Why he's texting slower and what to do about it

Texting constantly at the start is normal. That wears off. But there's a difference between going from five messages a day to two, and going from five messages a day to one every two days with longer gaps appearing. If he's going slower across the board but still reaching out and making plans, he's probably just settled into a normal rhythm. If he's replying slower, initiating less, and taking longer gaps, that's different. Watch whether he still suggests dates or calls. That tells you if he's just texting less or actually checking out.

Your reply needs to do two things. First, make it clear you're not sitting around refreshing. Text him back on your own schedule, not instantly. Second, give him something to actually respond to. Don't ask questions that need a yes or no. Say something that makes him want to engage because you're interesting, not because he feels obligated. You're also resetting what you accept. If you've been double-texting or waiting hours to reply to match his pace, stop. Reply when you want to, not when he does.

One slow reply doesn't mean anything. Three slow replies in a row means something. Give it a week of normal interaction to see if this is the new baseline or if he speeds up again. If he stays slow but keeps making plans and following through, you can work with that. If he's slow at texting and slow at making time to see you, that's your answer. After three days of no contact without an explanation or plan made, you stop initiating. After five days, you move on. Don't send a breakup text. Just stop reaching out and keep dating other people.