Do men joke about marriage?

I have been friends with a guy for a year. I rarely call him, he always calls me. We agree on most of the important things. Our conversations can last an hour or 5 minutes, always interesting and fun; he often points out how alike we are. He’s a single dad and our children play together, he has often taken my children out to movies, fairs, special outings and pays for everything.

He called out of the blue a few months ago and opened up with, “So, when are we getting married?” I laughed it off, but he persisted. He asked if he was handsome enough, I agreed. He asked if he was intelligent enough for me, I agreed but I thought he was just kidding. He asked why I objected. He is an energetic guy and goes from one project to the next, always completes his projects (very well, I will add) but I worry I would just be his 2015 model that he would tire of in a year or so like he does his boats and other toys… So I told him he lacked the attention I need. But it was just a spur of the moment response, I honestly thought he was kidding and was afraid to take him seriously.

We went out as friends once. Nothing happened, we got along very well, he insisted on paying for everything and we had fun. He really is an incredible guy and I have an enormous amount of respect for him.

I’m wondering if I missed a great opportunity.

Do men joke about something as serious as marriage?