So, this friend and I have known each other for years and we got along great. About a month ago he started responding less and less to my messages on WhatsApp, even when I write him normal stuff. I don't know if I offended him somehow or if he just doesn't want to be around me anymore. Should I call him directly or just drop it so I don't come across as desperate?
Calling him directly is better than staying in the dark - it's not desperation, it's just wanting to understand. Maybe he's going through a weird phase, he's got his own stuff going on, or maybe there actually is something wrong - but you're not gonna figure it out over WhatsApp. A phone call is more direct and honest, and if he's a real friend he'll have the guts to tell you how things actually are instead of leaving you guessing.
It's not about seeming desperate or not, that's something you shouldn't even worry about. The thing is, staying in doubt eats at you way more than a direct conversation, even if it goes badly. That said, before you call maybe try something first: send him a message different from usual, like a question about something you know he's interested in or an inside joke you two always do. It's not to "test" him, it's genuinely to figure out if the problem is he's gotten tired of the current dynamic or if he's actually going through a rough time. Sometimes people stop responding when the conversation becomes too "light" or routine, not because they're dropping you.
If even that doesn't budge anything, then you should really communicate. A call though is a lot, maybe keep that as plan C. Try first with a more direct message like "hey, feels like we haven't been in touch much lately, you good?" without cornering him but giving him space to open up. If he keeps ghosting even that, well, then you've got the answer you were looking for and at least you didn't drive yourself crazy wondering about it for months.
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