8 signs a man wants out of the relationship but is afraid to admit it

In the wild world of relationships, sometimes the truth lurks beneath the surface, hiding behind everyday actions and words left unsaid. 

For men, owning up to wanting out can feel like scaling Everest without ropes. So, they drop hints instead. Think: sudden changes in behavior, cryptic communication tweaks—the works.

In this article, I’ve rounded up 8 sneaky signs that your guy might be plotting a relationship exit strategy but is too chicken to say it straight. 

Buckle up and get ready to decode the subtle signals that could be steering your love boat toward uncharted waters.

1) Avoidance in communication

One of the most telling signs that a man might want out of a relationship is a sudden change in his communication habits.

You see, communication is the lifeblood of any relationship. It’s through open and honest discussions that we understand each other better and grow together. As a mindfulness practitioner, I can’t stress enough the importance of being present and engaged in our conversations with our partners.

But when a man starts avoiding these conversations, it could be a sign that he’s wrestling with something he’s not ready to express. He might start replying to your texts or calls less frequently, or become vague and non-committal in his responses.

2) Shift in priorities

Here’s a scenario I often notice. When a man starts prioritizing other aspects of his life over the relationship, it might be a sign he’s considering a way out.

In the early days of the relationship, you probably felt like you were his main priority. But now, maybe he’s investing more time in his work, hobbies, or even friends at the expense of spending time with you.

Does this mean he’s preparing to jump ship? Not necessarily. Life gets busy, and priorities may shift. But when it becomes a pattern, it might be worth exploring.

3) Lack of emotional intimacy

Emotional intimacy is a cornerstone of a healthy relationship. It’s that feeling of being able to share your deepest fears, hopes, and dreams without fear of judgment.

But what happens when that openness starts to fade?

When a man starts to withdraw emotionally, it can feel like a door closing. He may stop sharing personal details about his day, his thoughts, or his feelings. He might seem distant, or like he’s holding back.

Remember, it’s critical not to force someone to open up. Instead, try to create a safe space where open communication can thrive.  

4) Frequent arguments

Disagreements are like spices in a relationship, adding flavor and depth. They’re opportunities for growth, understanding, and resolution. But when those little squabbles start cropping up more often and blowing out of proportion over the tiniest things, it could signal something bigger at play.

If your man is picking fights, it may be his subconscious way of creating distance. It’s possible that he’s feeling trapped and is using arguments as an escape route.

My advice? Take a moment to reflect on the recurring arguments and patterns in your relationship. Identify if there’s a specific trigger or topic that often leads to heated exchanges.

Then, choose a time when both you and your partner are calm and collected to initiate a conversation. Approach the discussion with empathy and a genuine desire to understand each other’s perspectives.

5) Less interest in future plans

As someone who has spent years studying human relationships, I’ve noticed a common thread. When a man is considering an exit, he often shows less interest in making future plans with his partner.

In the early stages of romance, couples often dream and plan together. It’s a way of weaving your lives closer. But when a man starts avoiding these conversations or seems disinterested in future plans, it could be an indication that he’s having doubts about the relationship’s longevity.

In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve into how Buddhism teaches us to live in the present moment while also understanding the impermanence of everything. If your partner is pulling back from future planning, it might be because he’s unsure about his commitment to the relationship.

Remember, it’s not about rushing him into decisions but about understanding his feelings and navigating it together.

6) Emotional unavailability

When a man becomes emotionally unavailable, it can feel like he’s drifted off to an unreachable island. He might seem indifferent, detached or even cold.

In my opinion, opening up emotionally requires vulnerability, which can be intimidating for some individuals. Perhaps your man is one of them. Fear of being judged, rejected, or hurt may lead them to shut down emotionally as a defense mechanism.

And let’s not forget that some people struggle to identify and express their emotions effectively. They may have grown up in environments where emotional expression was discouraged or viewed as a sign of weakness, leading to difficulties in forming intimate connections.

7) Decline in physical intimacy

Physical intimacy is much more than just a physical act. It’s a way of expressing love, trust, and connection. When that starts to fade or feels forced, it can be a sign that something’s amiss.

If your man seems less interested in physical affection or intimacy, it might be because he’s wrestling with his feelings about the relationship. This decline can be gradual and subtle, making it even more challenging to identify.

Jon Kabat-Zinn, the founder of mindfulness-based stress reduction, once said, “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.”

Relationships, like life, have their ups and downs. A decline in physical intimacy could merely be a wave that has come up in your relationship. The key is not to fight it but learn to navigate it with understanding and patience.  

8) Increased patience and understanding

Now, this might seem a bit offbeat. Isn’t being patient and understanding usually a good thing? Well, yeah, most of the time. But sometimes, it might mean he’s trying to exit the relationship smoothly. 

Here’s how a typical slow fade era looks like: Let’s say Ross and Mona have been dating for a while, but recently, Ross has been unusually patient and understanding whenever Mona brings up concerns or issues in their relationship. 

He used to be more vocal about his feelings and opinions, but now he seems to brush things off with a “whatever works for you” attitude. Eventually, Mona realizes that Ross has been gradually withdrawing from the relationship. His increased patience and understanding were his way of easing out of the relationship without causing a big scene.

Smooth sailing or silent exit?  

Ladies, if you sense your partner’s behavior shifting towards excessive patience and understanding, it might signal a silent departure. 

Don’t ignore the signs. Instead, trust your instincts. Initiate open, honest conversations about your relationship’s direction. Remember, your happiness matters, and it’s okay to prioritize your well-being. 

Stay true to yourself and be prepared to make tough decisions if necessary. Your journey to finding a fulfilling relationship starts with acknowledging the signs and taking action.

Remember, the heart of mindfulness is being present and honest in our interactions. As I discuss in my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, Buddhism teaches us to approach life with understanding, compassion, and acceptance.

Ultimately, it’s crucial to remember that everyone’s journey is unique. Approach your relationship with understanding, patience, and a willingness to communicate openly. Whether it ends or continues, you’ll come out stronger on the other side.