Worried he thinks I want to date him

[Tranquiltimes]

I met a guy (older) during a course which I was doing with my then bf, a few years ago. Kept in touch with over FB, this guy often posts pics of the sport.

The other day we chatted briefly & he mentioned being in my home town abroad. I suggested meeting for coffee there but he will be busy doing the sport. So I (thoughtlessly) said "oh let's meet up in England anyway". He lives 4 hours from me & I meant if I am in the vicinity or him near mine.

He responded with a lot of enthusiasm about meeting up halfway on specific days, to which I I replied with vagueness on the lines of "will see if I'm free". He then sent a short flurry of texts late at night suggesting this or that activity. I admire his enthusiasm but I don't want to date him & I'm worried he's got the wrong end of the stick.

How can I reply, drawing it back?

Why don't you just admit that in spite of you saying "oh lets meet up" that you don't really want to meet up? Just come clean, there's dignity in honesty.

I do want to meet up, but casually - if he happens to be close by. I don't want him to get the wrong end of the stick, I v much like this friendship.

It won't let me edit.
I should have been clearer. There's a difference between meeting up for a coffee if you're already in the vicinity & spending a whole day together, or driving 4 hours to do it.
This is what I meant.

Bumping this up. Could use some advice. He is messaging me & asking interested and polite questions about work but putting xxxx after messages. I'm trying to respond friendly but no kisses. I leave some time between replies, too.

Shall I just be open & say I'm not looking for romance? Urgh I'm struggling.

Time to mention a new boyfriend

He's on my FB so can see but maybe I could mention dating someone else. Argh I wish I'd never texted him.

"I wouldn't be able to meet for a few weeks as myself & John are heading on holiday but I would love to catch up when we are back. Do you think there's anyone else from the course we should invite? Claire perhaps?"

Boyfriend, plus not meeting you alone, it ain't no date!

Just say you were thinking it would be nice to meet for a chat if either of you find yourselves near, but your latest BF might take issue with travelling to meet as he might not realise you are only ever going to be friends 😉

Just tell him your appreciation you're friendship

Bob, I’m going on a work trip/family visit/meeting a friend over those dates so won’t have the opportunity for a coffee and a catch up. Hope it all goes well!

Just tell him youve re read your text and and what you meant to say was that if you were in the area

"Looking at my calendar I just don't see a day when I'll be near your area. When I am I'll let you know and we can meet for a coffee." AI rewrote a brisker version. "Upon reviewing my calendar, I don't see a date that aligns with being in your vicinity, but I will reach out when I am and we can arrange to meet for coffee."