I met a guy just two weeks ago, hit it off, and have been on the most enjoyable dates since. He’s unexpectedly the kindest, most wholesome man I have ever been attracted to. I could listen to him talk for days. He’s very close to his family, and I can see how much they mean to him from how he talks about them.

His father had some serious medical issues that landed him in the ER and now ICU for the holidays. It was very sudden and unexpected. I could hear the pain and uncertainty in my friend’s voice last night. He was being very polite, explaining how he wouldn’t be back for NYE and how he might not call and that it had nothing to do with me. I was more worried about him. He’s a pre-Med student with a lot of emergency medical experience, so he knows the gravity of the situation.

I don’t want to do the wrong thing. I want to be there for him and give him space. One of my ex’s once said I was too distant and he was always wondering if I even cared. Another ex said I was creepily clingy, overbearing, and smothering and that was why most guys didn’t want to be with me. I’m trying to find that right middle ground without overthinking so much.

I haven’t known this guy long, but I’m one of those people who cares for people easily. I hate seeing people in pain and not knowing the right thing to say or do.