I really like him and he does too... but only wants to stay friends

I don't really see him as my boyfriend- I feel like there's something that I don't understand about the whole "relationship" thing. I want to stay friends with him even if I have some feelings for him, but my friends told me I'll just get hurt in the long run. What should I do?

I haven't talked to him in a couple of weeks because I needed some peace in my mind. Should I eventually start talking to him again?