I have been OLD for some time, looking for a serious relationship, family etc.
I've met 2 blokes recently, first one had 2 dates with, very nice but not really for me.
Second, there's a mutual interest there and he's asked me to be exclusive after 3 dates in quite quick succession.
I'm happy to let the first know I don't want to continue, but I think he's quite keen and he's on holiday for a week. He won't be heartbroken or anything as its only been a couple of dates but I'd be quite deflated of someone I liked knocked me back in the middle of my holiday. Seeing as we don't text constantly, and he hasn't asked me out on another date yet (he has said he would like to see me when he gets back), would it be ok to let him down when he gets back and only reply politely to his 'hi, how are you? texts in the meantime rather than now? We don't really flirt or even chat much over messages or anything as he's quite shy. Alternatively, do I need to do it now or stop replying to chat? Both men are nice, I want to do right by both of them.