New 'pen pal' has me confused

[penpalgal]

I've been 'friends' on social media with someone for about 5 years, although only know them vaguely and we never messaged until recently. We've started writing each other long 'letters' via social media messages, topics about all sorts of things - our lives and reflections on where we're at right now, our passions in life etc. He's very complimentary but I wouldn't say it's flirting. I quite fancy him, in fact I'm the one who initially messaged (briefly) and as he's written more and more so have I, but I'm really confused about what he wants. He's already established he's not gay (I did wonder). Seriously, why is he writing to me like this? He's not a native English speaker, is it to practice his English? I'm not used to heterosexual men just being 'nice' for the sake of it, because that's not been my experience for the most part. What's going on, please? Is he just bored or maybe has a girlfriend but likes the not-quite-cheating of writing to me? I'm confused.

Have you ever met in person?

I’d be very suspicious if not.

I’d still be pretty suspicious if so but perhaps his circumstances have changed and he’s free and single now when he wasn’t before.

I’d still be wary though. Very wary.

When I lived in Spain, I used to speak to men to help learn the language but that was always via a dating app.
I'd probably figure out what you want to gain from it and then maybe investigate from there. Like drop enough hints and then maybe just be up front with him 🤷🏻‍♀️

Not all men want something from you, but admittedly it's not very often!

Yes, we've met in person, someone I know (but don't really know) from a previous job.

I'm confused about what you want. Why are you writing to him?

I fancy him and want to get to know him better.

Is he in the UK? If you can, ask to meet asap and you'll soon find out whether he likes you too.

Yes, that's probably the way forward. Nothing means anything online and everything is open to interpretation. Thanks!