Is my crush secretly watching my Instagram stories from a burner account?

[Anonymous]

I need outside perspective because I feel flattered, angry, and sad all at once.

There is a guy I have feelings for. I told him, and he said he did not feel the same way romantically. We are still on good terms, follow each other on Instagram, and neither of us is blocked. I have even told him he is welcome to view my stories, so there has never been a reason for him to hide it.

Recently, a completely blank, brand-new account started watching my stories. It follows no one, nobody follows it, and there is no photo or identifying info.

I used the “forgot password” option and the recovery hint showed a phone number ending in 34. I know two digits are not proof, but I checked almost all phone numbers I have in my phone, plus other possible people on White Pages. The only number I found ending in 34 was his.

Then I requested to follow the account, and it blocked me almost immediately. His real account has not blocked me. I also still see him view my Facebook stories sometimes.

I know I cannot prove it is him, and I do not want to accuse him based on a partial phone number. But the blank account, number match, and instant block make me feel like it probably is.

If it is him, why do this? He knows how I feel and told me he does not feel the same way. Why quietly watch my life from a burner when he could view openly from his real account?

Part of me feels validated that maybe I matter more than I thought. The other part feels hurt and angry, like he wants access to me without being direct or choosing me. Am I overthinking this? Would you block the burner, ignore it, or say something?

[HollyK21]

If I were you, I’d just block any account even potentially tied to him and move on. It’s not like you can call him out about this because you don’t have proof other than 2 numbers and a gut feeling. But in any case, I think this man has siphoned more than enough of your time and energy. You confessed, and he gave you his final answer, which is the only thing you can confirm for sure out of everything that’s occurred since then. If for any reason this was him, then as a mature adult you shouldn’t want a man who can’t communicate and instead sneaks around. If it’s not him, then you don’t need any ties that make it difficult for you to move on or leave the door cracked for “just in case”. Wash your hands of this crush so you can clear your mind of him completely, and start moving on.

[Danny_dan92]

Who cares silly ol bear