Might be kind of like a part 2 to my first post, but....I'm a woman in my mid-30s looking for some outside perspectives, especially from men, about a longtime male friend (also mid-30s).

We've been close friends for years, spend time together regularly, and have a very comfortable relationship. I've had romantic feelings for him for quite some time, and he's aware of them. He's previously told me he doesn't have romantic feelings for me (over 1.5 years ago), but also said he wouldn't rule out the possibility of those feelings developing someday.

Recently, he purchased his first house, and I've been heavily involved in helping him move, get settled, and work on projects. We've spent a lot of time together throughout the process, both alone and with his family, whom I'm also close with. Here's where things get interesting...Out of nowhere, he initiated taking intimate shower together. We were both naked, washed and touched each other, and afterward he even texted that he hoped we could do it again. We've now had three intimate showers, all initiated or encouraged by him, with the physical intimacy becoming more progressive. I won't go into super specifics, but no sex or kissing, but DEFINITELY beyond platonic friendship.

He's been single for over 10 years and is generally a pretty independent, emotionally reserved guy who values his alone time. He's not big on texting or initiating plans, and dating hasn't seemed to be a priority for him. Outside of these encounters, our friendship has remained comfortable and relatively unchanged. We still spend time together and enjoy each other's company, but he hasn't made any obvious moves toward dating or developing a romantic relationship.

Now that he's moved into his house and some of our shared commitments have ended, I'm noticing fewer potential opportunities to spend time together. I'm worried that the intimacy may have been circumstantial rather than an indication of developing feelings. What confuses me is why he'd initiate this level of physical intimacy with someone he's known for years, knowing I have feelings for him, if he didn't potentially see me as more than a friend. I understand physical attraction doesn't automatically mean romantic interest, but introducing sexual intimacy into an established friendship seems like a pretty significant step.

Men, would you do this with a close female friend you had no romantic feelings for? Could this indicate he's developing feelings but is hesitant or unsure, or does it sound more like physical attraction without romantic intentions?

I know I ultimately need to talk to him, and I plan to. I'm just hoping to hear some outside perspectives first (men or women).

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