Trying to understand guys can be exhausting, especially when they’re not big on communicating their feelings or being transparent with them. Are you concerned that the guy you’re dating doesn’t want to get attached? Keep an eye out for these signs that he’s holding you at a distance and keeping things from getting too serious so you can figure out what to do about it.
- He only shows affection when no one is around. If the guy you’re dating is only comfortable with showing affection when you’re completely alone, he might not be ready to commit himself to you. There’s a possibility that he just doesn’t like to show affection in public. However, if he can’t hold your hand or put his arm around you, attempt to hold his hand when you are in public. If he pulls away, that’s a sign he doesn’t want to get attached.
- He wants to keep the relationship casual. Casual relationships can work between people if they communicate well and are honest about their intentions. If you’re noticing signs that the guy you’re dating doesn’t want to get too attached, it’s probably time for that uncomfortable talk in which you establish where the relationship is going (or isn’t going). If it turns out that he wants a casual relationship, don’t stay in hopes that he’ll change his mind. When you date a guy who’s emotionally unavailable it usually gets complicated and the relationship doesn’t end very well.
- He doesn’t want you to meet his family. If you’re with a guy that hasn’t introduced you to his family even though you’ve been dating a while, it’s a potential sign he doesn’t want to get too attached. While there could be multiple reasons why he doesn’t want you to meet his family, like issues with particular family members or something. If you haven’t already, ask him to go to a family event with you. If he’s comfortable with meeting your loved ones, there’s probably nothing to worry about.
- He doesn’t want to talk about the future. As a relationship progresses, it’s only natural to talk about the future. Here are some questions you need to consider. Is the guy you’re dating engaging in the conversation when you talk about the future with him or does he seem distant but it agreeing with everything you say just to keep you happy? If the person you’re dating isn’t wanting to be attached to the relationship, it doesn’t mean he doesn’t want to be with you. It could be the previous heartbreak he’s experienced that’s preventing him from moving on with you.
- He doesn’t open up about personal issues. Building a connection is key for a relationship to progress. To build a strong connection, you have to open up and be willing to be vulnerable. If the guy you’re with doesn’t like to have deep conversations with you and never wants to share his personal issues with you, he probably doesn’t want to get too attached because he’s probably not emotionally ready to be with you (or anyone, for that matter).
- He’s flirting with other women. If he’s shamelessly flirting with other girls in front of the woman he’s dating, he definitely doesn’t want to be attached. However, some guys have charismatic personalities which can be a little bit flirtatious when they’re talking to women. If you’re certain that the guy you’re with is flirting with other people, have a conversation with him about how it makes you uncomfortable. After you’ve spoken to him, you have to choose whether the relationship you’re in is right for you.
- He only wants to see you on his terms. When a guy never wants to meet up with you every time you suggest meeting up but he expects you to be available whenever he wants to see you, he clearly isn’t in it for the long haul. A healthy relationship needs to be balanced. If you’re in a position in which you can only see the guy you’re dating when it’s on his terms, then he isn’t fully committed and doesn’t want to be attached. The best thing to do if you want to give the relationship a chance is to tell him you are not okay with him calling all the shots. If he can’t take that, you need to walk away.