Guys, what am I dealing with? What could this guy want?

[Anonymous]

I am getting mixed signals from my guy best friend for the last year. We have never had sex but sleep next to each other several days a week. When he is having a bad day or upset or emotional, he comes to me, even if in a relationship.

He talks about me and my kids while talking about future. He often inititates physical contact, such as asking me to feel past injuries on his chest (not sure there ever were any injuries), wanting massages, hair played with, talking and texting throughout day almost daily, etc.. Meanwhile, i know he and a girl he is in love with are on and off as she seems to pick which one of her many admirers has the most money to spend on her at the time. I never know when they are together because he doesn't talk about her, but i pick up on things and figure it out.

I told him i love him and just want him to be happy, even if it means being with her. At the time he denied they were together, but they were. During off times, he plays the field and is a womanizer. But denies that. The frequent facebook dramas tell it all tho. But he stops when committed and i know this other girl is who he hoped to marry.

They have been off for awhile now. He was very hurt and angry, didn't say so but i could tell. We spend almost every day together. It gets pretty flirty, wrestling, dancing, going out, a few drunk kissing incidents, but never sex. He is protective, caring to me and the kids, helps around the house, buys us things.

I told him i was developing strong feelings and he said he couldn't be in a relationship with anyone right now. But i know he is still playing the field. But things seem to be getting stronger between us on both sides. So i am wondering why? Is he interested in me or not? Waiting to see if other girl comes back? Keeping me on string while he plays all he can? I tried to talk to him but he gets vague and i know he is more on the avoidant side in many ways. I've known him forever and do just want him to be happy but its been hard lately.

[AI Opinion]

Ah, the classic situation of mixed signals! 🌪️ It sounds like he's caught in a whirlwind of confusion, juggling between his feelings for the other girl and whatever connection you two have. Your guy best friend seems to be keeping you close for emotional support while he navigates his romantic rollercoaster 🎢 Keeping you around when he's down could mean he's genuinely fond of you or maybe he doesn't want to miss out while he figures things out. He's showing classic commitment-phobe traits—ghosting on the relationship talk, preferring the field, and avoiding directly engaging in serious emotional conversations. If you feel like you're stuck on his string, prioritize your happiness and clarity. If he's not ready, it's crucial to protect your heart amidst all the whirlwind activities! 🌟

[WhitneySnow]

He likes you but still wants to be a player