AITAH for not connecting with an interested woman after complimenting her?

Disclaimer 1: I come from a truly strange background, and I’m at a loss when dealing with this basic social situation. This question is not meant to replace the work of a therapist or social worker, which I already have in abundance.

Disclaimer 2 (my background): I come from a powerful family. This is the type of family that law enforcement fear intervening with. In such families, descendants are often given freedom to explore eccentric lives. My mother raised her kids in extreme isolation from the world, and when I left that abusive situation, I was the awkward hot guy at every job. I’m not trying to be prick. People used to tell me I resemble “a better-looking Ryan Reynolds”. Eventually, when I failed to properly adjust, I became a prostitute. I joined the military. I sued everyone and everyone who had a hand in my upbringing, and now I’m loaded… but unsocialized. I’m trying to live a normal life, and today… I feel like an asshole.

I went to get a burger today. All winter, I’ve been going to the same McDonalds, and I sometimes see this woman who’s maybe 25 years old. I can’t tell. She has a younger look about her (not teenage, but certainly co-ed). She’s light-skinned Hispanic, and very pretty in a button-nosed sort of way. Great figure. Nice smile. I tend to not interact with anyone due to my extremely malformed social skills, but when my McDonalds app failed to work a few weeks ago I resorted to ordering at the counter. She was there.

I complimented her on her buttons (of which there are many). It was meant to be an attempt at filling the silence. She perked to the compliment like she’d been tased, and I could tell after I said it that she was feelin it.

fuck

This week, I went back for my usual red meat meal and ordered through the app. I waited until my order was up next, and then went to a spot where I normally pick up my bag. The weather is warming up where I live, so I’m not smothered in jackets and a hoodie and scarf. No, I have animal prints and earrings and a slick head scarf. Don’t blame me for not wanting to look like a good ole boy, please. I was a legit dick slinger for a bit, and I’m not afraid to wear comfy, loud clothing.

That being said, I was listening to an audiobook about medieval British history, not in the mood to talk to anyone. The manager on duty was an older woman (she eyed me suspiciously). The person preparing my order was a spunky lesbian-adjacent lady. She gave me a bright and inquisitive smile (all my work buddies have always been lesbians; we have a similar vibe). Then, when my bag came out for pickup, the 25 year old light-Hispanic woman walked out. She walked around the front doing jack shit, wandering like, “I’m here if you want to talk to me.” It was obvious as a neon sign.

I am not relationship material. I’m also not trying to ruin my junk food spot. When I turned away from the counter with a wave, I could tell this woman was disappointed.

fuck

She deflated just enough for me to feel like a garbage human being. I’m not trying to lead anyone on, especially a sweet young lady (who’s ten to fifteen years younger than me). FUCK… what do I do about this? Should I make a point of being more friendly to her next time? Am I the asshole for complimenting her when I had no intention of pursuing her? I’m genuinely curious what you guys think.

Thank you for your time.