Red flags hoisted high; head for hills

Dear Amy: I recently started dating again after 10 years. I met this guy five years ago on an online video game. He has suddenly gotten in touch with me after five years, and has confessed that he’s been in love with methe whole time.

I was shocked. We have started Skyping and have become very close over the last month. Things got serious very fast, and I feel I have fallen for him. He said he’d move to Canada to be with me.

He sent me a text of a painting he had done for me, itwas beautiful.

I don’t know why I did this, but IGoogledthe image, and came up with another artist’s Facebook page. The painting was listed as hers. WhenI askedhimabout this, he said shewas an old school friend of his, and he didn’t knowwhyshewouldpost his painting on her site. She’s got many paintings similar to this style, so it’s obviously hers. I messaged her, and she said she had no idea who he was. Is this a big enough red flag toworry over?

Is he spinning tall tales? Do you have any advice? — Worried

DearWorried: Red flags include: This man’s sudden appearance in your life, after five years; claiming to love you when you don’t really know one another. Offering to move to your country when you haven’t met in person. Having the gall to steal an artist’swork that is not his own and the hubris to double down by lying when you confronted him.

It is very easy to be taken in and to actually fall for someone who is persistent and compelling.

Please reconsider having any further contact with him.

The good news is that you can fall for someone. If you are open toward other relationships and continue to be smart and careful, you will feel this way again.