Ask for exclusivity without sounding desperate or clingy

If she's texting less but still responds when you reach out, she's either losing interest, keeping options open, or both. The quiet doesn't mean she's shy or busy. It means she hasn't decided you're a priority. You can feel this without her saying it. What matters now: her actions over the last two weeks, not her one good text from yesterday. If you're doing most of the reaching out and she replies with short messages or takes hours to respond, that's the real signal. She's not avoiding you completely because that would be cruel. She's just not moving toward anything defined.

Stop hinting and start being direct. Pick a moment when you're both calm and can actually talk, not via a rushed text. Say something like 'I like you and I want us to be exclusive.' Then stop talking. Let her answer. The job your move has to do is simple: it puts the real question on the table so she has to choose yes or no instead of just drifting. It also takes the fear off you because you're not guessing anymore. You'll know where you stand. Second, make it about what you want, not about what she's doing wrong or what you're afraid of. Don't say 'Are you seeing other people?' or 'I need to know we're exclusive before I get hurt.' Just tell her what you need.

Bring this up on a day when you can actually talk after, not before work or right before she has to leave. Give her at least 24 hours to respond, maybe 48. She might need time to think. If she doesn't respond in three days, that's your answer. Silence is a no. Don't send a follow-up text asking if she got your message. She did. If she says no or 'I'm not sure yet,' you get to decide what you do next. Some people stay and wait. Most should leave. Once you've asked directly and she's given you an answer, asking again a week later just makes you look like you didn't hear her the first time.