Unfortunately it means they're no longer interested. To hell with him. Find someone who actually cares about you. You deserve better.

Survival instinct, or not wanting to be harmed or be the cause of such.

No games

Processing information too

^ Not to be rude, but everyone always uses the "processing" excuse. What exactly are you Scorps processing? You either like someone, or you don't. It is pretty straightforward. And if you like them, you talk to them. If you don't, you either dump them honestly, or if you're chicken, disappear.

(Not directed at you, Bruce! Lol. Just saying in general.)

People are simple creatures. Their actions say it all. Excuses don't suffice.

That said, I don't think withdrawal means game-playing either.

It means:
He's just not that into you!!

Simple.

**If there's no depth to the friendship yet, I would say the withdrawal is a bad sign. On the other hand, depth comes from understanding the withdrawal. If both of you can acknowledge it without judging it, perhaps you can build something pretty solid.***

That totally speaks to me. Thank you.

I'm a Rooster in chineese =)