Guys, why do you just stop responding to women?

[Anonymous]

Long story short I reconnected with someone I knew from high school after running into him in person at the store. It was a brief encounter. We follow each other on social media, I’ve seen some of his updates and I’m sure he’s seen mine (I rarely post on instagram, I mostly reshare stories). He commented on one of my stories and that sparked a conversation between us. I ended up asking him if he was single. He told me yes, and asked if I was too. I confirmed that I was single too. I followed up with asking him if he was ready to mingle, and he responded by saying “yes, with you.” I told him let’s get to know each other and gave him my phone number. But ever since then he stopped responding—but has been active. I’m trying to understand why he would do this? Could he be shy, or just not interested?

[Summeroflove]

I don’t do that but there’s many reasons why some people do. Even if the truth hurts honesty is better then cowardly leaving someone in the dark.
Plenty of women also display this behavior. At the end of the day if someone’s not talking to you forget them

I mean someone being busy and not being able to respond right away is one thing. I would just send him a message saying that if you’re not interested just let me know.

One reason is that he lost interest. He may have just lost interest maybe he found someone else to talk to. Maybe he seen or heard something about you.

He’s playing games. He could be playing hard to get. He could be playing hot and cold. He could be just trying to see if you’ll pursue him.

He could be like I said lost interest but also keeping you on the back burner In case something else doesn’t work out.

He got scared…. He got too nervous.

He may be conflicted ahour how he feels

[Maybe_Maybe_not]

A bit difficult, because you don't mention time gaps in your description, which matters. So I don't know if the conversation you describe happened in one short sequence, few hours? Or diluted over days? In any case, since he initiated commenting on story and responded straight and favorably to your enquiry, then all reasons to say he is interested !

Which day were we when you gave your phone number?

[Asker]

We were talking over a period of a few days. I gave him my number and he never replied over a week later. But even when he’s initiated texting he still falls off. It’s very weird, I’m patient and understanding enough to get that everyone is busy with work but if I’m putting myself out there giving you open invitation to hangout that goes unanswered it’s weird.

[Maybe_Maybe_not]

Then, I'll give you the most valid avice there ever will :D

... Open up with him, find some grounds to tell him how you feel about the situation, reasonably. Because talking is the only way to know someone, and the only way to leave the introspective grounds you're walking on. So: Talk :)

[Asker]

I’ll also add. The last time I saw him in person he says “you should come by more often, I don’t see you a lot.” And I made a face that probably said exactly what I was feeling lol. I’m thinking you could see me much more IF you answered your phone!!! 🙃😑 I’m unsure of how to “open up” should I randomly call, since he doesn’t answer text messages?

[Maybe_Maybe_not]

You probably just described a common situation arising from the absence of talks 😅
See, making a face is reacting, it says what you feel vaguely, but it doesn't say what you think. What you think is extremely important in any relationship, parents, friends, romance.

You could have opened up live, in the very situation you described, and you can open up the next live moment you'll see him, or is there any obstacle here?

[Asker]

So he works in a store I don’t typically shop at. I only actually interacted with him the first time in person by coincidence and the second time out of necessity. He works at the pharmacy and that specific one was recommended. If I go there just to see him I’d feel weird. I’d like to establish a relationship whether friendly at first but it’s difficult when he limits responsive communication—and I like him enough to see where it goes.

[Maybe_Maybe_not]

Okay, the pharmacy situation doesn't work indeed, what could we try 🤔

Well, if the texting approach is not stable, I'll go the forward way, classic, you propose a date, clean and simple !

[serious]

I am not sure to be honest. He could be shy and may not know how to start conversations or what to talk about.

[Asker]

I get the shy part, but I’m initiating conversations that will definitely allow him to speak up. They aren’t deep questions, it’s general get to know you stuff.

[serious]

I understand

[ProbablyClueless]

If I stop responding, it's either because I'm busy doing doing something and I want to wait until I can devote proper attention to the conversation, or because the conversation simply isn't much of a priority for me.

[ProbablyClueless]

By priority, I mean that I'm (usually) genuinely enjoying the conversation, but I don't feel a super pressing and immediate need to follow up with her right away.

[Asker]

Ok. I’ll add another question to that you see the girl in person she ends up sharing she will be out of town. For what reason would you ask her “is it a “bae” cation?” Cuz he asked me and I’m regretting not lying to him that it wasn’t. It’s almost like he’s not quite ready to settle down but has me in the back burner as a just in case.

[BarryLiverstone]

Not interested