Thanks I hope it helped but the thing is I completely understand your dilemma in the sense of knowing what you mean if one girl paid attention to me, let alone out and out gave me affection, I know the fear that you would fall into that spiral but honestly, at least for me, if that did happen, if I let myself fall, it wouldn't be falling in love but something far less exciting. I think if I didn't keep my head about me, and that happened it would be mostly about the attention and need more so than really falling for her. Of course all that being said I don't think it's abnormal for that to happen when caught unawares, but something that most guys and girls deal with everyday. Some have it worse than others. If you're like me you can, if this happens let yourself become too immersed in some kind of fantasy situation and almost to the point of obsession. If that's the case I know this feeling all too well and I have the same reservations about trying to date, myself.

On a positive note though, and I hope you're in the same place, I think, I have my head in a far better place today to be able to say what I just did about myself and know my tendencies. Since you have laid out your fears yourself I think you're far more mature, stronger and have a better mindset today. Please, if you feel the desire to be with someone again, don't hold back and keep your heart open to it.