How to handle this?

Goodluck straighten things up, if you need any help I'm right here

Hi. That means he's been a real sucker in the past, & he's NOT going to let You in ... as a Friend, or a lover.

So Your next move is to bang him, take lots of incriminating nudes, & own his a** with them.

He's a sucker & always will be, You'll never get a partner from him, always a needy & emotionally overbearing leech attached & not allowing You to excel.

Bwsidws, the bang's all he's looking for, but at least the nudes keep things on YOUR terms afterwards.

G'Luck!!!

You should say "I hope you straighten out your past traumas so you can have a happy life. Good Luck!

That could be his way of diverting you from thinking he's looking for a new gf. Its not something most guys throw out there if they are trying to attract a girl. So if you are really ok just being friends you can just say you understand. And then keep things casual. If you really want to date him, it may be too much trouble with someone who starts out complaining.

I would keep it light. Otherwise he might completely offload and tell you everything and that can be too much too soon and can ruin the friendship. He also might just keep you as a friend he can off load to.

If you want to be his friend you need to show interest and concern about his past. You can always change the subject if he's unwilling to talk about it. Listening is key. Good luck!