I (20F) have never been in a long-term relationship, but I've been on several dates, and I've noticed a pattern.
Whenever a guy comes on really strong right away, I don't feel flattered, I feel uncomfortable and start wanting to pull away.
I've had guys on first dates tell me things like my eyes are an oasis he wanted to live in, what life would be like when we were married, talk about how special or different I am before they really know me, get very physically affectionate, or even start taking pictures of me. Instead of finding it romantic, my reaction is usually, "How can you feel this strongly when you barely know me?"
I don't dislike compliments, and I don't think I'm afraid of relationships. What makes me uneasy is when someone seems deeply invested in me before they've had enough time to actually know who I am. It feels less like they like me and more like they like an idea of me.
I always hear people talk about loving grand romantic gestures and intense pursuit, so sometimes I wonder if there's something wrong with me for having the opposite reaction.
Does anyone else feel this way? Is this healthy caution, or could it be a sign that I have issues I should work on before dating?