F(23) need help: inexperienced girl confused about M(28), is this normal interest or red flags
I recently reconnected with a guy I used to study with about a year ago. We weren’t very close back then but he once asked me to go for a drink and I kind of didn’t follow up and after that he removed me on social media and we didn’t talk for a long time.
He recently texted me again asking how I was doing, and we ended up talking and having a phone call for over an hour.
At first the conversation felt normal: we talked about studies and life. But after a while it shifted a lot. He started talking mostly about himself: his job, training, body, lifestyle, and mentioned he earns over 200k. He also kept kind of fishing for validation about his appearance and confidence. He seemed quite self-focused and a bit arrogant at times.
He also told me he was in a 5-year relationship that ended about a year ago. I didn’t know this before. He said the breakup happened because his ex “found someone else immediately” (he said she had a new guy right after). He also said he doesn’t really know the exact reason they broke up.
For context: his ex actually tried to come back about two months ago, said she missed him, and he was initially happy about it but then she blocked him again after a week.
When I asked if he was over her, he said he doesn’t think about her romantically anymore but still wishes her well.
He also randomly suggested we could go on a summer trip together as a “friend vacation”…
After the call he texted things like “dream about me.” I replied that I like his confidence and he said “I have every reason to be”.. like??
For context about me: I haven’t dated much before and I’m pretty inexperienced with situations like this, so I’m having a hard time reading it.
Part of the conversation felt easy and natural, but a lot of his behavior also felt fast, flirty, and a bit ego-driven.
I guess I’m wondering: does this sound like normal interest, or more like rebound/validation-seeking behavior? Are there red flags here I should pay attention to, or am I overthinking it?
Would really appreciate honest opinions.