’m a cheap date (i didn’t order food bc i have gastroparesis and eating is hard) i asked chatGPT what to say to follow up on because i can’t read the room and this is what ensued..

chatGPT genuinely made me feel better lmao. i’m not a necessarily good looking woman. he was good looking and my pictures just look better.. you know? i’m not gonna beat myself up over whatever happens. i put myself out there and that’s all i can do.