Dear Anita,

To respond to your question, we both mentioned on our first date that this was the first date for either of us this year. She mentioned that she was terrified to go out on a date, but that our date could not have gone better. She is also very empathic–another trait I found intriguing–so I am sure that she picked up on my loneliness. We both shared that we attend counseling as well so that perhaps added to her perceptions?

After our second date (non-date), I called her to express some thoughts about our meeting, which, in hindsight, may have been too much. I essentially said that it was bizarre how we met and clicked and that I’d like to continue to see her as friends, and perhaps things would evolve in the coming months (if I was to find a job outside the office). She interjected the “bright spot” comment during the conversation, so perhaps that was a subtle hint that this is all our relationship would be? However, she did say that she wanted to continue to hang out as friends, so that adds to my confusion.

She is an avid hiker–another appealing trait to me, as I am as well–and she mentioned carrying a gallon of water in her car when she goes. So, before things went “south,” I bought her a Nalgene as an early Christmas gift. :-/ So, not I am not sure if I should offer it or if she would accept it. And it’s purple, so it’s not my color. 😐 Also, I’ve been baking bread since the weather has cooled, and have given her a few slices at our first two meetings. I may reach out to her later this week to ask if it is okay if we still hang out.

It’s just confusing because I enjoy our company and am not trying to push for anything more than friendship. Just unsure of what to make of the silence.