Dating can be a rollercoaster of emotions, especially when mixed signals come into play.
It’s not uncommon to experience a range of (difficult) emotions when someone you’re interested in sends mixed signals.
You might feel confused, frustrated, or even angry.
The first thing you need to know is that mixed signals are never just mixed signals. They’re clear signs about what someone really wants.
Mixed signals can be a red flag in a relationship.
They can be an indicator of the future or a lack thereof. When someone sends mixed signals, they’re showing you:
- What their behavioral patterns are in relationships
- What they’re looking for; and
- What they think of you
And you’ll notice these if you’re paying attention.
It’s essential to take mixed signals seriously and consider them as a warning sign.
So what does this mean?
It means that you need to believe the contradictory behavior and not their words when you get mixed signals from someone.
If you’re seeing someone and they’re sending mixed signals, they’re basically telling you exactly what you need to know…
Mixed signals tell you all you need to know if you are strong enough to accept the truth.
Would you like to find out the one specific emotional trigger that causes men to want to hold onto ONE woman for life and take care of her (and only her?) What Is The One Specific Emotional Trigger Within Every Single Man in this World That Inspires Him to WANT to Commit to One Woman, Want to Take Care of Her, Worship Her and Only Her?
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Mixed signals are clear signs about what someone really wants.
- Mixed signals can be a red flag in a relationship.
- Believe the contradiction and not the positive when you get mixed signals from someone
Are Mixed Signals a Red Flag?
It’s hard to know what to make of someone who seems to be interested one minute and distant the next. But are mixed signals a red flag?
The answer is yes.
Mixed signals are never just a simple misunderstanding. They are clear signs about what someone really wants, and they are usually a warning sign that something is not right.
When a man sends mixed signals, he is showing you his lack of commitment to the relationship.
MORE: 8 to Get Him to Commit Emotionally In 5 Simple Steps.
If you’re seeing a man who is sending mixed signals, it’s important to pay attention to those signals.
If you get one sign that seems positive, and another that contradicts it, believe the contradiction, not the positive.
The positive usually come in the form of words or intentionally ambiguous behavior.
Mixed signals are indicators of the future, or a lack thereof, and they are answers to questions you’re afraid to ask.
For example, if a man tells you he likes you but he’s not sure about committing, what do these mixed signals mean?
They mean he’s apprehensive to commit.
If you’ve hooked up with a man and you want more than just casual sex, but he likes the way things are and doesn’t want to ruin a good thing by entering into a relationship, what do these mixed signals mean?
They mean he thinks that entering into a relationship with you will ruin a good thing.
That “good thing” is usually the easy sex, flirting and company.
In short, mixed signals are always a red flag.
They are a sign that something is not right, and they are usually an indication that a man is not interested in the same things as you are.
If someone wants the same things as you, on the same timeline as you, they will make it happen.
If a man wants to spend time with you, he will make time for you.
If he wants to commit to you, he will commit.
If he wants more than casual sex, he’ll ask for more. If he’s not giving you what you want, he doesn’t want it himself, despite what he might say with his words!
Always remember:
It’s important to trust your gut when it comes to mixed signals. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s probably not right. Mixed signals are never just mixed signals.
They’re clear signs about what someone really wants, and they’re usually a warning sign that you should pay attention to.
Mixed Signals from a Guy: 9 Examples
Mixed signals from a guy can be confusing, leaving you wondering if he’s really into you or not.
Here are 12 examples of mixed signals you might encounter when dating a guy:
Hot and Cold Behavior
It’s like riding an emotional rollercoaster with this guy.
One moment he showers you with attention, affection, and compliments, making you feel like the center of his universe.
But the very next day, he becomes distant, aloof, and uninterested, leaving you wondering what went wrong.
This hot and cold behavior is a classic example of mixed signals that can leave you feeling confused and frustrated.
Your Texting Relationship Never Goes Any Further
He seems to be quite active in the messaging department, always popping up on your phone with frequent texts.
However, there’s a catch.
When you respond or try to make plans to see him, he suddenly takes forever to reply, leaving you hanging and unsure of his true level of interest.
It’s as if he’s playing a game of cat and mouse, keeping you on your toes and uncertain about his intentions.
There’s one thing you can say to him to test how willing he is to care about how you feel, though. Would you like to learn what that one specific thing is? Learn the ONE thing you can say to ANY man that will capture his attention, trigger his curiosity and make him hang onto every word you say!
