25 Signs He Is Keeping You an Option

When it comes to relationships, we all deserve to be someone’s priority, not just an option. However, there are times when we find ourselves caught in a situation where it seems like the person we’re interested in is keeping us on the back burner.

It’s important to recognize these signs early on to avoid wasting our time and emotional energy on someone who isn’t fully committed. In this blog post, we will discuss 25 telltale signs that indicate he may be keeping you as an option.

25 Signs He Is Keeping You an Option

Here are 25 signs to know.

#1 Lack of Communication:

Consistent and timely communication is a cornerstone of a healthy relationship. If he frequently takes hours or even days to respond to your messages, it can indicate that you are not a priority in his life. Lack of communication can lead to frustration and feelings of being unimportant or ignored.

#2 Inconsistent Effort:

A person who is genuinely interested in you will consistently put in effort to maintain the relationship. If he shows interest one day and then disappears for extended periods without any explanation or effort to reach out, it may suggest that he is keeping you as an option while focusing on other priorities in his life.

#3 Unclear Future Plans:

When someone sees a future with you, they are usually excited to discuss and make plans together. If he avoids conversations about plans or seems hesitant about committing to them, it could be a sign that he doesn’t envision a long-term future with you and is keeping his options open.

#4 Disappearing Act:

Disappearing without valid reasons or leaving you in the dark about his whereabouts is a clear indication that he is not fully invested in the relationship. It shows a lack of consideration for your feelings and a lack of commitment to building a solid foundation.

#5 Mixed Signals:

When his actions and words don’t align, it can leave you feeling confused and unsure about his true intentions. Mixed signals often indicate a lack of clarity or inconsistent feelings on his part, which can be a sign that he is keeping you as an option while he explores other possibilities.

#6 Prioritizing Others:

In a healthy relationship, both partners should feel valued and prioritized. If he consistently puts other people or activities ahead of spending time with you, it can indicate that you are not a priority in his life. Being consistently pushed down his list of priorities can leave you feeling neglected and unimportant.

#7 Keeping Your Secret:

Introducing your partner to friends and family is a significant step in a relationship. If he avoids or refuses to introduce you to important people in his life, it may indicate that he doesn’t see a future with you or is keeping you hidden as an option while he pursues other romantic interests.

#8 Minimal Effort:

Relationships require effort from both parties to thrive. If he rarely goes out of his way to do something special for you or make you feel valued, it can indicate that he is not fully invested. Lack of effort can lead to feelings of being taken for granted and unappreciated.

#9 Lack of Emotional Support:

During challenging times, a supportive partner can provide comfort and understanding. If he is absent or fails to provide the emotional support you need, it suggests a lack of emotional investment. Feeling unsupported can lead to emotional strain and feelings of isolation.

#10 Noncommittal Behavior:

A person who is genuinely interested in a committed relationship will be willing to label and define the relationship. If he avoids labelling the relationship or consistently refers to you as a friend rather than a partner, it indicates a lack of commitment and a willingness to keep his options open.

#11 Flakiness:

Consistency and reliability are essential in a relationship. If he frequently cancels plans or reschedules without a valid reason or consideration for your feelings, it can be a sign that he is not fully committed or prioritizing the relationship. Flakiness can lead to feelings of disappointment and instability.

#12 Hot-and-Cold Behavior:

Emotional stability and consistency are crucial in a healthy relationship. If he oscillates between showering you with affection and becoming distant or aloof, it can create emotional turmoil and confusion. Hot-and-cold behavior suggests a lack of emotional availability and inconsistency in his feelings towards you.

#13 Keeping Options Open:

Maintaining an active presence on dating apps or continuing to flirt with others while in a relationship is a clear sign that he is not fully committed to you. It shows a lack of exclusivity and a willingness to explore other romantic possibilities, keeping you as an option rather than a priority.

#14 Limited Quality Time:

Quality time spent together is vital for building and nurturing a strong connection. If he rarely prioritizes spending quality time with you, and when he does, it feels rushed or superficial, it can indicate a lack of genuine interest and emotional investment in the relationship.

#15 Lack of Intimacy:

Intimacy goes beyond physical connection; it encompasses emotional and spiritual closeness as well. If physical intimacy is infrequent or feels disconnected, it suggests a lack of emotional investment and a potential indication that he is keeping you as an option rather than fully engaging in a meaningful relationship.

#16 Failure to Compromise:

Healthy relationships require compromise and finding a middle ground. If he consistently dismisses your needs and desires without making an effort to find a balance, it shows a lack of willingness to prioritize your happiness and a sign that he may be keeping you as an option while prioritizing his wants and needs.

#17 No Future Planning:

A person who sees a future with you will naturally engage in discussions and make plans beyond the immediate future. If he avoids discussing or making plans beyond the present, it may suggest that he is not envisioning a long-term commitment with you and is keeping his options open.

#18 Lack of Transparency:

Openness and transparency are vital for building trust in a relationship. If he is evasive about his personal life, avoids sharing details, or makes it difficult for you to truly know him, it can indicate a lack of emotional intimacy and a potential indication that he is keeping aspects of his life hidden while keeping you as an option.

#19 Emotional Unavailability:

A healthy relationship requires emotional vulnerability and openness. If he struggles to open up and share his feelings, keeping you at arm’s length, it suggests a lack of emotional investment and a potential indication that he is not fully committed to developing a deep emotional connection with you.

#20 Lack of Effort in the Bedroom:

A fulfilling sexual connection is an essential component of a healthy relationship. If he consistently shows little interest in satisfying your needs or exploring new experiences together, it can indicate a lack of investment in the physical and emotional intimacy of the relationship.

#21 Nonexistent Future Vision:

Shared goals and a common vision of the future help foster a strong and committed relationship. If he doesn’t envision a future with you or rarely talks about shared goals and aspirations, it suggests that he may not see a long-term commitment and is keeping you as an option.

#22 Minimal Support for Your Ambitions:

A supportive partner encourages and shows genuine interest in your ambitions and aspirations. If he fails to provide support, show enthusiasm, or actively engage in discussions about your goals, it indicates a lack of investment in your personal growth and a potential sign that he is keeping you as an option while not fully embracing your dreams.

#23 Unavailable During Important Moments:

A committed partner makes an effort to be present during important events or milestones in your life. If he frequently misses or dismisses important moments, it suggests a lack of emotional investment and a potential sign that he is not fully prioritizing his happiness and well-being.

#24 Jealousy and Possessiveness:

While a certain level of possessiveness can be expected in a relationship, excessive jealousy and possessiveness can be red flags. If he exhibits signs of jealousy or possessiveness, it may indicate insecurity and a lack of trust rather than genuine care and commitment.

#25 Ignoring Relationship Concerns:

Open and honest communication is vital for resolving issues in a relationship. If he consistently dismisses or disregards your concerns, avoiding discussions and failing to address problems, it suggests a lack of investment in the relationship and a potential sign that he is not fully committed to working through challenges.

Read more: Signs He Is Just Leading You On.

Conclusion:

Recognizing the signs that you’re being kept as an option is crucial for your emotional well-being and self-respect. If you find yourself experiencing any of these red flags, it’s essential to have an open and honest conversation with your partner.

Remember, you deserve to be someone’s priority, to be with someone who values you and reciprocates your love and effort. Don’t settle for less than you deserve; trust your instincts and hold out for someone who will make you their first choice every time.

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