Was I silly to give my number?

[OMGMyLifeIsCrazy]

I came out of a twenty year emotionally abusive relationship that ended with him having delusional jealousy for the last three years. I left a year ago but only just (literally yesterday) realised how badly I was treated by him and how much I needed to move on.
Fast forward to today. In the pet store with my cavalier when a kindly man, similar age, stopped to admire my little dog. After a pleasant chat he told me my dog was gorgeous just like her owner. Then he asked if I was single and if we could swap numbers. I was hesitant so he offered his and I said, not to be offended if I didn't call as I just came out of a long bad relationship. I knew I wouldn't call him so then i told him that if he was happy to just meet up for a coffee and chat sometime, I would give him my number and I did. He did seem genuinely nice and after years of social isolation, I'm ready to make new friends and may be open to a relationship with the right person.
Was I silly to give him my number?

It is an off putting message, but, a large cohort of men do tend to speak like this is messages. It's cringey but I don't agree with some other posters that it suggests he's a scam artist or whatever.

Being called a lady would put me off, but anyway, he does seem a bit OTT. Depends how strong you’re feeling. If you can meet him and not be affected by his almost inevitable lovebombing then see how it goes. If you’re not at all sure you can resist being drawn in then avoid like the plague.

@bluebell34567

i think your gut is telling the truth, he seems ott. telling you were out of a bad relationship may give him the idea that you are vulnerable, easy prey, be careful.

This. Please don't tell men you've just met that you are "just out of a long bad relationship". Rather say something like "I've got a lot on at the moment" (if you think you might like them) or "Thanks but I'm not available" (if you don't).

Agree with the others, that message is way OTT and I would be completely put off by it. The Freedom Program would be a good idea for you. After a long and abusive relationship you might not recognise strange behaviours anymore, because your bar for 'strange behaviour' was set very high by your ex. The Freedom Prpgram will help you to reset your boundaries and be safe in relationships.

Also, as a general rule of thumb, if a stranger calls me gorgeous or stunning or any other adjective like that in a very short conversation, it's usually a sign that he's only after one thing.

Ide say block his number he sounds like an utter creep and seek out wonderful women friends to rebuild your social life with

No harm giving him your number. That’s what happened in the old fashioned days! If he doesn’t ring he doesn’t ring. No harm done.

Whoever you met I think you will be very cautious.
The highlight of my day can be sharing a chat and dog pat.
It is nice to have genuine chat than by text. Ask him to keep it cool, I would be abit off with the 😍, but he might be high energy and straight up.

I get phone numbers, I had several in my car glove box
If I am queried if I'm single I say I don't have much luck and laugh off it off if it's uncomfortable. Or I'd rather have a dog than a man.
Sick to what makes you comfortable and keep them in the place they need to be for you to be comfortable.

I wound up blocking him. He waited fifteen mins then sent another OTT message with roses and more compliments. I politely told him I wasn't ready to meet anyone and then blocked him. 😊

Good call

I said YANBU to give your number, then saw the subsequent posts. Then saw your update. Your instincts were definitely right! Good call blocking him.

Damn I was going to say maybe meet for coffee and judge but texting again after 15 mins is way too OTT. Definitely a good call to block.

Good for you, OP. There are a lot of creeps out there, looking for women to manipulate and worse. There are also a lot of decent ones and there’s no reason you won’t end up meeting one.

Oh - yes, you did the right thing OP.

Well done on trusting your instinct though.