Men who stay in relationships until they find someone better often display these 7 behaviors

There’s a striking difference between men who are committed to their relationships and those who are merely waiting for something better to come along.

The difference is evident in behavior. Men who are “holding out” often reveal their true intentions through subtle signs.

As a relationship expert and the founder of the Love Connection blog, I’ve seen my fair share of these behaviors. They’re not always obvious, but once you know what to look for, the signs become clearer.

In this article, I’ll share the seven most common behaviors men who are keeping their options open tend to exhibit. You might find them surprising, but remember, knowledge is power when it comes to navigating relationships.

This is about understanding patterns and making informed decisions in love.

After all, everyone deserves a partner who is fully invested in the relationship.

1) The constant comparison

In the realm of relationships, there’s nothing quite as revealing as the constant comparison.

Men who are not fully committed to their current relationships often exhibit a tendency to compare. They might bring up an ex-partner’s habits or achievements, or even subtly hint at how they’ve had it better in the past.

This behavior is a clear sign that they’re not entirely satisfied and might be keeping their options open. They’re essentially using their past or potential future relationships as a benchmark for the current one.

The key is to watch out for these comparisons – whether they’re overt or hidden in casual conversations.

In a truly committed relationship, there’s no need for constant comparisons. Each relationship is unique and should be valued in its own right.

But again, this isn’t about pointing fingers. It’s about understanding the potential signs of a partner who might not be fully invested, and then deciding how best to handle the situation.

After all, every relationship deserves honesty and commitment.

2) Lack of deep commitment

One thing I’ve noticed in my years of relationship coaching is the absence of deep commitment in men who are waiting for someone better.

This behavior manifests in different ways. They might be hesitant to make long-term plans, or they could avoid discussions about the future altogether. This lack of commitment is a sign that they’re not fully invested and could be looking elsewhere.

As the brilliant Maya Angelou once said, “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.” If your partner consistently dodges commitment, it might be time to have a serious conversation.

You deserve a partner who’s as excited about your shared future as you are. Don’t settle for less.

3) Emotional unavailability

In my experience, emotional unavailability is a common trait in men who are just marking time in a relationship. They might be physically present, but emotionally, they’re somewhere else.

This might manifest as a lack of interest in your feelings, or as an inability to share their own emotions. It’s like trying to connect with someone behind a wall – you can’t quite reach them, no matter how hard you try.

In my book, Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship, I delve deeper into this topic. Emotional availability is crucial for a healthy relationship. If it’s lacking, it’s a sign that your partner may not be fully invested.

In a committed relationship, both partners should be equally available to each other emotionally.

It’s not just about being there physically – it’s about being present in every sense of the word.

4) Reluctance to introduce you to their inner circle

Here’s a behavior that I’ve seen many times before in my years as a relationship coach – a man who’s waiting for someone better often hesitates to introduce his partner to his close friends or family.

This could be because he doesn’t see a long-term future with you and doesn’t want to intertwine his personal life with yours.

Or, he could be worried about what his inner circle might think of his non-committal behavior.

When I was younger, I was in a relationship where I was kept at arm’s length from my partner’s close friends and family.

It wasn’t until much later that I realized it was a sign he wasn’t fully committed to me.

In a committed relationship, both partners should be proud to introduce each other to the important people in their lives. If this isn’t happening, it’s worth having a conversation about it.

5) Dishonesty and elusive behavior

Let’s be raw and honest here: If your man is acting elusive or being dishonest, it’s a glaring red flag.

Men waiting for someone better often exhibit signs of dishonesty.

They may tell white lies, evade certain questions, or even create stories to cover up their tracks. It’s their way of keeping you at bay while they keep their options open.

These men might avoid certain topics, change the subject when things get serious, or even disappear without explanation for periods of time.

This kind of behavior is not only disrespectful, it’s also a clear sign of someone who isn’t fully committed to the relationship.

Honesty and transparency are the foundation of any strong relationship. You deserve nothing less.

6) Preferring solitude

In my years of relationship coaching, I’ve noticed that men who are waiting for someone better often prefer solitude over spending quality time with their partner.

They might decline invitations to do things together or always seem to have an excuse to be alone.

While it’s healthy and necessary for everyone to have their own space in a relationship, consistently preferring solitude might indicate that they’re not fully invested in the relationship.

If your partner consistently chooses solitude over you, it might be because they’re not genuinely interested in sharing their life with you.

7) Emotional manipulation

This is a tough one, but it needs to be said: Emotional manipulation is a sign of a man who’s waiting for someone better.

These men might use guilt, blame, or even gaslighting to keep you in the relationship while they’re looking elsewhere. They’ll make you feel like everything’s your fault, or like you’re crazy for suspecting something’s wrong.

But let’s be clear: this isn’t about you. It’s about them and their inability to fully commit. And it’s not just unfair, it’s downright abusive.

You deserve respect and honesty in a relationship. Don’t let anyone manipulate your feelings or make you question your worth. If this is happening, it might be time to seek professional help or consider walking away.

Conclusion

Recognizing these behaviors is the first step to understanding where your relationship stands. It’s about being honest with yourself and acknowledging the signs, no matter how difficult it may be.

You deserve a partner who is fully invested in the relationship, not someone who’s waiting for something better. If you’re seeing these signs, it might be time to have an open and honest conversation with your partner.

For more insights into relationship dynamics and how to handle codependency, do check out my book Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship. It’s a comprehensive guide that offers practical advice on creating healthier, more fulfilling relationships.

You are worth it. Don’t settle for less than you deserve.