The End of Something Beautiful

I started my first job at the local bookstore a few months ago, right around the same time I met Sarah. We both had our hearts broken and were looking for a fresh start in life. She was always there when I needed someone to talk to after long days at work, and we quickly became close friends. I began to see Sarah not just as a friend but as something more. The way she would laugh with me and look into my eyes made it clear that she felt the same way. We started going out on dates, picking up where our broken relationships left off, hoping this time we wouldn’t break apart like before. One evening after work, Sarah asked if I wanted to come over and watch a movie. It seemed innocent enough at first, but as the night wore on, things became more intense. We both knew what was going to happen next; we were tired of waiting and yearning for each other’s company in ways that went beyond friendship. After that night, everything changed. The relationship became physical, with Sarah often staying over after work. We tried to be careful and respectful, understanding the importance of consent every step of the way despite how much we wanted each other. I felt a deep connection with her, but also realized there were still some unresolved issues from my previous relationship that I hadn’t fully addressed. Last week, Sarah suddenly told me she needed space and didn’t want to see me for a while. It hurt, but after reflecting on everything we’ve been through, I can understand where she’s coming from. We both need time to heal and figure out what we really want moving forward. So here’s my question: Is it normal for new relationships to be such a whirlwind of emotions? Should I have seen this coming all along or did I just fall too hard too fast again? What advice would you give me about how to handle the aftermath and still maintain respect and care for someone who once meant so much to me?