Try and avoid having the conversation in a place that is very intimate, like your home or your favorite romantic spot. Choosing a place that is comfortable but not too intimate can help the conversation feel less awkward.

You could tell a partner who seems unhappy about your decision, “I really like you, but we’re moving too fast for me. " Say, “Doing things like the things you’re pressuring me to do is a big commitment for me, so I need more time. ” Take the time to really understand how you feel before the conversation. That way, you’ll be able to communicate your feelings transparently, but also very gently. [2] X Expert Source Erika KaplanMatchmaker Expert Interview. 1 October 2020.

If your partner says things like, “If you really care about me, you’d have sex with me,” you could respond with, “I do care about you. That’s why I don’t want either of us to get hurt by rushing things,” or “If you love and care about me, I need for you to show me that you do by being understanding and respectful of my feelings. ” An empathetic partner might say, “I really messed up by trying to move things along faster than you are comfortable with. ” You could offer a response such as, “I know that you care for me and naturally want to be intimate to express how you feel. I want the same thing. I just need more time. ”

If your partner tries to pressure you into continuing to be physically intimate because of his or her needs, remember the importance of not to putting someone else’s needs over your own. Doing so only benefits your partner and not you. [3] X Research source

For example, perhaps you’ve now decided that you want to hold off on having sex until you are engaged. You could say, “I’ve done some thinking about our relationship, and even though I’ve enjoyed having sex with you, I recognize that it no longer feels like the right thing for me to do until we’re in a more serious relationship. ”

Are you comfortable with just kissing and hugging, or are you willing to engage in even more intimate behavior without going all the way? Communicate this openly with your partner. For example, you might say, “I really enjoy cuddling with you when we are on the couch. I want us to continue doing that. ”

Let your partner know how important it is for the two of you to share your innermost thoughts and feelings. Tell him or her how often you would like to enjoy various dating experiences together like bike riding, going to the movies, etc. Assure your partner that you enjoy when the two of you discuss your ideas and values about life and other topics of interest.

Ask your partner, “Are we just friends, or are we something more? Are we dating exclusively, or are we free to see others? How committed are we to each other?”[6] X Research source

If this happens, tell your partner, “I know my decision to slow things down has been hard for you. I was hoping that you would give me the time that I needed, but unfortunately you can’t. I think it’s best that we end things. ”

For example, your partner might say, “My last boyfriend was such a downer. We could never have an enjoyable outing. I’m so glad you’re not like them. ”

Be aware that you will likely suffer emotional abuse from an entitled individual because they view their needs and desires to be more important than yours.

For example, to show their superiority over a coworker, they might say, “He doesn’t deserve that promotion. He only attended some little university that know one ever even heard of. I graduated from an ivy league college, for goodness sakes. ”

When you are on a date, avoid drinking to the point of intoxication or being under the influence of drugs. It is best to never leave your drinks unattended to prevent your drink from being spiked with roofies, commonly referred to as date rape drugs. Trust your instincts. Your instincts are there to protect you, so don’t ignore them. If you are uncomfortable about the place your partner is taking you or the way your partner is acting or behaving, get out of the situation. If you are in a secluded area, try and move to a place with other people, or call someone who can come and pick you up.