He wants you to meet his family and friends, because they're important to him, and so are you. The guy who's stringing you along won't allow things to get that personal. He doesn't want you to meet his family, and he'll always avoid any and all plans with yours.
On the other hand, a person who just wants to take things slow will take your feelings into consideration and contribute to the relationship in ways that they can. "If you are always giving and never receiving, you are most likely being strung along," she says.
At best, it could mean that he simply has commitment issues he needs to deal with, or that there are things that make him unsure about your relationship. But it's very likely that he's just stringing you along. He wants to get the benefits of having a girlfriend without actually having one.
Basically, they're probably stringing you along if they don't like to talk about the future or even go on adventurous dates. They don't act emotionally mature. A partner who wants to really be with you long-term will do what it takes to support you.
5 BEST Signs He Is Stringing You Along And Does NOT Want A Relationship
33 related questions found
Is he keeping me on the back burner?
A person keeping you on a backburner won't commit to anything, or even necessarily show proper romantic interest. Instead, they'll maintain contact – no matter how sporadic – in an attempt to keep you around longer-term, all in case they one day decide they want to date you.
When a guy likes you, he makes an effort! He texts, calls, plans dates, picks you up and picks up the check. He doesn't mind working a little harder because he feels you're worth the effort. He makes you feel “comfortable”, and you can be yourself around him.
If your man passes comments on your looks, plays with your emotions, or makes you follow unrealistic rules, he may be playing mind games with you. He may do this to satisfy his ego, have control over you, or test your loyalty. Handle such a situation by staying calm, not losing your confidence, and confronting him.
A text exchange with no emotion could be a red flag, she notes. If the texts are flat, with no smiling in the language and little energy, this might be an indication the date is emotionally aloof. Some people manage the anxiety of attachment by trying to control their environment, Winsberg points out.
It's absolutely possible—and not uncommon—for the relationship to become something more. Like all matters of the heart, starting a new relationship doesn't happen instantly. Thankfully, it's easier when you're already on close terms with the person occupying your thoughts.
Breadcrumbing is the act of sending out flirtatious, but non-committal social signals (i.e. "breadcrumbs") in order to lure a romantic partner in without expending much effort. In other words, it's leading someone on.
