He said he loves me

Tonight, my son’s paternal uncle told me he loves me. He’s been my friend before my son’s father and I started dating and had my son. We all met around the same time 9 years ago. My son’s father hasn’t been around since I got pregnant. He left us for another woman. They’re not biological brothers but cousins. In our culture they call each other brother because there’s no term for cousin.

My son’s uncle wasn’t fond of my relationship with my bd. He told me about the shitty things he’s done in other relationships. After my bd walked out on us, he was there for me. He helped me moved into a new place and would check in every now and then.

He was checking in since my son recently turned one. He texted “my love. Good night. I love you. I mean it and you don’t have to say it back.” I was like uhhhhh “good night, *****.” He apologized and then I apologized that I don’t feel the same way and after everything I’ve been through, I have a wall up. He understands I have a lot of healing to do. Ugh.... this is so awkward.