Confused Status After Third Date

So, I met a nice lady on Match about one month ago. We messaged for the first week or so, then decided to meet in person. Communication is a bit of a challenge, as English is her second language, so we try to muddle through with the help of Translate, lol.

She was fairly guarded at the start of our first date, then by the end, had warmed considerably, and we ended the date with a hug. We discovered many common interests and beliefs. I noticed that she would often find a reason to touch my arm or shoulder as we walked. I reciprocated, of course. Good sign, right?

As such, we made plans to meet again the next week. By the end of this date, I felt that we were starting to like each other (well, perhaps me, more than her). We had dinner, after which her best friend 'coincidentally' happened to drop by the restaurant while in the neighbourhood. She was a very nice person, we had a pleasant chat, and I bought dinner for the three of us. I seemed to meet the friend's approval, lol. Interestingly, as we parted, there was no hug, albeit was on a busy street.

At the end of the date, we planned to meet the next day, and spent about 10 hours together. I drove her to her exercise class in the morning, then we drove to another city to take in some sites and do some swimming. Upon returning home, she ended up making me a beautiful dinner at her home, after which I left.

As I left, I kissed her hand and asked for a hug. She hugged me warmly, so I asked if I could kiss her. She said no, but told me that we were good friends. Feeling humiliation, I apologized and said good night. Our three dates have been laced with good humour, honest and open communication, and some mutual flirting, so I apparently misread her signals completely. At one point, she had told me that she was lucky to have met me, so I know she is feeling something for me, and a trust is developing.

I know that she is being ultra careful and taking her time before entering into another relationship. Nothing wrong with that at all. But, I can't help but wonder if she is completely over her ex-husband, as she is clearly feeling an open wound from their divorce. At this point, I don't know if I'm in the friend zone or if she is intentionally keeping a distance to protect her heart. Or possibly a combination of the two?

Submitted September 10, 2021 at 01:03AM

So, I met a nice lady on Match about one month ago. We messaged for the first week or so, then decided to meet in person. Communication is a bit of a challenge, as English is her second language, so we try to muddle through with the help of Translate, lol.She was fairly guarded at the start of our first date, then by the end, had warmed considerably, and we ended the date with a hug. We discovered many common interests and beliefs. I noticed that she would often find a reason to touch my arm or shoulder as we walked. I reciprocated, of course. Good sign, right?As such, we made plans to meet again the next week. By the end of this date, I felt that we were starting to like each other (well, perhaps me, more than her). We had dinner, after which her best friend 'coincidentally' happened to drop by the restaurant while in the neighbourhood. She was a very nice person, we had a pleasant chat, and I bought dinner for the three of us. I seemed to meet the friend's approval, lol. Interestingly, as we parted, there was no hug, albeit was on a busy street.At the end of the date, we planned to meet the next day, and spent about 10 hours together. I drove her to her exercise class in the morning, then we drove to another city to take in some sites and do some swimming. Upon returning home, she ended up making me a beautiful dinner at her home, after which I left.As I left, I kissed her hand and asked for a hug. She hugged me warmly, so I asked if I could kiss her. She said no, but told me that we were good friends. Feeling humiliation, I apologized and said good night. Our three dates have been laced with good humour, honest and open communication, and some mutual flirting, so I apparently misread her signals completely. At one point, she had told me that she was lucky to have met me, so I know she is feeling something for me, and a trust is developing.I know that she is being ultra careful and taking her time before entering into another relationship. Nothing wrong with that at all. But, I can't help but wonder if she is completely over her ex-husband, as she is clearly feeling an open wound from their divorce. At this point, I don't know if I'm in the friend zone or if she is intentionally keeping a distance to protect her heart. Or possibly a combination of the two?