It's true that it doesn't *necessarily* mean to be tied down, but the way I think about it, having someone is just an added part of the equation, and in a general sense, as the equation becomes more complex, more considerations = less sort of overarching freedom.

I guess what I mean is that if I were dating someone I'd definitely want to make some sort of effort to stay with them physically, and to take their itinerary into account, which may differ in scope from what I'd normally end up doing. It's true that I could perhaps find someone who'd be willing to follow me anywhere, or who'd lead me places I wouldn't normally go, but the most realistic prediction I could make leads to suddenly having two considerations--where they are, and where I am. Which feels somehow confining.

It's perhaps an irrational prediction, that this would change things so much, but it's a feeling I can't help but shake. Only the future may tell, I suppose. :0