Tweez - at one point he was an 'older' guy - but then later you mentioned he was the same age as you ????? Age colors a lot of decisions, for men and women - a guy in his 50s probably is probably being truthful when he states that he just wants to be friends, a guy in his 30s, early 40s, perhaps not so much, the friend thing often seems to be an avoidance thing for some guys.
I would chalk it up to he isn't that into you... maybe a hit on the ego, but heck, I have guy friends that are wonderful, and I am glad that I am not romantically involved with them - why ruin a perfectly great friendship.
Go to Telluride - find a cute young snowboarder, and enjoy the new year!
