There’s a striking difference between a man genuinely interested in you and one who’s just stringing you along.

 A man who’s stringing you along will say things to keep you interested, all while having no intention of committing.

On the other hand, a man who’s genuinely invested in you will be transparent and his words will reflect his intentions.

Understanding this can save you a lot of heartache.

And luckily, there are certain phrases that can help you figure out if he’s just playing games.

Here are some phrases to listen out for in your conversations with him.

1) “We’ll see…”

In the realm of dating, words are incredibly important. They can convey feelings, affections, intentions, and unfortunately, they can also be used to mislead.

That’s why it’s crucial to pay attention to what a man says. And one phrase that might raise a red flag is: “We’ll see…”.

This phrase is often used as a way to avoid commitment. It gives the impression of openness and possibility, while actually avoiding a definitive answer or commitment.

Think about it. When a man uses this phrase in response to plans or questions about the relationship’s future, it can often mean he’s unwilling to commit or make a decision.

Remember, words carry weight and it’s important to discern if they’re being used to express genuine feelings or just to keep you on the hook.

2) “I’m really busy at the moment…”

Let me share a personal experience. I was dating a guy who seemed great at first. He was charming, funny, and initially, quite attentive.

But as time went on, he started using a phrase that became all too familiar: “I’m really busy at the moment”.

Now, we all have busy periods and I can understand that completely. But when this phrase is used repeatedly as an excuse to cancel plans or avoid making them altogether, it’s a cause for concern.

In my case, he used this phrase to mask his lack of commitment and keep me around without having to invest much time or effort into the relationship.

It took me a while to realize, but his constant “busyness” was just his way of stringing me along.

3) “I’m not ready for a relationship…”

The phrase “I’m not ready for a relationship” is a common one, often used by men who are just stringing women along.

While it might seem like an honest confession, it could also be an excuse to avoid commitment.

According to relationship experts, people who are truly interested in someone will make an effort to overcome their fears and insecurities to be with that person.

So when a man repeatedly uses this phrase, it may not be about his readiness for a relationship, but rather his lack of interest in having one with you.

4) “Let’s just go with the flow…”

Another phrase to be wary of is “Let’s just go with the flow”. Now, this can sound quite appealing initially, suggesting a laid-back and spontaneous approach to dating.

But when used repeatedly, it can indicate a lack of serious intent.

When a man uses this phrase, he’s often indicating that he doesn’t want to make any commitments or stick to any plans.

It’s an easy way for him to keep things casual and non-committal, while also keeping you around.

5) “I don’t want to ruin our friendship…”

“I don’t want to ruin our friendship” is another phrase that can be confusing.

On one hand, it shows that he values your relationship as friends. On the other, it could be a way for him to avoid taking the next step.

When a man uses this phrase, he’s essentially sending mixed signals. He enjoys your company and benefits from the friendship but doesn’t want to commit to anything more.

So if you’re hearing this phrase a lot and you’re interested in more than friendship, it may be a sign that he’s stringing you along.

It’s crucial to clarify what exactly he means and where he sees the relationship going.

6) “You deserve someone better…”

The phrase “You deserve someone better” can tug at your heartstrings. It might seem like he’s being selfless and thinking of your best interest.

However, it could also be an excuse for him not to commit or invest fully in the relationship.

When a man uses this phrase, he’s creating a distance and avoiding responsibility for his actions or lack thereof.

He’s implying that he can’t give you what you deserve, which can leave you feeling confused and uncertain.

 If he’s constantly reminding you that “you deserve someone better,” he might be stringing you along, unwilling to meet your emotional needs or commit to a deeper relationship.

7) “I’ve been hurt before…”

There was a time when I was dating a guy who frequently used the phrase “I’ve been hurt before”. At first, I found it endearing, thinking he was opening up to me about his past.

It made me want to be there for him, to prove that not all relationships end in heartbreak.

However, as time went on, I realized that he was using this phrase as a shield, protecting himself from getting too involved or emotionally invested in our relationship.

It became his go-to excuse whenever things started to get serious.

When a man uses this phrase frequently, it could suggest that he’s not ready or willing to move past his past and invest in a new relationship. 

8) “Let’s keep things casual…”

The phrase “Let’s keep things casual” can be a clear indicator of a man’s intentions.

If he frequently suggests keeping the relationship casual, despite your desire for something more serious, he might not be as committed as you are.

When a man uses this phrase, he’s essentially saying he enjoys your company but doesn’t want to commit to anything more serious.

It’s his way of maintaining control over the situation and keeping you around without having to define the relationship.

If you’re hearing “let’s keep things casual” often, it may be time to question whether he’s genuinely interested in a future with you or just stringing you along.

9) “I’m not sure what I want…”

The phrase “I’m not sure what I want” is perhaps one of the most telling signs that a man is stringing you along.

It’s a clear indicator of uncertainty and indecisiveness, and can leave you feeling confused and unsure about where you stand.

When a man uses this phrase, he’s essentially saying he doesn’t know where he wants the relationship to go or what he wants from it.

It’s his way of keeping his options open and avoiding commitment.

This phrase can keep you in a state of limbo, where you’re not quite together but not quite apart either.

It’s important to recognize this for what it is – a sign that he’s probably stringing you along.

Final thoughts: It’s about respect

Recognizing when a man is stringing you along can be an essential part of maintaining your self-respect.

When a man uses these phrases repeatedly, he’s essentially showing a lack of commitment and respect for your feelings and needs.

Being able to spot this behavior can help you make informed decisions about who deserves your time and affection.

Remember, words carry weight. But actions speak volumes. If his words are consistently ambiguous or non-committal, it may be time to reevaluate the relationship.