Context: I'm turning 29 soon and she is 20. Its an age gap but I can't help what my heart feels.
I formed an ultra strong bond with a girl over the last few weeks and we started talking about how art movies and art itself related to our own personal struggles. A lot of flirtation and mental and physical compliments on both ends. I even gave her little gifts each day I saw her which she happily. Asked a lot about her social life and she revealed she hates her friends and wants to move out of the state.
I discovered she had an old hobby of painting. I started encouraging her to resume it and asked if she could paint something for me for my birthday. She said yes. She told me that she needed an idea and I said, how about we talk about it over lunch or dinner. She said yes and asked when I was free. I even asked if I could watch her paint and she said yes but after Thanksgiving when her schedule is clearer.
A day and a half later, she sent me a bizarre text asking if I worked that night. Never asked before. I said yes but I didn't want to. She replied she was eating that night after her shift. Asked if she was eating with her family. No reply. Later, called the restaurant to get off. She answered. I asked lightly who she was eating with and she said she is kinda seeing someone and on a date. To say I was hurt and confused is an understatement.
I did text my feelings regarding the situation and that I was beginning to develop feelings. I've had other girls confirm the text was fine and the honesty was needed.
I don't think she is malicious or anything. I do think she was hiding things. I'm wondering if the age gap caused her to not even think of me as interested until I asked her out. I doubt she wanted to embarrass me so I think she was asking if I was working to hopefully confirm I wasn't working.
I did see her the other day and made small talk but things were obviously awkward but a conversation was had.
I have no choice but to see her in the future.
