I’ve struggled with weight my whole life. COVID made it worse. I ended up hitting Class 2 obesity. Two and a half years ago I finally snapped. Started lifting, eating right, stayed consistent. Dropped nearly 90 pounds, built some decent muscle naturally. Got a decent car, put a down payment on a small apartment, started feeling like my life was finally on track.

About four months ago I went on a countryside weekend trip with my cousins. We booked an Airbnb, packed it with meat, alcohol, and bad ideas. On the way there my cousin, classic playboy and a bit drunk, sees three cute girls walking along the road. He leans out and yells, “You girls wanna come party?” I cringed, expecting them to ignore us. But they laughed, said sure, and jumped in the car.

We spent the night drinking, grilling, and vibing. One of the girls stuck close to me, complimented me, laughed at my jokes. Stuff that never used to happen when I was fat. We ended up hooking up. First time for me. Thought she’d ghost, but the next morning she gave me her Snapchat.

We kept meeting up, got close fast. Now she wants to “make it official” but this is the Balkans. That doesn’t just mean dating. It means meeting families, serious talks, maybe even engagement.

I like her, but part of me wonders if I’m just caught up in finally being wanted. I was a virgin four months ago and now someone’s daughter is planning a future with me. Not sure if I’m ready or just scared to mess it up.