I’m bi-curious and this experience challenged a lot of assumptions I had

So I'm 31 and have always considered myself mostly straight, although I've had some bisexual experiences throughout my life. For the last few years I've been going through a lot between cancer treatment, recovery, a complicated long-term relationship ending, and honestly just trying to figure out who I am again. Recently I met a 19yo guy who lives basically down the street from me. We ended up talking online for about an hour before he came over. What surprised me wasn't the physical part nearly as much as how natural everything felt. I've always struggled with kissing guys because it felt performative, like I was doing something I was supposed to do rather than something I genuinely wanted. This was the first time it felt completely natural and I actually enjoyed it.

The other thing that surprised me was how masculine I felt. For years I've explored some more submissive and feminine outlets for my sexuality. Nothing wrong with that, but lately it had become almost my default. After spending time with this guy, I actually felt more connected to my masculine side than I have in a long time. Not because I was trying to prove anything, but because I felt confident, comfortable, and like myself.
He was incredibly complimentary, calling me cute, chill, sexy, etc., and I realized how much I needed to hear that after everything I've been through. We ended up talking a lot, laughing, and just enjoying each other's company. Even afterward we've continued talking on Snapchat. The weird part is that I walked away feeling less interested in some of the fantasy-based sexual outlets I've been using and more interested in actual connection. I don't know if that feeling will last, but it was eye-opening.

I guess my question is: has anyone else had an experience where one person unexpectedly made you feel more like yourself than you had in years? Not necessarily changing your sexuality, but changing how you viewed yourself? If I’m honest though, I feel like he kinda is making me reconsider the expectations I’ve set for myself when it comes to men and that going into something not expecting anything is how you end up being the most real.