I’m confused about how I feel about this guy. he’s a crush/long time friend, but he randomly sent me shirtless pics. Is it right to feel disappointed?

[Anonymous]

We never dated— just got to know each other, flirted, traded flirty pics, and opened up about life. He hinted at me once that he really liked me. Work and life got in the way but he managed to say high every few months. Now, years later, he randomly sent shirtless pics without a discussion starter. Is it right to feel turned off? I’m disappointed in his lack of effort of initiating a conversation. Also in his slight narcissistic tendency to send me that out of the blue. At the same time, I appreciate our past connection. I don’t know what to feel exactly. How would you feel for the guy?

[Unknown4Reasons]

It's highly likely he thought it was a good conversation starter.
But, if it turned you off, it turned you off - nothing wrong with that.

If you're comfortable enough (and want to) I would probably try to express that you don't enjoy the seemingly lack of effort from him.
I understand that this can be harder than it sounds, but any kind of relationship (be it romantic interest, or just friendly acquaintance) requires open and honest communication.

[windknowsmyname]

If your not attracted to him. You not him. If you are not attracted to him the. Its pointless to figure why he's sending you this. Just see it as a picture and nothing more. Do that and your life will be 80% easier.

[Asker]

That’s a good concept

[windknowsmyname]

Yup yup yup yes ma'am.

[Anon-ymous1]

"flirted, traded flirty pics"

... So, what are we talking about here.

[Asker]

Flirty pics meaning teased each other. At the time, it was a constant thing that involved conversation. These were simply pics without words

[Asker]

The ones he sent me—word less

[Anon-ymous1]

Okay... so... ? Maybe I don't understand the problem. You said you've flirted. Sending a shirtless pic is also flirting. Clearly he likes you or is attracted to you. "Is it right to feel disappointed?" Well it's not a matter of right or wrong, I mean you can feel however you want. I'll say that I don't really understand it (the disappointment), but hey, it's whatever.

[Anonymous]

Maybe it was a desperate attempt to "keep" you.