You can't know the outcome, that would take all of the fun out of it. Everything ends at some point, if it hurts when it does then you know it had value in your life. Take the risk.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Thrre are risks in any relationship. We just need to be honest with ourselves to ensure that the risks are not wild ones.

You are doing it right by going slow. Don’t worry so much because you are creating negative energy. Just be happy. Good luck.

Just don’t put so many expectations on things. Hell, be indifferent. Who cares if it works out? Just enjoy the ride.

I see people responding, putting men & women in categories, boxing them in. This is based on your own experiences. I personally take each relationship as unto its own. Prior experiences don’t color my current relationships, except to be aware if this person has some of the same traits, good and bad. For instance if I had a women who treated me poorly in the past I don’t think all future women will do the same. If you can learn why you are choosing people who are rejecting you. Maybe a little introspection is in order. But don’t beat yourself up about past situations impacting your life, as all of us have the same issues

I'd say just continue having fun. See where it goes. Enjoy the moments. Check in with how he feels about things and where he stands in a gentle loving way and see what he says. The hardest thing in new relationships, especially after a serious disappointment no matter how long ago, is learning how to open up to someone new. Just keep in mind if you don't take the chance, if you shut him out... the possible disappointment will turn in to a definite disappointment. No one can stay shut out for long without eventually realizing it and moving on. If he seems to care and enjoy your company then it might be time to at least discuss it with him.

And just a little FYI, you are not alone in that disappointment or that not being liked back... or even in the same way. Not by a long shot. Been there, done that, torched the freakin' T-shirt stand.

Go for it

I think fear of rejection is very powerful. Perhaps more powerful than we realise. Those with a low self esteem and a lack of hobbies, interests and passions will take a bigger hit.

I know what it's like to let past damage screw up the present. Some of this damage will be with me to some degree probably until the day I die. It will cause me to make mistakes; some mistakes will even be epic but I'm beginning to accept this reality. The path you are on with this person may last. It may not. You may screw it up, he might or even both of you could fail. Hell it may not last and neither of you could be at fault. The point is that you're putting yourself out there and trying. You're living. If it works great. If it doesn't work take the time you need to recover and then get out there and live again. You doing this is an inspiration to all us fellow damaged folks!

What will happen, will happen ? Have no fear !

You can't be crushed by disappointment, but you can crush yourself by perceiving a disappointment as crushing. Disappointments are a normal part of life, and not a prediction of future luck. Amor fati. [dailystoic.com]

Just enjoy it day by day, take it slow. No expectations mean no disappointments. Don't compare today with yesterday. Just enjoy the now, without worrying too much where it's going.

Don't worry..men usually only run if the woman becomes the pursuer, acts needy and desperate, proclaims her undying love for him, buys him little love gifts, and in general takes the role of the male pursuer.

If she moons over him, pleads with him, acts like a groveling love struck person who can't survive on her own, he'll run, sooner or later, to a more independent, interesting woman.

The book "The Rules" is SOO true. Let the man to the pursuing, ask the questions, set the dates, pay for dates, plan them, and never accept a date unless it's asked three days in advance. Otherwise you'd love to, but you have other plans.

Be vague, seem busy. Act like a woman who has places to go and people to see. Never stop dating other people, or have sex with him, unless you are exclusive. Men are quickly bored and if women seem too eager or clingy, they tend to move on.

This works very well, and when I followed it I had to beat men off with a stick. But for me it comes naturally since I PREFER being single and only ever dated to humor my family and seem normal. I didn't chase after them because I didn't care, and of course they were intrigued and clung to me.