You might recognize the signs you've been benched but admitting it is a difficult thing to do. You might spend a lot of time trying to justify their behavior or simply ignore it out right. But at the end of the day, it's better to know whether or not someone is interested in you than you keep trying to flirt with them to no avail. Your crush will get more and more annoyed while you embarrass yourself. If you want to know once and for all whether or not you're on the "bench", check out cosmopolitan.com's 10 signs you've been benched.
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1. They Usually Only Ever Invite You out at the Last Minute
And it's usually when they're already out with friends. They're just not making time to hang out with you specifically.
Being benched is like when someone keeps you around but only just in case. Picture a sports team where you're not in the starting lineup, but not totally off the team either. It's like you're in their life, but not their priority.
Oh, you'll feel it! Mixed signals, last-minute plans, or if they pop up randomly after disappearing, kinda like a ghost—ringing any bells? Basically, if you feel like you’re always waiting around, you might be on the bench.
Sometimes people just want to keep their options open, which is super annoying. It's not about you, but more about them not making a choice. They may not be sure what they want, so they keep you waiting. Ugh, right?
First, you need to figure out what YOU want, honestly. If it's clarity and commitment, maybe it's time to have 'the talk' or even walk away. You deserve to be a priority, not an option! 💪
For sure, sometimes it is. If someone keeps you on the bench, it’s a sign they’re not ready for what you’re offering. Life's too short to be on the sidelines if you want to be in the game!
2. Everything Feels Great when You're Together, but They're Hard to Communicate with Otherwise
Sure, it feels like they're committed when you're actually together IRL, but when someone actually likes you, they usually try to make some sort of effort to communicate.
Being benched is like when someone keeps you around but only just in case. Picture a sports team where you're not in the starting lineup, but not totally off the team either. It's like you're in their life, but not their priority.
Oh, you'll feel it! Mixed signals, last-minute plans, or if they pop up randomly after disappearing, kinda like a ghost—ringing any bells? Basically, if you feel like you’re always waiting around, you might be on the bench.
Sometimes people just want to keep their options open, which is super annoying. It's not about you, but more about them not making a choice. They may not be sure what they want, so they keep you waiting. Ugh, right?
First, you need to figure out what YOU want, honestly. If it's clarity and commitment, maybe it's time to have 'the talk' or even walk away. You deserve to be a priority, not an option! 💪
For sure, sometimes it is. If someone keeps you on the bench, it’s a sign they’re not ready for what you’re offering. Life's too short to be on the sidelines if you want to be in the game!
3. They Don't Fully Commit when You Invite Them to Things
They'll say things like, "Possibly!" or, "I'll see if I'm busy but sounds fun!" when you invite them out. What they're probably doing is waiting for someone else (who's not on their bench) to come through.
Being benched is like when someone keeps you around but only just in case. Picture a sports team where you're not in the starting lineup, but not totally off the team either. It's like you're in their life, but not their priority.
Oh, you'll feel it! Mixed signals, last-minute plans, or if they pop up randomly after disappearing, kinda like a ghost—ringing any bells? Basically, if you feel like you’re always waiting around, you might be on the bench.
Sometimes people just want to keep their options open, which is super annoying. It's not about you, but more about them not making a choice. They may not be sure what they want, so they keep you waiting. Ugh, right?
First, you need to figure out what YOU want, honestly. If it's clarity and commitment, maybe it's time to have 'the talk' or even walk away. You deserve to be a priority, not an option! 💪
For sure, sometimes it is. If someone keeps you on the bench, it’s a sign they’re not ready for what you’re offering. Life's too short to be on the sidelines if you want to be in the game!
4. Their Enthusiasm about Hanging out with You is Constantly Fluctuating
What's likely happening is that they only turn to you when someone they like better is being a flake (Maybe they're on someone else's bench?), because the last thing they want is to be alone.
What does it mean to be benched in a relationship?
Being benched is like when someone keeps you around but only just in case. Picture a sports team where you're not in the starting lineup, but not totally off the team either. It's like you're in their life, but not their priority.
How can I tell if I'm being benched?
