How do I know the difference from a guy who goes from minimal contact to a lot does it cause he likes you vs manipulating you?

[Solstraale]

[Interstate]

You simply ask him, "why the change?". You will twist your mind up like a pretzel trying to guess and assume. Go straight for the horse's mouth.

[ProbablyClueless]

Why would someone who likes you go minimal contact? In any case, you could probably tell by whether they ever reach back out to you.

[NathanDavis]

what in specific... would make you feel like he's trying, or actually manipulating you?

[Guido]

I always think towards the positive side until given a reason not to.

[FenixG45]

Manipulators DON'T have to touch you AT ALL!