Sometimes, guys can be hesitant to express their emotions for a variety of reasons. Maybe he’s afraid of rejection or he isn’t just sure of how he feels about you yet.
Whatever the reason may be, a guy fighting his feelings for you often means his actions and his behavior may not always be clear indicators of his true feelings.
Sometimes he’ll act nice toward you but then, he’ll suddenly pull back. And all of this can be incredibly frustrating especially if you’re already interested in him.
If you’re wondering if a guy is fighting his feelings for you, there are some telltale signs that can help you decipher his behavior so you can know what to do about it.
1. Hot and cold treatment
A classic move that guys often pull when they’re not quite sure how to handle their emotions.
One minute they’re all over you, showering you with attention and affection, and the next minute they’re acting distant and aloof. It can be frustrating, confusing, and even a little bit hurtful.
But what does it really mean when a guy is giving you the hot and cold treatment?
Well, it could be a sign that he’s fighting his feelings for you. Here’s why:
On one hand, he’s drawn to you and can’t resist the pull of attraction. He wants to be close to you, to feel your presence, to bask in your glow. But on the other hand, he’s scared. He’s scared of his own emotions, of getting hurt, of losing control.
So he pulls back, creating distance between the two of you. He acts cold and distant, maybe even a little bit rude or dismissive.
But this is all a defense mechanism, a way for him to protect himself from getting too close. He’s fighting a battle with his own heart, trying to keep his emotions in check.
So what can you do if you’re dealing with a guy who’s giving you the hot and cold treatment?
Well, the best thing you can do is to give him space and time. Don’t try to force things or push him into admitting his feelings. Instead, let him come to his own conclusions and work through his own emotions.
In the end, if he truly has feelings for you, he’ll come around. He’ll realize that he can’t keep fighting his emotions forever, and he’ll take the plunge and make a move.
[Related: 15 Sure Signs He Likes You But Is Hiding It]
2. He gets jealous, but tries to hide it
Picture this:
You’re hanging out with your friends, laughing and having a good time, when suddenly you feel a pair of eyes on you.
You glance over, and there he is – the guy you’ve been crushing on – looking like he’s just swallowed a lemon. He’s trying to act cool, but you can see the tell-tale signs of jealousy creeping in.
His jaw is clenched, his eyes are darting around the room, and he’s suddenly very interested in his phone.
But why is he acting this way?
It could be because he wants you for himself but is too afraid to admit it.
He sees you laughing and having a good time with your friends, and a part of him wishes he could be the one making you laugh. He sees other guys talking to you, and he can’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy.
But instead of owning up to his emotions and telling you how he feels, he tries to hide it behind a facade of indifference.
3. He’s a total chatterbox… but only around you
When a guy is fighting his feelings for you, one of the ways he might try to cope is by talking more when he’s around that person.
It could be that the surge of emotions he’s experiencing makes him more animated and excited in their presence, or it could be a way to distract himself from the thoughts and feelings that he’s trying to suppress.
In any case, if you notice that he’s generally a quiet or reserved person, but seems to come alive and turn into a total chatterbox when you’re around, that’s a telling sign that something deeper might be going on.
He might be eager to engage in conversation with you, hoping to learn more about you and create a stronger bond. This could manifest as him asking more questions, showing genuine interest in your life, or even just sharing more about himself in an effort to build a connection.
Of course, this behavior isn’t necessarily a foolproof sign that he’s fighting his feelings for you. Some people are naturally more talkative in certain situations or around certain people.
However, if you notice a marked difference in his communication style when you’re around compared to when he’s with others, it could be an indicator that he’s secretly struggling with his emotions for you.
[Related: 10 Sure Signs He Thinks You’re Wife Material]
4. He’s overprotective
When he’s around, he’s constantly making sure you’re okay and looking out for your best interests.
Maybe he’s always there to offer a helping hand, give you advice, or just lend a sympathetic ear. It’s sweet, but it’s also a clear indication that he’s fighting feelings for you and trying to show he cares in other ways.
