I never imagined that after one of the best dinners I’d had in years, I’d find myself hovering over the block button on my phone, ready to cut ties. But there I was, feeling unsettled by a small moment that changed everything.

It had been a while since I went on a proper date—not because I didn’t want to, but because life had gotten busy. Work, friends, family—the usual culprits. I kept telling myself I’d get back out there once things slowed down, but life has a funny way of never really slowing down.

Then came Hayden, a guy I met at a mutual friend’s dinner party. He was charming in that effortless way—easygoing, not trying too hard, and comfortable in his own skin. We hit it off almost immediately, talking for hours about everything from work to childhood memories. He was a teacher, which already told me a lot about him.

Teaching middle schoolers takes patience, resilience, and a sense of humor—qualities Hayden had in spades. When he asked me out, his grin made it clear he was used to getting a “yes,” and I found myself agreeing, even though I usually played things cool.

The days leading up to the date were a blur of my usual hectic routine, but the thought of going out with Hayden kept crossing my mind. I wondered if our connection from the party would translate to a real date. When the day finally came, I was both nervous and excited.

When Hayden asked where I wanted to go for dinner, I suggested keeping it simple. I wasn’t one to be impressed by fancy places. I thought of a cozy Mexican spot I loved, but when he asked about my favorite restaurant, I casually mentioned an upscale Italian place—one I rarely visited because it was expensive, the kind of place you save for a special occasion.