Why would he do this?

[Confortableorwhat]

I have a friend (no benefits!). It's more complicated than it should be and I suspect will do me no good, but for the time being he's a nice man and we have a laugh together/share some interests. Both single, but no prosect of it becoming "something".

We were both going to an event where there would be many shared friends and aqauintances. He offered to pick me up on the way, lovely, I didn't think of it as anything other than a lift, and he was practically driving past my house.

However, despite lots of mingling opportunities (which he's usually good at) he stayed by my side the whole time and made sure everyone knew we'd arrived and left together.

He has made it very clear he's not looking for a realtionship, so wtf is this about?

Generally he's a very comfortable friend, but this has made me uneasy. I can't exactly say why.

Marking his territory?

Well yes, but he doesn't want it!

Perhaps he was sending a message or trying to avoid one of the friends or acquaintances.

Doesn't mean he is happy for someone else to move in. He presumably knows he has you sticking around which is presumably a boost to his ego, even though he doesn't want a relationship right now.

Pretend girlfriend. Who knows why. Perhaps he’s worried people think he’s gay?

So would you like it to develop? Why is he so against it?

Sounds like he’s trying to deny to himself that he is more into you. But couldn’t quite deny it to himself that night.

Was he nervous to mingle? Maybe just being polite because you went together? Or of course does he want more? I've found with close male friendships over the years they wouldn't have minded a bit more if I had encouraged it! Xx

He's only recently separated and has said repeatedly that he wants to be on his own for a while, which I agree is entirely sensible after a long marriage.

He's not nervous of mingling, or avoiding anyone and I don't think he was being polite having "taken" me either.

We get on. In other circumstances, maybe...

Yes, I think this is my concern. I wouldn't say I'm "sticking around", but we are often together at social things. Some people have assumed we're a couple, but he knows I see other people.

When I say recently separated, it's been 6 months.

Assume you know him longer than he has been separated?

I knew him, but we've only become close friends since. Why?

Maybe he has harboured a thing for you and now its been 6 months since his separation he is ready to get out there again and there you are! It is not beyond the realms.

Maybe, but he's told me (again) within the last few days that he's not.

In that case I have no idea. Men are very strange creatures at times I find.

Start being less available.

It's like he's been warning me not to get ideas for months, but his actions are different to what he's saying.

I do wonder if he's trying to convince himself as much as me, but suspect I'm better off out of it.

I'm not really "available" I only see him at things I would have been at anyway and I'm very busy separately to him.