IC is a good idea if you can. I find mine helps me figure out What is going on in my head. I know one if the reasons some people avoid it is because they are afraid what it might uncover (to be honest I didn't like the idea and stigma) but it has helped.
As for the NVC stuff I find it interesting and I can spot jackal sometimes but need to get better at stopping myself speaking it and doing more giraffe listening.
As for cute dude, I'd say if your spider sense is tingling then listen to that, we evolved that kind if intuition for a reason.
Both mid 30s, 2 young kids BD 7sep14 XW moved on long ago, now living with OM1 D paperwork in progress