Why would a guy tell me about other girls he's dating?

[Anonymous]

I don't get it. There's a guy, and he's showed off to me in the past. I catch him looking at me sometimes behind my back (through a reflection).

When he was in my vicinity within earshot, he started mentioning other girls he's dating. Then, he'll start flirting with me, and I'll feel so incredibly awkward.

I don't get it. What the hell is going on when guys do this? I'm so confused. I have no dating experience at all or experience with guys. What's going on?

[HollyK21]

Flirt with a woman whilst single isn’t that big a deal. He may be seeing someone but you don’t know how long it’s been, she could be fairly new. In any case though, so long as he’s single it’s ok for him to leave his options open until he’s ready to find someone and settle down.

[stephanie-ramos]

Maybe he’s trying to make you jealous to see your reaction or something? I don’t agree with this method of approach, it’s childish, but this sounds exactly like that.

[Asker]

He was definitely watching for my reaction.

[stephanie-ramos]

Then it was definitely that type of game he wanted to play to get your attention or a reaction out of you.

[Asker]

Thank you! I can't stand manipulation. Definitely a red flag.

[stephanie-ramos]

Yep. Whether you’re interested in him or not, you should be honest with him about it so he stops.

[stephanie-ramos]

Because it clearly makes you feel uncomfortable.

[spartan55]

What's going on is that he is an idiot. He is bragging about other girls to make you think he's some big stud. He can't be your best option?

[Asker]

Thanks, I have a lot going on right now in my personal life, so I'm not focused on dating at the moment, just curious.

When guys do this, is it out of ego essentially? Is it to make the woman insecure, as if she has competition? What reaction are they looking for? How would you recommend responding to it? Thank you.

[spartan55]

Yes to your first two questions. Reaction? Who knows, I can't understand guys like that thinking they look good acting like that. Why exactly are you talking to that guy? You don't even say who he is? Friend? Just some dude? An ex?
I would completely ignore him. He sounds like a royal douche.

[Asker]

We used to go to the same college, and we shared several classes. We had a brief conversation in passing.

He graduated last year, and I'm graduating this December.

At the time, I was so confused, didn't know how to respond, and did my best to ignore and stay away from him.

It just confused me why some guys do this. I was curious to hear why. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this.

[spartan55]

Again, it's hard for me to get to relate, even when I was in my player phase I didn't do shit like that. I'll go back to my original answer that he thinks it elevates his status with you. He is probably lying or seriously exaggerating his harem of women. If I were you, I would laugh out of embarrassment at him. I mean, that is like middle school level shit.
I have a saying that has never let me down which is: People who are truly great friends/lovers/rich/great in bed/nice etc DO NOT TALK ABOUT IT. Don't ever take anyone seriously who has to point out how great they are.

[spartan55]

Congratulations on graduating by the way.

[Asker]

Thank you!

[Asker]

You're right. Thank you so much for your words and advice!

[spartan55]

You are welcome!

[spartan55]

@asker
I just remembered the phrase.
"A lion 🦁 doesn't have to tell anyone he is a lion". 😁

[Anonymous]

He's clever.

[Asker]

Sorry, I know I asked this 2 months ago, but why would you call this clever? Thank you.

[In_Trance]

He's a douche

[Anonymous]

Ask him why