What is the deal w/ this guy?? Please Help!
So, here's the story. I started seeing this guy about 9 months ago and we're both in our late 20's. Both of us had just ended long term relationships, both lasting 5-6 yrs. We knew each other from work for several mnths before we ever saw each other outside of that until we ended up talking for hours at a happy hour one night. He called me the next day to ask me to go out and of course I did. So over the course of 6 months everything was the normal hanging out getting to know you phase w/the exception of his questioning my actions a few times. For example, "why is your ex still calling you?" totally valid, so I gradually stopped talking to the ex. Then I went home (a four hr drive) two weekends in one month and he gave me some crap about if I'm not going to make him a priority, thet he won't make me one. The last thing he questioned me about was where I was staying when I visited a male friend for a weekend a few hours away. He was po'd for days because he thought I was lying.Now, until this precise point, he was totally into me, saw me 3-4 nights a week even though I lived an hr away, had all kinds of cute pet names for me, called every day, sent me 20 texts a day, etc. After that particular fight I didn't see him for three weeks, though he continued to text and call (minus the cute pet names, Red Flag 1). I never once asked him why he wasn't seeing me because in addition to being busy at work, he was studying for a very intense exam ( I know because I took it in the past). After that I saw him about once a week for a month. During that month he'd been acting more distant. Now, I'm not one to badger or question people, but I thought he was losing interest and was giving me subtle hints that he wanted it to end, but was too much a to do it. So, I sent him a text saying that it was obvious that he no longer wanted to see me and I wanted out. He immediately called and wanted to come over saying that he was just busy studying (the test was less than a month away)and his feelings had not changed and that he would understand if I were the one taking the test. So, fine I thought, maybe I was just being paranoid. Now it has been one month since his exam was over and I still haven't seen him!! I talked to him last night in a final attempt to get some answers and he said that he is really content with life right now, i.e. going to dinner and long drives by himself, spending time with his family(yes, he still lives at home). And then, pulls out the "you're not my girlfriend"!! ( We've always said that we weren't into relationships)He then asked if I was bringing this up again because I want to see other guys. I said no, of course not. He said, just be cool and try not to think about things too much?? So I quickly ended the call, even more confused than ever. Anyway, he's still very interested about what is going on in my life and is supportive of me if I need something. (He's not seeing anyone else, he is the least shady guy I've ever met, has been with only 2 other girls in long term relationships and always let's me know what he's doing.).Doesn't go to the bars and pretty much keeps to himself.
Sorry this is so long. But I don't get this guy. I know if he were still interested, not wanting a relationship would not stop him from seeing me if he wanted to. What I can't figure out is why he tries to keep this going when I try to end it? Any insight? (Ideally I'd like to get back what we had,but I don't understand what happened or how to fix it)
In the eyes of the Beholder
Number One rule for men... they need to be respected; Number One rule for women... they need affection; Your drive towards affection may lead you to seek it from another; be careful.
Guys respond better when they are at a cross-road, a cross-road, you have admittedly placed him in. What changed? You did. Guys need routine in a relationship, the moment you do something they do not expect you to do, or know you to do, it leaves them in a strange place. Obviously, he does not know how to express his concerns, let's face it... Men hate rejection. He is in to you, but he does not know you. This is frightening stuff, especially, in a world where love abides with fear in the heart. Do not expect to get back what you had with him, unless you are willing to invest and bank trust to the point that he feels comfortable enough to make the withdrawal. In other words, the time it will take for him to trust you is pivotal, it's not by your calculation, he must be allowed to determine it; therefore, are you willing to report off to him, in the same manner, he has given you. Are you willing to endure his chill out period, without the comfort of another man, especially one he does not know. Remember, distance distorts and hinders intimacy. Your guy appears to be an up-front gentleman; he needs an up-front kind of lady... can you be that to him. Furthermore, what is it that attracts you to him, let him know every chance you get without sounding rehearse. Let him feel your heart... what comes from the heart reaches the heart. Do not be afraid to stand naked before him, figuratively speaking. Do not be afraid to let him know exactly why you like him, if need be, take accountability for your lack of sensitivity to his ego. Men are protectors, providers and hunters. I know not which dominates your guy, but I encourage you to listen to your heart, if it declares... go after him... go after him, do not sit silently by and allow a change in your previous position to nurture static. Similar to that of a cellphone reception, if you move from a position, the conversation becomes difficult to hear, thus making it difficult to understand; however, if your heart whispers... wait... wait on him, but know what you are waiting for, earnestly. Because if you truly wanted to break things off with him, it would have been a done deal, regardless of his plea to cease your intent. What will truly help you now and in the future, make a decision, stand firm.