Category: Dating Guides For Women

What Slow Replies Really Mean in Modern Dating

In the world of modern dating, where messages can be sent in seconds and delivered instantly, slow replies can feel confusing, stressful, or even painful. Many women today find themselves overthinking every delay, wondering whether it signals disinterest, emotional unavailability, mixed intentions, or simply a busy schedule. The truth is that slow replies can mean many different things, and understanding these signals helps you date with more clarity, confidence, and emotional balance.

Slow replies have become a common experience in the age of smartphones, and they affect how people interpret romantic interest. When you like someone, every unread message can trigger anxiety. You may replay previous conversations in your mind, wondering what you said wrong or whether you revealed too much. But before assuming the worst, it is essential to look at the bigger picture. Behavior in texting should always be interpreted alongside actions, consistency, and emotional investment.

One of the most common reasons for slow replies is simply a busy lifestyle. Many people juggle work, family responsibilities, mental health, social life, and personal time. Someone who takes hours to reply might still like you deeply but doesn’t have the mental space to maintain a constant conversation. Modern dating often collides with the reality of burnout, deadlines, or needing time to decompress. If he consistently makes time to see you, plan dates, or show genuine care, slow replies during the day are not a red flag.

Another explanation is that some people have a different communication style. Not everyone checks their phone constantly, and not everyone enjoys long texting conversations. For some men, texting is a practical tool to coordinate plans, not a place for emotional bonding. These men might reply slower, but during dates, they offer full presence, engagement, and effort. When his in-person actions are strong and intentional, slow replies don’t mean a lack of interest.

On the other hand, slow replies can sometimes be a sign that someone is unsure about the relationship or keeping their options open. A man who is inconsistent or only replies when convenient may be testing the waters without committing. If his messages are short, vague, or dry, and he rarely initiates conversations, this could indicate low emotional investment. Many women feel stuck in these situations because the attention fluctuates, creating mixed signals. Understanding these patterns helps you avoid investing in someone who doesn’t treat you as a priority.

Emotional availability also influences texting habits. Someone who is dealing with fears of intimacy, past relationship wounds, or uncertainty about commitment may take longer to respond because they feel overwhelmed. They may like you but struggle to maintain regular communication. If the chemistry feels real during dates but the texting remains inconsistent, it might reflect deeper emotional blocks rather than a lack of attraction. While this is understandable, it becomes unhealthy if it creates emotional instability for you.

Another important factor is digital dating fatigue. Many people feel exhausted by constant notifications, long conversations, and the pressure to respond instantly. Slow replies may simply reflect a need for boundaries. This is especially true for people who prefer intentional communication over texting throughout the day. If your connection is strong but he replies slowly yet thoughtfully, this is not a bad sign. It may even indicate emotional maturity and balance.

It’s also possible that slow replies mean he is not ready to move the relationship forward. He may enjoy the attention and connection but fear long-term commitment. If your conversations stay on the surface level and he avoids discussing the future, his texting behavior might reflect emotional hesitation. In this case, the slow replies are just one piece of a larger pattern.

The key to understanding slow replies in modern dating is evaluating overall consistency. A man who replies slowly but shows clear effort through actions is different from someone who texts sporadically and does nothing to build the relationship. Behavior outside the chat window matters more than typing speed. Look at his intentionality, not his instant messaging habits.

If slow replies trigger anxiety, it’s important to communicate your needs without sounding demanding. Expressing that consistent communication helps you feel connected is healthy. The right person will respect your feelings and adapt within reason. The wrong person will dismiss your needs, showing you that he is not aligned with the emotional partnership you want.

Instead of overthinking every delay, shift your focus to understanding patterns, respecting your boundaries, and observing effort in real life. The reality is that a man who wants you will find ways to stay connected, even if his replies aren’t instant. And the man who keeps you confused will often communicate just enough to keep you waiting. Recognizing the difference empowers you to choose a partner who values you.

Modern dating becomes easier when you stop interpreting slow replies as a reflection of your worth. They are simply data points, not definitions of who you are. When you stay grounded, communicate openly, and trust your intuition, you attract relationships based on clarity, respect, and emotional alignment. And that is the kind of connection every woman deserves.

Why Staying Too Long in the “Almost Relationship” Hurts You

Almost relationships are the quiet heartbreaks most women do not talk about. They are the situations where you are not quite together, not quite apart, but emotionally deeply involved. You share intimacy, connection, and hopes for the future, yet there is no clear commitment, no defined direction, and no emotional security. Staying too long in an almost relationship is one of the most common mistakes women make in modern dating, and it can cause deeper emotional pain than an official breakup.

This type of connection is attractive because it gives just enough affection to keep you hopeful, but not enough clarity to help you feel secure. The result is emotional confusion, self-doubt, and wasted time that could have been invested in someone who truly wants to choose you. Understanding why almost relationships hurt, and how to free yourself from them, is a powerful step toward healthy love.

What Exactly Is an Almost Relationship

An almost relationship is when two people act like they are more than friends but never move into a real commitment. The connection looks like a relationship but lacks the foundation of an actual one. You may text every day, go on dates, share vulnerable conversations, and even act like partners, yet nothing is defined. You feel close, but you do not feel secure.