He’s Your Biggest Fan On Social Media
In the realm of social media, he appears to be your biggest fan.
He likes every post you share, comments on your photos with flirty emojis, and leaves compliments that make your heart skip a beat.
Yet, outside the virtual world, he rarely initiates contact or takes the effort to engage with you.
It’s like he’s creating a facade of interest online without translating it into real-life interactions.
Recommended: Conventionally Attractive: 6 Signs You Are & What It Means.
It’s In His Odd Staring
You catch him staring at you from across the room, his eyes locked on you with an intensity that can’t be ignored.
You wonder if it’s a sign of attraction or interest, but despite the lingering gazes, he never musters the courage to approach or make a move.
It leaves you wondering if his stares are simply empty admiration or if there’s something more beneath the surface.
He’s All About That Netflix and Chill
He invites you over for a cozy movie night, creating an intimate atmosphere that sparks your hope for a deeper connection.
However, as the night progresses, you realize that his focus remains solely on the movie, with little to no interest in exploring anything beyond that.
The evening that seemed like an opportunity for emotional bonding turns into a casual hangout, leaving you questioning his intentions.
Related: How do Guys Get Emotionally Attached? 6 Triggers In Men You Must Know.
He’s All All About You – But He’s Still On The Dating Apps
While you’re investing your time and energy into building a connection, you discover that he’s still active on dating apps.
He assures you that he’s not seeing anyone else, but the constant presence on these platforms raises doubts about his sincerity.
It feels like he’s keeping his options open, leaving you uncertain about where you truly stand in his life.
MORE: What Triggers Emotional Attraction In A Man? 7 Triggers & How to Build Emotional Attraction.
Breadcrumbing
He keeps you hanging on with occasional flirty texts or messages that make your heart flutter.
He shows interest and flirts with you, leading you to believe that something more substantial might develop between you two.
However, when it comes to making plans to meet or taking the connection to the next level, he consistently falls short, leaving you feeling strung along and questioning his true intentions.
Here are all the most common red flags of breadcrumbing in dating.
There’s No Follow Up
After a date or an interaction, he promises to call or text you, assuring you that he’ll reach out soon.
However, as time passes, you realize that those promises were merely empty words.
He never follows through, leaving you waiting and questioning whether he genuinely intended to maintain contact or if it was just a way to placate you in the moment.
The lack of follow-through on his part sends a clear message that he may not value your time or prioritize building a consistent connection.
He Feels Jealous, But Never “Claims” You
He displays signs of jealousy or possessiveness when other men show interest in you.
He might act territorial, trying to stake his claim on you.
However, despite these moments of jealousy, he doesn’t express a genuine desire to commit or take the relationship to the next level.
It leaves you puzzled as to why he shows possessiveness without the willingness to fully invest in the relationship.
It’s important to remember that mixed signals are not a result of mere confusion or miscommunication.
They serve as indicators of someone’s true intentions, desires, and level of commitment.
It can be disheartening and frustrating to decipher these signals, but it’s crucial to listen to what they’re telling you about the person you’re dating.
In relationships, actions often speak louder than words. Pay attention to how a man consistently shows up (or fails to show up) for you.
Trust your instincts and don’t ignore the red flags that mixed signals may be waving.
Remember what you truly deserve:
Clarity, honesty, and someone who genuinely matches their words with their actions.
Signs of Mixed Signals from a Guy
Dating can be tricky, especially when you’re a woman trying to decipher mixed signals from a guy.
I know first hand that it can be frustrating when a guy’s words and actions don’t align. If you’re in this situation, it’s important to pay attention to the signs of mixed signals:
- It always feel like he’s playing games
- He’s all talk and no action
- His behavior just feels “off”
- He’s somewhat charming, but never intimate with you
- You feel him stalking you on social media, but he never asks you out
Why Do Guys Send Mixed Signals?
There are many reasons why a guy might send mixed signals. Let’s discuss a few now.
He’s Unsure or Confused About His Feelings For You
At times, it could be due to his own internal conflict or uncertainty about his feelings.
He may be interested in you romantically, but also afraid of commitment or unsure about how to proceed.
In other cases, he may be playing hot and cold, trying to keep you interested without fully committing to a relationship.
He’s Bad At Communicating to Women
Communication plays a significant role in deciphering mixed signals.
