A Guy Asked For My Number At the Gym And I Never Felt More Wanted

Photo byHumphrey MulebaonUnsplash

I recently went through a breakup. Despite my love and care for my ex, he never reciprocated the same feelings and it always felt like I had to go out of my way to get his attention. To boost my ego and feel desirable, I started dressing up more and going to the gym more often. It was there that I started talking to a guy I had known but never associated with outside of the gym, since I didn't want my ex to feel uncomfortable.

This guy made me feel appreciated. He would go out of his way to chat with me at the gym, learn exercises from me and teach me some too, and even switched his gym time so that we could drive together. When he came over to my place, he knew just what to do. He was flirty and sweet while still respecting the boundaries I had set beforehand.

It was the little things he did that made me feel special. The way he traced the tattoos on my skin, made lighthearted comments that put me at ease, and remembered small details I had mentioned before. He just made me feel like he was still paying attention to me, even when he wasn't.

After he came over for the third or fourth time, he kissed me. It was nothing like the kisses I got from my ex. This guy was gentle, caring, and even asked if it was okay. He noticed my nervousness and reassured me that I was safe with him and asked if he needed to do anything to make me more comfortable.

To spare the details, after we slept together, I assumed he'd leave and never talk to me again. But he surprised me by asking if he could stay and talk to me. We stayed up all night chatting, and he even held me while we slept. In the morning, he told me how beautiful I was.

We talked about my mental health and my past baggage, and he made me feel safe and validated. Even the way he said my name felt sincere and comforting.

All I ever wanted from my ex was to feel wanted. But he would come over to sleep with me and then leave without even saying goodbye. This guy, however, made sure to ask if I was okay and if I wanted to stop. He prioritized me and made me feel desired. I didn't have to initiate everything like I did with my ex. He even validated my insecurities and told me he found every part of me beautiful, including the things I hated because of my ex's comments.

I want to clarify that this isn't meant to bash my ex. I hope he finds someone who makes him happy. But I deserve to be with someone who treats me the way this guy does. I also want to point out that sleeping with strangers isn't necessarily bad. I used to judge them and feel like I was better than that culture, but if I hadn't done this, I wouldn't have felt as desirable and validated as I do now.