In a world where romantic ideals clash with the realities of modern life, the age-old question persists: why are so many men reluctant to take the plunge into commitment? It’s not just a matter of avoiding the label of boyfriend or husband; there’s a complex web of fears, expectations, and societal pressures at play.
The Mantra Care publication mentions signs that indicate that a man is not in it for the long term, which include, avoiding discussing future plans, being unwilling to make plans, or exhibiting last-minute changes to plans, it may indicate he’s not ready for a serious relationship. “If the man you’re dating is always getting distracted by other things, it could be a sign that he’s not really interested in committing to you. If he starts trying to control your behaviour or how you spend your time, this could be a red flag that he’s afraid of commitment.”
According to Knowledge For Men, trust issues are often a combination of over-wariness and distrust of a partner based on past experiences. It is mentioned that many men have trust issues from past relationships, but carrying emotional baggage into a new relationship can cause more issues than it resolves.
The above source also claims that the fear of rejection is a major reason men avoid commitments. “Many men have commitment phobia because of previous rejection, while some fear what they have never experienced. Either way, they both try their darnedest to avoid that terrible feeling of worthlessness.”
Men may be hesitant to commit due to fear of losing freedom or independence, avoiding plans outside of the bedroom, and avoiding long-term commitments like monogamy or exclusivity, explains Mantra Care.
“Men often fear that a committed relationship will require compromising with other priorities, such as careers, travel, hobbies, and family responsibilities, which may prevent them from dedicating time to the relationship,” states Tawkify.