How to go back to being “just friends”

[Sunnydaysahead22]

I have been seeing someone who I have had a huge connection with many years ago. We reconnected a couple of months ago. Things were great. Physically things were amazing for both of us, and we had loads in common.
Two months ago, he was clearly having a lot on with work etc. and seemed to go into a phase of depression. He checked in on my regularly, but the intimacy has vanished totally since then. He says to give him time, which I am happy with, but all contact has been very platonic, whereas before the flirty banter was off the scale.
It’s sad but I don’t want him as a friend. Whilst we still have great chats and obviously have a lot of feelings for each other, after we’ve spoken I just feel a deep sense of rejection and confusion.
I feel like we’ve spoken about “us” to death but I don’t think he’ll change the way he’s feeling.
I’m planning to text him to say it’s sad, but I’m planning to walk away as I’ve got nothing else to give.
What would you do?

Walk away. Sounds like whatever it was between you has fizzled and he’s putting the brakes on. You don’t want to end up being his backstop option. Set yourself free otherwise this sounds like it could drag on and on and waste your time.

I would move on. it sounds like you are doing all the running, and for whatever reason, it is not reciprocated. I wouldn't even bother texting him to explain how you are feeling. It is up to him now. Be wary if he gets back in touch, blowing hot and cold is never a great move romantically in my view.

I read a phrase once that said 'if you feel confused, the answer is no' and I think that's probably right- if someone is into you, they give positive, non-ambiguous, yes signals and consistent communication. It sounds like the 'depression' came immediately after connecting physically, and so he hasn't actually been there and consistent and a good partner since the start- you talked yourself back into the situation, had sex, and now he's flaking and he's giving mixed (negative) signals.

I would gather your dignity, text him it's not working out for you, and set yourself free. He may rush back in, but IMO if they are hot and cold, it never works, and the hurt and upset you feel in the cold phases isn't worth it.

You are worth more than this OP, it seems romantic, but it's not and it's gone wrong already, so I'd get out before it's even more hurtful.