There’s quite a distance between being in a relationship and acting single.

The distance is defined by nine particular behaviors. Men in relationships who still want to appear single often exhibit these signs, concealing their relationship status.

Yet, it’s not about accusing someone, but rather understanding the nuances of their actions. Being aware of these behaviors can help you navigate the tricky world of relationships.

So, let’s dive into these nine specific behaviors that men who are in a relationship but still want to appear single often display. This knowledge might just save you from a heartbreak or two.

1) The disappearing act

Navigating romantic relationships can feel like a whirlwind, especially when faced with alarming behaviors like ghosting. 

Men who want to appear single while in a relationship often become masters of vanishing acts. It’s not literal disappearances, but rather moments where they seem to vanish into thin air.

This behavior can be perplexing. One minute, they’re fully present, and the next, poof! They’re gone. It’s like they’ve stepped into a parallel universe where relationship commitments don’t exist.

2) The selective introducer

We’ve all felt the urge to show off someone special. But if your partner consistently introduces you without acknowledging your relationship status, it’s a red flag.

Take my ex, Jake, for instance. He’d introduce me by name but never as his girlfriend. Not to acquaintances, not even to his closest pals.

Men wanting to appear single often resort to this tactic. No titles hinting at romance, just your name floating in the conversation.

While it doesn’t automatically mean he’s cheating, it’s worth addressing. Have an open chat about your relationship status.

3) The social media ghost

In today’s digital world, social media plays a huge role in our lives. It’s where we share our highs, lows, and everything in between. But for guys who want to fly solo while in a relationship, social media becomes a minefield.

They morph into social media ghosts, erasing any hint of their relationship. No couple pics, no shoutouts, and not even a relationship status update.

Sure, some folks prefer privacy, but total silence about your relationship? That’s a red flag. There’s a difference between privacy and pretending to be single.

If your partner is hesitating to post about your relationship, it’s time to ask why. It could be a sign they’re keeping up appearances.

4) The vague planner

It could be a simple movie night or a weekend getaway—most couples enjoy making plans as it gives them something to look forward to.

However, men who are in a relationship but want to appear single will often be vague when it comes to planning. They might avoid making concrete plans or keep things last minute. This way, they can keep their options open and maintain their single lifestyle.

Bottom line? A little spontaneity can be fun, but a completely plan-free relationship might indicate a deeper issue.

5) The lone ranger

Every relationship requires a certain amount of personal space. It’s healthy, and it’s necessary. But when the need for solitude starts exceeding the need for togetherness, it could be a sign of a man trying to maintain a single façade.

These men often prefer doing things solo. Be it going to the gym, attending parties, or even something as simple as a coffee run, they prefer doing these things alone.

Don’t get me wrong, independence is good. But if you’re in a relationship and find yourself constantly left out of your partner’s activities, it might be time to reassess the situation.  

6) The emotional wall builder

In relationships, emotional intimacy is just as crucial as the physical kind. It’s what strengthens our bond and propels us forward together.

But for some guys, those trying to fly solo while hitched, emotional closeness is a no-go. They’ll share the laughs, the good times, and even some physical affection. But when it comes to deep talks or future plans, they build a fortress.

They’re there, but not really. It’s like they’re holding back a crucial part of themselves. And let’s be real, that hurts.

Keep in mind, that you deserve someone who’s all in – emotionally and beyond. If he’s dodging heart-to-hearts or future chats, he might be keeping up the single-guy facade.

7) The non-committal talker

Words wield power, especially when it comes to relationships. How someone talks about their bond speaks volumes about their commitment.

I’ll never forget my ex, Brian. He’d always speak in “I” instead of “we”, even on matters concerning us both. It felt like he couldn’t fully embrace our partnership.

Men aiming for solo status often opt for non-committal language. They steer clear of “we” or “us”, sticking with “I” or “me”. It’s a subtle way to preserve their solo image.

Language matters. If your partner consistently dodges inclusive words, it could signal a solo agenda. It’s about spotting a recurring pattern, not nitpicking every phrase.

8) The secretive phone user

In today’s world, our phones carry a lot of our personal lives. They hold our messages, emails, photos, social media interactions, and so much more.

However, for men who are in a relationship but want to appear single, their phone habits can often give them away. They might be overly protective of their phones, never leaving them unattended or quickly minimizing their screens when you walk by.

Now, everyone deserves privacy. But if your partner is excessively secretive with their phone to the point where it feels like they’re hiding something, it could be a sign they’re trying to maintain a single image.

9) The relationship downplayer

The most telling sign of a man wanting to appear single while in a relationship is how he talks about the relationship itself.

If he consistently downplays the seriousness of your relationship when talking to others, it’s a pretty clear signal. He might refer to you as ‘just a friend’ or avoid mentioning you altogether when talking about his social life.

Make no mistake: you deserve to be with someone who is proud to be with you and doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the importance of your relationship.  

Final thoughts: It’s all about understanding

So, there you have it – the nine telltale signs that your partner might be auditioning for a solo act while still in a committed relationship.

From social media ghosting to selective introduction, these behaviors speak volumes about their intentions. 

Remember, relationships are a two-way street, not a one-man show. If you find yourself nodding along to any of these behaviors, it might be time for a candid conversation about where you both stand.