Hi Mitra,

It sounds like you see his potential, but he’s not ready to Upgrade. Or worse, he can’t! Imagine having an iPhone that just won’t upgrade. It’s usually OK if it misses the first couple times. But if it misses the third time, you find you suddenly can’t use it anymore and have to buy a new phone.

Instead of putting him in the status of Relationship (Relationship meaning we have to do A, B and C), why don’t you “downgrade” him to someone you Care an Awful Lot About and Would Love to See However, Whenever? But the trick/key is to keep it Light. Not serious.

Meanwhile, see other people or be content with the way he is.

Only time and maturity will eventually do its work. OR NOT. That’s the thing.

Keep him on an informal, fun level (tell him that so there’s no confusion) while simultaneously moving on.