What makes this dynamic so painful is that the emotional investment is real, even though the relationship itself is not.

Why Women Fall Into Almost Relationships

Many women fall into almost relationships because they are patient, hopeful, and willing to give someone the benefit of the doubt. Others fear losing the connection entirely, so they settle for “almost” instead of risking the possibility of nothing. Sometimes the chemistry is strong, and you want to believe that your effort will eventually turn into commitment. But in most cases, the man is already showing you through his actions that he prefers something easy, convenient, and low-effort.

The Hidden Emotional Damage Almost Relationships Create

Almost relationships can be more harmful than short-term flings or clear breakups because they trap you in emotional limbo. Here is how they hurt you more deeply than you may realize.

They keep you stuck in uncertainty
Without clarity, your mind fills the gaps with fantasies and assumptions. You overthink every message, every silence, every sign, and your anxiety grows while he stays emotionally comfortable.

Your self-worth slowly erodes
When someone refuses to choose you fully, you start questioning if you are good enough. Over time, this constant questioning damages your confidence and makes you doubt your value.

You invest in potential, not reality
You are in love with what the relationship could become, not what it actually is. This disconnect creates emotional exhaustion because your heart is working overtime to hold onto hope that may never become real.

You lose opportunities to meet someone who truly wants you
Every day spent in an almost relationship is a day not spent connecting with someone who is ready for real commitment. Your emotional availability becomes occupied by someone who is not offering you a future.

You become attached to inconsistency
The unpredictable nature of almost relationships makes the highs feel incredibly strong. These emotional highs and lows mimic addictive patterns, making it harder to walk away.

You silence your own needs
To avoid pushing him away, you stop asking important questions or expressing feelings. The longer this continues, the more disconnected you become from your own desires and boundaries.

Clear Signs You Are in an Almost Relationship

Recognizing the signs is the first step to protecting your heart. Here are the most common signals:

He avoids defining the relationship
Every time you bring it up, he changes the subject, jokes about it, or says “let’s just see where this goes.”

You feel unsure of your place in his life
There is connection, but no clear role for you. You are not introduced to friends or included in meaningful plans.

He wants intimacy without commitment
He enjoys closeness, affection, and support, but avoids emotional responsibility.

The relationship lacks consistent effort
He does just enough to keep you around but never enough to move the connection forward.

You feel more anxious than loved
Your heart is always wondering, guessing, and hoping instead of feeling secure.

Why Staying Too Long Hurts You

The longer you stay in an almost relationship, the more you lose emotionally, mentally, and even physically. The pain grows not because he hurts you directly, but because the situation slowly drains your emotional energy.

You get used to accepting the bare minimum.
You normalize inconsistency.
You delay your own happiness.
You teach yourself to settle.
And one day, the realization hits you: you invested your heart into something that was never meant to grow.

When to Walk Away

Deciding when to leave an almost relationship is difficult, but there are clear indicators that walking away is the healthiest option.

You should walk away when:

Your needs are not being met
If clarity, commitment, or consistency matter to you and he cannot offer them, the relationship will always feel unbalanced.

You feel emotionally exhausted
Your heart is not meant to live in a state of uncertainty.

You catch yourself making excuses for his behavior
If you are constantly rationalizing why he is distant or unavailable, he is showing you his true intentions.

You want more than he is offering
Wanting real love is not asking for too much. It is asking the right man.

How to Let Go Without Looking Back

Walking away from an almost relationship requires courage because you are letting go of hope, not reality. Here is how to release the attachment with strength:

Set a boundary and stick to it
Tell yourself what you deserve and refuse to settle for less.

Cut off contact
Distance creates clarity. Staying connected only prolongs the emotional confusion.

Focus on rebuilding self-worth
Reconnect with your values, desires, and goals.

Stop romanticizing the potential
Remind yourself of what the relationship actually was, not what you hoped it would become.

Open yourself to better love
Someone who is ready for you will never keep you guessing.

You Deserve a Full Relationship, Not Half-Love

Almost relationships feel like “just enough” in the beginning, but they eventually become painful reminders of unmet needs and unspoken desires. You deserve someone who is proud to choose you, committed to grow with you, and willing to offer clarity instead of confusion.

Letting go of an almost relationship is not a loss. It is the first step toward finding the love you actually deserve. When you stop settling for almost, you make room for someone who wants all of you, not just the parts that are convenient.

The Exact Moment You Should Stop Trying and Move On

Every woman who has ever dated knows the emotional exhaustion of trying too hard for someone who gives too little. You keep hoping things will change, hoping he will finally see your value, hoping your effort will inspire him to put in his own. But deep down, you feel the imbalance growing heavier every day. The truth is, love does not require you to constantly prove yourself or carry the connection alone. There comes a moment when continuing to try only hurts you and moving on becomes the most empowering choice you can make.

Understanding the exact moment when you should stop trying is not about giving up. It is about choosing a healthier direction for your heart, energy, and future relationship. This guide will help you see the signs clearly, trust what they mean, and walk away with confidence.

