Mixed signals from guy I like

[Tenbytwo]

Hi folks, can I ask you to help me interpret this interaction I recently had with this guy I am crushing on who is a single dad in my daughter's class?

Here is some background. He used to flirt with me quite a lot (complimenting me, standing close, touching me frequently). I like him a lot but I am terrible at flirting, so I probably didn't flirt back enough, and generally he just doesn't flirt with me as much anymore :(

The last time I saw him was at a school event. When we said goodbye he said, "I'm going to ask you for a CUDDLE, because I'm going to have surgery and I need comforting" and reached in to give me a hug (we have hugged before).

I took his wording to be unusually familiar and a bit...flirty. Am I wrong?

Adding to my confusion, he thumped me on the back almost as soon as we started hugging, as if he wanted to END the hug!

What do you think of all of this? How should I read this interaction? Is he flirting with me? Why the mixed signals (the casual "friends-only" style hug combined with the familiar/flirty words). I am hoping to get things back on track with him but don't know if the "flirting boat" has sailed.

Sounds like he is trying to flirt but is wary? Fear of rejection, so he is testing the waters and keeping it "friendly". Give him a stronger signal that you're interested, some men need it spelt out!

Is he like this with all the mums or just you?

It's strange he'd mention " surgery" then not disclose anything further. Perhaps he was hoping to get talking to you on a more personal level?

Is he still alive

@Lolalovesroses

It's strange he'd mention " surgery" then not disclose anything further. Perhaps he was hoping to get talking to you on a more personal level?

He'd told me about the surgery earlier in our conversation. It's nothing too serious.

@Sonaftersonafterson

Sounds like he is trying to flirt but is wary? Fear of rejection, so he is testing the waters and keeping it "friendly". Give him a stronger signal that you're interested, some men need it spelt out!

Is he like this with all the mums or just you?

Thanks for the feedback. So the wording sounds on the flirty side to you? I haven't noticed him with the other mums but I will pay attention next time. He also ruffled his hair when I was standing near him.

I would be so happy if he still wanted to flirt with me. I am really bad at it, someone has to be SO obvious for me to notice and respond. By the time I catch on they usually give up...it is frustrating! I got a little freaked out when he thumped me on the back because I thought that indicated non-romantic feelings.

I need to step up my flirting game but it's not easy because I am so shy.

Good grief. Just ask the man if he'd like to join you for a drink after he recovers from his surgery. He will either say yes or no.

@Aquamarine1029

Good grief. Just ask the man if he'd like to join you for a drink after he recovers from his surgery. He will either say yes or no.

Ignore the flirting and do this ^^