So I've been in an on/off relationship past 3 yrs with someone I loved do very much. However from day 1 it's been heartache after heartache. He has mh struggles. When he feels good he is a wonderful gentle loving partner but the other side of that is when he isn't in a good place he can be distant and he can be defensive and attack. Over the years ive had so much heartache that this time i have decided it needs to be over for good. He left me 4 mnths ago (has left me at least 4 times in 3 years) saying no time for relationship, which is true because he is so absorbed by his own struggles I have felt on my own for most of our relationship. His struggles are massive, I have nothing but love and compassion for him but I also wont be an emotional punch bag and so I have to move on and not have him back in my life.
So at the weekend my friends and I downloaded tinder on my phone so we could project it on the TV and have a night of profile viewing. Just something we have done for fun previously, looking at some of the pretty shocking chat on profiles.... Don't ask me for money..... Photos that makes your eyes water not in a good way etc.
Came across a lovely profile, friends were like he has so much in common with you. So I swiped right. He messaged. We've had lots of very lovely messages and he seems a lovely genuine guy. I still feel totally raw and was not intending to put myself out there for quite some time.
So.... Two things.... If I feel I'm still raw should I just back off and say not ready don't meet him etc and re emerge once I feel I've healed. Risk that he might be a good match for me and I might miss the moment?
Also we live in a small city and share a hobby so Im confident he will know my ex. This feels quite difficult on so many levels but unless I give up the hobby that I love or move cities I think it will always be an issue.
I just don't know what to do for the best.
Please give me your wisdom 