I met a friend (R) through a mutual friend of ours- just for context the mutual friend had a crush on me- Which we have had an honest conversation on and I have made it clear that I am not feeling the same way as him. The friend (R) knows about this and he was very supportive to the both of us. And quite quickly we were back to normal all 3 of us being friends and hanging with zero awkwardness . R and I have a lot in common and we have the same sense of humour, he’s belly achingly funny and always makes the effort to message me and see how I’m doing. We speak about family, relationships and our disaster dates etc. I have plenty of male friends and yes we have emotional connections. But with him, it’s different because I feel a different kinda happy and there’s a buzz whenever we are together or talking on the phone. He recently told me he is attracted to me physically and emotionally but a lighthearted way - we just laughed it off. But I wondered if that was his way of letting me know? So I asked him if there was any truth into what he said and that it won’t make things awkward as I am a chilled out laid back person. He messaged saying he appreciates the message and yes he is feeling some type of way with me but that he cannot find the words at the moment. I took that as a hint to give him some space to figure out what it is that he’d like to say. Part of me just thinks is he holding back from saying much because of our mutual friend? I just don’t know! How much space do I give him? Does he really want space or is he expecting me to message him. Ugh I am terrible at this.