Dating in 2024

[HollyJenni]

So, I split with my partner of 11 years approx 2 months ago. I disconnected from the relationship probably years ago. Last year he messaged a family friend to arrange to do the deed.
i forgave and tried to move on but I have been so unhappy ever since.
anyway, Friday night I went out for a drink with my parents. Immediately when I walked in, I spotted this guy who I found really attractive.
he then moved and sat opposite me and when I went to the bar I tried to get some eye contact which I did.
when his friend went to the bathroom, I went and spoke to him and asked if his friend was single etc. turns out he was and he said he would go speak to him.
we ended up meeting outside and having a chat for 15 or so minutes, he asked if I wanted to go for a drink sometime and I said yes, we hugged and he kissed me on the cheek and we ended up having a little kiss.
we exchanged numbers etc.
he messaged me that night saying we should go for a drink.
yesterday he messaged asking when I’m free and I told him. He then messaged later saying he was super busy and would reply but didn’t.
he hasn’t messaged me today so I sent him one saying “hope your weekend has been ok, when are you free next” and he has left me on read
both of us have recently broken up with partners and moved back in to our old homes .
am I just overthinking?
Help!

He then messaged later saying he was super busy and would reply but didn’t.

This is the only relevant bit. If he says he's busy then he's not interested. Or he's playing the game of throwing you the crumbs of his oh so important life.

Yes, I think he's probably letting you down gently, sorry OP.

I just don’t understand why someone would do that? Why would you kiss someone? Take their number, say you want to go out for a drink, message them that night, message again ?
why wouldn’t you just say? Look I’ve slept on this and I don’t think it would work or whatever ?

Maybe he'd had a few drinks at the time but now in the cold light of day feels he's not ready. If he wants to continue he will, but don't wait around too long.

Since when is anyone as honest as that, male or female?

You're going to need to toughen up I'm afraid. No response after 1 day is nothing to be thinking too much about. Just give some time, you've provided the opening and now you wait.
If you get to 3 or 4 days with nothing then they aren't bothered and I'd cut contact (but do it however feels right for you - for me I like to close off with a message saying it was nice to meet but clearly I'm not something they are looking for so bye).
Sadly this ghosting behaviour can happen even when you've been on several dates, spent hours on phone calls and messaging and they've asked you to be their girlfriend (which I've found out recently).
Dating now is harsh and brutal and I'm not a fan.

Don’t chase him would be my number one rule. You know you are worth more op.

Yeah I did have a more recent experience too with someone I went to school with and he didn’t like the fact I asked a mutual friend about it and referred to me as a stalker !
dating in 2024 is a joke lol.

I know if only we were.

Worst thing was, he wasn’t drunk. He was driving his mates lol.

He may still get back to you but dont chase him any more. I also dont blame 2024, I blame getting older.

Don’t chase! Unless you want to approach him with a big sign on your forehead saying ‘take me I’m yours, your terms’.
Just walk.
you’re worth more of an effort then this, right?

Definitely do not chase!