My guy friend joked about us hooking up?

[Margo7]

Okay, so the topic of fireworks came up in conversation the other day when I was with a group of friends. And suddenly my guy friend goes "Psst!" to get my attention. I turn and he says really subtly, "you and I are gonna make the fireworks" (like, obviously this was meant as a euphemism, you could tell by the way he said it).

It was weird to hear him make that joke, especially since previous times people have made jokes about him and me hooking up, he has denied it (it's happened at least twice before, once when someone joked about him eating me out, and once when the subject was just a general hook up) in saying something along the lines of "Oh, Margo and I don't have that kind of relationship" and then added in a joke to make light of the situation.

And we have agreed that our friendship is strictly platonic, and that we wouldn't date each other ever. So it feels really awkward that he made this joke about him and me having sex when we have agreed our friendship isn't like that.

So should I think nothing of it?

[NerdInDenial]

Well, if you honestly offered him the opportunity, he would take it. Unless he's gay or you're ugly, the friendship is not platonic. It never was; he told you that in hopes it might grow into something more than just friendship.

[Margo7]

Wait, I'm a bit confused...
Which thing that he told me are you talking about? The fireworks thing? But, like, he has said that while also saying on a separate occasion that I'm a really good friend of his, he wouldn't date me. Why would he say that if he wanted something more?

[NerdInDenial]

Jokes always have a hint of truth in them. He told you that he did not want to date you because that's what you want to hear. If he told you how he really feels, he fears losing your friendship or making things awkward.

[Margo7]

That makes sense. But, like, he talks about other girls to me. Back when he was dating this one girl (he was in a relationship when we became friends, but they have broken up since... he broke up with her) he would always talk about her to me. And now that they're not together anymore, he'll talk to me about how she has been taking the breakup. That doesn't feel like something you talk about with girls you're interested in. Or is it? I really have no idea, I'm so bad with this kind of stuff...

[NerdInDenial]

He's just trying to see if you are jealous, a sign that you are interested in him. Also, he trusts you which eventually means he has feelings for you.

[Margo7]

What are some other signs to look for, if he really is attracted to me?

[Margo7]

Sorry if I'm being annoying or whatever with all these questions. I am just so confused about my relationship with this guy. I have no clue how he feels about me, and I honestly wonder sometimes if I might have some feelings for him.

[NerdInDenial]

Is he willing to do extraordinary things for you? Have you touched him in a seductive manner? Tell him he looks good or ask him has he worked out lately? Then see how he reacts.

[NerdInDenial]

Have you noticed how he looks at you?

[Margo7]

I mean, sometimes when I struggle with something, he'll offer to do it for me. And I once convinced him to join this theatre program I'm part of (and when he showed up he had his sign-up info all typed up when he could have just written it down). But I don't know if you could call that extraordinary. I haven't been flirtatious with him, really, since I don't know where I stand as far as how I feel about him. And I only notice him looking at me when we're talking in a group, because we'll glance at each other in conversation. Although a few times I've felt like he's only really talking to me, but I'm not sure if that's because of feelings or because I usually sit/stand in the middle of the group, so it's convenient to just look at me.

[NerdInDenial]

It's just not coincidence. He may not want to be part of the theatre program. He may have done it to get closer to you. Why else type the form? He talks to you because he's interested in you!

[Margo7]

Thanks for the input. I'll keep all of this in mind. :)