Advice on dating after LTR

[Footballfan73]

So, separated a few months now after a very long relationship, kids etc... In reality the relationship was on the rocks over a year ago and we lived quite separate lives last year. Anyway, back dating and met up with someone a couple of times over the last week.

Had an amazing 2nd date, 3rd tomorrow and there is definitely a mutual connection. Both late 40s, both have kids but I do have a couple of questions:

Is it too soon to buy flowers (3rd date) - I would like to but worried that looks a bit keen. Also, without jumping the gun, when do people look to go exclusive? Looking around it seems a lot of advice is 3 months which for me is far too long? Assuming the 3rd and 4th date go well, I would like to think that is the time to not look at other dates?

Buying flowers on 3rd date, absolutely fine.
Wanting to go exclusive after 2 dates may be a little too soon, specially if you're only recently separated, but I guess if it's mutual and you're both being open and honest with each other, I guess that's the conversation you have with your date.
Out of interest, how did you meet?

I don’t think it’s too early to go exclusive. My partner and I made it clear at the start of our second date that we didn’t want to and wouldn’t see anyone else. I could not stay in limbo for 3 months

I guess it depends on your/their values. If it's important to you it's okay to say that.

First date promise here. I feel no benefit in talking to or dating anyone else while I have met someone I have an initial connection with. Seems fairer to put all your concentration into one person.

There are no objective rules or guidelines. Some people would be happy with having done all those things already. Some people would say wait a bit. Some would say wait a lot.

Dating isn't about 'getting it right', it's about finding out if you match. If you do something and they think it's too soon, then you have to work it out between you. That's what will decide whether you're right together; whether you match well in the way you do things (timing etc) and how you resolve things when you don't match.

Essentially, as with all things in life: Do what you want. People who are good for you will be happy to be around you. Stay away from people who aren't happy to be around you.