Another one bites the dust (2)

[No Longer BH]

Took a little break to focus my mind other places. I need some advice and am hoping that all my wonderful friends can tell it to me straight. I have let go of my STBXH, totally dropped the rope. As much as it did pain me to except that our marriage was over, I knew it was the healthy thing for me to do. I have had family members and friends tell me I need to go on a date, meet some new guys just to be friends with. This will give me confidence and help me see that there are good guys out there when I am ready for a relationship, kind of like rebuilding trust in men. Let me just say here, as long as I am married, though, I WILL NOT BE ENVOLVED ROMANTICALLY WITH ANY MAN. So, Thurday I took the plundge with my mechanic guy (the friendly guy who asked me out over the summer but I declined back then). I made it very known that I was NOT looking for a R, just a male friend. We went out for drinks and talked.

Ok, first of all, he is NOT someone I am attracted to (but he is an attractive guy, just not my type) so I felt safe going out with him....if that makes any sense. Our conversation was very easy, like we had been friends for a very long time. I was really enjoying the evening when half way through he confides that he has had a crush on me for a few years now. <Sigh> My heart kind of sunk. That is not what I wanted to hear. I told him I was flattered and that was sweet but I was in no position to start a R with anyone, I had a long way to go before I would even consider the possibilty of "dating". I am only looking for buddies. He agreed and said that he was fine with being my firend and that there was no pressure, and who knows where things might go. <Sigh Again> I said that they could not go any where because I was only looking for a friendship. Over all it was a pleasant evening, but I left knowing that this guy has a crush on me and is going to want to try and "win" me at some point. That is not at all what I want. So, my question to you is: Is the Harry met Sally rule true? Men and Women can not be just friends? If I continue going out with him, will he eventually get upset because he will feel like I am stringing him along even though I made it very clear that I only want a friend. I feel like I just have to walk away from him in order to spare his heart damage by me. I never want to hurt anyone. Guess I learned my lesson...dont go out with men until I am ready to actually date.

All honest answers are very welcome. I am so new to this and very niave. Only dated my H back when I was 17 so I am kind of clueless. Thanks all!