I’m in the early dating stages with a man in his late 30s (I’m in my late 20s). On our third date, he asked whether I was seeing anyone else.
He knew I had gone on another date recently. When I said I’d be open to closing that door if things were heading somewhere with him, he told me I didn’t need to do that yet. He said he understood my age and didn’t want me to limit myself, but added that he’d appreciate exclusivity if things developed further.
I felt unsettled by this. On one hand, it sounds considerate. On the other, it feels like he wants the benefits of interest without taking responsibility for direction yet.
How would you interpret this? Is this a reasonable early‑dating stance, or a sign of someone keeping options open?