Should I text him?

Speaking as a single man.

Yes, you should text him again. Just ask him how he is doing (you shouldn't criticize him for not getting back).

If you want to meet the guy in real life, you should tell him so. Say something like "hey, why don't we get a coffee some time. I think these long term text conversations get boring to anyone.

Did you seriously take him at his word that he would text you at a particular time/date, and that you were obligated to not reach out to him until then?

Really?

Yes, 3 day rule is stupid. I imagine it was developed over time by people who just have to dramatize everything.

You want to communicate with him, do it.

Yeard ago I had a friend which I spoke with often, like daily. I think it was when we were in high school or college.

Anyway, I realized I hadn't spoken to her in 3 or 4 days, so I gave her a call. BTW, I'm female too. I said "hey, what's up, I haven't heard from you." Her response was the "you said to me at the end of our last phone conversation that 'I'll give to a call'"
I guess that meant if her pants caught on fire, she wouldn't have called me to tell me about it after she put them out.

I couldn't for the life of me tell you if the last time I texted or spoke to someone if one of us said anything like "I'll call you" or "you call me"

It's just an expression.

wait till day #4 and one brief text like "have you been busy" or "how are you". if no reply in three days he is no longer interested in you

do not send multiple messages as he said "he would text you once he's online again.

I know it feels like rejection, but I would advise you to wait. He's a stranger really, that doesn't mean he's a bad person, but personally I'd let it pass and wait to see if he remembers to get back to you.

It's not a rejection, and he may not be your prince charming.......it may just not click. If you reach out, I'd advise you to keep it short but friendly,

Oh, by the way, Welcome to A2K.

My best friend, someone I've been on holiday with and shared a house with in the past, is coming round for dinner on 25th March. Other than that I don't know when I'll talk to him. He's currently in Cheltenham for the horse racing.

Weeks and weeks go by without us talking, we've both got our own **** going on, but that doesn't affect our friendship in any way.

I think that's the sign of a really good friendship.

But this gal is trying to start something up - and the guy is not responding, at least in the way she wants.

Most likely, he's found someone else.

After all, he is using online and he's just been casting out bait.

and you know this because.....?

Might be nice if this could be verified, rather than some speculation.

He might be busy. Or just text him and ask.