Oh, you'll feel it! Mixed signals, last-minute plans, or if they pop up randomly after disappearing, kinda like a ghost—ringing any bells? Basically, if you feel like you’re always waiting around, you might be on the bench.
Why would someone bench me instead of just breaking up?
Sometimes people just want to keep their options open, which is super annoying. It's not about you, but more about them not making a choice. They may not be sure what they want, so they keep you waiting. Ugh, right?
How should I respond if I think I'm being benched?
First, you need to figure out what YOU want, honestly. If it's clarity and commitment, maybe it's time to have 'the talk' or even walk away. You deserve to be a priority, not an option! 💪
Is being benched a sign to move on?
For sure, sometimes it is. If someone keeps you on the bench, it’s a sign they’re not ready for what you’re offering. Life's too short to be on the sidelines if you want to be in the game!
Ask
If you're looking to engage your partner in intriguing conversations, why not try some hypothetical questions for couples? These fun queries will not only keep the conversation lively but also stimulate deep thoughts and potentially reveal insights about each other's personality and thought processes.
5. They're Constantly Sending Mixed Signals
They'll say they really like you but then also say they don't want anything serious. Both of things these are probably true, and it can be incredibly confusing for you if you're starting to get invested in this other person.
What does it mean to be benched in a relationship?
Being benched is like when someone keeps you around but only just in case. Picture a sports team where you're not in the starting lineup, but not totally off the team either. It's like you're in their life, but not their priority.
How can I tell if I'm being benched?
Oh, you'll feel it! Mixed signals, last-minute plans, or if they pop up randomly after disappearing, kinda like a ghost—ringing any bells? Basically, if you feel like you’re always waiting around, you might be on the bench.
Why would someone bench me instead of just breaking up?
Sometimes people just want to keep their options open, which is super annoying. It's not about you, but more about them not making a choice. They may not be sure what they want, so they keep you waiting. Ugh, right?
How should I respond if I think I'm being benched?
First, you need to figure out what YOU want, honestly. If it's clarity and commitment, maybe it's time to have 'the talk' or even walk away. You deserve to be a priority, not an option! 💪
Is being benched a sign to move on?
For sure, sometimes it is. If someone keeps you on the bench, it’s a sign they’re not ready for what you’re offering. Life's too short to be on the sidelines if you want to be in the game!
Ask
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6. You're Always the One to Text First or Make Plans First
When someone really likes someone else, they make it a point to see them. You shouldn't feel like you're the only one who's actually interested in keeping this relationship going.
What does it mean to be benched in a relationship?
Being benched is like when someone keeps you around but only just in case. Picture a sports team where you're not in the starting lineup, but not totally off the team either. It's like you're in their life, but not their priority.
How can I tell if I'm being benched?
Oh, you'll feel it! Mixed signals, last-minute plans, or if they pop up randomly after disappearing, kinda like a ghost—ringing any bells? Basically, if you feel like you’re always waiting around, you might be on the bench.
Why would someone bench me instead of just breaking up?
Sometimes people just want to keep their options open, which is super annoying. It's not about you, but more about them not making a choice. They may not be sure what they want, so they keep you waiting. Ugh, right?
How should I respond if I think I'm being benched?
First, you need to figure out what YOU want, honestly. If it's clarity and commitment, maybe it's time to have 'the talk' or even walk away. You deserve to be a priority, not an option! 💪
Is being benched a sign to move on?
For sure, sometimes it is. If someone keeps you on the bench, it’s a sign they’re not ready for what you’re offering. Life's too short to be on the sidelines if you want to be in the game!
Ask
7. They Regularly Back out of Plans or Ask to Bring Friends along to Things You Have Planned
They just aren't taking you, or your time, seriously, and that's unfair.
What does it mean to be benched in a relationship?
Being benched is like when someone keeps you around but only just in case. Picture a sports team where you're not in the starting lineup, but not totally off the team either. It's like you're in their life, but not their priority.
How can I tell if I'm being benched?
Oh, you'll feel it! Mixed signals, last-minute plans, or if they pop up randomly after disappearing, kinda like a ghost—ringing any bells? Basically, if you feel like you’re always waiting around, you might be on the bench.
Why would someone bench me instead of just breaking up?
