Why does he keep emphasizing friendship after flirting with me?

[Anonymous]

So I recently reconnected with a guy I went to school with several years ago. He was the one who reached out to me, and we’ve been talking for a couple of weeks now.

He’s initiated conversations, complimented my appearance, and made some flirty comments. Recently, he mentioned that he’d be okay getting to know me even if we ended up as friends.

I told him I had no problem starting off as friends because we’re still getting reacquainted. He said he was glad we were on the same page.

Later, when I asked what getting to know each other looked like from his perspective, he mentioned that he wasn’t in a rush to get married, which confused me because marriage wasn’t even part of the conversation.

He eventually said, “We barely know each other, but I appreciate you letting me in as a friend.”

I’m not saying I’m romantically interested in him. I’m just trying to understand his intentions because he approached me first, flirted with me, and now keeps emphasizing friendship.

Do you think he’s establishing a strictly platonic connection, keeping his options open, or simply taking things slowly? I’m curious how others would interpret this.

[Anonymous]

It hard to say. I wouldn't ever put effort into a girl like that if I didn't want to date her. Personally, I'm not going to be friends with someone I want to date. We don't have to get engaged right away, but I refuse to play stupid games.

[slatyb]

He's lying, hoping that if he hangs around you will change your mind. Do not agree to this. Make a clean break.

[Anonymous]

It's a trick they use that they think will make you comfortable when they're really interested in sex.

[WhitneySnow]

Either keeping his options open or taking it slow