2 years ago I had a date with a man from a dating site.
That didn't work out at all, we both felt that way.
I kinda expected it upfront and we just didn't really click.

Nevertheless we occasionally stayed in touch. Not necessarily as friends but because he was interested in a couple of my paintings, over time bought two of them.
And I did a reading for him, paid for as well.

In any case, he wanted to visit me somewhere in August, just a friendly visit. He wanted to give food from an air-fryer a shot before buying one and I have one.
And he just liked to come & see me.
I consented.
But for me there's nothing more, I have no feelings for him.

Some time went by and then he said to visit again and go out to dinner.
So to me that's like "you made dinner last time, now I will return the favour."

Dinner was lovely, great food, conversation etc. also okay.
But he still isn't a good match concerning love for me.
Before we went to the restaurant he was fishing, said something in the vein that it was enough to like each other, that possibly more could come from that. Or that just liking each other was enough.
Well, not for me! And I made that clear as well.

I didn't give any sign that I was interested in more, or in sex.
Yet back at my place for a cup of coffee to end the day he suddenly asked if I wanted him to spend the night.
WTF???
NO!
It actually came out of the blue, took me by surprise.

Of course he didn't spend the night. He doesn't turn me on so even if I had wanted sex, it wouldn't have worked.

I've never believed in men & women being friends and I feel this proves my case.
There's always one who wants more. Unless one or both are gay.

I still don't know what made him think of asking that question.

It has been my experience that one always
wants more than the other one does.

I think human nature has its own agenda.

No attraction seems to lead to friendship.
Because often it is the only remaining choice.

One caveat..sometimes just hanging in through
the friendship can turn the situation
around..even though first impressions
are negative.

Most know..right away ;-)

Did he get an air-fryer?

Yes a man and a woman can have a platonic relationship.

But this guy obviously had something else in mind and just didn't want to give up trying.

Was thinking of buying an air fryer???

Phhhhfffft!!!!!!

That's a good line.

May try it out myself sometime.

You miss 100% of the shots you don't take - Wayne Gretzky

No, men and women cannot be platonic friends - unless it's like your buddy's ol lady or something. But that would include your buddy, which would just be an extension of the buddy. If a guy we're to go out with his buddy's ol lady without the friend - that is also a no-no.

There are several scenarios that exist in this dynamic - pick one and you'll have your answer.
Several even may apply:

1) either the man or the woman wants something other than platonic

2) man has been put in friend zone and has either the desperation or the time and patience to wait out that friend zone

3) woman keeps a man around, knowing his intentions - keeps him around for the endless supply of attention or validation

4) Either sex keeps the other around as a contingency plan

5) Woman keeps a man around to receive husband benefits - fixing cars, moving ****, etc

6) Man keeps woman around for puzzy shrapnel, either through her friends or being seen with said woman, around other women

My guess would be, because you stayed in touch, it didn't go as awful as you say. The fact you accepted another encounter under the guise of an air fryer, that would suggest for him to take that shot. I would say there's some culpability on your part.