Backstory - I'm in my 20s, am childless and I've been single for nearly 3 years after a very serious relationship broke down after abuse. I've only just felt confident enough to start dating again within the last 6 months, but I feel completely out of the loop, and am full of self doubt that I'm still working to get a handle on. Overall, I'm getting better slowly, and very pleased with myself, my progress and the person that I've become!
I started a Masters degree in September, and at the beginning of October another (older) student asked me out on a date. I was nervous, but had nothing to lose. He was, and is, really nice! I was very pleased with myself and thought things were going well.
We've 'dated' at least once a week since October 1st. Always 'proper' dates, never late-night booty calls. Dinner, ice skating, the cinema - it has been the most traditional string of dates that I've ever experienced. After about 5 dates we slept together, and have been sleeping together about every 10 days since. So far so good - bug change from my last relationship where respect for me didn't ever factor into the situation.
But it still feels very much like its casual. It has not yet transitioned into the 'boyfriend and girlfriend' stage - and that is fine. There is not a lot of talking unless to arrange the next date, but that has suited me. I need to go really slowly with all of this, for my own sanity. Changes in my routine upset me and I've got so used to being on my own!
Because we are students, term finished last week and he has gone to work abroad over Christmas. Fine. But I wanted to have 'the conversation' about what was going on before he left. So we did. We agreed that things are going well as they are, but we are both still free to see other people at the minute. Great - exactly how I feel too.
Only now I'm doubting everything. Does he even like me? I haven't heard from him for about a week - is this odd? Saying that I've not contacted either - I decided to give him some space (and have actually been having a really good time with my friends in the meantime!).
He's back in the middle of January, at which point I'll know if he is still interested or not. But in the meantime what would you do? Continue to give him his space, or get in touch? I petrified of smothering him!
Any tips generally for the dating game would be useful too. I've no idea what I'm doing.