Reasons He’s Ignoring You Even Though He’s Interested In You

Usually, when a guy starts ignoring you, it's an immediate red flag. The person you're interested in should be equally as interested in you and be willing to show you that.

However, just because someone is ignoring you doesn't always mean that they are not interested. Sometimes it's more complicated than that.

Being Ignored Doesn't Always Look The Same

Being ignored and being talked down to are two different things.

Woman on cell phone sitting on kitchen counter
Photo Credit: Thirdman / Pexels
Photo Credit: Thirdman / Pexels

Getting left on read can sting, but it's not the same as someone actively belittling you or making you feel unworthy. It's an important difference to note.

ADVERTISEMENT

There Could Be More Than One Reason He's Not Answering

ADVERTISEMENT

If the person you're dating is going out of their way to make you feel bad about certain things, it's time to cut ties.

Woman sitting in dark looking at cell phone
Photo Credit: mikoto.raw Photographer / Pexels
Photo Credit: mikoto.raw Photographer / Pexels
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

But if your major issue is that the guy you're into is ignoring you, there could be more to the story.

ADVERTISEMENT

Mixed Signals Are Tiring When You're Dating

ADVERTISEMENT

So you're pretty sure that the guy you're talking to is into you, he's giving you all the right signals except for the times when he ignores you.

ADVERTISEMENT
Couple on couch man consoling woman
Photo Credit: SHVETS production / Pexels
Photo Credit: SHVETS production / Pexels
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

You're probably wondering, what gives? Mixed signals can be exhausting so we're breaking it down for you—from a guy's perspective.

ADVERTISEMENT

He Has A Busy Social Life

ADVERTISEMENT

The first and most obvious reason he left you on read is that he's busy.

ADVERTISEMENT
Men playing beer pong at party
Photo Credit: Kevin Malik / Pexels
Photo Credit: Kevin Malik / Pexels
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

His social life may look a lot different than yours and introducing a new relationship into that can be hard for some guys. It may take them time to train themselves to answer you in a timely fashion.

ADVERTISEMENT

There's No Excuse For Him Ignoring You In Person

ADVERTISEMENT

Being ignored over text and being ignored in person are also very different situations. It may feel the same, but the reality is that being ignored over text is not nearly as rude as when it happens in person.

ADVERTISEMENT
Couple sitting on couch looking away from each other
Photo Credit: Klaus Nielsen / Pexels
Photo Credit: Klaus Nielsen / Pexels
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

There are other factors that could have stopped him from answering a text, but there isn't really an excuse in person.

ADVERTISEMENT

He's Trying To Play Hard To Get

ADVERTISEMENT

Another common reason that he might be ignoring you or taking too long to answer is that he's playing hard to get.

ADVERTISEMENT
Man sitting on chair in highrise office building
Photo Credit: Andrea Piacquadio / Pexels
Photo Credit: Andrea Piacquadio / Pexels
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

It's not a method that works often because a lot of women don't have time for games, but that doesn't mean he won't try it.

ADVERTISEMENT

He Likes The Feeling Of Being Chased

ADVERTISEMENT

It's possible he just likes the chase and wants to make sure that you're interested enough to show him that he has your attention.

ADVERTISEMENT
Man seated on edge of bed looking down at cell phone
Photo Credit: Ron Lach / Pexels
Photo Credit: Ron Lach / Pexels
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

But be warned, this game can get old fast and it might be worth telling him you don't have the patience for it.

ADVERTISEMENT

He Doesn't Think He Has A Chance With You

ADVERTISEMENT

A guy could be ignoring you because he thinks that he doesn't really have a chance with you and so he's not putting in the effort.

ADVERTISEMENT
Man outside holding cell phone looking up confused
Photo Credit: Andrea Piacquadio / Pexels
Photo Credit: Andrea Piacquadio / Pexels
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Make sure you communicate your interest, and if he still doesn't catch on, he's not worth your time.

ADVERTISEMENT

He's Genuinely A Bad Communicator

ADVERTISEMENT

Some men are not used to communicating the way that a relationship deserves, especially if they have been single for a while.

ADVERTISEMENT
Woman in pink pants on a pink couch looking at cell phone which is in pink case
Photo Credit: Ivan Samkov / Pexels
Photo Credit: Ivan Samkov / Pexels
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

It's important to tell him that communication is a big part of a relationship and that it's a turnoff when he doesn't answer you.

ADVERTISEMENT

He's Mad At You For Something

ADVERTISEMENT

If he's being petty and cold-shouldering you, it could be from a place of anger or frustration.

ADVERTISEMENT
Text message screenshot of person left on read that says
Photo Credit: ifaketextmessages.com
Photo Credit: ifaketextmessages.com
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

It's still not a good enough reason to ignore you, but it's possible that instead of simply voicing his frustrations, he's choosing the silent treatment.

ADVERTISEMENT

His Attention Is Focused On Someone Else

ADVERTISEMENT

Even though you could be vibing with someone, you never know what else is going on in their life.

ADVERTISEMENT
Woman in bed reading, man rolled over beside her smiling at cell phone
Photo Credit: Ron Lach / Pexels
Photo Credit: Ron Lach / Pexels
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

If someone else has his attention, he may be trying to divide it between you and them.

ADVERTISEMENT

He's Not Interested In A Relationship

ADVERTISEMENT

Mixed signals can surface when he has no clue what he wants. He's attracted to you and the idea of you, but he's just not ready for a relationship.

ADVERTISEMENT
Man dancing in group with friends
Photo Credit: Yan Krukov / Pexels
Photo Credit: Yan Krukov / Pexels
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Instead of telling you that flat-out, he might be stringing you along to see whether you're interested in a casual hookup arrangement.

ADVERTISEMENT

Be Clear With What You're After

ADVERTISEMENT

Instead of waiting around and wondering why on earth he's not answering you, make a plan to communicate your wants.

ADVERTISEMENT
Woman holding man's face looking into his eyes
Photo Credit: Katerina Holmes / Pexels
Photo Credit: Katerina Holmes / Pexels
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Once he understands the importance of responding to you, there's no excuse to leave you feeling forgotten.

ADVERTISEMENT

You Know Your Worth, He Should Measure Up

ADVERTISEMENT

If you can definitely say that he's ignoring you for any other reason, it's time to call it quits.

ADVERTISEMENT
Couple sitting at rooftop patio with coffee
Photo Credit: Tim Douglas / Pexels
Photo Credit: Tim Douglas / Pexels
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Even the reasons listed above aren't excusable, but they do offer a bit more context and can be resolved with compromise.