Fear factor

[niagra]

I'm a 24 year old male and I've never had a situation like this...

 

Basically, I met this woman online (same age, same city) and some good text jokes back and forth led to a call which led to drinks a few weeks ago.

 

It was the best date I've ever had. Like the stuff you see in movies. I felt a lot of connection on a lot of levels. As soon as we were out the door, we were holding hands and had a couple romantic kisses. Walked her back to the train station like a gentleman, got a goodnight text from her.

 

She texted me the next morning saying that she 1) had a great time, 2) was getting over a really bad breakup, 3) shouldn't see me again like that. Profuse apology included. I assumed this was an easy letdown. I moved on.

 

We've been texting as "friends" since then and it turns out that she is not dating any men right now because they're all jerks, like her ex. She wouldn't even hang out as friends because she was certain that all guys want one thing and would hurt her again. So I gave her a glance of the "nice guy" inside my tough guy exterior. I spelled out here issues in a couple playful yet honest texts -- she said I was spot on. I got huge props.

 

Suddenly she started flirting again and enthusiastically set up drinks for this weekend. I've been keeping it mysterious, not falling into the friend zone (I have been super sarcastic with her since our date). I've been leading and she's been following, but now it's like she's given herself permission to possibly trust me.

 

I wouldn't usually put in this effort, but this is a real nice girl. Super special. My plan here is to ignore her little "I can't date anyone" text (which she apologized for), treat it like a date, and actively show the parts of my life that run against the DB archetype.

 

What can I (a pretty tough acting guy) do during our time together this weekend to "prove" that I'm not a total jerk like the rest? This woman is definitely eager, but getting her over the trust barrier ("fear factor") won't be easy.