Tell him you want romantic texts, not friendly ones

There's a difference between the early-stage texting phase where you're both getting comfortable, and the point where one person is using text to stay in your orbit without moving closer. He replies fast. He asks follow-ups. He sends you things he thinks you'll laugh at. On paper it looks engaged. But there's zero flirtation, zero vulnerability, zero sense that he's trying to make you feel wanted.

This pattern usually means he sees you as a friend and enjoys the attention. Or he's keeping you warm while pursuing someone else. Or he doesn't know you want romance and thinks the current pace is fine. Only direct feedback will tell you which one it is.

Don't ask him if he likes you or where he sees things going. He'll say something safe ("I really like talking to you") that isn't an answer. Instead, state what you're observing. You're getting friendly energy, not romantic energy. You need to see effort that matches what you want. Then give him room to decide if he wants to step up or bow out.

The move is saying "This isn't working for me" rather than "Is this working for you?" You're not asking permission to want more. You're telling him what more looks like.

Wait until you've seen the friendly-text-only pattern repeat itself across at least a week. One day of short replies doesn't mean anything. But two weeks of "lol that's funny" and no real questions about you, no mention of wanting to know you better, no flirtation at all. That's the signal.

Send it during the day, not late at night. Keep it short so it lands clearly. Then stop reaching out and watch what he does. If he doesn't text you within 24 hours, you have your answer. If he does text but it's more of the same friendly stuff, don't restart the conversation. You said what you needed to say.