Just a general question for you gems

So I have a gem friend who has liked me for about a year now, but I don't really want anything to do with him (though, I still playfully flirt with him sometimes -- he makes it rather easy and what's even worse is that he has a girlfriend. Oy vey). Anyway, this gem, when we hang out, is quite mean to me, in the playful sense, but will say rude things and mess with me, tease me, ect. However, right after he leaves or something, he'll text me and say something like, "You looked really nice today." ect ect. A complete 180 from how he was acting before. I always wondered why he couldn't say that to my face when we were together. So, I just wanted to know, is this a gem guy thing, or just a guy thing in general? lol

lol Candeh thats pretty much what I am like and i am a gemini female. I 'playfully' flirt but I dont even realise im 'flirting'. I will say mean things but with a smile on my face and in a joking and playful sense, I DO NOT mean to be a b**tch or rude or hurt anyones feelings but I just like to tease and make fun of people and then afterward when were alone or theres no one around I will kind of be more myself and be serious. The whole teasing and name calling etc, its like a front for me when I like someone or have a little crush on them. By teasing etc, the person who I like will think that I DONT like them because of my teasing etc so its like a little cover up. The point is to confuse. Make you think maybe I DO like you, but then the teasing and being mean makes you think I DONT like you so therefore your confused and you might bring up the "whats going on" conversation. And like I said before when were alone or later on, I will let the person know I liked seeing them or it was good to see them etc, I just wont say it while im with them so as to not blow my cover and have them THINK that I may like them.

When I like someone, I flirt and make subtle (sometimes not so subtle) comments to let you know, hey im interested and from then on, I'll play it smart and make sure I dont give out anymore clues as to my feelings for you and let YOU approach me and tell me how YOU feel.

He didnt want to say it to your face because 1. he might not wanted to have seen your reaction (maybe it wasnt the reaction he would've wanted), 2. He has a gf and 3. I think his testing you out to see how YOU think and feel about him before he gets too comfortable with and around you and 4. because by texting or calling theres no face to face interaction making it easier to tell you what he really thinks.