Have you ever had a guy call you a “close friend” and you don’t know if he wants to be more than friends? Or maybe you know he does, but you’re not sure how to approach the situation.
Don’t worry – you’re not alone. Many people struggle to figure out if a guy is interested or just being friendly. It can be confusing and even awkward if you don’t know how to interpret his words and actions.
With some help in this article, you can determine if a guy who calls you his close friend wants to be your boyfriend. Or does he just want to keep it a platonic friendship?
When A Guy Calls You His Friend
The meaning of “Close Friend” is not always the same for everyone, depending on the context. He may value your friendship, express his romantic feelings, or something else. Here are some factors to consider:
Genuine friendship
A guy might call you a close friend because he genuinely cares about your friendship. If you have a lot in common and like spending time together, he probably values you as a trusted friend.
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When a guy sees you as a genuine friend, he will want to hang out, chat, and share things with you. He feels comfortable around you and enjoys your company. But he also prefers to keep things friendly, without romance.
Signs it’s a genuine friendship include:
- You have known each other for a long time and have supported each other through the ups and downs. You’ve been through a lot together as buddies.
- You share interests and laughs. There’s an easy, relaxed vibe when you spend time together.
- He trusts you and confides in you about personal stuff. He doesn’t mind being vulnerable around you.
- He asks for your advice and values your opinions on different topics.
- He never flirts with you or makes physical contact. He keeps things friendly.
- He tells you about crushes or girls he likes. He doesn’t get jealous when you talk about other guys.
If a guy sees you as a true friend, calling you a close friend is a nice compliment from him. It shows he cherishes the friendship he has built with you.
Testing the waters
Sometimes, a guy will call you a close friend to test the waters subtly. He might gauge your interest and see if there’s potential for a romantic relationship.
When a guy says you’re a close friend in a flirty way, it can be a hint that he wants to take things to the next level. Here are some signs he’s feeling you out:
- He’s been finding excuses to spend more one-on-one time with you lately. For example, he asks you to tutor him or be his plus-one at a wedding.
- He compliments your appearance and flirts with you playfully. He might tease you or make jokes geared towards you.
- His body language is open and interesting when you’re together. He makes strong eye contact, faces you directly, and leans in when you speak.
- He asks more personal questions and opens up emotionally to you. This shows he trusts you and wants to create intimacy.
- He gets a bit jealous or possessive when other guys pay you attention. He wants to make sure you’re available.
- He brings up “close friends” when you’re alone rather than in groups. This makes it feel more meaningful and personal.
So, if a guy is testing the waters, pay attention to his actions rather than just his words. His behavior will make his true intentions clear.
Letting you down easy
A guy who calls you a close friend may be trying to gently turn you down without hurting your feelings.
If he knows you like him but doesn’t feel the same way, using the term “close friend” can be a gentle way to reject you.
Signs a guy is trying to let you down include:
- He says you’re a “close friend” after you make a romantic advance or ask him out. This is his way of responding while avoiding an outright “no.”
- He emphasizes how much he values your friendship and doesn’t want to ruin what you have. He frames the rejection as an attempt to preserve your friendship.
- He pulls away a bit after you confess your feelings and establishes boundaries. He doesn’t initiate one-on-one time as often.
- He dates or flirts with other girls in front of you. He wants you to get the hint that he’s not interested.
- He gives vague excuses when you try to get close, saying he’s too busy.
- If you call him out, he denies leading you on and says he thought you knew he just wanted to be friends.
Though it stings to hear, “close friend” can be a kind way for a guy to say he doesn’t reciprocate deeper feelings. Don’t let it hurt your self-esteem if he responds this way.
What to Look For: Is He Into You or Just Friends?
How can you tell if a guy who calls you a close friend wants to be more than a friend?
When a guy calls you a “close friend,” it can make you overanalyze everything he says and does.
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The “close friend” label alone doesn’t reveal much. It would be best to look at the context signals and trust your gut. Here are some clues he may like you romantically:
- Spend time with you one-on-one.
- Flirt and use body language that shows he’s interested.
- Make excuses to be near you or touch you.
- Open up and share deep secrets with you.
- Get jealous if you talk to other guys.
On the other hand, here are signs he sees you as just a friend:
- Keep convos fun and light, not serious.
- Treat you like a buddy or sister.
- Talk about girls he likes who aren’t you.
- Not flirt or make much physical contact.
Rather than overthinking it, listen to your instincts. Do you feel giddy when you’re together or just relaxed? Trust yourself. You’ll find clarity.
What To Do When a Guy Calls You His Close Friend
As you see, when a guy calls you his close friend, it can be confusing. The best way to find out what he means is to ask.
Ask questions like “What do you mean when you say I’m your close friend? Do you see this friendship as something that could grow into something more?”
From there, you can start to get a better understanding of where his head is at.
Don’t forget to look at how he acts around you. Does he flirt, make lots of eye contact, and find excuses to spend time together? Or does he treat you like a casual friend?
Listen to your gut. Do you get happy and crushed out when you’re with him? Or do you just feel friendly?
Conclusion
Don’t rush to conclusions when a guy calls you his close friend. Look at other signs — like his behavior and body language — to gauge his feelings for you.
If you’re unsure, ask him what he means. Good communication can help determine if he wants to be friends or something more.
Be patient, and his true feelings often become clear as you get to know each other better.
