Guy friend waits for me after everyone else leaves?

[Anonymous]

I was at a party with a bunch of good friends of mine, and after people started leaving and head home, one of my guy friends seemed to stay back, it seemed like he was waiting for me, though he didn’t specifically say that. Note, we are all good friends but he didn’t leave with the people that take the same route home as him. We were amongst the last people to leave. I’ve noticed he’s done this on a few other occasions too. Waiting for me it looked like, when everyone else left. Or sometimes when we’re in a room, he won’t really go out of his way to come talk to me, but when I choose a spot and plant myself there, usually with people, he’ll eventually come there and join the conversation or just be nearby. Other times I’ll see his eyes glancing sort of, but not like he’s staring at me, more like his eyes were traveling across a room and he happened to look at me at the same time I looked at him. I’ve hung out with him solo before, and we’ve had long conversations. The eye contact is usually strong. Do you think he could like me? Also, may or may not be relevant to the situation, but I gave all my friends a holiday card with a personalized message and after he read his, he said he wanted to cry, it was super sweet and that it put a smile on his face. And mind you, I’ve had a crush on him for over a year now. I just don’t think I can confess because I’m afraid he might not like me back, might not be in the right mindset for a relationship and/or it could hurt our current friendship.

[Gotcha_Writer10]

Awwwww that's adorable!!! It may jist be my female optimism kicking in, but I'd say he's into you. Especially if he's often holding back to wait for you. Kinda like he's making sure your ok and safe. Which might I add, is a very mature way of treating you too, crush or not. Highly respect right there. Since most times, friends often just say goodbye and bounce, since your all close and know each other to be fine on your own. I find this so cute, and I'd die of blushing if this was me lol but his response to your gift and presence is also a validmsign he likes you, since he actually truly cared about your thoughtfulness in the card. And if you often see him staring in your direction, I'd say he's checking you out lol and when he sees you looking at him, looks around to not seem suspicious. A clear deflection tactic lol. I'd personally talk to him about it though, can't hurt to try lol and I'm sure any person would appreciate a little nudge in direction if their trying to get you to notice them!

[Asker]

It’s interesting that both you and the other answerer said the same thing—-like he’s being protective sorta. And I guess yeah, most friends just say bye and bounce. But in my head I’m thinking he wanted to talk with me, which is why he hung back. Because that place where we were, we’re all close and I didn’t feel unsafe there or anything.

[ConnieS]

He possibly feels the same way (not wanting to "make the first move" in case he gets rejected). It was good that you made a "move" by giving him the nice holiday card. The fact that he stays behind may indicate he cares about you and wants to look out for you - protecting you in case there's a problem. Hopefully his appreciating your card will give him the courage to make the next move (if he's interested in you, romantically). Good luck, hon. 😊

[Asker]

Omg really? I would’ve never thought he was being protective... in my mind I thought he wants to talk with me, which is why he was hanging back. But I don't know..