I've been in a rubbish relationship for a long time and developed a distant crush, on a single dad who lives in my area, over a few years. He always looked at me pretty intensly too - from afar. Then I found a reason to chat to him earlier this year, and we always spoke for a long time if we saw each other in the park/local shops, he always talked of his ex but I was still in a relationship 'officially' so couldn't say the word ex. But now I'm single, it's been a hard six months dealing with the break up. Its early days post seperation but I'd like to get to know this guy, I have zero interest in dating anyone else. Even though we only chat about everyday stuff and it all feels very delicate.
The thing is - the last few times we've crossed paths, he's been with his dc, and he's clearly blanked me. Head down.
But like I said, it all feels a bit fragile. It suddenly feels one-sided and just me initiating contact. And I wonder if I've imagined the whole thing. My history like most of us is feeling attraction when it's mutual so I'm confused. I would always give him a smile/hello if I passed him whoever I was with. My question is, how do people get over these crushes? Has anyone had experience of this? If I say something blunt then I feel stalk-y. Maybe he isn't at all interested. He told me one time he confuses reality and fantasy (!) It did feel like he was treated me like someone he had an affair with when he blanked me - yet we've only chatted when we bumped into each other. Maybe I just need to grow up and stop being a teenager? I feel a bit embarressed to have such strong feelings for someone I haven't actually dated!