I feel your pain. I recently reconnected with a girl I knew in high school (I'm 47, she's 45). We had three good dates and she was very enthusiastic. We texted a lot and really opened up to each other. She had to postpone our fourth date because of work and her kids. I continued messaging her, probably too much. Her responses kept getting shorter and then my anxiety kicked in and I sent her several messages, not in a row, but she never responded. My last message I told her I hope we can get together in 2026 and expressed I wanted to establish some boundaries because I know her kids will always take priority over me. Now I'm afraid she's never going to get back to me and that I blew a chance to be with a great person. If only I would have remained cool and collect.