Guys, Does he like me or is it platonic?

[Anonymous]

The friend is an year younger to me and we are very close. Recently he has started hugging me for longer periods and lifts me up randomly, sometimes for me to reach things kept above my height sometimes just to show that I’m easy to lift. He also mentioned that he likes my haircut and that he is open to dating older women when I asked him what kinda women he likes. He recently hugged me and mentioned how my height is perfect cuz he can rest his head on my shoulder easily. And once we were like watching TV and he insisted that I should lie down near him, we didn’t touch and anything but we were pretty close to each other. Also sometimes we like hold hands when no one’s around like he makes up a reason that he is scared of the dark and then holds it until someone we know is near us. Does he like me romantically or is it platonic?

Updates

5 mo

So recently we met up and this time it was a bridal carry. He picked me up otherwise too and said that he wanted to try bridal carrying me and before I could say anything he did it. I don’t know if he did it to show that he is strong or to show affection I don't know. Besides all this he playfully punches me, leans on my shoulder and likes touching me (not in a sexual way). So should I take it as a sign that he really likes me?

[HollyK21]

I’m sure you know that the only one who can answer that is him, so ask. I’m sure you have some reservations like not wanting to lose him as a friend or ruin the dynamic, but if I were you I wouldn’t want to keep feeding into that if ultimately he doesn’t feel the same. You’ve already blurred the lines by holding hands and being flirty, so ask for some clarification so if he isn’t interested you can stop doing all that.

[HollyK21]

Don’t. Make. Assumptions. If you really wanna know, just ask! My goodness.

[Nikki1989]

The pattern of his behaviour points much more toward romantic interest, even if he hasn’t said it out loud yet.

[Maybe_Maybe_not]

Looking at how many opportunities he uses to get closer physically, it sends a very very clear message to me. It's 100% an approach I used to have in your age range, in a less blatant way lol

[spartan55]

You can't be this dense.

[spartan55]

It most likely is neither. He wants to fuck you.

[Abbycado]

Certainly flirty type behavior but the only one that knows this is him. I'd just be guessing.

[Stevepro68]

Romantic no question.

[Anonymous]

I think maybe he likes you.