11 Sure-shot Signs He Is Fighting His Feelings for You

Curious about his secret emotions? Decode his sentiments with these signs he is fighting his feelings for you. Also, learn to respond when these signs are positive.

Aastha Pahadia
Written by Aastha Pahadia , Certified Relationship Coach
Updated on Apr 08, 2025 | 04:17 PM IST | 32.6M
Signs he is fighting his feelings for you
Signs he is fighting his feelings for you

When a guy goes out of the way to make you smile, cares a lot about you, and always wants to be with you, then these are the subtle hints indicating that he likes you but is hesitant to confess his feelings. He might show certain signs he is fighting his feelings for you to ensure your connection isn’t hampered at the initial stage. Things like surprising you with gifts, accompanying you everywhere, planning frequent meet-ups, always being available for you, appearing nervous around you, complimenting you, etc., can be his way of showing his affection. Remember, effective communication is the key to a healthy relationship. Hence, take a step ahead, crack the code right, and decode all the evident signs or hints that he is dropping to impress you. 

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To help you eliminate confusion, we have got you covered with a list of sure-shot signs that may aid you in deciphering his feelings. Pay heed to his actions, and trust your intuition to reach the core of his unexpressed feelings. Well, if you share mutual sentiments, then you need to take the first step and assist him in expressing his emotions.

Why Is He Fighting His Feelings for You?

When a guy is overwhelmed by his feelings, he might not find it easy to articulate them openly. If you find yourself trapped in a web of mixed signals, then it is time to look out for the cues. Scroll down to check out the indicators that a guy is fighting his feelings for you.

1.  Past Emotional Wounds

Signs he is fighting his feelings for you

Previous negative experiences, such as heartbreak or betrayal, can lead to emotional scars that make them cautious about entering into new relationships or fully acknowledging their strong feelings. Baggage from previous relationships, family issues, or other life challenges can impact his ability to navigate new emotions.

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2.  Commitment Issues

Some individuals struggle with the idea of committing to a deeper emotional connection. They might be apprehensive about the responsibilities and expectations of being in a serious relationship.

3.  Personal Insecurities

Low self-esteem or self-doubt can create doubts about the worthiness of love and affection. This can lead to a reluctance to accept that someone might genuinely care for them.

4.  Fear of Rejection

Signs he is fighting his feelings for you over text

The possibility of being turned down or not having feelings reciprocated can be a powerful deterrent to admitting one's emotions.

5.  Uncertainty About Mutual Feelings

He might be unsure if his feelings are reciprocated, making him hesitant to reveal his emotions and potentially risk the friendship or connection.

6.  Personal Goals Or Priorities

Sometimes, individuals might have personal goals or life circumstances that they feel are incompatible with pursuing a romantic relationship at that moment.

Obvious Signs He Is Fighting His Feelings for You

1.  He Might Send Mixed Signals

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If he struggles with his emotions, he might exhibit signs of interest and attraction, such as showing affection, initiating deep conversations, or spending quality time together. However, he could also display moments of distance or detachment occasionally. This inconsistency in behavior reflects his internal conflict. On the one hand, his genuine feelings of attraction or affection lead to positive actions. On the other hand, his resistance to fully embrace these emotions results in moments of detachment as he tries to create emotional distance to protect themselves from vulnerability.

2.  He Might Start Caring a Lot

He becomes noticeably more concerned about your well-being and happiness; he offers you support, prioritizes your satisfaction, remembers every tiny detail about your life, or might surprise you with thoughtful gestures, gifts, or kind acts. All in all, he becomes more attuned to your feelings, needs, and concerns. Even if he is not admitting his feelings for you openly, this behavior is a sign that he has started feeling for you. 

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3.  He Displays Overprotectiveness Or Jealousy When Other Guy Friends Show Interest in You

Signs he is denying his feelings for you

When it comes to romantic long-term relationships, we often feel the fear of losing our partner. We all express our disapproval or discomfort when our partner mentions spending time with others in a protective or concerned manner. If he becomes apprehensive about your safety and shows signs of jealousy when you spend time with other men, this is a clear sign he's fighting his feelings. He may keep an eye on your social media activities or inquire about your plans and interactions with others to understand your emotional landscape better.

