For all you know, his reasons could be completely valid such as forgetting his phone, going through something personal, or being busy with life in general. But generally, if a guy ignores you for several days or more, even if he seems active on social media, perhaps it's time you take a step back.
He might be unhappy or irritated about something, or he could be attempting to avoid you. It also holds to reason that he might have lost interest in the relationship and is gradually trying to pull away. The first step to take when someone ignores you isn't to rush to conclusions.
Don't ignore him
Yes, he ignored you, which is hurtful enough. But don't return the favor if you still hope to build something out of the relationship. Playing mind games or ignoring his texts could backfire and ruin your chance of coming together.
The psychology behind the silent treatment is that it can be a mind game for some people and, in some cases, can be used as a form of manipulation. Along with the emotional roller-coaster, it tears down your sense of self-esteem and sense of self-worth.
Take a step back and give him some space
However, bombarding him with messages or calls could actually make the situation worse. You don't want to come across as too needy. Instead, take a deep breath and give him some time and space to process his own feelings and show you what role you play in his life.
They Want Space. You might notice yourself assuming the worst when someone ignores you. However, this behavior could be a sign that someone is craving time alone or doesn't want to be pressured into discussing something they're not ready to address yet.
Fear of Rejection
This fear can hold a guy back from interacting with a woman until he sees clear and visible signs that she is interested. Responding to a woman's messages and advances are opportunities for him to see these signs, but he might also worry he's reading into feelings that aren't there.
You don't want to land up double texting him in a few minutes and come across as too desperate or needy, which might be playing into what he wants! If he is ignoring you and is not texting you back, then you should wait at least 2 to 3 days before texting him back.
To start the conversation, ask him what's wrong and listen while he talks. Really try to understand why he was ignoring you and what the problem was that made him stop communicating. Try saying something like, “I could tell you were upset when you stopped replying to my texts. Are you okay?”
One clear power move that a man will do to you when he's trying to test your patience? He'll ignore you for days at a time, not giving you any updates on where he is, what he's been up to, or whether or not he's even still alive.
The person using the silent treatment may abruptly leave the house and stay out, or completely ignore the other partner the rest of the night, knowing this would be upsetting. In some cases, the use of the silent treatment may last for days or weeks.
Give it a few days (or even a week).
Waiting 2–3 days or up to a week before reaching out gives him a chance to text you first once he realizes what he's missing. If you've waited more than a week and still haven't heard back from him, it might be time to move on.
It means he may like you, but he is certainly not interested in you or looking for a long-term relationship. Maybe there is a compatibility issue, and he does not want to give you the wrong signals. He wouldn't have left you hanging if he were interested in taking it further.
One of the main reasons people ignore those they love is the fear of rejection. Individuals with a high fear of rejection were likely to engage in avoidance behaviors, such as ignoring their partner. This can be due to the belief that by avoiding their partner, they can avoid being hurt by them.
But if you're having a tough time, stifling your negative thoughts doesn't make them go away. Instead, bottling up emotions can be unhealthy for your mind and body. A series of studies over the past few decades show that suppressing your emotions can – and does – affect your body and your mind.
Talk to a mental health professional if you need to.
If your loved one ignores you a lot and it's taking a toll on you, a counselor or therapist may be able to help. Reach out to learn more about communication skills and how you and your loved one can be clearer with each other about your needs.