I think he is (or was) genuinely interested, but all the data you're reporting (including in the comment under replies) hint that he is scared of commitment, for whatever reason. It could be because scared of losing autonomy, or scared to lose chances with potentially better partners in the future, or scared to not fulfill expectations of a partner and then having to deal with guilts and responsibilities.
I could say he was just a friend from the beginning but if he was flirting and if he accepted to know you in the view of "meeting women", well... He was interested, or maybe still is, but that's not relevant because when someone pulls away is also generally emotionally sabotaged.
Right now he is definitely confused but managed to give you an answer:"no, not for now".
This gives you the tools for your next steps, if you are interested in him. He is clearly telling you to give him space. If you manage to give him space (for real, like, really believing it's "just a friend" and looking around for others, not staying there to wait him on purpose, otherwise it will show and won't work), he will most likely come back to flirt with you. But, you have to take in account that a relationship with someone who does this systematically, will put you often in a situation of uncertainity and he will play hot and cold continuously, for some years. It can be very taxing, emotionally.
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No, I think he could be right. He means what he said. It is just that he thinks of as a really close friend but not more than that.
Close friends to share many things with each other and they also tend to text other for most part of the day but that does not mean they should like each other more than friends.
I think it’s cause he’s not sure what he wants and doesn’t want to lead you on. I do feel like he could have kept contacting you though instead of stopping
Can you answer my most recent please?
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I will stop talking to ugly women once I get the most beautiful woman to marry me.
They blame me that they are 40 and single. :)Doesn't know what he wants or he also has bad experiences and being cautious.
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