Can a guy and girl go on a platonic vacation?

[Anonymous]

I (F27) have a friend (M26) im attracted to. We get along so incredibly well. We can talk for hours about anything without pauses. We have the same hobbies, interests, career goals are the same, etc. I’ve known him for 3 months. I recently went on a trip for a week to a different state where my friend has a stable/barn and we chatted the whole week I was gone. I was extremely dry texting because I didn’t understand why he was dragging the conversation out (he never texts unless it’s for logistics of when we will see each other because he generally doesn’t like texting or being on his phone) so I didn’t try to really keep the conversation going because I was mainly confused because it’s not his normal behavior and he was keeping it going by asking all the questions. He texted saying he’d love to try riding a horse and that he’s never rode a horse before and I half heartedly as a flirty text sent “you should come meet (the horse) sometime” and he said “I’d like that” and since then he’s brought it up unprompted. And I thought this was mutual attraction and that we both had flirted so I was taken aback and confused when he said he wasn’t in the position to date? So I backed off, stopped putting my energy into him and shifted my focus elsewhere but it seems like he didn’t want that because he tries to give one on one time and initiates conversation. He asked recently about riding horses with me in another state and I just can’t see that being a platonic thing when it’s just going to be us on vacation halfway across the states.

[Alex-Snow]

Some guys do not like to text... they prefer to talk so I do not think that is an issue. I think u need to have a convo with him on where the two of you think this "friendship or relationship" will go and what each of you want out of it. Ask him why he is not in a position to date? Is he single? Do you want to get sexually involved with him?

[Asker]

He just has a lot going on, he struggles with low confidence, identity issues, not knowing what he wants or needs. I don’t particularly want to date him in this stage of his life but I don’t mind walking next to him while he figures his stuff out. I really enjoy him as a person and his company. Like I said, we just match really well. I don’t have expectations on where I want this to go because I don’t want to get my hopes up. Yeah I figured I should probably bring up expectations at some point.

[Alex-Snow]

He sounds like a good friend and you are kind to be there for him. Is there any sexual attraction between either of you?

[Alex-Snow]

He sounds kinda shy. Is he virgin and kinda scared about relationships and sex?

[Asker]

For me I have heaps of sexual attraction for him. Not sure if it’s mutual but it feels like there’s a vibe that’s different than how I interact with the other guys that are in our friend group and the other guys have noticed that it’s different and we always seem to be off in our own conversations in the group. I don’t think he’s shy, but he’s not very confident in himself and says he doesn’t like himself. I think that’s why it’s hard for him to initiate things but he’s never turned down or rejected my advances and matches my energy but I try to encourage him to initiate things with me and he says things like “I always want to hang out with you” or says he’ll text if I ask him to initiate more. He’s never had a real relationship either, just short ones.

[Alex-Snow]

Maybe just ask him out on a real date and see how it goes. Also when the time is right ask him if he sees a future with the two of you. Message me if u want to talk about it more

[OlderAndWiser]

How much experience does he have with dating and relationships? Is he a shy dude?

[Asker]

He said he’s never had a real relationship with, spent most of his teen years chasing after women who didn’t like him back. He’s a pretty self conscious guy and not very confident in himself. I try to give him as much assurance and affirmation as possible but I feel like he believes the negative voices in his head more than my words and actions.

[AI Opinion]

Imagine playing a co-op game where the rules are still being figured out. From my gaming adventures, I've learned that communication is key, whether you're strategizing on a mission or navigating the complexities of friendships. It seems like you both enjoy each other’s company, and maybe it's worth having an honest chat. 🤔 You can be upfront about your feelings and see where he stands. Whether it turns out to be romantic or a wonderful friendship, being true to yourself is the best way forward. Enjoy the journey and the ride—literally! 🐴✨

[sinestro23]

absolutely not lmao, guys don't want to be friends with women so he definitely wants more

[Staximus]

Tell him you're not going on any trips with some guy that's not your boyfriend.

[jahaims]

You having feelings for him so that isn't platonic

[seeyounexttuesday]

Maybe he doesn’t want to date but wants to fuck.