I (42F) met an amazing person (41NB) on Hinge and we really hit it off at our first date. We decided on friends with benefits with an emphasis on friends. They started messaging me daily good mornings and we would message throughout the day a few days a week. Our second date got delayed due to weather but when we did get together it was really awesome and we were super into each other.

Our third date we got a little confused about what we both wanted, but we checked in and worked out we did want to be intimate on our third date and we both wanted something long term.

Our third date was delayed due to illness on their part and it took a couple more weeks before we could see each other. I thought it was a great date and really enjoyed my time with them but their communication changed after that.

They stopped messaging throughout the day and I would only get one or two a day. They also stopped flirting and we basically connected about nerd hobbies we shared and checking in with each other.

Now it’s been 2 weeks since our last date and they haven’t messaged in 5 days. I’ve been matching their energy and cut back to messaging once a day and was giving them space and also haven’t messaged in 5 days. Since I had been initiating most messages at this point I was also hoping to see an effort on their part.

I’m very new to dating and FWBs. I’m wondering if it’s appropriate to reach out and ask if they’re still interested in being friends? Or if things have changed for them? Or should I just leave it and accept things have changed?

If they’re not interested anymore it would be nice to have closure, but I know that’s not always possible. And they haven’t said anything is wrong but it’s clear their communication has changed. I’m just very confused.