NOTE: I know the rational answer is to just ask him but it’s not that simple: I’m concerned he’ll feel awkward in our friend group as I introduced him to everyone and he’s still getting comfortable feeling like they’re his friends. All of us want to be his friend regardless of what happens between him and I.
TL;DR: my southern (US) friend is nice to everyone, but extra nice to me, so no one in our friend group knows whether he likes me or is “just southern.”
This is a little silly, but I would love insight as none of our friends have any.
I live in a northern midwestern US state and am part of a pretty close friend group. 9 months ago I met a transplant from the Deep South through an app and after a few dates we decided to be just friends. Since then, he’s become part of the friend group and hangs out with folks one-on-one regularly.
We’ve become very close friends and hang out just the two of us most days. That includes day-to-day activities like going to the gym, doing errands, taking the dog for a walk, doing chores, etc.
However, he’s very nice and considerate as it is. The constant question from our friends is “are you two dating or is he just southern?”
And I have no clue.
He does hang out one-on-one with other friends although he’s getting to know everyone still so it’s not super often, and he always has group events he wants to do. But he and I hang out like it’s a given. (Both of us initiate.)
He’ll make food for everyone but show up with something specific for me, either to try or because he knows my preferences.
He texts 1:1 with most people from the group, but we often text most of the day. Recently he was texting about movies that showcase the type of relationship he wants, but he never asked me any of my thoughts.
He’s done things above and beyond like keeping track of home repairs I’ve said I need to do, but he’s also the type of person who notices things; our other friends may not have mentioned anything similar since we hang out more often with more situations in which for me to say things like that.
We both have introduced the other as “just my friend” to coworkers, friends and acquaintances.
Recently he made a comment in front of everyone about my being jealous of an ex of his, which led to an influx of people asking what’s going on, but every one of our friends say they can’t tell if he likes me or if he’s just a really nice southern guy trying to make friends but is more comfortable with me right now.
I would love any insights anyone would have so I can temper my expectations or plan to maybe say something (our friends think that as a southerner, he will feel the need to make the first move if it’s going to happen, including starting conversations).