I changed all the rules = a big honking mess of a relationship
When my spouse first asked me on a date 32 years ago, I was in awe. I could not believe he wanted to take me out. He was tall, blue eyed, and handsome. I was shy, awkward, and disliked myself intensely. Our first date was to an expensive dinner theatre. On the way, he talked about his life. He was engaged to someone else - but not FORMALLY, as in 'no ring yet' - and he wanted to make some new friends (That was me - the new friend.)
He said - she said. To this day he insists he never said the word engaged.