Hi there! Long time lurker, first time poster. I just got out of a situation that is really throwing me through the ringer! I didn’t date much in my twenties, but have been putting more of an effort in my thirties so forgive me for not knowing all of the “dating rules.” I recently started seeing this great guy that was basically everything I wanted on paper. Cute, good job, sexually compatible, and very kind. However, I just didn’t feel a spark. I thought to myself that maybe it would develop more over time, but it never came. One month into us dating (literally one month to the day of us matching) he asks me to meet his friends at a party. I say yes and mention him meeting my friends. That night I started thinking about it and realized at that point that the spark wasn’t coming and if I met up with his friends then I’d definitely be leading him on. When I woke up the next morning I decided that I needed to let this guy know it wasn’t going to go any further. I knew he was into me and was gonna be super hurt so I tried to be as gentle as possible. He did not like this at all! Long story short, he rips me a new one and not in a good way. Multiple texts saying that I led him on and he will have trust issues moving forward because of me. I keep replaying the last month in my head and I knew he was really into me but I don’t quite feel I was matching his energy. I never promised any sort of relationship. If he complimented me then I’d return the favor. Isn’t that what dating is? Spending time with someone to see if it leads somewhere and if it doesn’t then going out separate ways? So I ask you gay bros, am I the asshole?

EDIT: Thank you all for the reassurance and advice! Lessons were definitely learned from the situation!