13 Ways to Tell if a Guy is Sending Mixed Signals ...

13 Ways to Tell if a Guy is Sending Mixed Signals ...
By Heather • Aug 24, 2023 MD

Guys are the masters at sending mixed signals, aren't they? They say that women are bad, but when a guy is sending mixed signals it can last so much longer! So ladies, I've got the break down of all of the different ways you can tell if a guy is sending mixed signals to you!

1. Mood Swings

Mood swings are absolutely one of the top ways you can tell if a guy is sending mixed signals. He is happy one second and then sad or depressed another. It could be something in his personality that makes him go through his mood swings, but truthfully, he is probably covering up the fact that he is shy and doesn't know how to act around you.

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2. Ignores You in Public

If your guy is constantly ignoring you in public, it could be one of the signs he is sending you mixed signals. How do you get around it? Well, talk to him! Express how you feel about the fact that, when you are in private, he is fine, but when you are in public, he ignores you.

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3. Flirts with You in Private

One of the signs he is sending mixed signals is if he only flirts with you in private. When you are with a guy, you want him to flirt with you all over the place, not just in private. This is another conversation you might have to have with your man!

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4. He’s Coy

When a guy is coy, it could be one of the signs he's sending mixed signals, but truthfully, he could just be shy. When a guy is coy, it could also be perceived as he is trying to play hard to get. Just be assertive and really put yourself out there. Who knows? He'll probably crack his coyness!

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Understanding a coy guy can be like trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces. Is he interested or simply bashful? Sometimes the best approach is to take the lead, showing him that he's in a safe space to open up. Be a little flirty, send a clear signal that you're into him, and pay attention to his response. If he's into you, your confidence might just be the key to unlocking his affections. Remember, even the most reserved hearts have a way of speaking their truth when given the right encouragement.

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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. He’s Testing You

Just like girls, guys test us too. While you might think he is sending mixed signals, he could just be testing your responses and flirting. Trust me ladies, if he is testing you, test him right back!

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6. He Plays Hard to Get

Remember the coy piece? It's probably because he is playing hard to get! If the guy that you are into is playing hard to get, play it up and play it right back. It'll make you seem more attractive and put him in his place!

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7. Mixed Signals Are a Defense Mechanism

Did you know that if he is sending mixed signals, it could be a defense mechanism for him not wanting to get hurt? Just like we have defense mechanisms that are set off by certain things, when a guy is sending mixed signals, it could mean that he is super shy and wants to feel you out first!

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Just like we have defense mechanisms that are set off by certain things, when a guy is sending mixed signals, it could mean that he is super shy and wants to feel you out first! He might be unsure about how you feel and doesn’t want to risk getting hurt by putting himself out there too soon. By giving mixed signals, he can gauge your reaction and protect his emotions. This can lead to him acting distant one moment and affectionate the next, creating a confusing but understandable pattern as he navigates his feelings and fears of vulnerability.

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8. He Talks about You to His Friends

One of the biggest mixed signals that I find with a guy is when he constantly talks to his friends about you, but doesn't talk to you! What do you do? Well ladies, upping your flirting a bit and making him come to you is a great way to quash him from sending mixed signals and let him know that you like him!

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9. He Tries to Control the Situation

If the guy tries to control everything you do and says, "I'll let you know" or "I'll call you," it's probably because he is sending mixed signals. He is not sure what he wants yet so he wants to be the one who tells you when the next date will be and if he has time for you. However, you should stand up for yourself and tell him you don't have time to just hang around waiting for him.

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10. Days Go by without Talking

Things are going great, it's your third date and you're pretty sure that by the fourth date, you'll be official. But then he goes days without calling you or answering your text messages, and you don't know why. Well that's because he is afraid to take the next step with you and make a commitment. This is when you have to decide if you want to stick around and wait for him to be done sending these mixed signals or you would rather leave him a message that you're done!

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11. Only Wants to Hang out Together with Friends

Every time you text him to get together he mentions bringing his buddy with him, even when you thought it was a movie date. If his friends always seem to be around when you're together, this may be a sign he is sending you mixed signals and isn't sure what he wants. If you've had enough, just ask him about it!

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12. You Haven't Kissed Yet

You've been on a few dates and he still hasn't kissed you yet. This could either be a mixed signal he is sending out because he isn't sure what he wants, or he isn't sure whether you're ready and wants you to kiss him first.

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13. He Starts Flirting with Someone else

You thought things were going great and you thought your dating relationship would go to the next step. However, you noticed that he has started to flirt with one of your friends and now you're just confused. Is he trying to make you jealous or is he moving on?

It's hard when a guy is sending mixed signals, but that doesn't mean you should stop trying to hook him! Do you know of any guys sending mixed signals right now? What do you do?

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

  • Alexis

    2012-07-07T13:12:45.000Z

    Alright well I made the first move but we had progress for a little while.. I usually start the conversation, and when I do, it goes great but if I don't, he doesn't! It's driving me crazy! Any explanations? :$
  • Nicole

    2013-09-21T22:47:03.000Z

    So I know this guy and we dated during summer (for a couple of weeks, lol) He was the one that ended it. We started talking again a few weeks ago but since then he's been sending me all of the mixed signal. He tells me all these things in private but when were out in public he says hey and starts really subtle conversations, he's the one that ends them too. Then I found out he asked a 5 girls to homecoming and all of them said no. People were saying that he was going to ask me but he never did and yesterday I saw that he already had a date to homecoming. Help! I'm so confused:(
  • Anonymous

    2012-06-21T02:26:26.000Z

    ok so there is this guy that gives me alot of signs that he might like me and really shows it in front of a few of our friends .But when we get around this one girl he acts like i don't exist.
  • Sarah

    2013-09-19T17:49:53.000Z

    There's this guy I like who's friendly enough when I see him around and always talks about me with his best bud (a mutual friend of ours). He's the kind of guy that never replies his phone, so I'm not sure if he's ignoring me in private or if it's just something he always does. :( he's also never had a relationship before so he's really shy. What should I do!
  • Praachi

    2013-01-31T13:31:12.000Z

    Omg dese r so true nd it's happening :)
  • alsweetchik

    2013-03-29T21:59:47.000Z

    There is a guy I'm falling for. We are both divorced with kids. Mine are teenagers and his are younger. He is hot and cold. When we are out he will pull me beside him while we walk or hold my hand for a little while and then he will pull away for a little bit and then go back and forth. He will turn away from me when he gets a text and is replying to it. He shows affection in front of our kids. I've been divorced longer than he has. I'm not sure if he wants to be in a relationship or if he is like me and is skiddish about the way he feels, I know I am due to the past..
  • Jess

    2013-11-20T03:19:16.000Z

    okay so this guy i like and i were hanging out at a party and we were acting cute sitting next to each other and flirting. We were talking with our friends then all of a sudden he gets up and leaves. I have no idea what happened. Can someone help?
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