My best friend says he only likes me as a friend yet I think he likes me and I'm in love with him? Help please?

Well, I've known this guy for five years now. We dated once before, but I ended it, and now I realize that I never stopped loving him, and he knows this. He says that he only sees me as a friend, but I'm not exactly sure.
Reasons?
1. He protects me all the time
2. Whenever I'm around, he comes over to talk to me
3. We...dated?
Yeah, I know these aren't the best reasons, but I can't honestly think. I want honest input, and I don't really care if you don't give me some, but at least give me some!

First of dating Exs again is a bad idea

but maybe you both have matured and changed enough
in the last 5 years

for there to be a chance.



Your problem is a problem most guys have
(not so funny now)

You get to know someone quite well
so much as a friend
that if you date them
you run the risk of losing them as a friend.


He clearly cares about you


question is what do you do next?



Guys like honesty
being straight forward


You have to explain to him
you 'really' like him
(hold his hand)
but
you must break up as friends.


If he wants to date you
just ask
chase after you
do something

but you want one thing
or the other.

and
give him a time limit to think about it
like 2 weeks


This forces a change
he has nothing to lose anymore
he would be crazy not to date you.


Him being about is stopping other guys
they see how friendly you both are
and
think you both are an item.
so never try.




If in 2 weeks
he is not knocking at your door
at least you know.

You had to rise the stakes



In 3 weeks, worst case
you tell him you miss him as a friend
you miss his protection
and company

and offer him some pie
the eating kind.