So, you’ve met a guy. He’s great, and you like him a lot.

But something feels off, and you can’t put your finger on what it is.

Could he be emotionally unavailable?

What does “emotionally unavailable” mean?

It means he struggles to show or talk about his feelings.

He might seem very independent and not need others too much.

We all can be like this sometimes, but if he’s like this all the time, there might be a bigger problem.

Don’t worry if you’re unsure. We’ve made a list of eight behaviors that could mean he’s emotionally unavailable.

Let’s get started and see if we can figure this out together. 

1. He’s a Master at Avoiding Deep Conversations

Does your guy seem to perform a Houdini act every time the conversation starts to steer towards anything deep or emotional?

This could be a red flag that he’s emotionally unavailable.

People who are open to sharing their emotions don’t fear deep conversations.

They’re comfortable talking about their fears, dreams, and feelings.

On the other hand, emotionally unavailable men might change the subject or make a quick exit when things get serious.

For instance, if you ask him about his past relationships or his feelings about you, he might respond vaguely or avoid the question entirely.

This is because these conversations require him to examine and express his emotions, which he is not comfortable doing.

Remember, communication is key in any relationship.

If he consistently dodges deep conversations, it might be time to re-evaluate your relationship with him.

2. He’s Not Big on Commitment

Another sign that a man might be emotionally unavailable is his fear of commitment.

This doesn’t just mean he avoids talking about marriage or moving in together.

It can be as simple as not wanting to make plans for next weekend or not defining the relationship.

An emotionally unavailable man will often keep things vague.

He might use phrases like “let’s just see where this goes” or “I’m not ready for anything serious right now.”

These words aren’t necessarily a deal-breaker, but if they’re part of a larger pattern, it’s worth paying attention.

If you find yourself always questioning where you stand with him or where your relationship is heading, this could be a sign that he’s emotionally unavailable.

A healthy relationship involves two people who are willing to commit to each other, in big and small ways.

If he’s always holding back, he might not be willing or able to give you the emotional connection you need.

3. He’s All About the Chase, But Not the Catch

I once dated a guy who was always on his A-game when it came to pursuing me.

He’d text and call constantly, shower me with compliments, and make grand gestures to win me over.

But as soon as he knew he had my attention, things changed.

Suddenly, the texts became less frequent, the compliments dwindled, and the grand gestures?

Well, they were nowhere to be found.

It’s like he enjoyed the thrill of the chase more than actually being in a relationship.

Emotionally unavailable men often thrive on the excitement of winning someone over but lose interest once they’ve succeeded.

If you notice that his passion seems to cool off once he knows you’re invested in him, this could be a sign that he’s emotionally unavailable.

In these situations, I’ve learned it’s important to remind myself that I deserve someone who is just as excited about me as I am about them – not just someone who’s interested in the chase.

4. He’s a Lone Wolf

While everyone values their independence to some degree, emotionally unavailable men often take it to the extreme.

They might be described as “lone wolves” who prefer their own company to that of others.

People who are emotionally unavailable often have a deep-rooted fear of dependency.

This fear can drive them to isolate themselves emotionally from others as a means of self-protection.

So, if your guy always insists on doing things on his own, rarely invites you into his personal life, or seems to avoid getting too close, it could be because he’s emotionally unavailable.

Independence is great, but in a healthy relationship, there should also be interdependence – a balance of being self-reliant and relying on each other.

5. He’s Not Very Empathetic

This one can be particularly tough to deal with. You see, at the heart of every strong relationship lies empathy – the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

But emotionally unavailable men often struggle in this area.

Imagine you’ve had a hard day and are feeling really down.

You tell him about it, hoping for some comfort or understanding, but instead, he brushes off your feelings or, worse, makes it about himself.

It’s as if he can’t or won’t step into your shoes and understand what you’re going through.

This lack of empathy isn’t because he’s cruel or uncaring.

It’s just that emotionally unavailable people often struggle to handle their own emotions, let alone someone else’s.

It’s like trying to fill someone else’s glass when yours is empty.

Remember, you deserve someone who can truly empathize with you – someone who can provide emotional comfort and understanding when you need it most.

If he consistently struggles to show empathy, he might be emotionally unavailable.

6. He’s Got a Wall Up

I once dated this guy who had built a wall around himself so high and sturdy it could rival the Great Wall of China.

