So, bit of context: I'm newly single for first time in 9 years (33 yrs old, was with same chick since college). In the last month or two, I downloaded Tinder & POF just to dip my toes back in the water, see what's out there, etc. I've figured shit out pretty quick I think, went from messages that didn't really go anywhere, to setting up and going on a date or 2, to now, having quite a few per week.

Last Friday I met up w/ a girl from Tinder, few years younger than me, at a local bar. Cuter than her pics (I've already learned that's not always the case). Went great, ended up going back to my place and one thing let to another. A good time was had by all.

Now, I'm still currently talking to 2 other girls. (1) I met up with last week and fooled around with a bit when we got back to her car after a hike, and (2) that messaged me on POF and has been texting me a lot since then (few days) and gonna meet up with in a day or 2. Both pretty fuckin smoking. The first one insanely so. These both started before I even went out with the girl that I went home with.

My question revolves around how to proceed as this is all fairly new ground for me. In college I usually just stuck to one fling at a time, but the world (and I) have changed. I have a hard time with directly lying for a few reasons, main one being I'd just rather act in a way I'm proud of and feels right, and not feel the need to obfuscate or apologize for anything.

That being said, I can tell the girl I slept with is assuming that sex=some expectations of not pursuing other chicks. And truthfully, I do kind of dig her and wouldn't mind seeing where it goes. The girl I haven't met up with has said explicitly that any sex with her "changes the rules." (I assume, meaning, you better not be still talking to anyone else after that point).

How do you guys handle this stuff? Which I assume is a pretty common thing nowadays. I don't see why I would break it off with any specific girl in the early stages, when 2 weeks down the line it could fall off, and who knows, maybe it'd still have been going well with another? A lesson I've already learned quick is to not really get at all invested, because the next text you send or phone call may not be returned, and that is that. NBD, message received. But the same detachment goes from being a "good" thing, to something that feels evasive or shitty, after sex enters the equation...

How do you navigate this stuff honestly, without feeling like you're being a shit head? I assume it's a matter of honesty =/= putting all your cards on the table, but how do I handle direct questions like "so you know if we fuck tonight, you better not keep messing around with anyone else, etc etc."? Is there something in between "Sorry, I'm still also pursuing other girls for now, take it or leave it." and "Yeah, within a week of meeting you I'm going to close up shop until this runs its course."