How not to get emotional invested too soon?

[Leostar]

I’m mates with a man who wife left him for a colleague a few months ago. We both know he is not ready for another relationship but there is a clear attraction between us.

We’ve had sex once but decided the timing wasn’t right. He came over yesterday and we both had to use all our willpower not to get naked.

We’ve agreed to have drinks and not have sex but how do I not get over emotionally invested in what isn’t a relationship? I am physically having to stop myself future planning what may not even happen.

I know he isn’t ready for a relationship whereas I am. I just need tips on how to protect myself emotionally

You slept together so you're not just "mates" - leave him alone and don't go for drinks unless you want to start investing/getting emotionally involved with him. Basically, you're kidding yourself that you are friends and then asking us all for advice on how not to get involved with your friend - simple, don't meet up with him unless you want utter heartbreak down the line. You are at completely different stages and he will happily go there to relieve his heartbreak, and you'll be the one who suffers.
Stop thinking you're friends, I have plenty of friends and I never have the urge to sleep with them or worry that I'm emotionally invested in a friend. You don't see him as a friend, so you need to steer clear or go casual and get hurt.

In all honesty I don’t think you can be friends with this man at the moment. The lines are blurred now and it will get in the way of any real friendship.

Do you know he definitely doesn’t want a relationship? I’d ask him

He's not ready for a relationship yet..... he needs a lot longer to get over that betrayal. You know it's going to end up in tears so I'd start distancing myself now. Easier said then done though.

We’ve agreed to have drinks and not have sex

Do let us know how that goes!