Many adults lead busy lives, and therefore the excuse of "I'm too busy" is often used when it comes to dating. However, if this excuse is repeatedly given to you, you may start to wonder if the person is stringing you along or simply not interested. To determine which it is, here are some questions to ask yourself.
1. Is he too busy to pencil in other new activities?
I am not referring to the bowling league that he has been a member of since he was 13 years old. I am referring to something completely new. If he appears to have availability for every concert and local baseball game, then "I'm too busy" is merely an excuse. There is no reason why he cannot invite you to those events; he simply does not wish to.
2. Does he prioritize time with other friends?
If you find that you're the only one struggling to schedule plans with this individual, then it's a clear indication that he's not interested in you. He has placed you at a lower priority level because he does not see a romantic future with you. This realization can be hurtful, especially if you feel like he has given you false hope, but it's better to know the truth sooner rather than later.
3. Is he always canceling without rescheduling?
If a guy is interested in a girl, he will make an effort to spend time with her. On the other hand, if he's not interested, he will likely delay or avoid making plans, hoping the girl will pick up on the signal. Regardless of the guy's identity, it's not worth the stress of worrying about whether to make alternative plans for a Saturday night that might otherwise be spent waiting for him.
4. Does he discuss what's keeping him so busy?
If a guy tells you he's busy but then engages in a conversation with you about his work, it's a sign that he's making an effort to provide an explanation for his unavailability. However, if he simply says "I'm busy" without any further explanation or attempt to engage in conversation, it's likely that he's not interested in maintaining a relationship with you.
5. Is he a serial dater?
If you've only been on a few dates with a guy, it's not fair to be upset with him for seeing other women. After all, you two haven't made any formal commitment to each other. However, if he seems too preoccupied with dating other women to make plans with you, it's likely that he doesn't feel a strong connection with you. This type of guy may only reach out to you when he's feeling lonely and has exhausted his other options. Keep this in mind if you receive a late-night call from him in a few months.
6. Does he seem apologetic?
"I'm really busy this week, I'm so sorry" versus "I'm busy" - there's a significant distinction between the two. If he appears slightly disappointed that he's occupied with other commitments, consider proposing a quick get-together, such as grabbing frozen yogurt for a 15-minute catch-up. His response to this suggestion will reveal his true intentions.
7. Is he on dating sites?
While browsing dating apps can be entertaining and require little time investment, if he's actively seeking a relationship with someone else, he's not being honest about his busy schedule. It's time to move on from this guy.
8. Is his job really demanding?
All jobs come with their own set of pressures, whether you're a cashier dealing with long lines or working in an office trying to avoid workplace politics. Regardless of his job title, he'll likely experience some level of stress. However, there is a significant difference between being a doctor and working in data entry. If he's treating his job as if it's highly demanding, even if it isn't, he may be making excuses.
9. Does he even try to make it work?
If a guy says he's busy but doesn't propose alternative plans, it's evident that he's not interested in you. However, if he genuinely seems interested in rescheduling and makes an effort to understand your regular schedule, there might still be some hope that he's into you. The next question you need to ask yourself is whether you're willing to be in a relationship where he may not always be available.
10. Are his friends awkward around you?
If a guy claims to be busy, and the people around him give off strange vibes, it's a clear indication that he's not interested in you. What's worse is that he may have even shared some unflattering details about you with them. Don't waste any more of your time on this guy. You'll find someone who's a better match for you and has a more compatible schedule.