He might even get a little bit paranoid if he thinks you’re in a risky situation, and he’ll do whatever he can to make sure you’re okay.
Why does he act this way?
He cares about you so much that he can’t stand the thought of anything bad happening to you. He might not be ready to admit his true feelings yet, but that overprotective instinct is a clear sign that he’s struggling with his emotions.
Of course, it’s important to note that there’s a fine line between being protective and being controlling.
If a guy is trying to control every aspect of your life or make decisions for you without your input, that’s not a sign that he’s fighting his feelings – it’s a sign that he’s not respecting your boundaries.
But if he’s simply looking out for your best interests and trying to keep you safe, it could be a sign that he’s just not ready to take things to the next level yet.
5. His friends give him away
Sometimes, friends know us better than we know ourselves. If you notice his friends teasing him or giving him a hard time when you’re around, it might be because they’ve picked up on his feelings for you.
Friends can be a great source of insight into how he truly feels, so keep an eye on their reactions when you’re together. [Read: 10 Signs He Told His Friends About You]
6. He remembers the little things
For instance, if he remembers the most random things you’ve mentioned, like your favorite snack, an obscure movie you love, or a random anecdote you shared, it’s a strong indicator that he’s genuinely interested in you.
When a guy is really into a girl, he’s going to pay attention to every little thing about her. It’s like he’s building a mental scrapbook of all the little details that make her unique and special.
He might not say anything outright, but these details are like little breadcrumbs that he’s leaving behind for you to follow.
7. He’s all about the body language
When words fail, body language speaks volumes. You might notice that he’s constantly leaning in during conversations, maintaining eye contact, or mirroring your movements.
These are signs that he’s attracted to you but trying to keep it on the down-low.
He might not even realize he’s doing it, but his body can’t help but betray his true feelings.
It’s not always easy to read someone’s mind, but these sure signs can give you a pretty good idea of whether he’s fighting his feelings for you or not.
Keep in mind that every person is different, and these signs aren’t universally applicable. However, if you notice a pattern or a combination of these behaviors, there’s a good chance he’s secretly crushing on you.
Check out the signs he’s slowly falling in love with you for more details.Â
8. He’s always there for you
Does he show up for you when you need him, even if it’s inconvenient for him? If he’s always ready to lend a hand, support you in tough times, or just be a shoulder to cry on, it’s likely that he’s fighting his feelings for you.
He wants to be an important part of your life and demonstrate that he’s dependable, even if he’s not quite ready to admit his true feelings.
9. He tries to impress you
Sometimes, guys who are trying to hide their feelings will go out of their way to impress the girl they’re interested in.
Whether it’s showing off their skills, knowledge, or even their sense of humor, they want to leave a lasting impression. Why?
When we’re into someone, we want to show them our best selves. We want them to see us as someone confident, successful, and exciting. So, we’ll often try to impress them with our accomplishments, their talents, or their knowledge.
If he’s putting in extra effort to be the best version of himself around you, he might secretly want you.
[Interesting: 12 Powerful Signs of Male Attraction]
10. He can’t help but touch you (innocently)
Physical touch is a powerful way to communicate emotions. When a guy is fighting his feelings for you, he might find it difficult to keep his hands to himself.
I’m not talking about anything inappropriate here; instead, think of casual touches on the arm, friendly hugs, or playful nudges. These small moments of contact might seem insignificant, but they can be a sign of a deeper connection brewing beneath the surface.
Final words
Every person is unique, and not all guys will exhibit every sign on this list. But if he’s showing several of these signs, there’s a chance he’s fighting his feelings for you.
It’s also important to consider the context of his behavior and the overall dynamic between the two of you.
If you believe he has feelings for you but is struggling to express them, consider having an honest conversation about your feelings. This can help clarify the situation and allow both of you to make informed decisions about your relationship moving forward.