So I've been dating this woman for 3 months, and I am in love with her. She texts me often, she says we have great sex, she's told me that I am more than just sex to her and that she's also stopped being on dating apps, I've met her friends ect ect. However she seems afraid to get hurt, so I am starting to get the feeling she might not escalate this into a relationship or push to having "the talk", and we haven't really talked about exclusivity, apart from a jokey convo last we were together, where I said I slept with 4 other women before coming over, and she said she's just sent one of her 3 other boyfriends home, to which I responded "Oh the plumber?", she laughed. In general our vibe is very silly and lighthearted, and I think we both might be holding back emotionally.

Most people here would say the man should never initiate talks about exclusivity as this can appear weak and needy, and I definitely see some truth in that. So I kind of want to avoid doing that, and I also try to be careful not to over pursue, not text her too much ect. But could it not at some point be helpful to also let her know that I care, if for nothing else than to see if she opens up a bit more? I was thinking about saying something along the lines of this on our next date:

"Hey, I've been reflecting on our time together, and I just think what we have together is great, and I can feel that this actually means something to me. I just wanted you to know that"

Just to avoid the ultimatums of exclusivity talks, not putting any pressure on her. And to account for me maybe underplaying my hand a bit too much. If it doesn't work out I can pull way back and might still have a chance, and if it does work out I know we're headed in the right direction. Thoughts?