If you're no longer in high school, it's likely that you don't have the patience or desire to deal with unnecessary drama, particularly when it comes to dating. It's important to be aware of any potential partners who may be wasting your time or not being upfront about their intentions. To help you identify if someone is playing mind games, here are some signs to look out for.
1. He never makes concrete plans
If a man is genuinely interested in you and sees potential in the relationship, he will likely be eager to make future plans with you and won't hesitate to set up the next date. If he is hesitant or vague about when you'll see each other again, it could be a sign that he is playing mind games. It's important to communicate your expectations and boundaries with your partner and let them know if their behavior is not acceptable. If he continues to play mind games, it may be best to reevaluate the relationship.
2. He isn't direct about his feelings for you
If a man is interested in you and sees a future with you, he will likely be open and honest about his feelings. He won't want to risk losing you by playing mind games or leaving you feeling uncertain about his feelings. On the other hand, if a man is playing mind games and leaving you feeling unsure about his feelings, it may be a sign that he is not as invested in the relationship as you are. In this case, it may be best to move on and find someone who is willing to be honest and upfront about their feelings.
3. He's always leaving you on read
Being left on read can be frustrating and can make you feel disregarded. If someone is consistently taking a long time to respond to your messages or is only sending short, one-word replies, it's likely that they are not as invested in the conversation or the relationship as you are. Excuses like "I got busy" are not a valid reason for this behavior. If someone wants to communicate with you, they will make the effort to do so. If you find yourself constantly dealing with a partner who is not responsive or is not making an effort to communicate, it may be best to reevaluate the relationship.
4. He regularly talks about other women
If a man is constantly talking about other women, whether they are his exes, coworkers, or friends, it may be a sign that he is trying to make you jealous. This type of behavior is not acceptable and may be a tactic to gain power in the relationship. A man who is genuinely interested in you should not feel the need to bring up other women or compare you to others. If your partner exhibits this type of behavior, it may be best to reevaluate the relationship. A good man will not try to make you jealous or bring other women up in conversation.
5. He's constantly changing plans or bailing
If your partner has made plans with you and then cancels at the last minute or stands you up, it is not acceptable, regardless of their reasoning. If they are unable to stick to their commitments and follow through on their plans with you, it may be a sign that they are not as invested in the relationship as you are. It's important to communicate your expectations and boundaries with your partner and let them know that this type of behavior is not acceptable. If they continue to cancel plans or stand you up, it may be best to move on and find someone who is more reliable and willing to follow through on their commitments.
6. He's unapologetic when he's in the wrong
If someone is playing mind games, they may not be aware or may not care about the impact their actions have on you. They may blow you off, disregard your feelings, or say offensive things without considering how it may hurt you. This type of behavior is not acceptable in a healthy relationship. It's important to find someone who is considerate of your feelings and cares about the impact their actions have on you. If your partner is playing mind games and building walls to avoid commitment, it may be best to move on and find someone who is ready for a more serious and committed relationship.
7. He's involved with other women
It is not acceptable for someone you are seeing to be involved with other people romantically, regardless of how many dates you've been on or how long you've been seeing each other. If your partner is interested in getting to know you and building a relationship with you, they should not be spending time with or talking to other people in a romantic or flirty manner. Unless you have both agreed to an open relationship, this type of behavior is not okay. If your partner is trying to date multiple people at the same time, it may be a sign that they are not interested in a serious or committed relationship and are only interested in playing games.
8. He tries to damage your confidence
Men who play mind games may try to keep their partners feeling vulnerable in order to maintain power and control in the relationship. If your partner is talking down to you, making fun of you, or making you feel bad about yourself, it is not acceptable and is a clear sign that they are not treating you with respect and kindness. You deserve to be with someone who builds you up and supports you, not someone who tears you down and makes you feel bad about yourself. If your partner exhibits this type of behavior, it may be best to end the relationship and find someone who treats you with the respect and kindness you deserve.
9. He tries to blame you when you call him out
If someone you are in a relationship with tries to turn things around and make it seem like you are to blame when you try to hold them accountable for their actions, it is important to take care of yourself and remove yourself from that situation. A healthy relationship involves open and honest communication, and someone who is willing to listen to and address your concerns. If you feel like you are constantly being manipulated or gaslighted, it is not a healthy or supportive relationship. It is better to leave and find someone who will treat you with respect and care.
10. You never know where you stand with him
If someone you are in a relationship with is inconsistent in their behavior and attention towards you, it can be a sign that they are playing mind games. For example, if they are affectionate and attentive one moment, and then distant and indifferent the next, it can be confusing and unsettling. This inconsistency can make you feel like you are constantly walking on eggshells and never quite sure what to expect. It is important to be aware of this behavior, as it is not healthy or supportive in a relationship. It is important to communicate openly and honestly with your partner, and to find someone who is consistent in their actions and communication.
11. He's always bailing on your plans
If someone you are interested in frequently cancels plans or makes excuses not to follow through on plans that they have made with you, it can be a sign that they are not as invested in the relationship as you are. If someone truly values your time and company, they will make an effort to follow through on plans and prioritize spending time with you. If you find that this is a consistent pattern in your interactions with this person, it may be best to reevaluate the relationship and consider whether it is healthy and fulfilling for you.
12. He lacks consistency
If someone you are in a relationship with is consistently inconsistent in their behavior and communication, it can be a sign that they are playing mind games with you. This type of behavior can be emotionally draining and make it difficult for you to know where you stand in the relationship. It is not healthy or respectful for someone to be constantly shifting and changing in their interactions with you. It is important to communicate openly and honestly with your partner, and to find someone who is consistent and reliable in their actions and communication.
13. You're more of an option than a priority
If you feel like you are not a priority in your partner's life, it can be a red flag for the health and longevity of the relationship. In a healthy and supportive relationship, both partners should make an effort to prioritize each other and make time for one another. If you find that you are only being contacted or included in plans when your partner has nothing else going on, it can be a sign that they are not fully invested in the relationship. It is important to communicate openly and honestly with your partner about your feelings and needs, and to find someone who values and prioritizes your time and presence in their life.
14. He says one thing but does another
If someone you are in a relationship with is not following through on their actions and behavior in a way that aligns with their words, it can be a sign that they are not fully committed to the relationship. In a healthy and supportive relationship, both partners should strive to align their actions with their words and be consistent in their communication and behavior. If there is a disconnect between the two, it can be a sign that your partner is not ready or willing to be fully present and committed in the relationship. It is important to communicate openly and honestly with your partner about your concerns and to find someone who is consistent and reliable in their actions and communication.
