Here are the most common reasons men pull away – and how women push men away unintentionally – plus what to do about it.
You’re in a seemingly perfect relationship, where the laughter flows as easily as the wine on date nights. Suddenly, you sense a shift. He’s not as eager to text back. His smiles don’t reach his eyes. And his enthusiasm for your weekly Netflix marathons is waning faster than your interest in your high school geometry class.
It feels like he’s slipping away, and you’re left wondering, “Is it something I did?”
This feeling, the gnawing worry of someone you care about pulling away, can be unsettling, unexpected and unwelcome. It’s a cocktail of confusion, self-doubt, and a dash of paranoia.
And while you’re busy dissecting every conversation, and re-reading texts to find clues, you might not realize that some of your behaviors could be accidentally contributing to this gradual retreat.
No worries – I’m here to help explain how you might accidentally push a man away.
I’m sharing this article because I am a bestselling personal development author with about 2 million books sold globally.
I am also the founder of the therapist recommended online program called Broken Heart Recovery Course.
I love sharing tools to help people enjoy happier and longer lasting relationships. With this mind, in this article, I will explore how a woman might unintentionally push a man away and the reasons a man pulls away from a woman.
Unfortunately, sometimes a woman can find herself engaging in self sabotaging relationship behaviors – which are driven by the fear of losing her partner.
She might start overly thinking (and dreading) the idea of her partner falling out of love. Or get jealous of other people in her partner’s life – and fear that they will find someone else.
These thoughts can wind up driving many women to do the following 6 counterproductive habits.
You love your shared moments, but maybe you’re a bit too enthusiastic about monopolizing his calendar. Remember, him spending time with his friends isn’t a rejection of you. It’s a healthy part of any individual’s life. If you find yourself feeling resentful when he plans a guys’ night out, take a step back. Use this time to indulge in your hobbies or catch up with your friends. Space in a relationship can be a good thing – it’s like garlic in cooking. The right amount adds flavor, too much, and it’s all you can taste.
Wanting to be his number one is natural, but remember, his family was there first. If he’s close to his family, that’s a good sign – it shows he values deep connections. Rather than competing for his time, try integrating into his family circle. It could turn out to be fun, and you’ll earn brownie points for being understanding.
Feeling a pang of jealousy when he mentions his female friends? That’s normal, but acting on that jealousy by restricting his friendships can be a red flag. Trust is the bedrock of a healthy relationship. Unless there’s clear evidence of foul play, these friendships shouldn’t be a cause for concern. They’re a testament to his ability to maintain healthy, platonic relationships.
Remember the things you loved doing before he came along? Keep them alive! These interests not only make you uniquely you but also keep your relationship interesting. Being in a relationship doesn’t mean you melt into a single entity. Like a well-mixed cocktail, the individual flavors need to stand out.
He’s doing well at work, and you’re proud. But there’s a tiny voice in your head asking, “Will his success create a gap between us?” This fear is as common as finding a Starbucks in a city block, but it’s crucial to challenge it. His achievements don’t diminish your role in his life. Instead of worrying, why not ride the wave of his success together? Be his cheerleader, and you might just find your relationship growing stronger.
Relying on him for all your emotional needs is like using a single umbrella to cover everyone in a rainstorm – it’s impractical and ineffective. Cultivate your happiness. Engage in activities that make you feel good independently of him. It not only takes the pressure off the relationship, but also keeps you grounded and happy.
In the end, if you find that despite your best efforts, he’s still pulling away, it might not be about you. Sometimes, people change. Or their needs evolve. It’s painful. But it’s not the end. It’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and become even better in your next relationship. Remember, every relationship, whether it lasts a lifetime or just a chapter, teaches us something valuable. Keep your heart open, your mind clear, and your spirits high – your best days are still ahead.
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