Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I went on a date with a man who is 13 years older than me. I am 28, and he is 42. The first date went well, even though I was nervous. The evening after the date, I cried back home. That never happened to me. Is it because of the anxiety?
We should see each other the following weekend. He will visit me. He asked me to do something relaxing because he works a lot. I was thinking of going to the spa. I am not sure if it is okay because it will be our second date only.
Please guide.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I read your query and understand your concerns.
Feeling nervous after a first date is completely normal and can stem from various reasons, such as the fear of losing someone or the pressure of starting a new chapter in your life.
Many people experience these feelings, and it is important to recognize that this is normal anxiety, not a disorder. A 13-year age gap in a relationship is also common and does not indicate any psychiatric disorder. What truly matters is what you want from the relationship and whether he respects, loves, and makes you feel comfortable.
Going to a spa on a second date might feel challenging for you, as indicated in your query. Some people prefer to take their time before engaging in more intimate dates, like a spa visit, and that is absolutely okay. Instead, consider suggesting a coffee date or dinner at a restaurant. Be clear and direct about your preferences.
As you start this relationship, it is crucial to set clear boundaries from the beginning. He should be willing to respect these boundaries. If something is bothering you, communicate it openly.
You do not need to feel sad or blame yourself; it is your right to express that you are not comfortable with the idea of a spa date right now. You can propose a dinner or coffee date instead. You have every right to control the pace of your relationship.
Prioritize your comfort; engaging in intimate activities should happen only when you feel ready. Remember, your priority is not to please others but to protect yourself and ensure your own comfort.
Relationships should be built on mutual respect and autonomy, not on pressure. Always remember to take things slowly in a relationship, communicate clearly, understand your boundaries, avoid challenging your values, and be in tune with your emotions.
Approach your relationship as a long-term investment. If you have any other questions or if you come from a history of abusive relationships, past anxiety, or a difficult childhood, feel free to reach out and discuss those concerns.
I hope this answers your query. Feel free to reach out anytime.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for your reply.
I went on a second date and we visited a museum together. I do like his company a lot. I am feeling much better compared to the first time. The only thing that bothers me is that he is too critical of the restaurants. We went to this nice place and he paid, but he told me the food was not as delicious as he had thought. Also, he felt it was too expensive. I am quite disappointed, to be honest. He always pays for me, but he repeats that it was expensive. I do not know what to think.
Please help.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com
Thank you for reaching out, and I am really glad to hear that you’re feeling much better. It is a positive sign that when the situation becomes safer, your anxiety naturally eases.
Your feelings of disappointment and confusion are completely valid. It’s understandable to feel uncomfortable when someone pays for you, but then repeatedly comments that the restaurant was too expensive or not good enough. Even if he doesn’t mean to hurt you, such remarks can unintentionally make you feel guilty for your choices, as if you’re a burden or need to constantly consider his budget and preferences.
Your reaction is emotional and human, not a sign of any psychiatric issue. It may simply indicate that he’s highly conscious about money or tends to be a perfectionist with rigid expectations, though it’s too early to make assumptions or labels.
At this stage, focus on improving communication and observing patterns rather than judging too quickly. If he listens, understands, and makes an effort to adjust, that’s a healthy sign. However, if he dismisses your feelings, becomes defensive, or continues to criticize, that could be a red flag for the future.
If you notice that he often makes critical remarks about you or in general, then it may signal a deeper pattern, but it’s best to stay observant for now.
Please feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need to talk this through further.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thanks for replying.
I really appreciate your help. I recently went on a third date, and things went quite well. I was warm and open with him. During our conversation, he shared that he suffers from anxiety and takes medication every morning to manage it. He wanted to be honest with me about his mental health because, as he explained, two of his previous girlfriends ended their relationships after finding out.
When I asked about his symptoms, he said that he experiences trembling and that some of his symptoms resemble those seen in schizophrenia. He asked if that would be a problem for me, and I told him that I haven’t encountered something like this before.
To be honest, I do feel a bit scared. I enjoy his company and appreciate his openness, but I am also worried about how this might affect a future relationship. I suggested that we spend a long weekend together so I can better understand how he feels and reacts in the mornings.
He has been taking his medication for over 10 years without interruption. I am unsure what the right approach is. I want to be supportive, but I also want to make sure I am emotionally prepared for what that might mean. What should I do in this situation?
Please help.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Thank you for reaching out and sharing your concerns.
I want to reassure you that anxiety disorders do not make someone dangerous. Symptoms like trembling, restlessness, or sweating are common signs of anxiety.
You can ask him about the duration, severity, and triggers of his symptoms, whether they occur with daily stress or as sudden panic attacks. Early morning anxiety can also be linked to medication effects or withdrawal from substances like alcohol, so that should be ruled out.
Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness, but it doesn’t usually cause physical symptoms, so it’s unlikely he has that.
