Advice or answers? He told a friend

He told a mutual friend that he likes me and he always has. He doesnt act that way all the time. I mean he gives little hints here and there. But up until this, I was always thinking hes just hot an cold.
So now that i know he likes me, I have so many questions.
We have both liked eachother for over 20 years but neither of us have outright told eachother.
I know why we women dont say anything, but they say that men will go after what they want.
What do you think?
If he likes me so much, why is he so shy with me? He has even left me on read before so I dont bother messaging him anymore