<human>: Can you summarize the given text in a few sentences?

After having a history of diving into serious relationships very quickly, I've decided to take a more cautious approach to dating.  I've met some girls out and about at bars, and one or two here and there from an online dating site.  Have been on multiple dates with all of them, and in any given week I'm talking to and seeing 3-4 women pretty regularly (txting daily, and meeting up about once a week).

What I've found is that is almost every case, the woman is pushing hard to turn a new friendship (or 2-3 dates) into something more serious or exclusive.  I have avoided having the talk about being exclusive and just said let's take it slow etc.  5 years ago, I would never have even gone out with another girl after a first date with one.  I would have focused and put all my time and effort into only one.  My outlook has changed because I really feel like the next serious relationship I have could be "the one" and so I'm being extra careful.

I really enjoy the company of all of them and I would like to remain friends with them, even if romantically it doesn't go anywhere.

What advice would you have for dating people without letting it get too serious, but also not hurting people's feelings?  The last girl I dated for about 2 months earlier this year and when I said let's just be friends she was absolutely crushed, crying, and wanted to know why I didn't want to try and see where things would go.  In all honesty, she is a great person, and there was nothing wrong with us together.  I didn't feel ready, and I didn't think it was fair to her to not commit everything to her and just flake along for months and months.  I really don't want to hurt anyone's feelings but I'm having a hard time doing this and putting myself in a position to meet a lot more people and find someone with who I can pursue a real relationship.
<bot>: Want to branch out and date many women before getting into a relationship, but don't want to hurt feelings or lead anyone on.  Need advice.