Did he think I like him for saying that?

[Anonymous]

My friend (guy) has this friend (girl) who contacted me for work. She was interested in that position so I explained her what working there is like and all the benefits it came with. She got my number from my friend who gave it to her with my permission, and when we talked she introduced herself as his friend. I, jokingly, introduced myself as his girlfriend. It was a joke (well, and a little provocation tbh) and I thought I'd tell her I was joking at the end of the conversation, but I didn't.

When I finished talking with her, I told my friend about what we talked. I also said to him that I made a little joke with her. He didn't ask what joke it was, so I didn't tell him. I figured if she would say anything to him, I'd explain him it was a joke.

It turns out that she stopped contacting him. He noticed this and asked her what was going on. She said she had stopped contacting him because I had said to her that I'm his girlfriend. He denied this. He said to her I'm just his friend.

Today he told me he had talked with her. He asked why did I introduce myself as his girlfriend. I said I only made a little joke. Then he got mad, called me immature, and called my joke as inappropriate.

I don't understand why he would take it that bad. Did he think I like him for saying that?

[HollyK21]

Honestly where is the joke In this and why? Not only did you say it was provocation but you didn’t bother to clarify it as a joke, meaning you wanted her to assume you were his girlfriend which is indeed immature. Especially given the situation and she’s trying to get a job, so it was even more uncalled for. It just seems pointless and creating drama for no reason.

[Asker]

Partly a joke, partly me trying to figure out if there's something going on between them. There's no need for drama if they are only as friends. I do realise it was uncalled for given the situation, you are right.

[HollyK21]

Do you have romantic interest in this friend? Because if that’s the case then maybe it’s something you should be direct about, if you haven’t been already. I’m not really sure why else you would’ve picked that to be your route of figuring out if something is going on with them, rather than just asking him, if it weren’t because you have feelings yourself.

[Asker]

Yes that's the reason. He has told me they are just friends but I had little doubts about it. Do you think this reason might have crossed his mind?

[HollyK21]

Well after what you said, then I’d be surprised if it didn’t cross his mind. However I don’t think that was the best opportunity at all to make your feelings known, and talking to him directly would’ve been way better, even if it’s scary for you. I’m not sure what could happen now, your move was not only territorial, but it makes him look bad in her eyes, which isn’t fair. If him and her talking/dating/etc, it’s his right to do that as a single person, and rather you have to accept that you missed your opportunity to tell him how you feel. But messing it up in that way was just a selfish act, and I say that very kindly, just honest. If he gives you the opportunity to apologize and explain yourself without stepping on any toes then I hope you take it.

[Asker]

I apologised to him about it. I honestly didn't mean to mess anything up. I don't want him to think that I like him though. I told him the only reason I did it was to joke and that's it. I know it was selfish and totally uncalled for, but I wanted to see how she'd react to it.

[HollyK21]

At least you’re willing to own the mistake, which is good on your end. I guess all there is to do now is to let it blow over, and consider just asking about it in the future, should this come up again.

[Asker]

Yes! Thanks for replying.

[HollyK21]

No worries! Hopefully things are good with you two going forward🙏

[Asker]

Hopefully! 😊

[spartan55]

No, dummy, he didn't like you. He thought it was a bullshit move you pulled and he's right.