Hmmm... where to start.

I think it's doing to be darn near impossible to you to ever figure out by speculation whether or not this guy has a girlfriend. He's already fed you so many contradicting stories that I, for one, would be hesitant to believe anything he ever said to me. My dear, that's game playing and I'm never one to get involved with anyone who plays games. It's just too much of a hassle in my book. You don't much seem to mind, though, because you have played along for 8 months. Now let me ask you this... if he has played games with you for 8 months and you've yet to have a first date, if you were to finally get that date and then another and then fell into a relationship with him, what kind of relationship would that be? I'd bet my bottom dollar that it would be a relationship that followed the same lines as the "courtship." Do you want to be in a relationship with someone like that? Many people have a ton of awesome qualities but one or two that make them not worth the trouble. Game playing and lying are two of those bad qualities that will end a relationship at the drop of a hat for me. He's obviously lied to you because of the contradicting stories he's fed you. I guess what I'm trying to say is that IMHO, this guy isn't worth it. There are just too many red flags. Why is he lying? What are his intentions toward you? That's another one that's damn near impossible to figure out.

If you don't mind what's going on, or you're willing to put up with the hassle, then go on with the charade. If you want that date with him, I'd be incredibly direct with him... and honest. I'd say something along the lines of "Look, we've been playing games for 8 months now. I'm obviously interested in you, but you keep giving me the run around... the hot and cold treatment. So here's the deal. I would like to go on a date, but only if you're single and interested. No more games, no more BS, no more 'I'm not interested but want to let you down easy' or whatever it is that you're doing. If you're just not interested, then say so. If you have a girlfriend, then say so. Otherwise, the game is over." By doing that you're not only telling him your exact intentions, but you're making the first move in a bold way... which is what he said he likes. Give it a whirl.

This is all just my two cents. Take it for what it's worth. I'd never have spent this much of my time and energy on something like this. But we're not talking about my time. We're talking about yours. Good luck with this. Let us know how it turns out.

Ry