No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t seem to break through.

Emotionally unavailable men often put up these emotional barriers.

It’s like they’ve locked their feelings away in a safe and thrown away the key.

You might try to get close to him, but he always keeps you at arm’s length.

I would ask him personal questions about his childhood or his dreams and hopes, but he would always deflect or give vague answers.

It felt like trying to crack a code without knowing the password.

This can be incredibly frustrating and draining.

But remember, it’s not your job to tear down someone else’s walls.

If he’s not willing to let you in emotionally, it might be a sign that he’s emotionally unavailable.

7. He Blows Hot and Cold

One of the most confusing and frustrating behaviors of an emotionally unavailable man is his inconsistency.

One day he’s all over you, showering you with attention and affection.

The next day, he’s distant and cold, barely acknowledging your existence.

It’s like being on an emotional roller coaster, and it can seriously mess with your head.

One minute you’re his world, the next you’re an afterthought.

This constant flip-flopping is a way to keep you off balance.

It’s almost like a game – a game where he holds all the cards and you’re left trying to figure out the rules.

But here’s the raw truth: You deserve better.

You deserve someone who treats you with consistent kindness, respect, and love.

If he’s blowing hot and cold, it’s not just confusing – it’s a red flag that he might be emotionally unavailable.

8. He Keeps Past Relationships a Mystery

If your man keeps his past relationships under wraps, this could be a sign that he’s emotionally unavailable.

You see, discussing past relationships requires emotional vulnerability – something that’s often tough for emotionally unavailable people.

People who are open about their past relationships tend to be more committed and satisfied in their current ones.

This doesn’t mean they overshare or dwell on the past, but they’re willing to discuss it when relevant.

On the other hand, if your guy is evasive or vague when you ask about his exes, or if he never speaks of them at all, it might indicate that he’s emotionally unavailable.

Remember, openness and honesty are cornerstones of a healthy relationship.

If he consistently avoids discussing his past, it might be a sign he’s not ready or able to connect on a deeper emotional level.

9. He’s Not There for You When You Need Him

I’ll never forget the time when I was going through a rough patch at work, and the guy I was seeing was nowhere to be found.

I needed his support and comfort, but all I got were excuses about how busy he was and how he couldn’t make time.

Emotionally unavailable men often struggle to be there for others in times of need.

They might be great when everything is going well, but as soon as things get tough, they’re conspicuously absent.

When you’re upset or going through a tough time, the person you’re with should be your rock – someone who can provide comfort and support.

But if he consistently fails to be there for you when you need him most, it’s a sign that he might be emotionally unavailable.

Remember, you deserve a partner who stands by your side through thick and thin – someone who isn’t just there for the good times, but also for the challenging ones.

If he’s always MIA when things get tough, it might be time to reconsider whether he’s capable of providing the emotional support you need.

10. He’s a Master of Deflection

Let’s be brutally honest here: if you’re with a man who’s really good at deflecting the blame onto others, including you, then you might be dealing with someone who’s emotionally unavailable.

He never seems to take responsibility for his actions or mistakes.

Instead, it’s always someone else’s fault – the boss, the ex, the traffic, and yes, even you.

But here’s some raw truth: in a healthy relationship, both parties need to be capable of owning their part when things go wrong.

It’s about accountability and emotional maturity. If he’s always playing the blame game, it could be a sign that he lacks the emotional depth necessary for a meaningful relationship.

11. He’s Allergic to Feelings

Ever been with a guy who seems to treat feelings like they’re contagious diseases?

One moment you’re opening up about your emotions and the next he’s acting like he’d rather be anywhere else.

Emotionally unavailable men often struggle with emotions – both their own and others’.

They might mock or dismiss your feelings or become dismissive when you express your emotions.

Here’s the cold, hard truth: you deserve someone who values your feelings, not someone who makes you feel like a burden for having them.

If he consistently dismisses or invalidates your emotions, it might be time to rethink whether this relationship can offer you the emotional satisfaction that you need.

Remember, recognizing these signs isn’t about blaming him or forcing him to change.

It’s about understanding where he might be emotionally and deciding what’s best for you moving forward.

Because at the end of the day, everyone deserves to be in a relationship where they feel valued, understood, and loved.