55M- It’s been so long, I didn’t even notice.

As a full time single dad, like most single parents I have spent the last four years of mostly just work and home. Needless to say time around a woman has been nonexistent. After years of attempting to date and getting burned out with the nonsense games, fakes, or just engaging with others really not seeking an irl friendship or dynamic. I simply put finding a partner in the bag of pipe dreams and just let it go. Yet the other day , while taking my child out for dinner, I had this random conversation with a lady who was also waiting to be seated. It was a friendly conversation, that I didn’t really pay any attention to, beyond small talk. However when I spoke of it to my work friend, I was told , I completely missed all the signs, as this lady and I spoke , she would continuously grab my arm soft and gentle as if she was feeling how strong my arms where, her constant smile from ear to ear, or repeatedly making comments as to where she would be located on certain days of the week , like a restaurant, coffee shop, etc. repeated comments on how she’s single etc. How after we were seated for dinner across the room from each other , her constant stare my way as her friends were trying to talk to her over dinner etc. I never really paid it attention at the time as I’ve just been so use to the constant rejection us single dads receive or the lack of interest of woman wanting a full time single dad for dating. I just didn’t think anything about it . Yet my guy friend at work told me her actions were all signs she was interested in me. But I just didn’t feel it, or maybe I just didn’t believe it anymore in love, romance and fairy tails. So now he has me constantly wondering , did I miss the so called One? I don’t have any female friends so don’t have any other perspective than his. It’s so frustrating trying to make a connection , I wonder if it will take a cave man approach of being bonked on the head and dragged off to get my attention or to feel like your actually wanted. Can you really become so distant with emotions you just don’t feel anymore?