Why does my crush always seek validation from me?

[confusedlovergirl]

I have a decently close guy friend and I've recently begun to look at him through a romantic lens. In the past, he's called me pretty, cool, awesome, etc. I'm not a highly affectionate individual so I never reciprocated his sayings. Now that things are picking up and the pandemic is halting, we are hanging out a lot more. But I've noticed some strange comments on his behalf. He'll say things like "Oh so you think I'm cute" and "Wow you have a crush on me". These phrases are all said in a joking manner, yet I can't help but think there's a deeper meaning to them. He also talks about how hot other girls are after I mention my close guy friends. I'm really confused but I like him and I hope his strange behavior indicates that he feels the same.

[SueShe]

That would be the typical behavior of a teenager that is totally insecure and expresses his insecurities in riddles and hidden hints.

He does indeed have a crush on you but is afraid and/or shy to express them face to face, thinking he may be seen as weak or needy. He is hoping that you take the lead and that you act upon his hints.

I would just tell him to express his feelings without joking about them. If he does not take the hint, then you know he is not the right person for you. He will always try to hide his insecurities behind hints rather than to express them openly. However, he is also afraid of rejection and that could be the reason why he is joking about it.

[have_a_good_day]

When you two talk to each other, is it usually something in the lines of you sharing something and then him shifting the attention onto himself and vice versa?

Because that's not how genuine connections are supposed to be forged.. It's supposed to be a situation where one person says something and the other person tries to connect with that by building the conversation onto the initial subject at hand.

You: I love dogs. My favorite dog is a French Poodle.

Him: I had a French Poodle and I spoke French to it.

...

You: I love dogs. My favorite dog is a French Poodle.

Him: That's awesome, what do you like about them?

[Wise4myage]

He sounds very insecure and I'm guessing that annoys you?

[888theGreat]

you are too young to be serious dating

[Iron_Man]

He’s insecure