Can't get physical (instead of the Olivia Newton-John anthem)

I may take heat for this post.  I have some qualms about writing it actually.  I know I'm going to come across poorly for one.  I like to be well thought of, who doesn't right?  Yet my experience typifies turn off for most women in regards to certain male behavior.  I gotta start by saying I like the fellow I'm going to write about.  He's a perfectly nice guy, smart and easy to talk to.  I met him  on an on-line dating site.  I wasn't wowed by his profile and definitely not by his one picture, but he was rather persistent and after several attempts and a dry spell I agreed to meet him. 

He looks a lot like Richard Dreyfus.  Not a bad looking man this date, he was much more attractive than his picture.  Yet, he has what I refer to as a preggo belly.  A hard looking, very round tummy.  His shirt did not quite cover the belleh and when he stood I could see skin, and it was NOT an attractive look.  I did not feel any physical attraction which was disappointing because I WANTED to like him in every way.   Great job, likes to travel, has good relationships with his family etc etc.  He thought I was beautiful and made sure he told me so.  I think we talked for a couple of hours.

He asked to see me again and I politely blew him off.  For a year.  Then another dry spell for me and he contacted me again.  I agreed to meet at the same place for coffee.  We enjoyed each others company once again and this time when we parted he kissed me.  A kiss says so much.  I could barely drive away before the back of my hand crept up to wipe off my mouth.  It wasn't that he was a wet kisser, it simply felt like I'd kissed my brother and it was creepy.  My heart sank.  I'd hoped I'd feel something.  Nada.

He emailed me to tell me how much he enjoyed our kiss.  How was I going to deal with this?  I replied and told him that I didn't believe we had a romantic attraction and although I liked him I didn't feel we were a match.  He was nice in reply. 

Then recently he contacted me again.  I agreed to do nachos, figuring I'd been clear that there were no romantic intentions on my part.  We once again enjoyed each other's company.  No kiss when he walked me to my jeep.

Then a call would I like to attend the symphony? Sure I said.  When we met at a parking lot and I got out of the car he was terribly appreciative of how I looked.  He said he wished he'd brought a camera.  As nice as that sounds for a woman to get that type of attention, it's not.   I know for him he simply feels 'lucky' a women he deems is hot and/or beautiful is with him, he wants picture proof.  Which as much as I hate to admit it, lowers his value in my eyes.  My hind brain is thinking I can do better if he thinks he's doing so great.  That's awful isn't it? 

We had a lovely time at the symphony.  We didn't hold hands or do anything that would lead him to believe we're a couple.  He did kiss me when we arrived at my vehicle - three quick pecks on the lips.  The next day I received a text asking me when he could see me again.  I waited a couple of hours thinking about my response.  What follows is an exchange over a few days.

Me: You ask the hard questions (in reply to his question of when he can see me again)

Him: Why is hard? Is it you would rather not see me?  Be honest.

I wait a little over 2 hours thinking about how to respond and I was busy

Me: Sorry wasn't trying to delay that answer.  I am preparing my house for some renovations. 

Me: I like you.  I know you know that.  I don't feel its a romantic like.  I very much enjoy spending time with you.  But I don't want you to be hurt if romantic feelings don't develop for me.

Him: Is that not a chance we take with any new relationship? But if you think it would not develop to more than friends thats ok but i wouldn't want to waste your time.  I like you alot as you could tell.  I would like to be a couple but I don't want you to feel like you have to see me.

Me: I'm interested in seeing you. Yes I believe that things always have a possibility of developing.  But I will be honest and tell you that I am not going to see only you.  If you are okay with that, and it doesn't hurt you them I'm okay.

Me (some more): I do NOT feel like I have to see you.  You do not waste my time.  I enjoy your company and that's the truth. 

Him: And I would see others as well.  Then there's no problem.  :)

Me: Excellent!

Me:  We ate copacetic.  (accidental spelling error)

Me: (trying to be funny) I've never eaten copacetic except Listerine

Him: Yes I would say so but please if you meet someone and take it to a higher level let me know that part of you.

Me: Will do and same for you

Him: You I wouldn't want to share

Him: Yes but I would hope it would be you  *wink

Me: lol

Him: Truth Sweetie

He texts back three days later 

Him: Hello how are you

Me: Sick as a doggie  :(   How are you?

Him: Omg babe what's wrong? Im doing good all my stuff got moved today it was so cold (he's got a brand new house to move in to)

Me: Bronchitis

Him: Omg babe do you need anything?

Me: No but thank you muchly. 

Him: Just thinking of you! Love you and miss you!

WTF!!!

I did not respond.  He loves me?! I thought I was pretty clear no?  Arghhhhh.

The next day

Him: Hi how you feeling? Hope my last message didn't make you mad.

I answer the following day

Me: I am NOT mad at you.  How can I be? Am I taken aback? Yes.  I worry that continuing a friendship will hurt you sooner rather than later.

Him: Well can I help it if you are so awesome.  :)  If you think there is no hope then I guess I should give up.  I do like you alot you know.

I wait a day

Me: I always enjoy the time I spend with you.  I can't make any promises or predictions about the future.  I know I don't want to lead you on.

Him: So what exactly are you saying? Do you want it keep it just as friends? I am sorry for coming on so strong.

So what am I exactly saying?  I haven't answered him.