How am I supposed to interpret this behaviour?

[Anonymous]

This guy (23M) is confusing me (26F) a lot. He's really comfortable with touching other girls, putting arm around their shoulders and messing with them but it's not the same with me. The maximum he's done is touch my cheek for a second asking if there's anything wrong with me after I had a drink. I was also quite shocked because this usually doesn't happen. Another thing is when we talk we are able to make eye contact. But when we go out with friends, he compliments me when it was just two of us and doesn't make eye contact with me but compliments others a lot. He's been really respectful to me lately which I can't digest because we have been really casual with each other in the group. I have a feeling he's also avoiding me or is a bit uncomfortable around me. Why are dynamics changing?

[Oliverlogan263]

Honestly sis, it seems like this dude might have started catching feelings for ya or something. His behavior sounds kinda confusing, but let me break it down:

- Touching other girls more than you = he likes you and doesn't want things to seem flirty if others see

- Complimenting when you're alone = he feels comfortable showing he likes you one on one

- Less eye contact/attention in groups = shy guy afraid of how he feels so holds back

- Being really respectful lately = he respects you more than just a hookup but isn't sure what you want

Seems like you stirred something up in him! My sense is he likes you as more than a friend but doesn't want to ruin the group dynamic.

If you're interested too, I'd say make some subtle moves to show you're open to more. See how he reacts before fully putting yourself out there.

Could be the start of something sweet sis! But let him come to you - guys that age can be skittish. Play it cool and see what develops. Fingers crossed for you!

[Anonymous]

Great analysis by Oliverlogan22. I agree with him overall.

I would say that when a guy likes a girl, he becomes unintentionally super conscious about his actions around her. Just like how a girl becomes nervous around a guy she likes.

When he asks for permission to touch, that could fall under being conscious.
Also, 1-to-1 compliment is different than a group, as it is harder to reject it in public and could be taken as courtesy, so easier to say. Opposite 1-to-1.

As for eye contact in groups, notice at who he looks when he laughs.
A person looks at a person they like or are attracted to when they laugh. Use this and other indicators to see if he's genuine or just playing around some tricks.

Another case could be, you're acting different than other girls, so obviously you'll get a different reaction.

[Avicenna]

Maybe he thinks you won’t put up with it

[Anonymous]

Why do we need to know the ages in parentheses?

[In_Trance]

Who is the guy?