He wants me to focus on myself?

[HidingMyHeart]

I just got out of a 6 year relationship/ engagement a couple of months ago and a guy I've been talking to/ slept with after I broke up wanted to make things official with me. I turned him down saying it was too soon for me. Now he wants to be close friends while I focus on myself. I thought he was politely turning me down but he still manages to message me every day and wants to play minecraft every night. Last night, I asked him if he wanted to try pursuing things again romantically with the potential of it turning serious, but he said we should remain as friends for now and "definitely touch base on this" after I focus on myself and be single. He sounds really respectful but I just want to make sure neither of us end up getting hurt. What are his intentions here?

Updates

+1 y

He said "whatever happens happens I guess! We're still going to hang out and shit, but I want you to learn how to start putting you and your needs first because knowing you since the summer, you put everyone else's opinions, thoughts and actions before your own self, and that can destroy a person. If you can be so f**** happy by yourself that you could go your whole life without being with a man, yet even then somehow I can manage to make you that much happier, then we can definitely touch back

[Anonymous]

I’m currently in the same position as your guy. The guy I’m seeing just got out of a long term relationship (8 months ago). For me, it means that I want him to properly heal from his past relationship but I won’t wait around for too long. I still want to remain close to him as friends but he’s not ready and basically rejected me so I will give him time but at the same time I won’t get my hopes up. Your guy might have the same idea but it’s best if you just straight up ask him.

[rienna888]

Try distancing yourself from him for a while. I think if he comes after you and seems really hurt about it, he wants something more.

[Shamalien]

You turned him down. All you can do now is state that you want him and wait to see if he gives you a second chance. Getting rejected is hard so he’s probably reluctant to put his heart on the line a second time

[spartan55]

What are your intentions?