I [F26] have been dating a man [M28] for over a month, we have gone out every weekend, dates lasting 4-8 hours (5 dates total) – all of which he initiated and planned. He is very kind and polite to me, asks thoughtful questions, and communicates with me consistently on the days we don't see each other. He is athletic (cross country & body building), highly educated, great career, and is a very kind and thoughtful man! However, he is incredibly cautious with everything he says, does, and how he presents himself.
He doesn't flirt with me, touch me, or make any interaction that is vaguely romantic – beyond the gentlemanly things like opening car door, taking me out, guiding me, etc. I really want to like him, but without any sort of sexual tension, it's hard to think of him as a romantic partner. Example – when he took me to the gym, as he was correcting my form, he apologized for briefly touching me! I feel like he is allergic to my touch. I am a naturally flirty person and have done my best to give green flags: I asked him to pick me up from my house thinking that it would be a way for him to naturally be more physical – nope. I have also told him physical touch is a major love language and am very complementary of his masculinity/strength/figure! My flirting consists of mostly teasing and playful banter, which he vaguely reciprocates, but does not initiate. I usually initiate greetings hugs, and last time to see if he would, I waited for him to, and he did not. I wouldn't mind initiating contact, but I need more clear signs that he is comfortable with it.
With how much attention and energy he gives me, I'm sure he's interested, right? Do I need to explicitly tell him that more physical touch would be appreciated? Give him more patience?