This may be hard to hear, but I don't think your friend is ready for a godly relationship. From what you've said, it sounds like he's looking for the wrong things in the wrong places. That's not the kind of guy you want to give your heart to, sis. Maybe in time he'll mature and be the right kind of guy, but I don't think he's at that point yet. I know that's kind of blunt, but from the little you've written, it seems very obvious that this is not a person who should be allowed access to your heart.

I don't think you should tell him how you feel about him. Guard your heart, and don't pursue him. You deserve to be pursued by a man who realizes how beautiful you are, inside and out. If this boy can't see that, don't wait around for him. Instead, wait on God and pursue Christ. Yes, this boy may come around someday and become the man of God you deserve, but that isn't something God has promised. If it happens, great, but to dwell on it and hope for it and wait for it and dream it will happen will only hinder your relationship with the One who adores you. Proverbs 4:23 says to guard your heart, and I urge you to do that in this situation. In essence, choose to not love him in a romantic way. I know that sounds impossible, and sometimes it will seem impossible. If you take it one step at a time, though, and rely on Christ's strength to sustain you, He will help you overcome this burden! "My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever" (Psalm 73:26, New Living Translation). Be encouraged by the wonderful truth that Jesus can and will be your strength if you choose to give this burden to Him. First Peter 5:7 says to "give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you." I have a feeling that you know this, sis, but sometimes it's hard to feel the truth of it. Sometimes we need to choose to think it, and remind ourselves of it in the midst of confusing and painful heartache.

One final thing. Be careful not to let this guy friend take advantage of your care for him. For some crazy reason I think he knows that you care deeply for him, and he may know full well that you'll "always be there" for him. I can't tell you not to "always be there for him," because it sounds noble and it is definitely kind. But personally I don't think you need to always be there for him. I suggest you take some time away from him—a day, a few days, maybe a week—and spend that time talking with God. You may find that God doesn’t want you to always be there for this guy. Think about it this way: If God has another man in store for you in the future, then as long as you are "always there" for this guy (making your heart vulnerable to him), you'll never be able to be there for the right man! I know that's just a theory, but do you get what I'm driving at? I just don't want your heart to break into more and more pieces, because your friend's indiference shows he doesn't deserve you. You are precious, sis, and you need to guard your heart and hold out for the right man—a man who will leave no doubt in your mind as to his honor for Christ and for you.

Love,