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Does my guy friend like me?

I’ve (F25) known this guy friend (M20) for over a year. We’ve become a bit closer. Despite the age he is the type of guy that acts mature beyond his years and a gentleman. Recently, I’ve noticed some moments where he’d be touchy feely and I can’t decide if it’s cause it’s part of who he is or it’s something more.

~once when he passed by my seat at a meeting in school his touch on my shoulder blade lingered
~He made a comment about me and him eating popcorn and watching the student council drama unfold, then I felt his hand on my waist, somewhat firmly with pressure, I felt myself shift a bit and when he reached my waist he gave two playful squeezes. He had his full palm on the small of my back and I felt myself shift then when he reached my waist he playfully squeezed it. (a month ago).
~I didn’t see a car coming and he stopped me from crossing the street by holding my arm gently, kept his hand there until it was time to walk (polite care from a friend, it's not like he would let me cross idk why he kept his hand there)
~when a bus came and I was about to run he said (while picking up his pace) "You don't have to run, we can sprint. I don't want you to trip or fall" (doesn’t say this to others, sounded like a protective mum. )
~After we greeted each other, and spoke a bit, I noticed he was stressed and asked if everything was ok. As he talked, I noticed he looked over at my shoulder and brushed it twice, but then he left his hand there. I noticed it lingered for some time as he was talking. Then we walked around
~at an event once in the evening on campus where he was kinda stressed he pat my shoulder but then third time it just lingered for like over eight seconds, enough for me to notice. It was while he was talking. I just didn't know why he kept it there the entire time.

The moments of prolonged or unexpected physical touch happened sporadically. This was the first time he ever pulled my waist was confusing. He’s genuinely a gentlemanly and emotionally intelligent guy, acts older than his age where others point it out too. We know each other fairly well so idk if he’s testing waters or if it doesn’t mean anything.

My guess is he is just a touchy feely guy or feels close to me. But part of me unsure. He is touchy with others but not to the extent he is with me. I genuinely I feel safe and at ease with him but I don’t want to misinterpret his actions. And I don’t want to ask him yet until he does something else like that, I’m just not sure why guys do that or what he means by that

(edited 8 months ago)

Reply 1

JDINCINERATOR

If this touching is uncomfortable tell him it is so and ask him why he does this. He needs to know your boundaries, unless you think him touching you uninvited is pleasant to you.

Reply 2

anosmianAcrimony

This sounds like he read a book about how to do romance with girls and it said to casually touch their arm etc so that touching becomes normal, so now he just does these things with you all the time.

It seems very possible he likes you. It's not possible to know for sure without talking with him about it explicitly. A more productive question to ask would be, do you like him? How would you feel about dating him? Then you'll know how to proceed.

Reply 3

wasimi

not sure whether you want to date this gentleman or make a complaint about his touching. if he touches you and you want to reciprocate, you can touch him back to respond. if you would like to complain about his conduct, keep a diary of instances, call him out and if he does it again call the police. hope that helps