Kimberly Hill

How soon someone follows up says a lot about their dating style. Some people take time to process how they feel, others are more impulsive. But if you are left wondering for many days, it is a good indication they may have moved their interest elsewhere. That said, after a first date, no one really owes anyone anything — so if you don’t hear from them (or vice versa), it’s usually just a soft letdown. Silence is a message too, and it goes both ways.

There are great options for cheaper dates. It’ll depend on where you live, what your interests are, and of course, the time of the year too. One of the most common dates (other than dinner) will be getting coffee, which is fine, but it can be fun to do something along with the coffee to make the date more interesting! In general, daytime dates are often cheaper than doing things at nighttime. Breakfast is always a lot less expensive than getting food and booze at night, which tends to add up in the bill. I love going out for breakfast or brunch as a date idea. You can dress up and go out for tea at a tea house that doesn’t have a high price tag. You can go mini golfing, you can visit a farmers markets in town, you can see a movie and go to a dessert café together afterwards. You can have a picnic at a park or beach with a small charcuterie setup that won’t cost much. After a few dates, once you’ve gotten more comfortable with each other you can go on a walk or hike somewhere, too. All of these ideas don’t need to be expensive but can be very romantic and fun.

Even if a guy is not being super clear with verbal cues that he's into you outwardly, try to pay attention to other cues that he's into you. For example, you're saying he takes interest in the things that you say, which is a great sign. If he's spending time with you, he's communicating with you, he cares about your feelings, or he is thoughtful, those can all be real signs he's interested. Plus, if he's setting up times to hang out and you think it's just normal friend stuff, think critically about it – he might really be setting up dates! Guys put in more effort in planning things to do together for women they're interested in. If he's showing you all these signs of spending time together and being thoughtful and compassionate, then he probably likes you. Don't over complicate it. Time is an equal resource for all of us. Where we choose to spend it determines what our biggest priorities are. If he's not willing to spend time or go out with you, then he's not interested in you. It's simple. If they're not willing to spend the time or respond or be compassionate or interested or set up dates or show reciprocity, they're just not that interested.