Relationship w/the broken hearted
I have an interesting situation and I'm not sure what to do. I recently found out that the guy I've been dating for about 6 weeks is mending a broken heart. His ex-girlfriend broke up with him 6 months ago and he still doesn't seem to be over her because they
bump into eachother now and then (climbing gym, parties, etc.) and he seems to make only a half-hearted effort to avoid her. Since we began dating (he responded to an online ad I posted), there was one occasion where he didn't call me for about 10 days, which I learned coincided with one of their chance meetings. He's told me that he knows she'll never love him and that they won't get back together. Fortunately, she's moving out of town in a few months.
When we spend time together he seems really into being with me, as we have a lot in common and there is great sexual chemistry. At the same time, I'm looking for a real relationship (not just casual dating) and am worried about being the rebound girl or doomed to something perpetually casual if he's guy shy. I'm the first woman he's dated since he and his ex broke up (they went out for 2 1/2 yrs but he said he knew they wouldn't work out for the last year they were together). Do I keep dating him and patiently give him time to heal, or do ask him directly if he's emotionally ready to start a new relationship and bail if the answer is no? I really like this guy and think if timing were better it could develop into something meaningful. Under these circumstances I'm not so sure.