Glad you enjoyed!

Karen, all good questions, and in general, I agree with Brian’s responses. There is no need to share that you’re dating others (it’s generally assumed anyway) unless someone explicitly asks. As for knowing if there’s a connection, it varies. Some people feel it immediately, some don’t. If you’re not sure after a first date, then it’s definitely worth going on a second date “just to see.” It’s never leading someone on to meet again to see if there’s a connection. (That’s a question I often get.)

I would not have someone pick you up for a first date. Meet in a public place, then use your best judgment if he offers you a ride home. Just trust your gut either way. I assume people are good unless proven otherwise.

Be especially cautious if you decide to go home with someone you’ve just met. Once a couple years ago I almost went home with a young woman who seemed a little strange. I never heard from her again. I’m glad I didn’t go to her place because I might have been walking into a trap. The fact that she ghosted on me after trying to get me back to her place is suspicious.

I don’t see why you have to tell a man that you are also dating other men. I take for granted that a woman I date may be doing that. It’s no big deal. If he asks I would answer honestly, but he probably won’t, and if he doesn’t don’t worry about it. On the one hand I’m curious about how many dates is the average to tell if you have a “connection”, but on the other hand I don’t think a number is that important. It’s going to depend on the specific person. After you’ve met three times though, if you’re still not sure I think you should ask yourself why you’re still not sure. Whether he should pick you up or not is again going to depend on the individual. I don’t think you should have someone pick you up for a first meeting IRL. You should travel separately and meet in a safe public place during the day, for safety and so you can easily bail if need be. After that, do what seems right in that particular situation. There are always some risks when meeting new people. Try to keep an eye out for anything sketchy without being paranoid. Bear in mind that if you have someone pick you up they now know where you live. Are you comfortable with this person knowing that or not? You don’t have to have him pick you up at home and you don’t have to avoid it either. Use your best judgment.