I'm worried didn't say the right thing..

[Confuzled24]

I've been going walks, and enjoying the company and random chit chat with a guy over the last month. We had been acknowledging one another, which led to quick 5 min chat in passing over time, when out walking over the last few months, and asked me out for a cuppa, pre-lockdown, to which I said would be nice. We had a handful of dates - socially distanced walk/cuppa - and I was unsure whether to proceed with regards to dating. One reason was I felt very cautious having not dated for a fair while and was unsure of how I felt about dating him as I wasn't feeling physically attracted to him, but I did feel a connection. The other reason was I was unsure what I felt able to offer due to the situation with my son (15yr old with fairly complex mental health difficulties). I explained the situation re my son to him, and I asked to take things slowly and see how it goes be that friendship or maybe something more to which he agreed.

I took things a step at a time, and I thought very carefully about things and my feelings towards him. We went for a walk last week and he asked me how I felt things were going. I thanked him for being so patient and understanding with me over the last few weeks. I explained that my situation at home with my son is somewhat complex and unpredictable, meaning that with time constraints, lack of respite, support etc and friendship is all I realistically feel able to offer. I told him that I enjoy his company and value the friendship we have developed, and would very much like that to continue, and hoped that he would like that too. He said that he understood and was happy to be friends as he enjoys my company too.

I feel glad that we can continue to enjoy one another's company and our friendship, but I'm worried that he is still hoping for more than friendship. He's a nice chap but friendship is all I'm feel comfortable offering. I'm realise that I am not in a position to embark on a relationship and I although I feel we have a good connection and we chatter away about all sorts of things, I don't feel romantically/physically attracted to him, hence why I felt more comfortable in offering friendship. I'm just not sure if I've made that clear enough though with how I worded things?

Apologies.. didn't mean to post same message twice.. i thought my original thread hadn't been submitted..

It sounds to me like you have been very clear and honest with him. And friendship is a wonderful thing in itself so it's lovely you seem to both really enjoy each other's company.

You said the right thing OP

I think you've made it very clear indeed and you have done absolutely the right thing

You were perfectly clear and straightforward, OP. However, be prepared for him not potentially wanting to continue the friendship. He may well feel that he has enough friends already and want to invest his limited time in dating potential new partners rather than in a friendship.

I think you should tell him you don't feel a 'spark', which seems to be the polite way of telling someone you don't feel attracted to them these days. At least then he'll know that he's never going to have more than a friendship with you and won't hang on for your situation to change or for you to be ready.

I don't think you've made it clear. People with romantic feelings have enormous capacity to hear what they want to.

Thanks all for your replies, it's most helpful to have others points of view. Much appreciated :-)