I'm curious of intentions from this interaction with an acquaintance, (now a friend that i see weekly but i dont think thats important) from a couple of months ago that has occurred more than once. I wanted to get others feedback if they have encountered something similar, display this behavior, and/or know what is the possible intent.
I've asked a few of my close friends about this situation and they've told me never heard of such a situation and suggested it was romantic interest.
I am a male in my 30s and attend a monthly meetup. I have a female acquaintance who is around my same age and is a bit quiet/shy. I've known her for about a year before I observed this type of interaction. I've been with the meetup group for about 5 years hence know most of the regulars.
After the meetup each month, we would walk over to this restaurant where you'd order either takeout or dine-in at the counter, pay at the counter then seat yourself (when dining in). Myself, the acquaintance and other meetup attendees have been here and done this before.
However, I noticed a few months ago the following happen:
- Other meetup attendees have placed their orders, pay and seat themselves at the table we usually sit at.
- Since she is in line before me, she places her order and pays.
- Instead of going to the table and picking an available seat, she appeared to wait or "hover" around the table.
- She finally sits down once I have ordered, paid then went to the table to pick my seat.
- There were only 2 seats available that werent taken by others. One is on the direct left to me, the other is a couple seats down. She picked the one closest to me.
I thought this was just a coincidence and didn't think much of it until 2 months later (she didnt attend the meetup 1 month after) - when nearly the same thing happened and was more noticeable to me.
- 1-2 people placed their orders before the two of us, paid and sat themselves. So there were more seats available at the same table this time.
- She is ahead of me in the line, so she places her order and pays.
- Again, instead of going to the table to find a seat. She waits and "hovers" until I am done ordering. This time, she chose to wait much closer to the ordering line - so it was much more obvious to me this time.
- As soon as I start walking over to pick my spot at the table is when she finally moves. She picks the seat directly across me.
I am curious of what folks here think of possible intent and/or if they have similar experiences. Feel free to ask any questions for clarification.
Update:
I appreciate everyone's feedback on this situation. Sounds like my friends were wrong about it being romantic interest and i trusted my gut to not make any moves and make a fool of myself.
I guess it paid off because 5 months after the last occurrence, she randomly asked me if i wanted to (redacted in case she lurks in this sub hence why im using a throwaway) together each week. Shes been much more open about herselves at our 1-on-1s. I guess she was just looking for a friend, although she did split from the meetup group but has never canceled our weekly 1-on-1s.