I asked for clarification and it was made clear that there was intent there to develop the friendship into more of a relationship. When I politely said that in our dynamic that direct flirtation and expressions of interest like that are not welcome, at least without prior discussion, he said he didn’t feel he should have to ask for permission to express himself. That sentiment is dismissive to our dynamic, to my preferences, and to the preferences of my partner. Because it’s not just about him, there are other people in the communication. And we are not denying his expression generally, we are just acknowledging where our current boundaries are and what is ok and what isn’t.