I think it's time to stop seeing my fwb

[Anonymous]

There's a guy I really like, and for awhile we were getting kind of close. He said he was scared of getting too attached. His ex-fiancee cheated on him and I don't think he ever really got over that.

Before anything started up with us I was seeing my friends with benefits about weekly and we get along great and have a lot of fun. But I'm starting to feel like I really like this one guy, and even if I'm not sure what's going on now, I think maybe it's time to end seeing other people if I'm going to be serious about pursuing a relationship with him. I don't want him to find out I'm seeing someone while telling him I like him, not just because of how much that would hurt him, but because it doesn't really feel right to want a relationship that much and be with someone else at the same time.

Is it normal to feel like that when you're not even dating someone yet? How do you tactfully cut off a sex-only relationship?

[TheKraken]

It's completely rational to feel like that when you're not dating the person yet. How would you ever be able to make an argument that you had a legit attraction to them if they found out while you were pursuing them, you were seeing someone else.

I'm not entirely sure how to cut off a FWB relationship, typically those are set up around a no-strings-attached standard. There shouldn't ever be an awkward break up type moment with your fwb.

[Asker]

I guess I just worry that it'll come off as "I don't want you" or something, but you are right. We're not committed so it shouldn't be an issue.

I keep getting told that if we're not exclusive, I shouldn't feel the need to act like he's the only one, but especially knowing how his ex made him feel, I find it really difficult to do something that could hurt him again, when I know he likes me.