I decided to finally pull the plug on my abusive relationship of almost 2 years, and pressed criminal charges October 18th 2015. During his 5 months in jail, I've finally de-programmed my self esteem issues and gotten my triggers under control. However directly following "the loss" of my ex, a covert narcissist snuck his way in when I was at my most vulnerable. I'm now in no contact with either of them, but I also am completely isolating myself.

I met a nice gentleman in a healthy way (in person happened to click). I feel my self doubt of being "damaged" and "not good enough" returning. This is because as much as I want to go to know this guy, I feel like he may be too "normal" to understand me if I let him get to know me. He tried talking on the phone, but I prefer to text due to severe phone anxiety. I don't know how how to explain this to someone "normal." I even called off a date because my social anxiety got the best of me. He seems to have stopped trying, probably thinking I'm not interested.

This guy seems great and seems to be a potential healthy partner. But how do I tell him that Im Not ready to talk to someone on a more serious level? (within my own self esteem and anxiety and PTSD of my abuse)

A male friend of mine advised me not to talk about the abuse as being part of it. I just want to send him a text telling him I'm interested but I'm not ready to spend time with someone new as I am working on healing myself (esp. Dealing with two narcissistic relationships back to back). Knowing that I am an N-Magnet already, I'm very aware of people's energy, etc. I worry that a "normal" guy wouldn't want me. But I don't want a psychopath in my life again.

Anyways, how do I tell this guy I think he's awesome but I'm just not ready to hang out yet?

Thank you all <3