When a guy you’re in a relationship with starts acting withdrawn and distant, it can be quite puzzling. Learning what to do when he pulls away can help salvage your relationship, or can give you closure.
Signs That He Is Pulling Away From The Relationship
You don’t need to subscribe to any relationship magazines or newsletters to recognize the signs of your significant other pulling away from your relationship.
He has become less physically and verbally affectionate.
He doesn’t respond to texts as fast as he used to.
He doesn’t talk to you as much as he used to.
He no longer hangs out or goes on any dates with you.
He acts cagey around you.
Why He Is Pulling Away
There can be several reasons why a man may pull away from a relationship, even when things are going well.
He is Too Busy or Stressed
The reason for him pulling away from the relationship might not even be related to you. He may be busy because of personal stuff, such as work or school, causing him to become unavailable.
He could be stressed because of financial issues or family problems, which is why he’s become withdrawn.
Unwilling to Commit
He may be unwilling to commit to the relationship for a number of reasons, which is why he retreats from it.
The relationship is moving too fast for his liking, causing him to subtly pull away.
He may see red flags in the relationship that trigger self-doubt and panic.
He may be interested in someone else. This makes him disconnect from your relationship and focus on the future.
Past Traumas
He may have abandonment or intimacy issues stemming from bad experiences in past relationships. Thus, he may unconsciously begin pulling away as a defense mechanism, to avoid getting hurt again.
What You Can Do
When your man pulls away, it can make you feel insecure. You may start blaming yourself. It’s important not to jump to conclusions. Instead of just worrying, here is what you can do:
Give Him Space
The first thing to do is to take a step back and give him some alone time instead of being clingy. If he tells you that he needs space, give it to him. Not doing so can make things worse.
Some time to think may be all that he needs to figure stuff out.
Focus On Yourself
Instead of panicking about your relationship, focus on yourself and try to use this time to introspect. Evaluate yourself and focus on self-improvement. If there’s something you feel you have to work on, do it. It could be a positive way to deal with being alone while your partner figures things out.
Talk To Him
The best thing you can do is talk to him about what’s going on. Let him know you’re in his corner. Ask him how he’s feeling. An honest conversation can do wonders in bringing people closer.
It’s important to listen to each other and try to understand where the other person is coming from. It’s also important to act compassionate, not confrontational. Don’t make demands or urge him incessantly.
Create a Healthy Balance
It is important to create a healthy balance between space and togetherness. If you spend all your time together, you may feel needy. This causes insecurity to develop when you spend time apart.
To avoid attachment issues, create a schedule where you both spend time together, as well as time apart for your individual needs.
Figure Out Your Love Language
Working out the best way to show him affection and love can help reboot your relationship. Ask him to show you affection the way you want it. Once you both have figured out how to show each other love, your relationship can improve manifold.
Conclusion
Akin to life, every relationship has it’s ups and downs. If you feel like your partner is pulling away from your relationship, it will naturally be a cause for concern. There could be several reasons for this behavior.
Knowing why he’s pulling away can help you strategize and figure out ways to mend your relationship. Be it 2014 or 2024, this guide should give you a better understanding of how to handle him.