It’s a common fear when diving into the dating world, but the idea of being “played” can feel incredibly unsettling. Unfortunately, it’s something that many people experience at some point or another.
While it’s important to trust your instincts, sometimes it can be hard to recognize the signs that someone is just stringing you along. Here are ten signs that you might be getting played:.
1. High Flakiness Ratio
Sure, everyone has to reschedule a date from time to time, but if your potential partner is constantly canceling or rescheduling, that could be a sign that they’re not taking things seriously.
This can be especially worrying if you’re consistently the one making the effort to reach out and plan things.
2. Lack of Communication
If you find yourself having to initiate all conversations with your partner, that could be a red flag. This is especially true if your partner seems reluctant to communicate or doesn’t take the time to respond to your messages in a timely manner.
It could mean that they’re not as invested in the relationship as you are.
3. Inconsistent Messaging
Have you ever had a conversation with someone that left you feeling confused or unsure about their feelings? If your partner’s words and actions don’t seem to align, it could be a sign that they’re not being truthful with you.
4. Lack of Future Planning
If your partner seems hesitant to make plans a few weeks or months down the road, it could be a sign that they’re not looking for anything serious.
While not all relationships have to lead to marriage, it’s important to be on the same page regarding what you both want in the future.
5. Disrespectful Behavior
If your partner is consistently rude or disrespectful towards you, it’s time to reevaluate things. While no one is perfect, it’s important to set boundaries and communicate when you’re not being treated with respect.
If your partner continues to disregard your needs, it could be a sign that they’re not the right fit for you.
Related Article
Red flags of being manipulated
6. Hot and Cold Behavior
If your partner seems to be interested one day and indifferent the next, it’s time to consider that they might be playing games. This type of behavior can be extremely frustrating and emotionally draining.
Establishing clear communication early on can help prevent this kind of inconsistency.
7. Secretive or Dodgy Behavior
If your partner seems to be hiding something or is unresponsive when you ask them questions, it could be a sign that they’re not being entirely truthful with you.
While everyone deserves their privacy, secrecy and untrustworthiness can be a sign that a person isn’t fully invested in the relationship.
8. Little Effort Spent on the Relationship
A healthy relationship requires mutual effort and investment, so if you’re more invested in the relationship than your partner is, that could be a sign that they’re not in it for the long haul.
If you find yourself consistently making plans or putting in effort to keep the relationship alive, it’s worth having a conversation with your partner to determine if they’re on the same page.
9. No Follow-Through with Promises
If your partner makes promises, but never follows through on them, it can be a sign that they’re not committed to the relationship.
It can be easy to brush off small unfulfilled promises, but if it becomes a consistent pattern, it’s worth considering that your partner might not be serious about the relationship.
10. No Real Emotional Connection
Ultimately, the biggest sign that you’re being played is a lack of authentic emotional connection. If your partner seems detached or distant, it’s important to have a conversation about what you both want out of the relationship.
This can be a difficult conversation to have, but it’s important to be honest and clear about what you want and need in a relationship.
