Have you ever felt like someone liked you? Only to find they'd pull away right when you were emotionally connecting? Maybe they were giving you mixed signals. Or maybe you have a hunch they might be afraid of rejection.
For many fear of rejection prevents them from progressing emotionally into a relationship. Many psychologists theorize that when one goes through negative experiences, their feelings of love and fear can become connected. Seeing that there are research studies backing this theory, you might not be off in thinking that your date might be hesitant going into a new relationship due to a past heartbreak. So how can you tell? Well, here are some signs someone likes you but is afraid of rejection?
They're nervous around you. When most people like someone they can become a little nervous. stammering, breaking out in sweats and clammy hands may just be signs that they like you so much that you make them nervous. Sometimes, researchers found that sexual arousal shuts off parts of the prefrontal cortex of the brain, this region of the brain is responsible for critical thinking rational behavior and self awareness. So if you have a hunch they're afraid of rejection and can't quite tell if they like you. Next time you hold their hand, ask yourself is it uncomfortably clammy? Hmm, looks like it's love.
Do they do dorky things in an attempt to impress you? So you still can't tell if they like you, huh? Well, do you find they make random attempts to impress you every chance they get? If someone likes you, odds are they'll try to make it a point to show off what makes them a suitable partner or they simply want to impress you because that means you'll notice them if their attempts are more dorky than impressive. They're really trying to get you to notice them. They may just be afraid to flat out tell you they like you.
They want to spend time with you, but then suddenly disappear. A telltale sign they're afraid of rejection. Just when they start getting emotionally close to you. They pull away suddenly your conversations are near daily. You text each other good morning and good night but then suddenly they start to become busy and seemingly disappear. They may be trying to see if you're as interested as them. But if you start to drift away in a reaction as well, they often will come back to check on you. Why? Well because as much as they fear rejection, they still can't help but care about you.
They've talked about you to the important people in their lives. If you've heard from the important people in their life that they can't stop talking about you, odds are they like you especially if they mentioned or even introduced you to their family. They may even want things to get serious but are a bit hesitant due to the fear of rejection in the future.
They go out of their way to do things for you but don't like to talk about their feelings. Some people have trouble expressing their feelings and fears. Some may believe that expressing their feelings or fears will only drive their spouse away. But one of the most important aspects of our relationship is communication, if your partner shies away from talking about their feelings, but you notice they go out of their way to do things for you. They likely like you, but simply put, those who don't often express their feelings, show them through their actions. So pay attention to what they do. If they show they care for you. They likely like you.
They listen and remember what you say. Can you tell if your partner really listens to you? If you notice, they actively listen to what you say and remember details about your conversation later on. They're probably interested in you. When we care about someone we want to hear how their day was or listened in. On their interests. And if your spouse brings up previous conversations or details about something you said you're likely on their mind.
If they like you what's holding them back. If it's rejection, here's to hoping their fears will melt away when you tell them you like them. Like really like them. That is if they listen. So do you recognize any of these signs in your partner or crush? How will you let them know you like them? Tell me in the comment section down below.