If you feel safe, comfortable, and enjoy his company, his condition may not affect your relationship much. You have every right to ask about his diagnosis and treatment. If he shares more details, with his permission, you can let me know, and I’ll guide you further.
I hope this helps.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thanks for replying.
I went on another date with the guy, and everything seems to be going smoothly. I think he likes me a lot, and to be honest, I like him too. He told me that his anxiety comes from his mum, who also suffers from it. He has been taking medication for more than ten years, and he does not drink alcohol because it might interfere with it.
He told me that he takes his pills every morning, and that is the time when he feels the worst. He also shared that his previous girlfriends dumped him because of his anxiety. When I asked him why he started feeling like that, he said that during university he experienced trembling and severe anxiety symptoms.
He mentioned that he changed because of a girl and became more mature. I do think his anxiety is connected to his family background. There is something deeper that I do not know yet. I am alright, but at the back of my mind, I cannot help wondering what will happen if I am unable to accept his problem.
Please help.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com
It is totally normal to feel anxious in this situation. We are all destined to feel this way when something happens that is not under our control. Everyone comes with strengths and weaknesses. Suffering from a psychiatric illness is not a weakness; it is a disorder that anyone can develop at any point in life.
If you like him, and he respects you and treats you well, then this problem is only a small concern, mostly an adjustment issue. Adjustment issues usually resolve within a few weeks to a few months. They happen in every relationship, and what you are feeling is completely normal.
I hope this has helped you.
Please feel free to reach out to me again for further queries.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thanks for replying.
I went on the fifth date with this guy, and he keeps visiting me almost every weekend. He drives for nearly three hours each time. We can talk about many topics, and I am starting to feel safe around him. He told me that he has fallen in love with me, but I cannot say the same yet. I do miss him a lot when I am with my friends or at work, and I think about him almost all day, but I am not sure if I’m in love.
One negative aspect I have noticed is that he keeps mentioning how much he spends every weekend to visit me. I paid for the spa and also for the museum we went to together. Yesterday, he asked me if we could split the bill sometimes. I am financially independent, but I love when men offer to pay for me. I do not know what to do. In my culture, if a man cannot provide for his woman, he is seen as “broke.” Honestly, I feel hurt. We have been going out for almost two months, and he is already complaining about money.
Please help.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com
You think about him all the time, and that is the start of an early attachment. In a relationship, it is important to understand and communicate with the other person instead of making assumptions. Guessing can strain the relationship and make it easier for misunderstandings to disrupt things.
He pays for you and sometimes asks you to pay as well, but understanding his motives is very important. You can ask him gently. He may be under real financial strain. He may value fairness and equality in relationships. He may not realise that repeatedly mentioning expenses feels like complaining and makes you feel less provided for.
This is why communication is essential. Share your concerns with him. You can tell him that you are financially independent and are willing to contribute if he truly needs help. Ask him whether the visits are causing a financial burden. You can also explain that you appreciate the dates and the expenses he has covered, but in your culture it is inappropriate for a man to ask a woman to share the costs, and that it makes you uncomfortable.
He will likely understand if you communicate openly and try to learn the real motive behind his behaviour. You should also ask yourself whether you are willing to work and earn money for the rest of your life if he expects shared financial responsibility. This is an important concern, and you should discuss it with him. It is better to be clear from the beginning about what he wants and what you can or cannot do.
This is the start of a relationship, and topics such as finances, expectations, and roles should be openly discussed. Sharing your perspective and asking for his views will help resolve both your internal and external conflict.
I hope this has helped you.
Please feel free to reach out to me again for further queries.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thanks for replying.
I visited him yesterday and took the train to see him, but he made me wait at the station for over 40 minutes. I was so upset that I seriously considered returning to my hometown. He later told me he lost track of time because he went to the hairdresser's and that he moves slowly due to his anxiety. While he says I help calm him, he still left me waiting for a long time.
Even though he apologized multiple times, I am still angry. Being late like that is not acceptable to me. I value my time, and he knew I was traveling to see him. I made it clear that if this happens again, I will leave the relationship. At this point, I am feeling doubtful about whether this relationship is right for me.
Please help.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Thank you for reaching out.
What you felt is completely understandable. Anyone would feel upset in that situation, and it would have helped if he had informed you in advance. While we can’t always control emotions, clear communication can prevent misunderstandings. Asking him to let you know if he’s running late would allow you to plan better.
At times, our mind jumps to conclusions, like assuming that being late means a lack of interest. These thought patterns often come from past experiences and are not your fault, but they can affect how we see relationships. Before accepting such thoughts as true, it helps to pause and look at both sides of the situation. Most importantly, express how you feel and what you need openly. Honest communication will help you decide what feels right for you.
I hope this helps.
Thanks and regards.
regards.
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Answered byDr. Muhammad Khalid
Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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