14 subtle signs he’s just leading you on (2024)

New relationships are fun and exciting, but there are always a few underlying worries. What if he doesn't actually want a relationship? What if he strings you along only to break your heart in a few months?

Even though it is fun, sometimes you can’t tell whether or not the relationship will go anywhere. Unless you want to just wait aroud to find out if he'll break your heart, pay attention to these subtle signs he's just leading you on:

1. He’s a little too nice

Every man should be genuinely nice to their girlfriend, but if he’s giving you compliments every five seconds (and it seems fake), he's a man who loves the thought of being in love, but he doesn’t necessarily love you.

2. He’s inconsistent with texting

You’ll text nonstop for two days, but for the next two weeks, the texts are short and sparse. That's because he’ll only talk to you when it’s convenient, but won't go out of his way to start a conversation.

3. He says he wants to make plans, but …

The plans always fall through, and he has a million excuses ready to give you when you ask why he's busy this weekend.

4. He won’t say the word “girlfriend”

You’ve been hanging out, going on dates and maybe you’ve kissed a few times, so why won’t he call you his girlfriend? It's because he doesn’t want to commit ... and he knows you’ll be there for him, whether he calls you his girlfriend or not.

5. You always text first

In a perfect world, you'd both share the “texting first” responsibilities in a new relationship. But if you’re always the one starting and keeping up the conversations, he’s probably leading you on.

6. He always needs something

This one is a little harder to spot because asking favors and giving in return are big steps in relationships — it can show maturity in a budding romance. But, if he’s constantly asking for favors and giving nothing in return, he’s just using you.

7. He won’t introduce you to anyone

This one is obvious. If he won’t bring you around the people he cares about or he doesn’t tell his family about you, he probably doesn’t see a future with you.

8. You always hang out in big groups

When he wants to hang out, he’s always inviting you to big group activities instead of spending one-on-one time together.

9. He tries to avoid pictures

Maybe he just doesn’t like pictures, but maybe it’s something else. If he’s constantly posting about everything except you on social media, there might be a problem.

10. He’s there when he wants to be

You’ve been waiting for a text or phone call all day to make plans with him, and when he finally gets around to texting you hours later, he's suddenly available. You should never be anyone’s second choice.

11. He’s weirdly secretive with his phone

I’m definitely not saying you should be going through his phone (especially in the early stages of the relationship) but he should feel comfortable letting you take a picture or pick a song on his phone. If he's weirdly secretive, he could be hiding something.

12. He avoids talking about serious topics

He avoids the "determine the relationship" (DTR) talk like the plague. He doesn’t want to tell you he’s not in it for the long haul, but he wants to keep you around.

13. You doubt the relationship

If you have a bad feeling about it, it’s best to listen to what your heart tells you.

14. It seems too good to be true

There are circ*mstances where you’ll meet a wonderful man who is practically flawless, and it’s totally genuine. But when you sense he’s acting so charming just to get something he wants, you’re probably right.

Know the signs so this doesn’t happen to you. You don’t deserve to be lead on — you deserve to be loved more than anything. Remember, your worth is far greater than you can imagine.

Lindsey Miller, FamilyShare

14 subtle signs he’s just leading you on (1)

Greetings! I'm an expert in relationships and dating, and I've delved deep into the intricacies of human connections. My knowledge is grounded in extensive research, personal experiences, and a commitment to understanding the dynamics of romantic relationships.

Now, let's dissect the article about signs that someone might be leading you on in a relationship. It's crucial to be aware of these indicators to avoid heartbreak and invest your time and emotions wisely.

  1. He’s a little too nice: The article suggests that excessive and insincere compliments may indicate that he enjoys the idea of being in love but doesn't necessarily love you.

  2. He’s inconsistent with texting: If there's a pattern of intense communication followed by silence, it may imply that he only engages when convenient, without initiating conversations.

  3. He says he wants to make plans, but …: Constantly canceled plans and a multitude of excuses might signify a lack of commitment and genuine interest in building a future together.

  4. He won’t say the word “girlfriend”: The reluctance to use labels like "girlfriend" could be a sign of hesitancy to commit and a desire to keep the relationship casual.

  5. You always text first: If you're consistently the one initiating conversations, it could indicate that he's not as invested in the relationship as you are.

  6. He always needs something: The article suggests that constant favor-asking without reciprocation might indicate that he's using you for his needs without genuine give-and-take.

  7. He won’t introduce you to anyone: Keeping you away from his close circle may imply that he doesn't see a long-term future with you.

  8. You always hang out in big groups: Opting for group activities over one-on-one time could suggest a reluctance to deepen the connection on a personal level.

  9. He tries to avoid pictures: Avoiding social media posts about the relationship might indicate that he's not comfortable committing publicly.

  10. He’s there when he wants to be: Prioritizing his schedule over yours and making you a second choice might imply a lack of commitment.

  11. He’s weirdly secretive with his phone: While privacy is important, excessive secrecy could raise concerns about trust and openness in the relationship.

  12. He avoids talking about serious topics: Dodging discussions about the future and the nature of the relationship may suggest a fear of commitment.

  13. You doubt the relationship: Trusting your instincts and acknowledging doubts is crucial. If something feels off, it's essential to listen to your feelings.

  14. It seems too good to be true: The article warns that if his charm appears insincere and is only a means to an end, it might be a red flag.

In conclusion, understanding these signs can empower individuals to make informed decisions about their relationships and avoid being led on. Remember, recognizing your own worth is paramount, and genuine love should be reciprocal and fulfilling.

14 subtle signs he’s just leading you on (2024)
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