Sometimes people just want to keep their options open, which is super annoying. It's not about you, but more about them not making a choice. They may not be sure what they want, so they keep you waiting. Ugh, right?
How should I respond if I think I'm being benched?
First, you need to figure out what YOU want, honestly. If it's clarity and commitment, maybe it's time to have 'the talk' or even walk away. You deserve to be a priority, not an option! 💪
Is being benched a sign to move on?
For sure, sometimes it is. If someone keeps you on the bench, it’s a sign they’re not ready for what you’re offering. Life's too short to be on the sidelines if you want to be in the game!
Ask
8. When You Compliment Them or Say Something Nice, They Respond Graciously but Don't Often Return the Compliment
This is that thing where you'll text something like, "Hey, I had a really great time this weekend, you're cool and I like hanging out with you," and they'll say something like, "Thanks! yeah I had fun too." 😑
What does it mean to be benched in a relationship?
Being benched is like when someone keeps you around but only just in case. Picture a sports team where you're not in the starting lineup, but not totally off the team either. It's like you're in their life, but not their priority.
How can I tell if I'm being benched?
Oh, you'll feel it! Mixed signals, last-minute plans, or if they pop up randomly after disappearing, kinda like a ghost—ringing any bells? Basically, if you feel like you’re always waiting around, you might be on the bench.
Why would someone bench me instead of just breaking up?
Sometimes people just want to keep their options open, which is super annoying. It's not about you, but more about them not making a choice. They may not be sure what they want, so they keep you waiting. Ugh, right?
How should I respond if I think I'm being benched?
First, you need to figure out what YOU want, honestly. If it's clarity and commitment, maybe it's time to have 'the talk' or even walk away. You deserve to be a priority, not an option! 💪
Is being benched a sign to move on?
For sure, sometimes it is. If someone keeps you on the bench, it’s a sign they’re not ready for what you’re offering. Life's too short to be on the sidelines if you want to be in the game!
Ask
9. They're Really Flighty about Discussing Other People They May or May Not Be Seeing
Any time the subject of exclusivity or dating other people comes up, they get dodgy. This doesn't necessarily mean they're definitely seeing other people, but it does mean they don't want to lock down a commitment with you, because a bencher is always looking for someone better to come along or resurface from their past.
What does it mean to be benched in a relationship?
Being benched is like when someone keeps you around but only just in case. Picture a sports team where you're not in the starting lineup, but not totally off the team either. It's like you're in their life, but not their priority.
How can I tell if I'm being benched?
Oh, you'll feel it! Mixed signals, last-minute plans, or if they pop up randomly after disappearing, kinda like a ghost—ringing any bells? Basically, if you feel like you’re always waiting around, you might be on the bench.
Why would someone bench me instead of just breaking up?
Sometimes people just want to keep their options open, which is super annoying. It's not about you, but more about them not making a choice. They may not be sure what they want, so they keep you waiting. Ugh, right?
How should I respond if I think I'm being benched?
First, you need to figure out what YOU want, honestly. If it's clarity and commitment, maybe it's time to have 'the talk' or even walk away. You deserve to be a priority, not an option! 💪
Is being benched a sign to move on?
For sure, sometimes it is. If someone keeps you on the bench, it’s a sign they’re not ready for what you’re offering. Life's too short to be on the sidelines if you want to be in the game!
Ask
10. You Feel a Little Bit Stressed All the Time about Them
You're low-key waiting for them to just stop replying altogether, or finally say something like, "I think we're better off as friends," or whatever, and that's incredibly stressful and anxiety-inducing. You'll feel so much better if you just ask them, straightforward, what's up, and then make the decision for yourself to get off the bench.
Snapshot Survey
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Please subscribe for your personalized newsletter:
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Thank you for subscribing! Check your inbox for personalized content.
Feedback Junction
Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge
Nicely written 😊I totally can relate this to myself when i'm with my friends sometimes.
I'm so benched😤😩😂
I saw it trust me. It was def colt though..I had the video sent to me
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Sharlene:Nicely written 😊I totally can relate this to myself when i'm with my friends sometimes.
Giselle:I'm so benched😤😩😂
Jude:I saw it trust me. It was def colt though..I had the video sent to me
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