How do I handle this?

[RubbishAtRelationships]

I've been single a long time no serious relationship for ages.

But I have dated sometimes and have made mistakes ending up in me getting hurt.

I've a fwb situation that's been going on and off for a few years. We get on well and usually meet up weekly depending on what's going on in our lives. We chat have lots in common.

Recently (last 6 months Ish) he was texting a lot more than usual - every day most of the day, then in the last few weeks that's really tailed off without any explanation or obvious reason.

Stupidly I've tangled myself up in game playing by not replying myself for over a day even though I normally reply within an hour or so.

Now he's wondering why and I don't know what to say.

I don't want to lose the arrangement but I'm annoyed at this changing communication habits.

At one point I did wonder if I wanted more from him but I think it was just a lonely phase and I don't necessarily feel that way now.

What do I do/say?

Say you are just trying to be careful to maintain boundaries? That is sort of what you are both doing by cooling off before things get a bit weird and involved. Sort of.

Can't say that he's not been that obvious in what he's said. He's just surprised he hasn't heard from me. Wondering if my phones working

can't you just be direct and say you went along with his less frequent of contact, OP?

sorry no 'of' there

Did you see my username?

Nope can't do that either. Honestly tempted to lie and say I had phone trouble.

Truth is I'd like to know where I stand/what he thinks of me but not brave enough to ask and happy to continue fwb and don't want to lose that.

Did I mention I'm crap at relationships?

"I thought you'd cooled off on me. I didn't want to be ott and put you off altogether".

Can't you just say you've been really busy?