He called me his "special friend"?

Anonymous
Guys, what do you mean when you call a girl your special friend?

One of my friends recently called me that via text:

"Merry Christmas, I know we don't talk much but I do consider you a special friend and we need to make more time for each other"

I have to admit I was surprised he considers me a friend anymore. Here is a little background:

•We barely talk or spend time together due to how "busy" he claims he is.
•He knows I like him, but refuses to date me. Yet is attracted to me.
•Have slept together in the past, but stopped b/c I don't want a friends with benefits.
-----
I backed away because he made it clear I wasn't a priority to him.
He hasn't seen me in nearly 3-4 months, so I'm confused as to why he said that.

Does he really consider me a friend or is he after sex?
He called me his "special friend"?
2 Opinion