I (30sF) had a crush on my long time friend (30sM) of a year. I confessed to him a couple of times, at different points, and he said he wasn't interested. But his actions tell a different story. He always sends me cute funny reels, and one time I said I found another guy cute but he didn't fit what I look for in a partner. I said what I looked for, and he was like "oh well I fit your requirements." ???
He just put himself back in the dating scene, so I suggested we date. And after he told me most recently he was not interested, and I should basically get over the fact that he's dating other people, and sorry for not communicating that effectively, I told him I wanted a break from him. Like a month just to "clear my head," when in reality it's to move on. He was unhappy about that, and said I didn't have to "quit cold turkey" and said I could send him maybe one text a day. I also used to text him a lot, so he said less texting per day would be fine. But in reality, that's not going to help me get over him. I insisted on a month and he said ok.
Then the next day, he was texting me, and sending me likes on Instagram. And then yesterday he sent me a reel. I told him again I need the month, but then said maybe we could meet in the middle and do like two weeks. but no less than that. Maybe he didn't see that text, but like if you want me to get over you, and you're not interested in me, can't you be a true friend and give me space?
Now I'm in a very confused state, and I don't know if I should continue talking to him a month from now, or just forget him indefinitely. And should I give myself space to heal, and not date anyone, or just start talking to and date other people?