Some men are not great at communicating their true feelings, which can lead to misunderstandings and confusion.
They may be shy or hesitant to express their emotions, making it difficult for you to understand their intentions.
Additionally, a guy’s behavior can also send mixed signals.
For instance, he may be physically affectionate with you but hesitant to follow up with plans or make time for you.
This mixed behavior can leave you feeling unsure about his true feelings and intentions.
Fear Of Vulnerability
Another factor that can contribute to mixed signals is a guy’s fear of vulnerability.
It can be challenging for some men to open up and express their true feelings, especially in the early stages of a relationship.
They may be hesitant to show too much interest or reveal their true feelings for fear of rejection or appearing too eager.
They may also fear vulnerability because they’re emotionally unavailable or insecurely attached. Namely, they may be an avoidant or may have an anxious attachment style.
(Why is this important? It is because your core attachment style largely dictates and influences what happens in your relationship. Thus it’s imperative you understand your core attachment style!)
He’s Using Dating Apps To Fulfil His Needs in The Short Term
In today’s dating scene, technology can also play a role in mixed signals.
Dating apps and social media can make it easy for a guy to breadcrumb you, sending just enough attention to keep you interested without fully committing.
The concept of “Netflix and chill” can also contribute to mixed signals, as it blurs the lines between a casual hookup and a more serious relationship.
In healthy relationships, trust, commitment, and vulnerability are essential components.
If a guy is sending mixed signals, it may be a sign that he is not ready or willing to fully commit to a relationship.
It’s important to listen to your intuition and pay attention to a guy’s actions, not just his words.
Would you like to find out how serious he is about you? You can do so with our free quiz. QUIZ TIME: Is your man serious about committing to you? CLICK HERE to find out with this specially crafted quiz!
What To Do If A Guy Is Sending You Mixed Signals
1: Take a step back and assess the situation.
If a guy is sending you mixed signals, it leaves you confused and frustrated.
But before you react, take a step back and assess the situation.
Are you pushing a situation that is clearly not going to work?
Are you fantasizing about him giving you more than he can in real life?
Understanding where you stand with a guy and what you want can also help you make a more informed decision about how to proceed.
2: Test him with banter.
Use high value banter to test his intentions. Quite frankly, the playful spontaneity of banter will help bring the truth of his intentions to the surface.
Here’s a free class on high value banter.
Part 3: Trust your gut.
At the end of the day, you know yourself best.
If a guy is sending you mixed signals and you’re not sure what to do, trust your gut.
If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
Don’t be afraid to walk away from a situation that doesn’t serve you or make you happy.
Remember, you deserve to be with someone who is clear about their feelings and intentions, and who treats you with respect and kindness.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Respond to a Guy Giving Mixed Signals?
When a guy is giving mixed signals, the best response is to banter with him to try to get a real conversation going (one where he’s forced to show how willing he is to connect).
Banter will reveal his desire or lack thereof to connect with you and invest in you.
CLICK here to discover how online dating has completely changed and why you as a woman need to use “High Value Banter” in order to quickly weed out the wrong types of men online and create emotional attraction with the “BEST of MEN”! (…Even if no man has ever given you any love and all you’ve encountered so far are pen pals, ghosts, booty calls, and incredible duds!)
Do Guys Give Mixed Signals if They Like You?
It’s possible for a guy to give mixed signals if he likes you, but it’s not always the case.
Sometimes, guys may be unsure of their feelings or may be sending mixed signals for other reasons.
It’s important to pay attention to a guy’s actions, not just his words, to determine if he’s really interested in you.
Are Mixed Signals a Good Thing?
Mixed signals are never a good thing. They can cause confusion and frustration, and can make it difficult to determine if someone is truly interested in you.
It’s important to be clear and direct in your communication with others, and to avoid sending mixed signals yourself.
Mixed Signals in Friendship: What Are They?
Mixed signals can also occur in friendships. For example, a friend may say they want to hang out, but then consistently cancel plans.
Or, they may act distant or uninterested in spending time together.
In these situations, it’s important to communicate openly and honestly with your friend to determine what’s really going on.
Penny is a writer and part time dating coach. She lives in Brisbane, Queensland with the love of her life, their two daughters and their three dogs. Penny is passionate about helping women realize their high value and harness the innate feminine energy that they were born with.