Dear Donna,

I met a man who I was very excited about getting to know. After three dates, he asked me if I was dating anyone else. I told him there is another man I met recently who I likely was going to see again. I could tell he was not happy about my response, but he dropped the subject. Later, he told me he did not date anyone who also was dating someone else. He said he would like to see me again if I agreed to date him exclusively. I am more attracted to and interested in this man, but I am not comfortable that he has put me in this position. How would you suggest I handle this? – Fran

Dear Fran,

One of the bigger mistakes people make is not meeting anyone else after developing an interest in someone. While you are working on a friendship and getting to know someone, it is appropriate to keep your options open. No one should be expecting you to be exclusive after only three dates. Tell him you like him and want to continue dating him, but you need to get to know him better before you can consider being exclusive. If he insists you date him only, let him go.

Dear Donna,

My fiancee and I went shopping for an engagement ring, and she picked a very modest ring. I want her to have something more substantial, and I certainly can afford it. I want to feel proud when she shows off her ring, but the ring she has picked is unimpressive. She says she loves it and it’s perfect. I am giving it to her at a family party, but every time I look at it I feel disappointed. My sister thinks I should surprise my fiancee and have the jeweler replace the diamond with a larger diamond. What do you think? – Ralph

Dear Ralph,

I have had plenty of conversations about engagement rings, but this is the first time a man has complained that his fiancee picked a ring that was too modest. Maybe this has more to do with your ego than the ring. Your fiancee thinks it is perfect and she loves it. Don’t change it.

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Shugrue owns Perfectly Matched. Her column runs biweekly in Family. Visit perfectlymatcheddating.com or email questions to donnashugrue@comcast.net.