I met this guy on bumble in December 2020. We hardly saw each other and I noticed he lost interest in me over time (slow down in texting, not as flirty etc). I asked him about it and he told me he was mentally drained from work and not interested in seeing anyone. I asked if he was still romantically interested in me and he said, "not at this time". I was completely bummed but told him, "okay, I understand. Thats too bad" and then I left him alone.

Over the next few months, he still kept messaging me news articles and asking me if I was okay. I would respond and be cordial. He then finds an opportunity to apologize stating he wasn't doing well and was overwhelmed with work. He wasn't finding time for himself but did not communicate with me.He acknowledged that he hurt my feelings. We continued texting again on a frequent basis.

I recently asked to hang out because I was in his town but he took forever to respond stating he's busy. I felt completely embarrassed for asking to spend time together. I pretty much disclosed everything I'm feeling and my thoughts about how I care about him and want to see him. He texts me saying, "I'm sorry. I just haven't been doing great and the best way for me to recharge is alone and quiet. That's what I enjoy and how im able to recharge. ".

But I feel that's not 100% true. He is active on dating sites stating he wants something serious. He just doesn't want anything to do with me.

I texted back stating, "I apologize and I will give you space. I'm here if you need me"

But he still continues to text news articles and YouTube videos to me. He didnt hear from me in a while so he asked if I was doing okay.

At this point, I just want to stop responding but I don't want to be that jerk if he is going through depression right now because I care about him. I still enjoy our conversation but it hurts me too much thinking about him seeing other people. I am overthinking this completely. Am I just clueless and not taking the hints here? Or is he being genuine about not wanting to see anyone right now because of his depression?