Relationships can be like a riddle – understanding what your partner is thinking isn’t always straightforward.

Some men might play mind games in relationships to check how loyal their partner is. But remember, this isn’t true for everyone.

In this article, we’ll talk about 10 common mind games that some men might play.

Understanding these games could give you a fresh perspective on what’s really going on and how to handle it.

So, ready to dive in? Let’s get started!

1) The disappearing act

Ever experienced times when your partner just seems to vanish? One minute you’re chatting away, and the next – silence. No calls, no texts, and when you reach out, they’re as elusive as a phantom.

This is known as the ‘disappearing act’. It’s a mind game where men pull away to see how you’ll react. Will you chase after them or give them space?

It’s quite stressful, isn’t it?

This could just be a test to see how loyal you are. If this happens, don’t panic. Simply give him some space and carry on with your life. If he’s genuinely into you, he’ll come back around in no time.

2) The jealousy game

Have you ever noticed your partner randomly bringing up other women in conversation?

Maybe they talk about an ‘amazing’ coworker or a ‘cool’ female friend. This could be nothing, but sometimes it’s actually a mind game.

This is known as the ‘jealousy game’. A man might deliberately mention other women to see how you react. Are you secure in the relationship, or does it make you jealous?

It can be a tricky situation to navigate. But remember, it’s essential to communicate openly about your feelings. If this behavior bothers you, let him know. If he values your relationship, he’ll understand and stop.

3) The testing boundaries game

Do you ever feel like your partner is constantly pushing your buttons to see how much you can tolerate?

That’s another common mind game some men play. They want to see how far they can go before you draw the line.

I remember when I was in a relationship where my partner would often cancel plans at the last minute. He would come up with various excuses, and I was always understanding, but it began to happen too frequently. I realized he was testing my boundaries to see how much I’d put up with.

When I finally confronted him about it, he confessed that he had been testing my patience to see if I was truly committed to him. Needless to say, we had a serious talk about respect and consideration in a relationship. It was a tough situation, but it taught me the importance of setting boundaries and open communication.

4) The hot and cold game

Ever experienced a situation where one moment your partner is all warm and loving and the next, he’s cold and distant?

The purpose of this game is to keep you guessing, to make you wonder what you did wrong when in reality, it’s just another loyalty test.

This kind of behavior is often linked to a person’s fear of commitment. They might act distant not because they’re not interested, but because they’re scared of getting too attached.

Understanding this can help you handle such situations better.

5) The blame game

In some relationships, you might find that your partner tends to blame you for things that go wrong, even when it’s clearly not your fault.

It’s a disheartening experience, isn’t it? To feel like you’re constantly under scrutiny, always in the wrong. But here’s the thing – this could be another game to test your loyalty.

Keep in mind that a relationship is a two-way street. It’s not just about pointing fingers but about understanding and growing together.

If you find yourself in such a situation, it’s essential to express your feelings and stand up for yourself. Everyone deserves respect and understanding in a relationship, including you.

6) The silent treatment

You know, there was a time when I found myself on the receiving end of the ‘silent treatment’. One day we were fine, and then suddenly, he stopped talking to me. No explanation, no argument, just… silence.

The silence could last a few hours or even a few days. The purpose? To see how you react. Will you bend over backwards to get them to talk, or will you give them their space?

I remember how confused and hurt I felt during that time. It wasn’t easy, but I learned to communicate my feelings and stand my ground. It turned out he was just testing my loyalty and patience. That experience taught me that open communication is key in any relationship.

7) The comparison game

Let’s cut to the chase. Have you ever been compared to your partner’s ex or another woman? 

It hurts, doesn’t it? Being compared to someone else can make you question your worth and place in the relationship. But know this – it’s not about you. It’s a mind game, a twisted way some men test loyalty.

You don’t have to be anyone else but you. You’re unique and valuable just as you are. If you ever find yourself in this situation, don’t be afraid to speak up. You deserve respect and should never be made to feel less than.

8) The reverse psychology game

Ever heard your partner say something like “You’d probably be happier with someone else”, or “I don’t think I’m good enough for you”? This is a classic example of the ‘reverse psychology’ game.

The goal here is to test your loyalty by making you reassure them of your commitment. It’s a tricky game that can leave you feeling confused and guilty for no reason.

Reverse psychology is often used by individuals who have low self-esteem or a fear of abandonment. Understanding this can help you tackle such situations with empathy and open communication.

9) The commitment-phobe game

I’ll never forget when I was dating someone who seemed to be terrified of the word “commitment”. One moment he’d talk about our future, the next he’d avoid any serious conversation like the plague.

Some men might act like this to test whether you’re truly committed to them and the relationship.

Navigating this game was tough, but it taught me a lot about patience and understanding. I learned that sometimes, people need time to figure out what they really want. It’s essential to give them that space, but also to stand your ground and communicate your expectations clearly.

10) The gaslighting game

Let’s get real here.

Have you been told that you’re too sensitive or that you’re imagining things? If so, you’ve been exposed to ‘gaslighting’.

Gaslighting is a psychological manipulation tactic where someone makes you doubt your own perception of reality. It’s a cruel game some men might play to establish control and test your loyalty.

It’s an emotionally damaging experience that can leave you feeling lost and confused. But know this – it’s not about you. It’s about them and their insecurities.

If you ever find yourself in this situation, seek help. Reach out to trusted friends, family, or professional counselors. Remember, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to go through this by yourself.