Expecting him to be all defensive, his actual response hasn't helped me at all.
So I have a male friend, recently separated, not up for a realtionship and my head knows that getting "involved" at this point would be stupid. I like having him as a friend and am more or less accepting of that, but if things were different, he's an attractive man and good company.
We've been training for an event together, many many hours over 4 months. Our event is almost here. Several times he's suggested something we could do next, which would mean we'd continue working together. Some of them are pretty daunting challenges, which I don't immeadiately go for. Then, as soon as I show some actual interest, he'll say actually he probably won't have time. He is genuinely a very busy man, but we all know you find time for the things you want to do.
Anyway, I've called him out and told him that I'm not around to be his ego boost, that when he does this, his ego gets a little boost and mine gets a knock. I said it's OK, I'm not particularly bothered, but I'm onto him and not playing his game.
His response, "thank you, I hadn't realised and it wasn't my intention".
I could really do with this man having some arsehole qualities 🤣
Yes, I probably have mentioned him before.