Taking it slow - what to expect

[TheFancyEagle]

After losing DW of 30 years to cancer 18 months ago and only DC going to Uni in September, I joined a dating app and, to my surprise, quickly matched with a lady who left a marriage of a similar length a few years ago and has been dating for 6 months or so.

After first matching 3 weeks ago, we have had a few dates and message each other a lot. We’ve both said that we feel a good positive connection and want to continue dating but take it slow. Whenever we discuss meeting up again, we’re both very enthusiastic to get something organised quickly. We met up twice over the weekend.

I’ve been wondering whether anyone else has any experience of ‘taking it slow’ - for example, being flirty is important to me but I don’t want to be disrespectful but also don’t want to leave it too long that we just become best friends. How do I recognise when to move to that stage without risking what we’ve developed? I appreciate it’s only been a few weeks.

Any advice from anyone with experience of this situation would be gratefully received.

I think that is going to be individual to each couple.

Some people have higher libidos than others at all stages of life, but I think the importance of sex in a relationship, in terms of what you prioritise in terms of other things you are looking for in a longer term partner, becomes less as you get older.

But you would surely judge with earlier stages of intimacy - do you kiss one another ? Hold hands ? Dance together ? Snuggle up on the sofa?

(You don't need to tell us the answer to any of these things, obviously, I'm just suggesting this is a stage by stage situation.

I think youre over thinking this. Just go on the first date and take it from there. One step at a time. You may not even like her in real life. Good luck x

After first matching 3 weeks ago, we have had a few dates and message each other a lot. We’ve both said that we feel a good positive connection and want to continue dating but take it slow. Whenever we discuss meeting up again, we’re both very enthusiastic to get something organised quickly. We met up twice over the weekend.

@TheMixedGirl - they've been on several dates