Much needed advice please.

[Munc]

Hello new here.

Could do with some much needed advice please.
I was in a long distance relationship 11 yrs ago with a man i have known for a very long time. I called it off, due to personal reasons. We have kept in touch over the years.

Fast forward to the start of the year, he got in touch and this time it felt different. Hours of talks, messaging constantly till i went to spend the weekend with him. He is a full time single dad to a 7 yr old. We talked about the fact i would always have to come to him, would i be willing to move if things got serious. It was all us, we etc
.
We had an amazing weekend. Met his child, etc. Till it came to me coming home. He admitted this would be too hard. He has been hurt previously re another relationship where she let him down at the very last minute. He was visibly upset as was i.
Once home messaged to say i was home and he has admitted we got carried away, my thoughts exactly too. Had a good old cry and had come to the conclusion as much as i adore him reality is i have to admit defeat.

To today. From him. Can we still just see each with no pressure and see what happens? I make him happy as he does me. I want this man an awful lot. But why this?

Too much too soon equals red flag.
Heart break. Who is he?
Wronged child, built future on nothing.
Are you even ready? To fall so quickly I'd say maybe not?

So after 11 years neither of you were able to make the leap to being closer together?

And then he rocks up and as soon as you relax he blows hot and cold all over the place?

Man, I think I'd want a bit more surety before committing to someone who's treated me like that.

My view is that "Can we still just see each with no pressure and see what happens?"^^ Is subtext for "can I still get sex with absolutely no commitment?"

He sure likes playing you like a fish OP. You're worth more than this man's occasional and indecisive booty call.

Sorry, not after 11 years, I meant during the period you were together and he didn't have a child.

So he had you meet his child for the first time when you arrived to spend the weekend?! I'm 😒 at this tbh, that must have been very confusing for the child especially as it sounds like they've previously been introduced to another potential stepmum who then disappeared.

He admitted this would be too hard
What would be too hard? An LDR?

This does not look good OP whichever way I look at it. He may be the nicest person in the world but I do not think he is ready for a relationship.

It sounds like you would never know where you are with him. Not fair on you or his child.

Hi.
Yes. I guess that's what he means, he said because i would have to give up everything (just got a promotion at work etc) to be with him. I am an adult, perfectly capable of making my own decisions.

He has been messaging me all day, sending pics of what him and his child have been doing, how much he has been talking about me etc. As far as child is concerned i am his 'friend'. But i know for a fact the things child said to me, holding my hand, wanting cuddles he saw it as more. And is desperate for a mum. Looking at it now, looks like i have been abit of an idiot.

Thank you all for your advice, much needed. Time to walk away and stop trying to guess his reasons.