I (24f) went out 2x with a guy (23m) last week and it was such a fun time. We met on tinder 4 days before meeting up irl. Our messages were consistent and full of banter and messages that were sincere and communicative where we were learning so much about each other. We both were looking for something long term and not casual btw.
Following the 2nd date, the vibes over text have been so different. Messages are as consistent as before and banter has slowed down a lot. While at 1st I thought it might've been because he wasn't interested anymore, he still replies to me and sparks new conversation topics very very often (more often that anyone does tbh – like a number of times per hour). Plus surely if he wasn't interested anymore he would just ghost me or block me. He still sends me selfies and pics of his dog when I request. I've been asking when or if there'll be a 3rd date and he keeps replying "soon", whereas before on our 1st date he said a clear time and place because he was so eager.
We were talking just now about how tired and exhausted he's been lately and when we discussed reasons why this may be happening and he said it may be because his depression is coming back. The exhaustion/depression may be the reason why he hasn't been so motivated to meet me, right?
I'm not entirely sure what to do here. I really do like him and would like to see where things go, but it feels wrong for me to stop being interested in him bevause of mental health issues he's going through, especially if he doesn't exactly say anything about it impacting his dating life. He keeps ignoring my messages about going out by changing the topic completely. Always "soon".
I've never dated anyone who had depression come back this quickly – can anyone comment or educate on this and what I can do to seem more understanding? Should I keep trying to pursue him?
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thank you