sorry again for the delayed response.
Jarlin, thanks, I agree, I should't lead him on. Which is why I hinted at these factors during email conversation and was completely upfront about it when we met. He understood. How put off was he? I don't know. There are certainly mixed messages going on, and this is my own fault, but the truth is that is is complicated, and those factors aren't going away (ok, they are cultural / religious factors).
The problem is that I'm not even sure myself how I want to play this, but don't want to be hanging around forever while I think about possibilities or impossibilities endlessly. I'm fine with whoever, but there's all the other things that go along with a relationship (friends, family, work, community etc.)
Anyway, not sure whether to just have some fun and see what happens (which I'd quite like). Or be conscious of the fact that ultimately, this (or any other relationship) may or may not lead anywhere.
So - back to the fact that I like him - Minmooch, you're probably right - I guess he'll contact me if he wants to.
It would be good to know - if he didn't - whether it was because the chemistry wasn't right, or whether it just wasn't worth the hassle.
Beforeandafter, you're right too - I think just a friendship might be a bit strange here - probably best to either see if there's any dating potential, or just leave it.
Andcatmakesthree see above. Arrghh just don't know what to do. I think I'll leave it to him to be in contact if he wants. But, Duckedup.. he is pretty cute, and clever, and interesting, and thoughtful..
right, now I have to reread again to see if I can add anything useful to anyone else's dilemmas.