I (late 20s) recently started dating someone in their early 20s – we get along well, and have many similar interests. They are very smart, independent and successful in their career, but still understanding and kind. I, on the other hand, feel kind of chaotic, I've had some successes but I don't think I'm that intellectual or cultured or as far in life as I should be (note – age).

Yet, somehow, they like me, are very encouraging of me and think that I'm a great person and I'm like ?? I sometimes even think maybe they like me too much, or are idealising me or something. On the one hand it's really cool and motivating, but on the other hand I feel pressured to be great when really I'm just ok actually. It's a lot a pressure somehow.

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Maybe I'm scared of vulnerability or intimacy or something. Once he told me "No way I think you are smart!" And I told him to stop because it was hurting me. LOL I'm weird.

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I feel like this could be a healthy thing, I think this relationship is a positive force in my life – I don't know if it's PMS or something but I'm suddenly overwhelmed by this depressive wave of panic. I just want to be alone and not talk to anyone. What if they find out that I'm actually just uncool and not smart? I don't want to communicate this to them because it could make them feel like I'm fishing for compliments and I'm also extremely ashamed of my low self esteem.