We met on a dating app and have had five dates so far. I like many of his qualities for example he’s been respectful and chivalrous: didn’t try anything physical on our first date, hasn’t been pushing for sex, only kissed on our previous dates, listened to my boundary of less tongue after inserting it immediately our first kiss, told me “you’re so beautiful”, paid for our recent dinner after we split the previous one, we’ve had great chemistry/banter, opens doors and pours water, asked me my favorite flower, already initiating dates for weeks from now. Conversation flows and I'm attracted to him, both physically and otherwise, but I'm conflicted about the physical intimacy recently escalating past our emotional/mental connection.

We went to his place for the first time on our fifth date and I suggested we cuddle which turned into more. He wanted to finger and go down on me at the same time right off the bat, whereas I’m more used to fingering on its own first to let things unfold gradually. He said it's been a few years since his most recent relationship (LTR), so we agreed we’re both learning about each other. We continued kissing and all, but he repeatedly said he wants to be inside of me (not in a pressuring way, but I don't know what to say to that) after I already explained I prefer easing into physical intimacy slowly and am more traditional.

After a while, I asked if he could say something dirty but was shocked when he said “you’re a little slut aren’t you” when trying to dirty talk. He didn't apologize but admitted he's not good at it. I don't like the word 'slut', but I didn’t want to make things more awkward after we just had a discussion about my preferences for going slow with fingering first before more happens. He said he will do so when the moment comes up again, which I thought meant another day, but he soon initiated fingering and our chemistry is so strong I let him go down on me right after that. He also started asking me sex-related questions like how kinky I am, what's a no-go in the bedroom, and said he used to have a sex swing.

He also promised to share all of the photos of us from his phone but only sent one at first until I followed up and has complained about or judged each of my date ideas in some way or another - the food, declined my venue idea (my favorite spot) since he's been there a few times already, and an accessory I just excitedly bought. I noticed he didn't ask about my parents whereas I was trying to get to know him on a deeper level during our date, but we did touch on it during our first date (surface level though).

Please help me out, everyone. I would really appreciate any help or advice! Are there any red flags or is he just a more sexual guy who’s genuinely attracted to me with good intentions? Does he seem to be in it for casual or short-term versus a long-term relationship? Am I overthinking any of this? Instead of asking to take a break, should I scale back and explain to him I'm busy (which I am) on our next date, or wait until he asks me to come over again before opening that topic? Should I bring up the 'slut' term in person on our next date or wait until we’re intimate like that again and first see if he says it again before speaking up?

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[–] 6 points 22 hours ago* (4 children)

I would never date the way you describe, so I will refrain from passing judgement if any wrongs are being done.

However, it sounds like you have multiple reservations and preferences, especially around physical intimacy, that aren't being communicated until they are crossed or become an issue for you. It's impossible to say from your description if he's particularly insensitive to your communication, but strengthening your communication skills will help you avoid these situations regardless of the recipient.

Perhaps you would appreciate practicing being more active in asking and steering your interactions, perhaps better checking in with yourself about when and where your boundaries lay, sometimes it's about speaking up or getting confirmation that you're heard, or simply treasuring yourself. With a broad array of tools, you will be able to navigate more situations and people. With skill and practice, you shouldn't have to ever have your boundaries accidentally crossed, and also more easily handle situations where they might be disrespectfully challenged.

I would perhaps also recommend looking into ND friendly dating/relationship strategies. Regardless if you're ND or not yourself, the tools and strategies support people in conveying boundaries, managing expectations and being clear in communication — before incidents happen.

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  • [–] 2 points 20 hours ago (3 children)

    What is ND in this context? I tried a quick web search and only got daying sites for North Dakota.

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