An ally would listen to feedback from the minority they claim to support… just sayin’

My opinion as a pragmatist and a woman: an engagement shouldn’t be a surprise. The formality of the proposal itself can be a surprise, but just like a birthday party it should be something expected and at the very least loosely discussed with the person. Asking “what kind of proposals do you like?” and figuring out if they want something public or private, or in front of friends or something small is really important. What kind of engagement ring should go in this discussion. She might hate diamonds, she might love them, she might have a metal allergy, she might have a stone that means a lot to her, she might hate rings with stones at all because they catch on things. You don’t know until you ask, and by asking you’re showing her the respect and that you value her opinion.

Yes but that’s not the cat people are usually referring to when they say "I have a cat I let outside "

This is like saying because there are toads native to Australia, that Cane toads are fine. An invasive species is an invasive species, and is characterized by its spread, reproduction, and harm to the local ecosystem.

Cats outside are an aggressive invasive species in every continent except Africa. I love them but they need to be kept inside, and neutered/spayed. Cats do fine indoors, even ones who have gotten used to going in and out. They may complain but with enrichment and regular play they will get over it. If not, then a catio is a good solution.

In places hostile to cars, it’s perfectly possible for delivery trucks and emergency vehicles to use streets intended for pedestrians. Trucks make deliveries at early hours before there are many people around, and emergency vehicles use sirens and drive at slower speeds. As far as general package delivery, people just use smaller scale methods.

OP mentions their age but not his. If this person is in their 20s, or even 30s, the story changes dramatically

Yes, he’s attracted to you. However, his behavior could be a warning sign depending on how old he is. Is he your age? If so I think he’s excited and enthusiastic about getting your attention, but if he’s older, I agree with other posters this sounds like he’s trying to buy your affection. It’s a warning sign if he’s in his 20s, and a huge blaring red alert if he’s over 30.

If he’s one of your peers, I would be cautiously optimistic but NOT go fishing and definitely do not let him drive you again. This is women’s safety 101: do not ever rely on a date for transportation, do not meet in isolated areas, and let someone know where you will be and when you should be home. If you are in a place that is car dependent, you are at the total mercy of whoever is driving, and giving them too much control over your freedom. Even with ride shares available that is a risk you should try to avoid.

Unless he has already told you where he’s going fishing and it’s somewhere visible and well populated, or you’re going with friends as a group, then you should suggest an alternate activity that puts you around people. Other people are safety, and accountability. If his intentions are good, he should be happy to accommodate you and won’t mind.

I remember when I was 19, I was not the beauty standard, so I didn’t have my guard up as much as my peers. It was flattering and exciting to have someone overtly interested in me. I was frankly naive and oblivious to the fact that I could be preyed on and manipulated. I thought I was smart and confident but I had no idea what was going on around me and a lot of people I thought were “just being nice” were wolves circling. You should know that there are a lot of men who see someone young and inexperienced in dating who might be kind of insecure and see them as a juicy target for control, abuse, and manipulation. Just take precautions. Things might be totally fine, but the consequences for them being a predator can be severe.