He asked me for my phone number today!

This man who works at a place I go to every so often asked me for my phone number today. For the past few months, whenever I see him, he always greets me or waves at me but never any real conversation. Today when i passed him, he said “[this store] must be your favorite place” (I am hiding the store name on purpose to protect his identity). So we started talking. He introduced himself and said he is a supervisor of a crew of a few people. He asked what my name was and if I was married etc. He asked me why I liked the store. I explained to him that I lived close by and this place is convenient. Flirtatiously I also said: you are always so friendly to me so I have to come here 😄

He offered to walk me to my car. At my car, he asked me for my phone number. I gave him a hug. He said to me: has anyone told you look beautiful? I said thank you. And he said you are beautiful and and asked if he could give me another hug. We hugged again and I went home. He sent me a text after I got home and we chatted a little more.

I first thought it was such a nice story that made me smile. Then my neurotic side started overthinking about his “beautiful” comment. Does it sound like he clocked me? Was he saying that because he knew? Was he a chaser? Was he too comfortable asking for a hug that he wouldn’t otherwise be? I have heard that sometimes cis people become obsequious when they have clocked you. Does this sound like that’s what he was doing?

If he doesn’t already know, I don’t know when to tell him. Would it be awkward if he isn’t comfortable with transwomen and if I go to the store in the future? Would he freak out now that he has hugged me without knowing? So many thoughts and so many questions.

I am sure some of you have had similar interactions with men before. Would love to hear your thoughts!