[lizandtom]

Fuse, you are sooo right about many people being flaky about committing to a date. With that said call couple 1 and simply say that you haven't heard back from them in a week, and "how's it looking?" The implication should be enough that they know you're serious and if their answer is wishy washy then simply say that you'd like to firm up plans or not by later today, if they could get back to you. You'll either get a. it's a go with couple 1, b. couple 1 can't make it so make plans with couple 2 , or c. you don't hear back from couple 1 , and since you've made it clear that you'd like an answer by today, that you are free to make plans with couple 2. Be direct! Lifestyle time is precious! Like Julie said, if you make plans with couple 2 , and if couple 1 all of a sudden decides they're free , you could [if ok with couple 2 to whom you are now committed] invite them along but 3 couples is VERY risky. No doubt you will connect closely with one of the other couples, but the chances are high that one couple will also not feel the attraction to the other couple that you hoped would occur which would have negative long term implications for you and the third wheel couple.