Ever found yourself in a situation where you are not sure if a guy is interested in you and just playing hard to get or if he is not interested in you at all?
The dating world can be a maze of mixed signals, and it may be difficult to tell the difference between a guy who is not interested in you and one who is but wants you to do the chasing.
Sometimes, you see these signs, but it’s hard to decode, leaving you perplexed and wondering whether it will be wise to take the reins and chase him.
While it is not always easy to decipher someone’s intentions, there are certain signs that can give you valuable insights into a guy’s desire for you to make the first move.
Let us explore ten telltale signs a guy wants you to chase him.
10 Signs a Guy Wants You to Chase Him
1. He is elusive but still lingers
Have you noticed him disappearing and reappearing out of the blues?
When a guy wants you to chase him, he might play hard to get by creating an aura of mystery.
He’ll be present enough to catch your attention but elusive enough to keep you on your toes.
For instance, he might engage in sporadic conversations or leave intriguing hints about his whereabouts, making you curious to seek him out.
When he does this, it means he wants to remain in your life, and he is just waiting for you to do the chase.
2. He drops subtle hints
If you think a guy is interested in you, pay close attention to his choice of words and actions.
A guy who wants you to chase him will drop subtle hints in very random ways to let you know that he is interested.
He might mention activities he enjoys doing with a partner while in conversation with you or express his desire for companionship without directly mentioning you.
He might go as far as painting the picture of what he wants in an ideal relationship.
These hints serve as an invitation for you to make a move and show your interest.
3. He flirts but doesn’t initiate
Flirting is a classic tactic to gauge your interest and keep you engaged.
If a guy is consistently playful, teasing, or dropping compliments, it’s a strong sign he wants you to chase him.
Although, you will find that if the conversation is getting to serious, he may disengage to see if you will press.
He might also hold back from taking the lead in initiating plans or making concrete moves, leaving the ball in your court.
But you must be careful with a flirting man.
Not every flirting should be interpreted as genuine interest.
4. He maintains a busy schedule
A guy who wants you to chase him may intentionally keep himself occupied with various commitments and activities.
He always has something he wants to catch up with and always keeps a full schedule.
He gives off the impression that his life is well-going and exciting and, in a subtle manner, encourages you to pursue him.
Because with this information, he most times sparks your curiosity and makes you eager to be a part of his vibrant world.
It is more like baiting you to enter into his world.
5. He shows interest in your life
When a guy wants you to chase him, he’ll invest time and effort in getting to know you.
He will ask questions about your interests, aspirations, and experiences and tag it “keeping the conversation.”
Sometimes, it might be very shallow conversations but he keeps it really constant.
And if he has a sharp memory, he remembers the tiniest details from previous conversations, showing genuine interest in your life.
By doing this, he hopes to build a connection with you and give you the hint to pursue him.
6. He sends mixed signals
Mixed signals can be incredibly frustrating because they leave you in a state of confusion and, sometimes, despair.
But they may also be a clear sign that a guy wants you to chase him.
He alternates between this hot and cold behaviour just to leave you uncertain about his intentions and hype your curiosity.
One day, he is incredibly attentive and flirty, and the next, he seems to be distant or disinterested.
This push-and-pull dynamic is designed to keep you guessing and actively pursuing his attention.
7. He plays hard to get
Men are naturally not hard to get.
The ones who seem hard to get most times deliberately want to be hard to get.
Playing hard to get is a classic tactic used by both men and women to create intrigue and maintain power dynamics in the early stages of dating.
If a guy wants you to chase him, he’ll likely employ this strategy.
He might be selective in responding to your messages even after receiving them or delay making plans, leaving you eager for more.
If you find yourself here, it is essential to strike a balance between pursuing him and ensuring your own self-worth.
8. He showcases his independence
Independence is an attractive quality, especially in men.
It will impress you to know that the man you’re interested in is not living off someone but is able to take care of his own needs and probably the needs of another.
A guy who wants you to chase him will make sure you know he’s capable of thriving on his own.
He’ll emphasise his freedom, hobbies, and interests, showing that he’s not reliant on anyone for his happiness.
This is also a way of letting you know that there will be no interference or intrusion in your space if you desire to chase the relationship.
By doing so, he hopes to create a sense of challenge and allure, prompting you to make an effort to capture his attention.
9. He subtly hints at jealousy
Men usually are not one to discuss their connections with women in their conversations with other women.
But if a guy is interested in you but wants you to chase him, he might drop subtle hints of these connections to stir up jealousy in you.
He may casually mention other people showing interest in him or talk about his past romantic conquests.
He may also let off some show of jealousy at your connection with other men.
These hints are designed to ignite a competitive spark within you and motivate you to step up your game to win his affection.
10. He gives you a glimpse of vulnerability
Men naturally protect their vulnerability, except they are with someone they truly hold dear.
It is often said that it is difficult to truly know a guy unless he’s in love with you.
Because of the societal stereotype of men having to be strong, a guy almost never reveals his weaknesses.
However, a guy who wants you to chase him might reveal moments of vulnerability.
This could be through sharing personal stories, discussing his fears, or expressing his desire for emotional connection.
By opening up in this way, he hopes to create a deeper bond and encourage you to pursue him on a more intimate level.
It may not be easy peasy deciphering a guy’s true intentions.
Men may be easy to get, but hard to understand.
And you don’t want to find yourself losing your self-worth chasing a man who has got no interest in you.
But if you think a man does have interest in you, pay attention to these signs, and overtime, you can gain valuable insights into whether he wants you to chase him or not.
One person must be chased, and if the man wants to be chased, you will have to decide if you’re up to the task or not
Ultimately, it’s about finding a balance between pursuing someone and ensuring your own happiness and self-worth.
Good luck in your romantic endeavours!