He walks his dog, I walk my dog. Same neighborhood.

I always avoid him. One day I accidentally smiled at him and turned red. He kept staring at me with no reaction, when I looked away he said hi and got closer, asked a few questions about my dog. My dog started barking, I went fight-or-flight, answered briefly and escaped

saw him again yesterday, kept trying to avoid him. He comes my way but actually had to go the other way. He was being so different it actually weirded me out. He was sort of clumsy in the way he moved, and usually he seems so self controlled, and he was loud too hahah like talking out loud to his dog but only when I got there. I smiled accidentally again and he asked again about my dog and tried to be funny about her barking. It felt as if he was trying to be fun and friendly? But in a ridiculous way

Predicting some types of answers (“ask him”, “how should we know”): I’m not looking for the absolute truth, just opinions :)

  • TheAlbatross@lemmy.blahaj.zoneEnglish
    30·
    2 months ago

    These interactions are too casual to really show an interest.

    They sound like how I might act towards someone I see in the grocery store twice.

    I get the impression you’re interested in him from this more than any indication of the opposite.

      • TheAlbatross@lemmy.blahaj.zoneEnglish
        17·
        2 months ago

        Well you specifically said you’re not looking for advice and what not, so I won’t give any, but I do think when we’re attracted to someone we tend to interpret very small behaviors as cues that confirm our own desires, a kind of confirmation bias, when they’re actually just normal behaviors. That said, there’s only a few ways to confirm your suspicions…

      • NovaPrime@lemmy.mlEnglish
        171·
        2 months ago

        Then why are you trying to avoid him, trying to purposefully not make eye contact or look at him, leaving abruptly when he talks to you…etc. Sounds like you’re doing your best to give him the impression you’re not interested

        • Colorfulhipp@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
          63·
          2 months ago

          Because I’m not looking for anyone right now. This happened out of nowhere, and I’ve needed to be alone for a long time, men, friends, people in general.

          • NovaPrime@lemmy.mlEnglish
            71·
            2 months ago

            Then what’s the point of this thread? Whether he likes you or not makes no difference in terms of available outcomes. Sorry, not trying to be combative, just legitimately don’t understand why even care if there’s nothing you plan to do about it.

            • Colorfulhipp@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
              41·
              2 months ago

              ops. Guess you just exposed the fact that i’m lying to myself

              Yeah I realized this somewhere in the comments haha sorry everyone :) I’m seriously confused

          • Detheroth@lemmynsfw.comEnglish
            61·
            2 months ago

            Well if you want to make it easier to be alone, next time you see him look him dead in the eye and say “Fuck off”. He won’t try anything after that and you can go back to being alone if that’s what you need. No point worrying about whether someone is attracted to you if you have zero intent on following up (even as a friend) - burn the bridge and save yourself the worry.

      • Beaver@lemmy.caEnglish
        1·
        2 months ago

        If I were in his shoes reading this post. I would’ve thought to myself “better leave her alone”

      • mad_asshatter@lemmy.worldEnglish
        61·
        2 months ago

        Is there a dog-friendly cafe in the hood? Figure out how to get him there, in your own way or words. “I’m chillin’ at the cafe (dog park, bush trail, bistro) now/later/tomorrow…if you feel like hanging, I’m buying…”

        Keep it about dogs and chilling and it’s sorta accidental that you’re asking bc that’s what you’re doing, regardless.

        How’s that for spur of the moment?

    • mad_asshatter@lemmy.worldEnglish
      62·
      2 months ago

      Instructions unclear.
      Called the cops and showed them her genitals.
      Dog guy takes a different route now.

  • dumples@midwest.socialEnglish
    4·
    2 months ago

    He could be interested. You both have dogs which is great for small talk to gauge interest. Make it a point to try to talk with him more. Dogs are a great ice breaker especially if they get along. Go for it!!!

  • IronInferno@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    1·
    2 months ago

    What can I do without being a creep? 🥲 We’re neighbours and I don’t wanna become the weird girl he sees at the park… What if he just feels sorry for me being shy/avoiding him or something

    I don’t see any of that based on what you posted. It’s clear he likes you too, and he’s probably also worried. If he already made an attempt, he might be waiting for you now. Just say hi.

    Edit: See if you guys can text for awhile, he might be shy too