There’s a huge gap between a man who is fully committed and one who’s just stringing you along.
The difference? Intentions.
The guy who’s giving you the run-around, he’s all about the convenience and fun, with no real plans for the future.
The committed man, on the other hand, is in it for the long haul.
He sees you in his future and he’s not afraid to show it.
Recognizing these signs can be tricky.
But trust me, knowing them can save you a lot of heartache.
Here are 8 signs that suggest he’s just keeping you around without any intention of marriage.
1) He avoids future talk
When it comes to discussing the future, he’s as elusive as a magician.
You see, when a man is serious about you, he will be excited to plan a future together.
He’ll bring up topics like moving in together, getting a pet, or even hint at the idea of kids.
The man who’s just keeping you around for convenience?
Not so much.
Future talk scares him or makes him uncomfortable.
He might change the subject or give vague answers when you try to discuss anything beyond the next few weeks.
Watch out for this sign.
It’s a clear indicator that he might not see a long-term future with you.
2) He keeps you a secret
This one hits close to home. I once dated a guy who was smooth as silk, charming and always there for me.
But, there was a catch.
He never introduced me to his friends or family.
We never attended any social gatherings together.
We’d spend time in private, but in public, we were like strangers.
When I confronted him about this, he’d always say that he’s a private person and doesn’t like mixing his love life with his social life.
I bought this excuse for a while until I realized that he was just keeping me around without any real intention of making me part of his life.
If your man is keeping you a secret from his world, it’s a big red flag that he might not be planning to marry you.
A man who is serious about you will want to show you off and integrate you into every part of his life.
Don’t settle for anything less!
3) He’s not financially stable
Money isn’t everything in a relationship, but it does play a significant role when it comes to planning a future together.
Stability is one of the key factors that people consider when deciding to tie the knot.
This doesn’t mean your man has to be a millionaire, but he should at least have the means to support himself and contribute to a shared life.
According to a study from Harvard University, financial instability is one of the leading causes of divorce.
So if your guy is constantly broke, with no plans or efforts to improve his situation, it might be an indication that he’s not ready for marriage or the responsibilities that come with it.
It’s crucial for both partners to have financial stability in order to build a secure and harmonious life together.
If he’s not there yet, you might want to think twice about your future with him.
4) He avoids commitment-related conversations
If every time you bring up anything related to commitment, he quickly changes the subject or looks like a deer caught in the headlights, it’s a definite sign to pay attention to.
Commitment isn’t just about marriage, it’s about being willing to make promises and stick to them.
It’s about showing up, being there for each other, and working through problems together.
It might feel uncomfortable, but having a direct conversation about this could save you a lot of heartache in the future.
You deserve someone who is as excited about committing to you as you are to them.
5) He doesn’t make you feel special
When a man truly loves a woman, he makes her feel like she’s the most important person in his world.
He values her, cherishes her, and makes sure she knows it.
But if you often find yourself questioning your worth in his life or wondering if he truly cares for you, then it’s a sign that something’s amiss.
You deserve to be with someone who makes you feel cherished and loved, not someone who treats you like an option.
Love isn’t about grand gestures or extravagant gifts; it’s about the little things.
The way he looks at you, how he listens when you talk, the comfort and security he provides.
6) He’s not emotionally open with you
I remember a time when I was in a relationship with a man who was always guarded.
He would share his day-to-day experiences, his likes and dislikes, even his past to some extent.
But when it came to his emotions, it was like hitting a brick wall.
Emotional intimacy is the bedrock of any strong relationship.
It’s about being able to share your deepest fears, hopes, and dreams with your partner and knowing they will hold that trust sacred.
If your man is always closed off emotionally, it can feel like you’re dating a stranger.
You might not know what he’s truly feeling or what his real intentions are.
This lack of emotional openness can be a sign he’s just keeping you around without any intention of marriage.
Because marriage isn’t just about sharing a life, it’s about sharing your innermost selves.
7) He doesn’t include you in his plans
Partnership is about sharing, not just your life, but your plans and dreams as well.
When a man sees you as his future wife, he’ll naturally include you in his plans – whether it’s for the weekend or the next five years.
Marriage is about two people becoming a team, working together towards shared goals.
If he’s not willing to include you in his plans now, how can you expect him to do so in the future?
You deserve a man who values your input and sees you as an integral part of his life.
8) He doesn’t make you a priority
At the heart of it all, the most telling sign that he’s just keeping you around without any intention of marriage is if he doesn’t make you a priority.
In a relationship headed towards marriage, both partners prioritize each other.
They make sacrifices for each other, they are there for each other in times of need, and they put in the effort to keep the relationship healthy and strong.
It should feel right
When it comes to matters of the heart, there’s no one-size-fits-all rule book.
Every relationship is unique, and what works for one couple might not work for another.
However, the signs we’ve discussed here are common indicators that a man might be keeping you around without any intention of marriage.
They’re not definitive proof, but they can give you an idea of where you stand in his life.
A relationship is a partnership.
It should be characterized by mutual respect, love, and the desire to build a future together.
If you find yourself constantly questioning his intentions or feeling like you’re not a priority, it might be time to reevaluate the relationship.
As Maya Angelou famously said, “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.” Trust your instincts and don’t ignore red flags.
In the end, you deserve someone who sees your worth and wants to spend their life with you.
