8 Month relationship with 39 year old guy, does'nt progress or move forward?

What would u all call this? Think anything is wrong with this guy? Been talking to this guy on the phone,texting,emailing for about 8 months (as partners). -He told me about twice through-out that time that he thought it was ok for partners not to be together (in person/side by side) for a "very long" time, as well as not get to talk to each other on the phone for a long time. It took him several,several months to even flirt with me,& he only even remotely flirted w/me only 'after' I flirted with him first (through email/text). I started to wonder about myself. He has constantly said 'I love u', am 'in love with u', etc often,but would never flirt, he did'nt mind living far apart from each other even though I would of been able to move closer to him. He always laughs after each statement he makes & after each statement I make,taking 'nothing' seriously. I'm sitting home feeling lonely,bored,frustrated & he just seems to want to continue letting time pass w/ only talking on phone/text.

Seems like he wants to keep me on the side for a very very long time while toying with my feelings? Is he a geek or nerd or something, who does'nt know how things should be, or does'nt believe his feelings, reactions or thoughts would be right or normal?? He's 39 years old, makes a good living. - Also, alot of times (90% of the time), he will only say a word or a statement 'after' I said it 'first' (like he will only copy-cat me, my words or statements only after Isay them or do something first), that had gotten so annoying. Does'nt that make you think his words, feelings, thoughts, and statements are fake when he will only say them or do something only after you say it first? And he will use the 'exact' words and phrase to, each time. Weird. So whats going on here??

Maybe he lacks social skills? Hence hiding behind the internet. After 8 months, your needs aren't being met. Why are you settling for crumbs?