If a man uses these 7 phrases regularly, he isn’t ready for a serious relationship

There’s a fine line between a man who’s just not that into you and one who isn’t ready for a serious relationship.

This line is often drawn through words. Yes, ladies, the phrases a man uses regularly can reveal his true intentions and readiness for commitment.

As the founder of the Love Connection blog and having advised on countless relationships over the years, I’ve heard it all. I’ve noticed certain phrases that act as red flags, warning signs that he might not be ready to take things to the next level.

In this article, I’m going to share those phrases with you. So buckle up, grab your notebooks, and prepare to gain some serious insight into the male mind.

1) “I’m really busy”

In the complex world of dating and relationships, understanding the right signals can be a daunting task.

One common phrase men often use when they aren’t ready for a serious relationship is “I’m really busy…” This phrase, ladies, can be a subtle indicator of his commitment level.

Now don’t get me wrong. We all have busy lives. Work, friends, hobbies – all these things take time. But when it comes to relationships, making time for each other is key. It’s about prioritization.

If he’s always “too busy” to make plans or keeps canceling at the last minute, it could suggest that he isn’t ready to make you a priority in his life. This lack of commitment to spending time together is often an early warning sign that he might not be ready for something serious.

So next time you hear him say “I’m really busy…”, take a moment to consider what he’s really saying. Is he genuinely swamped, or is he subtly indicating that he’s not ready to commit? Only you can feel out the situation. But remember, actions often speak louder than words.

2) “You’re perfect”

This might sound surprising, but a man repeatedly saying “You’re perfect” could be a sign that he isn’t ready for something serious.

At first, it sounds like the ultimate compliment. Who doesn’t want to be seen as perfect by their partner? But let’s delve deeper.

In a real, serious relationship, we see and accept our partners for who they are: their strengths and their flaws. No one is perfect, and pretending otherwise can be an indicator of unrealistic expectations or a reluctance to deal with the messy reality of a committed relationship.

If he keeps putting you on a pedestal, it might mean he’s not ready to engage with the real you, flaws and all. It could also indicate that he’s not ready to show his own imperfections and vulnerabilities, which are crucial for deep emotional connection.

3) “Let’s just see where this goes”

One phrase that I’ve often come across in my work with couples is, “Let’s just see where this goes.”

On the surface, it might sound like he’s open to possibilities and not rushing things. However, it could also be a sign that he’s avoiding commitment.

This phrase can indicate a lack of clear intentions towards the relationship. It’s a way of keeping things casual, without having to make any real decisions about the future. It can often create an imbalance, where one person is hoping for a more serious commitment while the other is content to just see what happens.

I’ve seen this dynamic play out countless times. In fact, I touch on this in my book “Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship”, where I discuss the importance of understanding and communicating your relationship expectations early on.

For now, know this: if you’re hearing “Let’s just see where this goes…” quite often, it might be time to have a conversation about what you both really want from the relationship. Don’t be afraid to express your needs and desires – clear communication is key to any successful relationship.

4) “I’m not good enough for you”

Another phrase that might pop up is “I’m not good enough for you” This could be a sign of low self-esteem, or it could be a subtle way of keeping the relationship from progressing.

If a man frequently uses this phrase, it can be an indicator that he’s not ready to fully commit. It might be his way of deflecting the responsibility that comes with a serious relationship, or it could stem from personal insecurities that he needs to work through.

In my experience, a healthy relationship requires two individuals who believe in their own worth and can bring their whole selves to the relationship. As the renowned poet Maya Angelou once said, “You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anybody.”

If he keeps insisting he’s not good enough for you, it might be time to have a heart-to-heart about why he feels this way, and whether he’s truly ready for a committed relationship.

5) “My ex was crazy”

If you hear him saying “My ex was crazy” more than once, it might be worth paying closer attention to.

Sure, we all have past relationships that didn’t end on the best of terms. But repeatedly blaming an ex-partner and labeling them as ‘crazy’ is often a red flag.

In my years of guiding couples, I’ve learned that this phrase can point to a lack of emotional maturity or accountability. It may indicate a pattern of shifting blame rather than owning up to his part in a relationship’s downfall.

Remember, every story has two sides. A man who is ready for a serious relationship is one who can discuss past relationships with honesty and respect, acknowledging the lessons learned without resorting to derogatory labels.

6) “I don’t believe in labels”

While it’s true that labels aren’t everything, they do provide clarity and a sense of direction in relationships. If he’s consistently avoiding defining what you have, it can create confusion and insecurity.

As Albert Einstein once said, “Any fool can know. The point is to understand.” This quote applies perfectly to relationships too. Understanding where you stand and what you mean to each other is essential.

In my experience, a man ready for a serious relationship isn’t afraid of labels if it means providing reassurance and security to his partner.

So, if “I don’t believe in labels” is his go-to phrase, it might be worth discussing what he’s truly comfortable with in terms of commitment.

For more insights into relationships and love, do follow me on Facebook. I regularly share my latest articles and thoughts on all things love-related there.

7) “I can’t give you what you want”

Let’s get real here. If a man tells you “I can’t give you what you want”, believe him.

This phrase is often a direct admission that he knows he’s not meeting your needs or expectations. It might be his way of acknowledging that he’s not ready or willing to step up and commit to a serious relationship.

It’s raw, it’s honest, and it can be hurtful to hear. But in the end, it’s better to know the truth so you can make decisions that are best for you.

In a healthy relationship, both partners should feel their needs are being met and their feelings are being considered. If he’s telling you outright that he can’t provide this, it may be time to reassess the relationship.

And don’t settle for less than what you deserve. Remember, your happiness matters too.

Final thoughts

Navigating the world of relationships can sometimes feel like traversing a maze. And the language we use can often serve as markers, guiding or misleading us along the way. Remember, words are powerful, and they often reveal more than we think.

If you’ve noticed a man in your life using these phrases regularly, it could be a sign that he isn’t ready for a serious relationship. But don’t despair or blame yourself. Relationships are about timing, growth, and mutual readiness.

As I always say, it’s crucial to maintain open communication. If you’re feeling uncertain, have a conversation about it. And remember to look after yourself too. Your feelings and needs are just as important.

As for further exploration on this topic, I highly recommend this insightful video by Justin Brown:

YouTube video

In this video, Justin challenges the idea of finding the “perfect” partner using the law of attraction and emphasizes the importance of commitment and growth in relationships rather than chasing an idealistic image of perfection.

Remember, love isn’t about finding a perfect person but learning to see an imperfect person perfectly. So keep an open mind, stay true to yourself, and trust your journey.

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Tina Fey

I'm Tina Fey, the founder of the blog Love Connection. I've extremely passionate about sharing relationship advice. I've studied psychology and have my Masters in marital, family, and relationship counseling. I hope with all my heart to help you improve your relationships, and I hope that even if one thing I write helps you, it means more to me than just about anything else in the world. Check out my blog Love Connection, and if you want to get in touch with me, hit me up on Twitter

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