I’m a 28-year-old Boston native who recently moved to a new city for a new job and was extremely excited about the idea of starting fresh – especially when it came to dating. I met a guy through Tinder who recently moved to the area, and we hit it off instantly. We saw each other twice a week and we laughed hysterically, talked endlessly, and planned fun dates. He gave me butterflies, which I haven’t felt in a long time. We never slept together – he wanted to, as did I – but for some reason I wanted to wait.

He kept telling me he really liked me, and I figured if he liked me enough, he would wait. Was that my first mistake? A few weeks in, he was away for the weekend and took an entire 24 hours to respond to my text. Rude, but fine. Fast forward two weeks and it happened again, but now 48 hours. I bit my tongue to avoid looking crazy. Was that my second mistake? Fast forward two more weeks and we were texting about the holidays and he flat-out hasn’t responded since. Just like that he disappeared, even though the night prior we were cuddling in his bed, planning a weekend away.

I haven’t reached out since. Was that my third mistake?! Now, I can read the signs. He’s not that interested. But, as the technology and sex-driven generation that we are, what’s acceptable anymore? Is it socially acceptable to hold off on giving up the goods in hopes of finding a true, meaningful relationship? Are we obligated to talk daily if we are just dating? If a poor pattern persists, is it acceptable to call them out on it with the possibility of being called crazy? Last but not least, when am I allowed to disconnect with the sucker (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, my phone book) to avoid looking desperate?

– Reading the signs