Are these signs of romantic interest, or more friendliness?

[Anonymous]

There’s this man called *Dean;* who I lost touch with, several years ago. We ended our friendship because I wanted more and he either didn’t, or as Dean said, he was too shy to date me, years later, when he found me on social media and answered one of my questions.

Then, a year later, he started answering my questions again and private messaging me to get my advice about approaching women in general. He really opened up. He’s since answered several of my questions, including one about a mutual friend’s interest in me. Giving very good advice. Then he disappears after talking a few times a week and comes back. We’ve become acquaintances. However, I’m curious, are these actions more likely to be friendly or romantic? I can’t tell. I’m notoriously bad at reading social cues.

[TommyMountainFigure]

I think it's more a case of acceptance. He thinks he has no chance as someone else is interested in you, therefore he wants to be a friend to you.

[Asker]

I told him straight out that I’m not interested in our mutual friend and that I told him so.

[TommyMountainFigure]

Following on from what you've just told me, I now believe there could be a different reason why he cuts in and out of your life.. He is shy.. that is established, so what if he has to psych himself up to overcome his shyness, just to be able to talk to you? Some days he may not feel he is able to overcome it. That's now my prognosis.

[Asker]

So, what is he seeking?

[TommyMountainFigure]

It could be that he is using conversations with you to help him over his shyness, or it could be that he would love nothing more than for you to be his girlfriend..
Unfortunately, I cannot say without seeing your conversations!

[Asker]

I don’t know for sure, either. He was at one stage asking me what would make me see a shy man in a positive light

[Asker]

Next thing I knew, his best mate, another shy guy acted like he was coming onto me.

[Asker]

So maybe that was it…

[TommyMountainFigure]

I'm sorry I couldn't be more helpful, but sometimes it's difficult understanding why people do things.. lol, I reckon half the time they don't know themselves why!

[TommyMountainFigure]

Thank you for choosing my answer as MHO

[RingOfFire]

Friendly. If a man is romantically interested he wouldn't behave that way.

[Momma-404]

Friendly in my opinion, I’m not seeing any signs of romantic interest here

[spartan55]

Friendly... not sure why you would think otherwise.

[DishLady]

It’s been at least two years… he’s just a friend.

[Joshgag2000]

You were rejected why bother?

[Asker]

I’m not either bothering or not bothering. I’m simply trying to understand.