UNITED KINGDOM / AGILITYPR.NEWS / October 28, 2026 / Psychosexual and relationship therapist Rea Shahroudi explains how to take dating slowly without leaving the other person guessing about where they stand.

For two people getting to know each other, agreeing to “see where things go” can mean enjoying a new connection without pressure. But if one person assumes exclusivity and the other continues dating others, the same words can conceal very different expectations, says Rea Shahroudi, a London psychosexual and relationship therapist and the co-founder of sex and relationship therapy platform, Intima Therapy.

Wildflowering is a new name for a more casual approach to dating that lets romantic connections develop without immediately imposing labels or following traditional timelines. Rea supports giving relationships room to grow but says it’s still important to be clear about intentions, boundaries and expectations from the start.

“Labels bring pressure,” she says. “If you know you are interviewing for a life partner, that pressure sits on the connection and on both of you.”

A recent report published by Feeld and Dr Justin Lehmiller offers more context. It found that 58% of its surveyed participants identified authenticity and clear intentions as the biggest missing piece in modern dating. The findings came from a combined UK and US sample, including Feeld members.

“The most important agreements are not about what you call each other. They are about what each person is looking for,” says Rea. She recommends the following five conversations for anyone agreeing to ‘see where things go’.

1. What are you looking for?

When you meet someone new, expectations may well be different. Agreeing to start slowly doesn’t mean that the other person isn’t looking for a commitment.

2. Are you seeing other people?

Even if there’s no label on the connection, each party could assume something different about exclusivity. Be clear about whether you plan to see other people or if you’d prefer to be exclusive.

3. What pace feels comfortable?

People attach different meanings to physical affection. Taking things slowly could be mistaken for disinterest by one person, while the other may be uncomfortable with physical intimacy at the start of a new relationship.

4. How much contact and time together do you want?

Different needs for independence and closeness can create conflict if they aren’t expressed upfront. Agree how often you’d like to see each other, what level of communication feels comfortable, and how much space you require when you aren’t together.

5. What needs discussing before sex?

Before becoming sexually involved, discuss consent, boundaries, STI testing and protection, and contraception where relevant. If either person has other sexual partners, consider what information should be shared.

For Rea, flexibility and responsibility can exist together. The aim is to give both people enough information to decide whether the connection works for them.

“Knowing yourself, connecting with your feelings and communicating well are big factors in a successful dating journey,” she says.

For more information, visit intimatherapy.co.uk.