For context 5 weeks ago this guy who’d been staring at me in the gym for months was FINALLY going to approach me. However, I was nervous and left the gym right after he came next to me at the smith machine. I felt awful about my behavior as the weeks went by, especially because I think he’d asked his friends prior to approaching me if he should or not.

Fast forward to yesterday at the gym, my friend had given me advice and said that I should try and go next to him at a machine just to give another chance to talk. I did this and was still nervous but made up my mind to talk to him. However, all we did was make kind of awkward eye contact and the words didn’t come out. He ended up leaving maybe 5 minutes after I sat at the bench next to him.

I totally understand why he did what he did in leaving because I did the same thing. I’m totally fine if he’s no longer interested and I thank him for the clarity of not speaking to me because I think it just shows that he’s not interested anymore and now we can both be in the gym now without it being awkward.

I think it’s a done deal, but wanted other perspective.

EDIT: Also, don’t know if it matters but I’m (BW) and he’s (WM)