4.  He Tries to Maintain Some Distance

One of the fighting feelings signs is that they might intentionally create some emotional or physical distance from you to conceal their emotions. He might reduce the frequency of communication, such as texting or calling, appear less invested or less interested in conversations, or change the subjects related to emotional or romantic topics. By maintaining distance, he aims to prevent his emotions from being too obvious to you and themselves.

5.  He Offers Subtle Compliments to You

Signs a guy is fighting his feelings for you

When he is grappling with his emotions for you, he might offer praises to you to express his feelings indirectly. These compliments are based on your personality, dressing sense, traits, actions, or qualities you find appealing. Giving you words of flattery is a way to gauge your reaction and assess whether his feelings might be reciprocated. If you see him involved in sweet talks about your appearance, style, and demeanor, understand that he is silently admiring you.

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6.  He Appears Nervous Around You

When someone is fighting their feelings for you, their emotions can create excitement and anxiety that surfaces as nervousness or awkwardness when you're together. They might find it challenging to speak smoothly, shows signs of restlessness, have awkward conversation pauses, or blush around you. It's a telltale sign that his feelings for you are strong enough to create tension in his body. While this behavior might make interactions slightly awkward, it's a genuine indicator of his internal struggle between his growing attraction and inability to express it.

7.  He Steers Clear of Conversation on Emotional Or Romantic Topics

Signs he is fighting his feelings for you online

When someone tries to suppress their feelings for you, they might deliberately avoid engaging in discussions that delve into emotional or romantic territories. If you notice that he swiftly changes the topic related to passionate or romantic subjects, prefers to keep conversations light and casual, shares stories about their life that don't involve emotional connections, or use humor or sarcasm to deflect from discussions that could expose his emotions, then take it as a positive sign he's fighting feelings for you.

8.  He Reveals Personal Details

When someone discloses all their details, they are comfortable and trust you completely. If his discussions revolve around love, emotions, and marriage, he will likely care profoundly and seek a romantic connection with you. This behavior can indicate their attraction and a desire to create a more intimate and meaningful bond with you. Make sure to read between the lines to untie this information. Check out how he was behaving earlier and what made him change his topics of discussion.

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9.  He Is Entangled in Unexplained Emotional Shifts

Signs that he is fighting his feelings for you

If you notice sudden shifts in his mood or behavior when the topic of romantic relationships or feelings comes up, then this might be the most significant sign he is denying his feelings. When someone struggles with their real feelings for you, these shifts can become more apparent, especially when the conversation comes to romantic relationships. He might suddenly become more reserved or distant, display increased sensitivity to comments or discussions about love, relationships, or attraction, fall silent or appear lost in thought or completely redirect the conversation. If you notice such shifts in his behavior, consider talking to him directly to unravel his feelings.

10. He Recalls Small Or Mundane Things About You 

When a guy hangs onto your every word, then chances are he is extremely serious about you. He respects you and willingly lends his ears so that he can know you better. It is a sign that he is developing feelings for you and considers you one of his priorities. 

11. He Helps You out

If your guy friend is always willing to help you out, no matter what, and offers to give you a ride, lift things, get you a cup of coffee, and do all the random stuff for you, then it could be a sign that he is into you. 

12. He Looks for Excuses to Meet You

Is he fighting his feelings for me

When your male friend hopes to be with you all the time, then consider it an evident sign that he likes spending time with you. If he calls you, texts you consistently, and postpones his plans for you, then it means you matter to him the most. 

13. He Drunk Dials You

It is said that when one is drunk, he spills out the truth. So, if a guy drunk-dials you, it could be because you mean something to him. He probably is into you but is fighting his feelings. 

14. He Forgives And Forgets

Signs he is fighting his feelings for you over text

When he is always the first one to make amends and extend apologies, then he follows a forgive-and-forget mantra for you. He doesn’t do it to make you believe that he accepts his fault. Instead, he loves you, which is why he doesn’t want to argue with you. While fighting his feelings for you, he is simultaneously giving the best shot to every aspect of your friendship. 

