Yes I agree, he is telling you he is giving to you what he feels comfortable with as your t, and you need even more courage to go out there and have those needs met. Man how I wish my (ex) t responded in this way. Believe me, you don't want your t to respond in any other way than this. If he was unethical and acted on mutual feelings, pls believe me, it causes you a whole world of pain and your life will never be the same again. It's a dangerous game, one that you dont ever want to get into. But good for you speaking to him about it. I am just happy for you that he replied in this manner!