I have a friend who has been chatting to girl online for the best part of a year. They are in different countries. They talk every day. He sends her kisses and virtual flowers. He told her she understands him more than anyone has. She feels like 'home' to him, he says. She was planning to visit his country (independently of their friendship) and suggested they could meet up. He agreed but then suddenly started saying he had meant none of what he had previously said. He claimed he had been lying because he thought that was what she wanted to hear. This is bullshit because unless he is a psycho, no one needs to go to those lengths to save feelings. He said he had thought about marriage.
For various reasons, sex was off the table so it wasnt for sex. And he wasn't trying to exploit her financially etc.
She is very upset and confused now and it's left me wondering---could he really not realise he is in love with her? You should know, right?