Why is he ignoring me if he likes me?
He might be ignoring you even if he likes you for several reasons. It's not necessarily a sign that he doesn't care, but rather a complex situation with several possible explanations.
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He's Unsure of His Feelings: As stated in one reference, he may be unsure how he feels. This uncertainty can lead to avoidance until he sorts out his emotions. They're unsure how they feel. Giving him space might allow him to process his feelings.
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He's Intimidated: Several sources suggest he might be intimidated by you. The intensity of his feelings could be overwhelming, causing him to withdraw. Quora, Quora and Emotionally Unavailable all mention this possibility.
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He Thinks You're Not Interested: Conversely, he might believe you're not interested in him. This is especially true if he's a "decent guy" who prefers to avoid pushing boundaries. Reddit highlights this possibility.
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He's Afraid of Rejection: The fear of rejection is a common reason for avoidance in romantic situations. He may be scared to express his feelings and risk being turned down. Reddit discusses this factor.
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He's Playing Games (Less Likely): While less likely, some individuals might use avoidance as a manipulative tactic. This behavior, however, isn't healthy in a relationship and shouldn't be tolerated.
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He Needs Space: He may simply need some space to process his feelings and thoughts. Pressuring him will likely worsen the situation. They're unsure how they feel reiterates the importance of allowing space.
What to Do
The best approach is to respect his space and give him time. Avoid overwhelming him with messages or attention. If the situation persists, consider initiating a calm and respectful conversation to understand his perspective. However, if his behavior is consistently hurtful or manipulative, it’s best to move on.