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The Neurotic Stage occurs after that really awesome first date (or first hang-out or whatever it is you call it these days. Part of the confusion in the Neurotic Stage comes from not knowing whether what you had was really a date or not). You’ve had a lot of first dates before, but this one was different. There was so much electricity in the air, both of you could have powered a nuclear plant. You felt a strong connection with him that you’ve never experienced with other guys. Despite all this, you’re still unsure about what this one thinks about you and if he felt the same connection you did. That’s when the neuroticism kicks in.

In the Neurotic Stage, you experience and deal with the following (usually with Hide and Seek by Imogen Heap or a similarly depressing song playing on repeat):

The uncertainty of waiting, the mixed signals in gestures, the double-meanings hidden in words.

The fact that no matter how many friends you ask, their interpretations of the conversation you had last night might never come close to what he really meant.

The false sense of security you get after finally accepting the possibility (the certainty?) that maybe he’s just not interested in you.

Then he YM’s.
Or texts.
Or sends you an mp3 his favorite love song.

Which brings you back to the paradoxical situation of not knowing what to do next because you’re over-thinking about what the fuck just happened.

That he made his presence felt opens up many possibilities. Especially the possibility of getting your emotions and ego smashed. For all you know, that text message/YM conversation/love song might have meant absolutely nothing. When you are in the Neurotic Stage, it’s still too early for confrontations and a definite answer. When there are no answers, everything becomes a sign that points to him. Because that is the answer that you want.

So you realize the futility of trying to rationalize your emotions. You swallow your sleeping pill and wait for the chemicals to silence your thoughts. But the goddamn pill takes forever to kick in. You let out a heavy sigh and cry out, “I hate you!” The crack in your voice betrays your suffering. But anyone who sees the dreamy look on your eyes and that dopey grin on your face knows that whatever it is just happened made your day a little brighter.