Sounds like a classic MLC to me. Personally, I would reciprocate his affection. The key reason being he has asked you to bear with him. Otherwise may feel you are punishing him for his confusion about his life, which he can't help at the moment.
Now, since he has said he doesn't want you to fake it, you may not want to go overboard with the reciprocating but maybe ramp it up a bit beyond what you would have done in the past. If that doesn't work, then try another approach. Maybe you need to surprise him with some affection. But whatever you do don't tell him what you want or need because that may just make him uncomfortable, show him by actions.
