I was a bit concerned when you mentioned the ladder/escalator analogy, thankfully you didn't start quoting r/ seduction talking points because honestly that sub is just as confusing.

I guess at the moment feels like I'm fishing with dynamite, like the explosive stick could land in the right place or it could go off at the wrong time or cause major damage (after writing this, a stick of dynamite could be seen as a euphemism which I did not intend, it's funny so it stays though lol)

The part I struggle with alot is the unambiguous part, that's the part that causes fear in me. I know I shouldn't generalize dating based off of past experiences but it's hard to stay hopeful sometimes.

And on your last point, I don't like the view of dating as being a game of "conquering" I think alot of dudes do see it that way and I don't want to be one of them.