So I (25M) had been talking to this girl (24F) for a few weeks. We went on two dates during that time and had been texting on and off. I did enjoy getting to know her and talking with her but a few days after the second date I realized I wasn’t feeling a deeper connection and didn’t see it going beyond friendship.

Instead of ghosting or dragging it out, I decided to be upfront and sent her a message explaining how I felt. I told her I didn’t want to waste her time or lead her on, and I apologized for being a bit distant and for not saying something sooner.

She responded saying she wished I had told her earlier, especially before our last date. Then she followed up saying she felt I should’ve known after the first date if I didn’t feel anything, and that even though I didn’t waste more of her time, I still wasted her time.

I responded apologizing again and tried to explain that I wasn’t sure at first, and I didn’t mean to lead her on, I just needed some time to figure out how I felt.

I know I am probably overthinking, but this has been an eating away at my conscience and I do feel bad, AITAH for not ending things sooner? Should I have known after one date and stopped it then? I tried to be honest as soon as I could, but I don’t really have much experience dating, maybe I still handled it poorly but I’m not sure.