He's not ready for a relationship but wants to be friends?

[rockchick123]

Ok so long story short met a great guy, went out and really clicked, made plans to keep seeing each other but we have since talked about what were looking for and he said he is still not ready for a relationship, he is out of a relationship of four years just a few months and seems quite hurt still. He genuinely seems to like me a lot and really wants me to keep in touch but I've told him I could only be friends and nothing more. The problem is I do like him and worry I could fall for him, has anyone stayed friends with a guy who wasn't for ready for anything more and had it work out or should i quit now...is it better to keep him as a friend than nothing at all?

Updates

+1 y

Suppose really I'm wondering is it possible to meet the right guy or girl but at the wrong time and should I stay in touch to see what happens in time...anyone ever been in this situation...

[MrOracle]

If you can handle being just friends with him, that's okay, but you really need to make sure you don't end up having sex, because that will tend to screw up any possibility of you having a real relationship in the future.

If you think you'll end up getting to attached, or that you'd have a weak moment and have sex with him outside of a relationship, then make a clean break with him.

[rockchick123]

As I guy do you feel if he liked me that much he wouldn't risk losing me or could be honestly just in need of time to sort himself out...also have you ever fallen for a friend?

[MrOracle]

I think he probably doesn't want to be unfair to you by "keeping you in a holding pattern" until he gets past his former relationship, and he doesn't know how long that's going to be. Could be a month, could be a year, could be 5 years (probably not, but...). My advice is to be casual friends with him but don't stop looking for other guys yourself. If you're single when he finally feels ready, you can date then, but don't put your life on hold for him.

[Anonymous]

I am going through that right now. I hope and pray it works out. It’s weird that this is like this now. I am thinking it’s way better than not knowing each. There is hope yet.
after all everything starts with friends.