you are a very bright and well written young woman. It makes perfect sense.

Hand holding and hugs will give him hope I guess. It's romanic rather than just friendly - but in saying that I hold hand with Tom (my close friend) when we walk in the mornings. I think the age different between Tom and I is what makes is special - more like holding a parents hand. Feeling close to the other person.

You know the right things to do.

I understand about him being a brilliant distraction (I had a very good friend who became my distraction after Mark and I broke up last year).. only it ended badly. He professed his feelings for me to be much more towrds love than friendship. I didn;t want to lose him as a friend but I did.

Keep the line drawn in the sand and stay behind it sweetheart.