A spoofed number only works going out, but if you respond, it would go to the real person instead (the same if you call the spoofed number back, you’d get the real person and not the spammer). Since this bot is responding to their replies, it can’t be a spoofed number.

This looks like a difference of focal length from the camera being used. A wider angle for the images on the left than the right. See this article for examples of the difference.

The front vs back cameras on an iPhone have different focal lengths, which can explain a difference while still using the same phone.

To me, it looks like it’s using perspective. The skull is a normal sized one, but closer to the camera than the guy is. It’s the same trick that Peter Jackson used to shoot Lord of the Rings for all of the size differences between people.

What was the common thread from when you met the person? How did you hit it off with them?

If you met at a bar, text them later asking if they’ve been to a certain brewery that just opened up (although this could sound like a soft invite to go there, so be prepared for that). If you connected about movies, tv shows, or music, ask them if they saw that new movie (show, album) that’s related to whatever you talked about (same director, sense of humor, style of movie, etc). Basically, just continue the conversation with them. Talk about related things and start to branch out, maybe you’ll find other common interests and things to talk about. You can send an article that you think they’d be interested in. Or a meme about their job.

But make sure that the conversation isn’t one sided. If you’re always the one starting the conversation or carrying it, maybe back off some. They should be just as engaged as you are.