Sounds like a very passive approach.

Define "too forward", because to me this has everything to do with personal boundaries, but I'd sooner it come from you.

"If he's interested he'll know how to get into contact with you", "If he wants to see you he will", etc. We've been conditioned to take a step back and see what a man does because that will show his true intentions. During that time period if you have to reach out multiple times or ask then that's chasing him, especially if he's pulling back. Chasing him and asking to see him will be seen as too forward. Now I'm not saying I completely agree with this way of thinking, but for the most part I do.

I get that I practically told this man to back off, I texted him and he laughed and commented on the joke, and didn't reply but I feel as though if he wanted to see me he would ask.

I think men deem this behavior while us women I guess see it as a way of self-preservation? "Don't be too eager" "Men don't like it when you chase them" "Let him come to you" "Men are the aggressors and they like the chase". My favorite, "If he really wants you he'll do whatever it takes"

Well I waited a week and sent a joke that we had previously talked about and to ignore what I said because it's not that way now.

I'm not sure how you're putting your needs first, and in the mean time sitting here wondering why he's distant the past week. Sounds like a contradiction.

So you can't wonder and still put your needs first?

I reached out this afternoon because I knew he was starting a new job that he's super excited about so I said good luck. He responded "thank you sweetheart" with a kissing emoji so I guess he's still receptive. I'll take the time now to be direct and get answers like you said.

Maybe the guy is just tired of chasing you while you play prize? Lets be honest, you dont want him to get closer to you, you want him to keep chasing you. So you want him to keep asking you out while you only accept, while he does all the heavy lifting. I mean, you dont really even sound like you like the guy, just the attention. I agree with the guy, if I gotta be the one to keep inviting you, I'll start looking for other chicks. Especially a nurse who works crazy hours? Can be sure I'd be looking elsewhere if I gotta be chasing you especially if your time is that crazy. You DO have intimacy issues, guy just got confirmation. You can keep making guys chase, but eventually the ones with some options are gonna just get tired. No one wants to feel like they're chasing someone.

No, because you presumably had a need for connection to this guy and yet you waited it out to see his next move, that's not putting your needs first at all, that's passivity.