"Dating around sounds like fun"

"Okay," Alice says, "as long as we're agreed: nothing complicated, no fooling around, and if either of us feels uncomfortable, we stop".

As long as it's just fun, with no complications, you're perfectly happy going along with it. You say, "agreed. But...is it really dating at that point, or just going out and meeting people?"

Alice thinks. She says, "I don't know, I'm not really sure. I guess you could say that...are you suggesting more? I just don't want to push things too far, and hurt one of us or damage our relationship."

"You're right," you say, "let's not put a label on it. Let's just take it slow and have fun."

"That sounds good," Alice replies, "so...would we do this as a couple, or on our own?"

"I'm not sure, how would dating as a couple work?"

"Well," Alice says, "I guess we could try dating other couples, or maybe find someone we both like".

"How would that work?" you ask, "I don't like guys and you don't like women that way. And I don't see that happening without one of us getting jealous."

Alice considers your words for a second. "Maybe as just a friend?" she suggests.

"Maybe," you say. "I'm not sure if either of us would be ready for that just yet. Let's just start out on our own, and depending on how that goes, talk more later".

Alice replies, "that sounds good with me. So...any ideas who you might like?" she suggests, playfully.

"No, not really. I haven't even thought about it since we started dating...wait, what about you?" you ask, suspiciously.

"I...not seriously," Alice says, "but I know a couple men I'd like to have coffee with, if it's on the table..."

"I knew it!" you say, jokingly. "You're just looking for my permission to date around!"

Alice looks hurt for a moment, then realizes you're kidding. "Fine, you caught me," she quips back. "But for that, you're cleaning up!" she says back, getting up from the table and walking over to the couch.

"As long as you remember your own rules," you say to her back, "I'll be keeping my eye on you!"

"You and a bunch of other guys," Alice teases, turning on the television. You clean up the dishes and leftovers, and join Alice on the couch for some television. After a few episodes, it's time for bed, and the two of you go to sleep.