15. He Stares At You

When he constantly stares at you, it means he can’t take his eyes off you. In fact, when you look at him, there are chances that he might become a little self-conscious or nervous. This is one of the clear-cut signs that he has feelings for you.

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If you have noticed care and affection in the behavior of your male friend, it is possible that his actions could be signs he is fighting his feelings for you. However, there are additional cues that can aid in revealing his true feelings for you. Take a look!


What to Do When He Is Fighting His Feelings for You?

  • If you find all the signs positive, be patient with him. Understand that he is dealing with his emotional struggles. Give him enough time and space to come to terms with his feelings. Don’t use playful tactics to make him confront his feelings; instead, try to be very calm and involved in direct communication if you want to talk.
  • If he's not openly sharing his feelings or seems to be keeping a certain distance, it's important to respect his decisions. Pushing him aggressively could lead to resistance and cause him to retreat further. Pressuring him to speak might create emotional discomfort, and he might hide his emotions even more. This way, you can create an environment where he might eventually feel more comfortable opening up when he's ready.
  • Try to create a comfortable space where he can openly express his thoughts and feelings. You can assure him that you will not criticize his thoughts, feelings, or emotions in any way. Ensure to encourage him rightly and actively listen to his words, but don’t get carried away. If you don’t feel the same way, respect and value his emotions but don't compromise your emotional well-being. Make sure you're taking care of your feelings too.

Signs he is fighting his feelings for you

  • If you both share mutual emotions, try to provide reassurance. In a gentle and non-intrusive manner, let him know that you cherish your connection and are willing to engage in honest conversations about emotions whenever he feels comfortable.
  • Once you are done hearing his side, continue to build the connection. Instead of leaving them alone, engage in activities you enjoy and try to make positive interactions. Spending quality time together is a great way to strengthen your bond and eliminate emotional tension. It also helps him to witness the value of your connection and encourages him to open up about his feelings as your relationship grows stronger.

There are men in this world who choose to keep their feelings to themselves. But, they might drop subtle hints to let the woman of their dreams know that they are falling for her. And, you need to be wise enough to decode all the evident signs he is fighting his feelings for you.  If you have developed feelings already for him, you can consider taking the lead and confessing your feelings. On the contrary, if you wish to continue your friendship as it is, sit down together, talk clearly, and communicate your thoughts openly. 

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ALSO READ: 50 Mom-Daughter Date Ideas: Bonding Moments to Cherish Forever

FAQs

How do you tell if a man is fighting his feelings for you?
You can often tell if a man is fighting his feelings for you by observing his behavior. If he’s into you romantically, he is likely to pass subtle compliments to you. Other than that, his care and protectiveness increases, he gets jealous when you are around other men, and he might start avoiding deep emotional discussions with you.

Why is he scared of his feelings for me?
He might be scared of his feelings for you due to past experiences, fear of vulnerability, commitment issues, personal insecurities, or concerns about risking your current relationship or bond with you.

Is he struggling with his feelings for me?
He might be struggling with his feelings for you if you notice mixed signals, inconsistent behavior, attempts to hide emotions, or if he shows signs of affection and care but also keeps a certain emotional distance.

How long does it take for a guy to figure out his feelings?
The time takes for a guy to figure out his feelings can be subjective and vary from person to person. His circumstances, past experiences, and the complexity of emotions involved decide the frame of time to fully understand and acknowledge his feelings.

How does a guy begin to act when he is falling in love?
When the guy buys you a gift, cannot resist saying no to you, tries to know everything about you, tries to get physically close, or is playful, it means he is falling in love with you.

Why do men take a step back when they get feelings?
Men take a step back when they get feeling because of the fear of commitment, vulnerability, rejection, or the need to process their emotions before committing further.

What should I do if my guy friend never expresses his feelings?
Try to give him a safe space and a gentle prompt once. If he feels comfortable, he might open up and express his feelings for you. But don’t force him to confess his undeveloped feelings.

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