i might have messed up... i had a date with someone from hinge and totally spiraled about how terrified i am of failing my vocational training finals. i felt so safe in the moment, but now they're texting stuff like "maybe it's a sign, that path is kind of a dead end anyway lol". it stung so badly. did i ruin this by being too needy, or was that just really mean?

You didn't ruin anything—they just disqualified themselves. Opening up about stress is normal human behavior, and their snide comment wasn't harmless banter; it was a cheap shot at your vulnerability and hard work. When people don't know how to handle someone else's raw feelings, they often deflect with cynicism or try to feel superior. Belittling your apprenticeship says a lot about their lack of empathy and zero about your future. A vocational qualification is solid, valuable work, and being anxious before major exams is completely justified. Don't apologize for having nerves. Send a brief, calm text like: "I shared something real with you, and turning it into a punchline isn't cool. Best of luck, but I'm going to pass on seeing you again." Then delete the chat. Your focus belongs on your study material right now, not on auditioning for someone who kicks you when your guard is down.