When a man says, "we can be good friends," it generally means that he is not interested in pursuing a romantic or intimate relationship with you. Instead, he is suggesting that he values your friendship and would like to maintain a platonic relationship with you.
Here are some possible interpretations of what it means when a man says this:
No Romantic Interest: The most straightforward interpretation is that he doesn't have romantic feelings for you. He sees you as a friend and wants to keep the relationship on that level.
Respecting Boundaries: Sometimes, a man may sense that you might be interested in a romantic relationship, but he doesn't feel the same way. In such cases, he might say this to establish clear boundaries and avoid leading you on.
Maintaining the Friendship: If you were previously friends or acquaintances, but the topic of romantic interest has come up, saying "we can be good friends" might be a way to reassure you that he values the friendship and doesn't want to risk losing it due to romantic complications.
Avoiding Awkwardness: By explicitly stating that he wants to be friends, he may be trying to avoid any potential awkwardness or discomfort that could arise if the subject of romance remains ambiguous.
Not Closing Doors Completely: Saying "we can be good friends" can leave the possibility open for a platonic relationship to grow and develop naturally over time.
It's essential to take his statement at face value. If he says he wants to be friends, it's best not to push for something more if you have romantic feelings for him. It's crucial to respect his decision and focus on nurturing a healthy friendship if you both feel comfortable with that. However, if you find that his friendship is causing you emotional pain due to unrequited feelings, it's okay to take some distance to protect your own well-being.