What does it mean if a guy doesn't put a label on your relationship?

Question

So me and this guy met at college and have known each other for a year now. Since then we have been talking constantly in person/text etc. We haven't hung-out much till recently due to our studies. However, lately he seems to want to hangout more often, most of the time one on one.

The other day when we were out he introduced me to an acquaintance (a girl), but he struggled putting a label on our friendship. I mean id assume he could've said 'my name' is a friend or something but he couldn't, instead he was silently for a few seconds and just said that we met at college and study together.

Why would a guy do that, if he can't put a label am I just seen as an acquaintance or what?

More detail:
We do hug each other when we meet and its not the kind where you keep a distance between the bodies. Its full front body touching hug and sometime side hugs. I have met his friend and we've hung out together as well.

Sbgirl · Accepted Answer

It depends what exactly you guys do together or how he sees you or how intimate you've been. My boyfriend and I were casually seeing each other for about 4 months. I didn't really know what to call it at the time, it was like we had relationship potential. It wasn't until we saw each more and slept together that we were boyfriend and girlfriend. Maybe ask him, it might be the only way to find out. You don't want to be left in limbo or grow deep feelings when he only sees you as a friend. Its only fair if he's giving you mixed messages and a year is quite a long time.

Cynicaldreamer · Accepted Answer

" but he struggled putting a label on our friendship ..." Uh huh... So he's not ready to commit. Why haven't you asked him what you two are yet?  I think it's more than fair to ask him how he feels about you, or where he sees the two of you. If he cannot answer, or says, "just friends," I wouldn't waste too much time with him and are okay with just being his friend.  Just make sure you don't treat him like a girlfriend since he's so unsure of what you two are...

opnbuk59 · Accepted Answer

Label what are you can of beans, what's he gonna call you two, yeah this is us doll we are Maria and Pablo South of the border lovers up north, or Ken and Barbie from the valley be serious, label your relationships, why not do as Rocky did in Rocky, yuse mine eyes yurs, I know my eyes are mine Rocky, easier to put a ring on her finger and say I do, married is a good label isn't it it is that too old fashion

BlessedDaddy · Accepted Answer

Great observation. All he had to say is what I, or anyone would say introducing a friend, and this is my friend Jen. They shake hand and that's it.

He likes you and had an awkward moment. If he had introduced you as friend, that would lead you to believe that's all it is, by not doing that, he is making sure you know there is the potential for more. Hey, you are questioning it right?

nelly83 · Answer

I think you're looking forwards to way more than he wants to offer. If a guy likes you, he would ask to hangout with you. He wouldn't wait until he needs to form a study group in order to meet up. If he likes you, he would be chasing you and it would be obvious. He doesn't want to put any labels on it because he does not have feelings for you yet. Beleive me, if a guy likes you, you will know.

bubbles328 · Answer

I personally don't like labels. In the beginning I don't want to put that stamp on me as I like being single, I won't cheat I just don't want a full relationship. After a while, I will eventually put a label on it because I am sick of talking to people about it and not having the right words to say. Would feel guilty saying "my friend" if they were more than that.

hsshannah96 · Answer

I knew a guy like this. He wanted the benefits of a relationship with no relationship (he looooved to cuddle) and didn’t like putting labels on things.
but ironically, he didn’t want sex so the fuckboy thing was off the table. It was the weirdest thing. At one stage I was like fine you want sex I’ll give you what you want then I’m tired of this. I sat on his lap in lingerie. He didn’t do a thing.

Alice2398 · Answer

He probably likes you but wants to get to know you better and what he wants your relationship to be without rushing things. Calling a girl your interested in your "friend" is seen as a dangerous move as a guy as its putting themselves in the friend zone

Thatsamazing · Answer

It means that most guys don't like labels, and he's obviously one of them. And here's the question for you:

loveslongnails · Answer

He's just your basic guy at that age - doesn't want to sound "too" committed, doesn't want to label anything, doesn't know what he wants out of a relationship, has to keep options open in his head. There are SO MANY questions like this on here... it's amazing how little most women seem to know about men, and they're sooooo easy!!

aly34 · Answer

Well if he hasn't given a name to the relationship in a year, what is he waiting for. Analyse his behaviour. If he is not serious, find a boyfriend. may be he is not looking for a serious relationship or just not sure. Start talking to some guy in front of him and check his reaction.

bente2 · Answer

In this case, when someone doesn’t know how to introduce you, they either:
1. Don’t see you as close which they think come across as rude.
2. Don’t want to label the relationship to keep all the options open.

PinkPenguin · Answer

He could be a relationship anarchist. R. A's don't put labels on relationships. Or he could be afraid of being friendzoned should he simply call you a friend.

spartan55 · Answer

It means he wants to be able to fuck around without being accountable... PERIOD.

Anonymous · Answer

You have to ask him. Maybe he doesn't know what you'd say or how you feel, so he didn't want to make any assumptions? But only he can answer this for you.

yahyahyah · Answer

He doesn't want to commit, or at least not yet. If he want to commit he'll ask you to be his girlfriend.

RLovesD7792 · Answer

trust me you're not an acquaintance. guys just don't like to put labels on relationships most guys don't. Trust me though it's more than friends with him

GraveDoll · Answer

I dont know but i would sit down and have a serious convoy with him if you need to  know.

scotty01 · Answer

Me and my partner are in the same situation where I want the label but she doesn’t. I found out my girlfriend cheated on me so maybe he’s cheating on you or just playing with your emotions.

Liam_Hayden · Answer

I think people get hung up on labels. Is the relationship, in practice, what you want/need right now? If so, then I would just accept it and not worry about the label.

Dsg1193 · Answer

I would take it as he’s unsure of what to call you two. He sees it as a friendship but know there’s more than just friendly feelings there. So he’s confused or maybe he isn’t really thinking about it.

simplelikeme · Answer

He's leaving himself open to other women. It's the same for women, they don't want to put a label on your relationship. They are leaving them self open two other men.

Anonymous · Answer

In case you described, he would like to take it further, but afraid to lose what he has.

He would not mind to call you his girlfriend, but you not there yet and in case he would call you friend, then it would be 'friend zone' forever.

zzcop91 · Answer

It's simple. He's not sure about it one way or another. He is not committed. Wether it's because there is someone else or he's only thought of it as a booty call. He is not committed and probably never will be.

What does it mean if a guy doesn't put a label on your relationship?

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