Dear Tessa: He Told Me I’m “Different,” Should I Run?

Crisis:
Dear Tessa, the guy I’m dating told me I’m “different.” He made it sound like a compliment, but I’ve heard that line before and it never ended well. Should I take it at face value or see it as a red flag?

— Special or Suspicious

The infamous “you’re different.” On paper it sounds sweet like he sees something in you he hasn’t seen in anyone else. But in reality? It’s the all-purpose Hallmark line guys whip out when they want to keep you hooked without actually committing. Translation: “You’re different, but not enough for me to actually change my behavior.”

Here’s the catch: sometimes “different” is genuine admiration, but more often, it’s vague filler. Because if you’re truly special to him, he won’t just say it, he’ll show it. He’ll back it up with action, consistency, and effort. Words are cheap, babe. Especially ones that sound like they came off a Pinterest board for men who peaked in 2016.

So should you run? Not yet. But you should watch what comes after. If “different” is followed by dates, energy, and effort — great. If it’s followed by mixed signals and bare minimum behavior? Then congratulations, you’re just his latest “special girl” placeholder until the next one.

Final Thought: “Different” isn’t the compliment, the follow-through is. Don’t fall for the label if he won’t prove the meaning.

Disclaimer: Menace Mail is written with equal parts sarcasm, savage honesty, and a little too much iced coffee. These answers are not licensed therapy (shocking, I know), just unfiltered perspective. If it stings, maybe that’s the point. It is pure satire and for entertainment purposes only. The scenarios, “advice,” and commentary are exaggerated, over-the-top, and not meant to be taken literally. If you’re here for actual relationship guidance, you’re in the wrong inbox and on the wrong blog.