I've been chatting with this girl, I find her hot and funny, sending each other dumb memes and stuff like that.
But there are a couple of issues that block me from making a move…
Issue 1:
I've been burned BIG TIME by my ex 4 years ago (spare you how, unless you ask), and since then I've been completely out of the game, unwilling/scared to put myself out there again. I'm simply scared. I never had casual hookups, only monogamous relationships, and therefore I don't take flirting lightly, rejection hurts and I'm afraid it might get me deeper into my hole.
Issue 2:
She has a far more luxurious lifestyle than me. Fancy parties, expensive cars, elegant dresses…
To be fair I was also born in that world, but have actively trying to escape it. People in those circles TEND to be superficial, obsessed with fashion and status, very hard to talk to about fears and feelings without being seen as a "loser".
Now, she doesn't strike me as that kind of person, otherwise I wouldn't even be considering asking her out. But people are used to what they are used to, and I'm afraid she'll get bored with me.
I live a humble life in the countryside, I like walking with my dogs, nerd stuff, games, dumb humor, gym.
I work as a dog handler and tourist guide.
My car is old and squeaky, my clothes practical, not fashionable.
So, here is my specific question: how do I test the waters? How do I try and figure out if she might potentially find me interesting as a boyfriend, not just as a funny friend to send dumb memes to? Does she just like the attention, or does she like me? How do I figure that out?
I've been out of the game so long I don't know how to move anymore. I know it's kind of a dumb question, "just ask her out, spend time with her and see how it goes", is what my friends tell me.
And they probably right. But I'm scared and scarred, with trust issues.
Thanks for reading, any feedback is appreciated.