Okay so this is my first time posting on Reddit, so please forgive me as I am still figuring it out.
I 27/F have been talking to this guy 24/M for the past few months and we have been spending a lot of time together but are waiting to officially start dating. For some background, the last few months have been insane with so many different life changes (I left my job and moved back home, he lost his job and just started a new job that has been incredibly stressful for him). Not to mention that I was diagnosed recently with Narcolepsy and my physical/mental health has just been something horrible. I am still just doing my best to figure out my life and settle back in. I think one of the biggest reasons that we decided to wait was because of everything happening. We both want to be able to devote time and energy into this relationship and we both needed some time to focus on ourselves as we navigate everything.
We were good friends back in high school and he had a crush on me but I was with my ex at the time (dated multiple years). I eventually that ex partner left due to domestic violence. Anyways, we (me and the guy) were good friends on and off but I unfortunately became isolated from everyone as a result of that ex and we lost touch. We reconnected late last year very randomly one night (he responded to a late night post checking in on me). I knew after about a month that I fell for him. I fell VERY hard.
Well, here we are in April. Some other relevant information: there are cultural/religious differences between our families (Christian and Muslim) and neither one of our parents will likely approve. However, the two of us both want the same thing and have the same beliefs and morals, but I know that it is going to be a difficult discussion regardless. My siblings have already met him and adore him, but I really do want my parents to see him the way that I see him. I know I don’t need their approval, I just really hope that they can keep an open mind. A lot of this anxiety is just amplified by me living with them again.
I know he plans on asking me out officially soon which I am really excited about. I have a significant amount of trauma (from past relationship and other events). I am getting myself back into therapy and really working through things. I am still working on finding a new job and I am just trying to keep my head above water. I really want this relationship to be as healthy and happy as it can be. I want to start this off the right way and build a very solid foundation. We both have a lot of anxiety from previous relationships and we care so deeply for each other, I just really want to do things right. He is so kind and patient with me and I am terrified that I am going to ruin things because of my anxiety and my mental health. Any advice you can you give me before entering into this new relationship to really give us a solid foundation? TIA
TLDR: I started talking to a guy (old friend from high school) and we are planning on making it official soon but life has been hectic. Looking for advice on how to make sure I start off a new relationship on solid ground and build up a healthy relationship.