Why Does She Freeze Up On First Dates?

We discuss this letter more in this week’s Patreon podcast.

I'm a 41 yo divorced woman who has been in the dating game about 2 years. In that time period I have met maybe 4-5 people that I felt an intense, overwhelming attraction to - as Sarah recently said in an episode - a romance level set fire to your loins type of feeling. My question is this - when I feel like that about someone, the dopamine/chemistry makes my brain go all stupid like a teenager. I'm naturally very introverted and avoidant and I feel like the worst parts of my personality come out. I shut down, barely talk and end up acting like some kind of love sick teen sex zombie. I feel like my decision making processes are also fried. I know with time I'll get over that with someone but so far I haven't made it that far. Is there a way to fight this chemistry rush with this level of attraction to someone?