Help! Got myself into an awkward situation

[Awkward86]

I've been texting someone online, all quite flirty but due to things going on at the moment have agreed im not ready to meet, all was fine until I sent this text

"Off to Spain tomorrow! Care to join me? 😉". Which in hindsight, I should have realised was too much like an actual real invitation. Anyway he said he'd love to and where am I going! He's a teacher so on holiday which I also should have taken into account.

The long and short of it is I'm going with a girlfriend and meant it more along the lines of "can I pack you in my bag", cue much hilarity.

Lame I know.

But now I feel totally awkward and don't know what to text back without looking like a fool. So far I've just said "Wow! I wasn't expecting that!"...which I need to follow up on and I'm totally unsure what to say. Help!

[lampshady]

Just say "ha ha" or something equally bland. Or you'll be so wrecked on sangria you wouldn't recognise him. He's probably carrying in the joke then making conversation in asking where you're going.

[Awkward86]

Ah, could be. In which case I've made it more awkward by taking him seriously.

[category12]

He is joking. You're going tomorrow, there's no way he is seriously thinking of joining you.

[category12]

Just add "I'll have to check my luggage allowance, do you think you'll fit in my suitcase?"

[HandyWoman]

how do you know his message wasn't meant in jest? this is the bolloxy thing about texting, ambiguity is the way of it. If he was seriously considering joining you and you haven't even met - well you now know to never meet him hahaha!!

How about 'just to be clear, I didn't meant it seriously, it's a girly trip, maybe another time'

Surely it's easily rectified?

[Awkward86]

I would have thought that but he seems quite spontaneous and has been on a couple of short trips since I've been chatting to him. On balance I think he probably is serious. Anyway I've told him where I'm going but not suggested booking tickets or indeed not doing so!

[MatildaTheCat]

How about, 'Sadly I don't think Sally/friend would be too thrilled'

Then suggest actually meeting him on your return?

[HandyWoman]

That's fine! I'm sure he'll work it out!

[Awkward86]

His exact words were "hello you! I'd love that! Whereabouts?"

[meowli]

Just be matter of fact and say " going for a girly holiday with friend to xxxx! Will be in touch when I get back."

[Awkward86]

He's gone a bit quiet, I'm worried this means he's looking at tickets

[Awkward86]

Ok... I've awkwardly clarified that I'm going with a friend so she might be a bit surprised..!

[Hissy]

Calm down!

None of this is real, so don't let this get to your head. You have not met him and don't want to.

If you're not ready to meet guys, then truly you shouldn't be flirting. It's at best a waste of time, worst it tricks you into emotional investment where there are no foundations.

Tbh, you should meet a few people you're not that fussed about, just so you learn that it's all ok and meeting a man doesn't mean you'll be sold into Slavery or trapped.

[Awkward86]

Thank you...I do into panic mode a bit. He was joking, anyway. Crisis averted .

I probably shouldn't text him anymore. I'll give it a few weeks and see how I feel.