working with a friend ?

Hey everyone,

I'm working on an early-stage idea, it's still a concept, not built yet, but I genuinely think it could turn into something meaningful in a niche I've researched deeply.

I made the mistake of talking about it openly with a friend. He's not from the industry, doesn't code, and had never thought about this kind of problem before, but as soon as I described it, he got interested and started positioning himself as if he wanted to be a cofounder.

At first I told him "sure, if you bring some useful contacts I could give you a small equity stake", I even floated 7 to 10%. But the more we talk, the more it feels like he's framing this as "our" idea, when really it's mine and he's only been exposed to it through conversations with me.

He hasn't contributed anything concrete yet. No contacts delivered, no work done, no skill that fills a gap I have. Just enthusiasm and the assumption that he's now part of it.

I'm leaning toward telling him I want to work on this solo until it's more mature, and revisit any partnership question later when there's actually something to partner on.

But I wanted to hear from people who've been in similar situations,

How did you handle it?

Did pulling back damage the friendship?

Did anyone regret either pushing forward or stepping back?

Any perspective appreciated.

Thanks !