I REALLY like someone I see through my job and we have become good friends over the past year and a half. It went quiet after he jokingly told me that he loved me and because I'm a total idiot, the only response I could think of was to blow out my cheeks and purse my lips. In essence, I did a puffer fish impression. He looked confused, I died of embarrassment and contact pretty much became non existent after that.
We have recently spent time together through work (not employed by the same company, just in a similar field) and the text messaging has resumed.
The messages are very flirty, he compliments me and we definitely have chemistry in person. However, I am confused about what this means as he hasn't suggested a date. I have casually mentioned meeting up but it's never followed up his end. I know he is definitely single, not sure he has much experience with dating either and is a carer for a family member so possibly it isn't the right time for him but where do I go from here?
Do I continue these flirty messages or just ignore them from now on? Most of me thinks he's just not that into me but it doesn't feel like that when we are face to face. I'm rubbish at picking up the cues with men and the thought of just asking him fills me with dread as I don't want to a) make it awkward at work and b) lose a good friendship. Holy smokes, you wouldn't think I turn 40 next year! Any advice?