I keep paying off the hands that are great and then turn into bluff-catchers. Did I play this wrong? I was hoping he had higher overpair or overcards...which I was trying to let him catch up since the flop was harmless. I have played with him before but don't think I have seen him play this way.

.10/.25 NL Poker.com

Hero Dealt 4-4 in SB

UTG+1 (Villain) raises to .75, Hero calls

*I called here because his stack was deeper, (25 dollars) and if I hit, I could stack him...am I wrong?

Flop: 3-4-6 rainbow
Hero checks, Villain bets 1, Hero calls
*This is where I put him on overpair/overcards so I was waiting to pop the turn

Turn: 5
Villain bets 2, Hero raises to 6, Villain all in for 18 total, Hero calls
*I didn't put him on any 7...only hand would be 7-8 or a-7 but just thought he wouldn't be able to get away from J-J or something like that.

He flips over 9s-7h for a straight...the river was a 2 which made a straight on the board but obviously he had the higher one. Did I play this wrong? usually people at this level are doing high pairs or face cards or any ace. I keep telling myself that when someone goes all in, if I don't have quite the nuts, maybe 2nd nuts, I shouldn't call. Happens every time. Opinions please? I was thinking bout raising the flop but I wanted him to catch up and I paid. Thanks