Recently, an old friend crossed my path. Initially, with the pleasantries and friendly interactions, it appeared as if we might work on reconciling our friendship. However, just as quickly as the pleasantries began, so did the mixed messages, the flirty conversation coupled with the evasive behavior. When I confronted him, he played coy and attempted to downplay his actions. Based on our history, I had seen this game played on others, and I had no plans in participating. I ended the craziness before it could even begin. Before you get into some craziness or confusion of your own, I wanted to offer some dating advice and give you some signs he’s stringing you along.
Dating Advice: 5 Signs He’s Stringing You Along
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My friend and I frequent the same general area, so our paths were destined to cross. When they did, I smiled and kept going. When we reconnected, it appeared that he had changed. Unfortunately, by his actions and double talk, he hadn’t.
Ladies, I know you don’t care about dating advice, but please hear me! We have all made the mistakes of allowing people, especially men to stay longer than they should in our lives. If we are honest, we would admit that some should have never been in our lives in the first place. In an effort to cultivate healthy relationships in the future, learn from your mistakes and apply these lessons going forward.
That said, here are five warnings signs he’s stringing you along:
1. No Commitment
He isn’t looking for a committed relationship. He doesn’t put much work into the dating relationship. Nor does he seem that interested in it, so he talks about himself but never asks anything about you, your thoughts or your desires. You know there is an attraction, but you don’t know how he feels about you or where your relationship stands.
2. Marriage Maybe Someday
Is he a bit vague on the topic of marriage? He is not sure if you are the one or not, so he keeps you around just in case. He doesn’t want to lose you, but he is not ready to commit to you either. Any married person offering you dating advice would inform you it’s time to let him go.
3. Perpetual Arm Candy
A man who feels that he needs to be seen with a particular type of woman for career or social advancements will use a woman as arm candy. Many of us have noticed this same type of behavior used by a man on the down low in an effort to hide his sexuality. In either case, he has no intention of moving the relationship any further. If he’s only inviting you on dates as his “plus 1,” then you may be just his arm candy.
4. Decoder Ring Needed
If you have to spend time trying to decode his actions and conversations, he is stringing you along. Relationships shouldn’t be hard. Two adults should be able to articulate their feelings and clearly define their relationship without any misunderstanding. If he wants you to have a solid place in his life, he’s going to make it crystal clear.
5. Mind Games
He creates scenarios to discuss with you, where he implies you are a part of his future but never makes definite plans for you to be. If he’s all talk and no action, he’s likely looking for entertainment and not a real relationship.
As you can imagine, these are just a few of the warning signs he’s stringing you along. At the end of the day, you decide what you want from the relationship. If your relationship isn’t adding up to your standards, let it go. And make room for someone worthy of you. Remember, YOU are a prize and you deserve only the best in every area of your life especially in your relationships.
BMWK, have you ever been strung along by a man? What made you finally realize it?
Up Next: 3 Tips for Having Godly Friendships with the Opposite Sex
Editor’s Note – This post was originally published on April 13, 2016, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.