Why would a guy friend be touchy-feely/flirty but won't make a move?

[Anonymous]

and admit to the girl that he likes her and wants her to be his girlfriend? he shows all the signs of interest... compliments her, touchy, flirty, asks her questions, hangs out with her, etc.

so if he's confident enough to initiate touch... why isn't he confident enough to progress things and make a move? it makes it seem like maybe he isn't interested then, right?

[Tyrael]

If he's doing all that and the girl hasn't reciprocated or made it clear she feels the same way, he may not be willing to risk the potential rejection.

[Asker]

well how is the girl supposed to reciprocate? I lightly touch him back, even put my head on his shoulder when we watched a movie. and i'm sort of flirty in texts with him (but I don't know if he catches them or not). head on shoulder should've been enough though, no?

[Tyrael]

You assume too much. You've clearly interpreted his signals, but that doesn't mean he's catching yours. You may need to be more direct.

[Lite3000]

I don't know why, and I don't know the details, but I have a guess apart from what's already been said. Maybe he is looking for a moment where "something" happens between you two naturally.

[StickStickity13]

I flirt with some female friends all the time. Doesn't mean anything

[Asker]

do you put your arm around them during a movie? or hand on their knee and keep it there for a minute or so?

[StickStickity13]

I've kissed my female friends on the cheek and rub their backs.

[DavidFox]

Because he’s a friend

[Anonymous]

Probably to afraid to go the next step

[Asker]

that's the thing though. he's confident to touch but not to make the next move or say that he likes me? I don't get it

[Opinion Owner]

Yeah it doesn’t make sense

[Vulvalicker]

He doesn’t know how you feel