Strong connection, but too many contradictory stories about her. What would you do?
I need outside opinions because I feel like I’m losing objectivity.
I’ve been talking to a girl for a short time, and things got intense pretty fast. A lot of texting, affection, calls, intimate conversations, flirting, kissing, spending time together, and she made it clear she wanted to see me a lot. She introduced me to her friends, included me in an afterparty, showed affection in front of them, and even talked about me meeting her parents one day. Her younger brothers already know about me too.
So from my direct experience with her, it feels genuine. Not just words, but actions too.
She also opened up to me about her past. She told me that about a year ago she was in a really bad place (bad relationships, drugs, depression, toxic environment), but that she changed a lot, stopped most of that, and worked on herself. She said she’s not the same person anymore.
Here’s where things got confusing.
A few nights ago, she went out partying and wanted me to come with her, but I told her I was too tired and didn’t go. During the night, I sent her a few messages. I could see she was active on social media, but she barely replied.
The next day, she was suddenly very cold and distant with me. Short replies, low energy, almost avoidant. It felt like a complete shift compared to how she usually is.
Later that day, after work, I went to see some people from my usual social/work environment. That’s when one guy I know (not a close friend but someone im used to see because he is the son of one of my coworker) told me that during that same night out, she had apparently said things about me behind my back, like telling people I tried to have sex with her and she refused me.
That completely shocked me because it does not match reality at all. Yes, there was flirting and physical tension between us, but everything was mutual and natural. I never forced anything.
This same guy also warned me that she has a history of creating drama, making up stories about men, and having chaotic relationships.
What makes this harder is the timing:
She was cold and distant right after that night, and on that same day I learned these things.
So now my brain keeps connecting the dots and wondering if her coldness was because of something she said or did that night or maybe that one guy said some bullshit about me to her ? I don't know who to believe
At the same time, later she apologized for her behavior and told me she hadn’t slept at all and was exhausted, which honestly could explain a lot too.
Another thing that confuses me: she has told me stories about other men too (including people I know), saying they crossed boundaries with her or acted inappropriately. But when I casually checked with some of those people, their version was completely different.
So now I’m stuck between two realities:
My direct experience with her is warm, affectionate, intimate, and feels sincere.
Multiple people around me are warning me that she has a complicated reputation and that her stories about men are often questionable.
What makes it even harder is that she seems emotionally invested too. She has shown jealousy, talked about dealbreakers in relationships, told me she wants something serious, and has been vulnerable with me.
So my question is:
How do you tell the difference between someone who genuinely changed from a chaotic past and someone who is still repeating unhealthy patterns but presents themselves in a convincing way?
And if you were in my position, would you keep seeing her very slowly and observe, or would you step away before getting more attached?
Right now I don’t want to cut her off, but I also don’t want to ignore warning signs if they’re real.