What to say when he likes talking to you but is seeing someone casually
How to reply when a guy says he enjoys your conversations but is already dating someone else. Smart moves to stay in his head.
He's telling you two things at once: he values talking to you and he's not available right now. This is often a half-honest signal. He might really like the connection but not want to lead you on, or he might be keeping you warm as a backup option. Either way, he's created space to stay in contact without committing to anything.
Your reply needs to do two jobs at once. First, show you heard what he said without pretending it doesn't matter. Second, position yourself as someone worth his time even in this weird in-between zone. You're not asking him to drop the other person or waiting around. You're just making it clear you're not going anywhere and you know your own value.

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He's told you he's unavailable but still reaching out
This message usually points to two things. Either he's being considerate and doesn't want to waste your time, or he's keeping the door cracked open because he enjoys the attention. Most likely it's both. He's testing whether you'll stick around if he's honest about what he can offer.
The fact that he said 'I like talking to you' before mentioning someone else is strategic. He's softening the blow and making sure you know he values the connection. Don't mistake this for him being torn. He's being polite and also protecting his options. Your job is to respond in a way that keeps you in his head without letting him think you'll wait indefinitely.
Show you heard him and respect the situation
A good reply accomplishes three things. First, you acknowledge what he said and validate that the conversation between you matters. Second, you let him know you respect his honesty and the fact that he's seeing someone. This isn't about being a doormat. It's about showing you're not the type to create drama or push when someone sets a boundary. Third, you subtly remind him that you have other options too. You're not sitting around waiting for his casual thing to end. You sound like someone with momentum and choices.
Wait for him to text first after you reply
Send your reply the same day or the next morning, not hours later at night. Keep it short. One message, not multiple. Then stop texting him. Let him come back to you if he wants to continue the conversation. If he goes quiet for more than a week, assume he's either too busy with the other person or not that interested in maintaining contact while he's seeing someone.
If he does text again after a few days or weeks, that's a good sign he's thinking about you. At that point you can engage normally. But if the gap stretches longer and longer, or he only texts when drunk or late at night, he's keeping you as an option, not a priority. Decide if that's something you're willing to accept or if you need to move on.
Why these replies fail
“That's totally fine! No pressure at all. We can just keep chatting whenever”
This makes you sound like you have zero expectations and will accept any amount of his spare attention, which kills his reason to actually pursue something real with you.
“Ok so when are you going to end things with them? Because I'm not really interested in being just a friend while you figure things out”
You're creating an ultimatum and making him defend his choices, which pushes him away and makes you look like you can't handle the situation.
“I understand. I'm seeing someone too so it's all good. Let me know if that ever changes”
Lying about your own dating life to seem less interested backfires. If he finds out you're not actually seeing anyone, you lose credibility.
Common mistakes
- Immediately pivoting to 'no worries, let's just be friends' signals you're settling and makes him feel zero pressure to reconsider
- Getting angry or guilt-tripping him burns the bridge and confirms he made the right call telling you honestly
- Over-explaining your own availability or feelings makes you sound uncertain and gives him a reason to pull back
- Disappearing completely removes you from his orbit when he might actually become available soon
- Asking follow-up questions about his casual situation puts him in the position of having to justify himself
Questions people ask
- Should I ask him how long he's been seeing this person or if it's serious?
- No. Asking questions about his casual relationship gives him the impression you're tracking his availability and waiting for it to end. Stay out of that story. If he volunteers information later, fine. But don't probe.
- Is it okay to keep texting him like normal after he says this?
- Not immediately. Send one thoughtful reply, then give it space. Let him text you next. If you keep initiating, you're showing him you'll stick around at any cost, and there's no reason for him to move the connection forward.
- What does it mean if he keeps texting me even though he's seeing someone?
- It could mean he really likes talking to you and compartmentalizes his connections. It could also mean you're a backup option. The answer depends on whether his texts taper off, stay consistent, or increase over time. Watch the pattern, not the first message.
- Should I tell him I'm going to date other people too?
- Only if he asks or if it comes up naturally. If you announce it unprompted, it sounds like you're trying to make him jealous or prove you have options. Just live your life and let him notice you're not sitting around waiting.
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