I (46F) matched with a guy (39M) on Hinge just over a month ago. We went on a few dates, and had a bunch of phonecalls. It was looking very very promising. We both said we really liked each other, and paused our profiles on the app. Then, out of the blue just over a week ago, he dropped out of contact for a few days. I thought he had ghosted me. I felt really shocked and disappointed, and anxious, but after a few days started trying to move on. Then, he resurfaced, and told me he’d been admitted to hospital as he had some really bad panic attacks (he’s in a stressful job and very stressed about work). It took him a few days to feel better. He’s now started seeing a counsellor (first appointment today, as he doesn’t want it to happen again). I initially wasn’t sure whether to believe his story, but I do believe him now, as we’ve spoken on the phone at some length, and he seems very sincere. He said the last time a comparable thing happened was several years ago. We’re exploring whether to continue dating. I have reservations as I have anxiety issues, and I’ve told him that if he was to drop out of contact in a similar way again, it would spike my anxiety again, and I’m not sure I want to put myself through that, plus I wonder if the fear of it will be hanging over me (hopefully not though, if we take things slowly, and if I can build up my trust that he wouldn’t purposely do that to me). The thing is though, I like him more than I’ve liked anyone in a long time, and it feels like we have a genuine connection. The conversation just flows between us. We’ve decided to talk again on the phone to both air our concerns and thoughts, and hopefully get clearer. Meanwhile, I wanted to ask the hive mind for thoughts and perspectives.