Why Women Often Try Too Hard

Women are naturally empathetic and nurturing. These qualities make them powerful partners, but they also make them more likely to stay in situations where effort is not reciprocated. Many women believe if they just care more, support more, or remain patient a little longer, the relationship will eventually become what they dream of. But relationships only work when both partners invest equally.

Trying too hard for someone who is not choosing you does not create love. It only prolongs disappointment and steals time you could be giving to someone who genuinely wants to build a future with you.

The Signs Your Effort Is No Longer Worth It

There are universal red flags that signal when it is time to stop trying. These signs reveal a clear pattern: a man who is not emotionally invested will not suddenly change just because you wish he would.

He gives you excuses instead of effort
He is busy, overwhelmed, not ready, stressed, or confused. These excuses might sound reasonable at first, but they form a pattern that always leads to unmet expectations.

You are always the one initiating
If you are the one messaging, planning, asking, and keeping the connection alive, you are carrying the emotional weight alone. A man who wants you will not let you be the only one trying.

He is inconsistent with his attention
Inconsistency is not a personality trait; it is a choice. When a man’s behavior swings from warm to distant, he is signaling a lack of genuine interest.

Your needs feel like a burden to him
If he gets irritated when you express feelings or state your needs, he is telling you he cannot give you the emotional availability you deserve.

You feel more anxious than appreciated
A healthy relationship should bring clarity and peace. If the connection creates self-doubt, overthinking, or emotional instability, it is already damaging your well-being.

He says he cares but his actions never match
Mixed signals are not romantic. They are a form of emotional unavailability. When actions and words do not align, always trust the actions.

The Exact Moment You Should Stop Trying

There is a specific moment when continuing to try becomes draining instead of hopeful. That moment is simple to identify:

The moment you realize you are questioning your worth more than the relationship.

When you find yourself asking questions like:
“Why am I not enough?”
“What else can I do?”
“Why do I feel alone even when I’m with him?”

That is your moment of truth. That is when trying stops being an act of love and becomes self-sacrifice.

You should stop trying the moment you notice:

You are the only one fighting for the connection
A relationship requires two hearts, two efforts, two intentions. If you are carrying it alone, it is not a relationship; it is emotional labor.

Your boundaries are being pushed or ignored
Trying to hold on when he keeps crossing boundaries only teaches him that your limits are negotiable.

Your heart feels heavy instead of hopeful
Love should uplift you. If the connection makes you feel weighed down, it is time to walk away.

You are compromising who you are just to keep him interested
If you have to shrink yourself, silence your needs, or dim your light, the connection is not right for you.

How to Move On Without Regret

Moving on does not mean you stop caring. It means you care enough about yourself to choose better. Here is how to do it in a healthy and empowering way.

Accept that closure comes from within
Waiting for him to change or apologize will only delay your healing. Closure is a decision, not a conversation.

Cut off communication completely
Staying in touch prolongs attachment. Distance creates clarity.

Refocus on yourself
Put energy back into your goals, friendships, health, and emotional well-being. Rebuild the parts of yourself you forgot while trying too hard.

Remember what you deserve
You deserve consistency, respect, effort, and clarity. Remind yourself of these truths every day.

Stay open to better love
Ending things with the wrong person creates space for someone who will show up for you effortlessly and consistently.

How to Avoid Overinvesting Again

Walking away is powerful, but staying away from similar patterns in the future is equally important. Here is how to protect yourself from repeating cycles:

Do not give too much too soon
Let a man prove himself through consistent actions before offering emotional depth.

Set clear standards early
Men who cannot meet those standards will naturally fall away.

Believe red flags the first time
When someone shows lack of care or effort early, it rarely improves later.

Trust your intuition
Your inner voice knows when something is off. Listen to it without justification.

Choose men who choose you
The right man will make effort feel natural, not forced.

Choosing Yourself Is Never a Mistake

The moment you stop trying for a man who is not trying for you is the moment your life begins to shift. It is the moment you reclaim your energy, your confidence, and your emotional peace. You are not losing someone; you are losing a situation that was blocking your happiness.

One day, you will meet a man who never makes you wonder where you stand. He will be consistent, intentional, and ready. Until that day comes, protect your heart by knowing when to let go.

The right man will not require you to try so hard. He will match your effort, value your presence, and cherish your heart.

When to Walk Away: How to Stop Wasting Time on the Wrong Men

Knowing when to walk away is one of the most powerful dating skills a woman can have. Yet it is also one of the hardest. Many women stay in almost-relationships, situationships, or emotionally draining connections far longer than they should simply because they hope things will change. But the truth is this: you cannot meet the right man if the wrong ones are still taking up space in your life. Learning how to recognize red flags early, trust your instincts, and protect your emotional energy is the key to building a healthy, lasting relationship.

This guide will help you understand exactly when to walk away, how to stop wasting time on the wrong men, and how to choose partners who genuinely value you.

Why Women Stay Too Long in the Wrong Relationships

Many women stay even when they know the relationship is not right. It is not because they are weak. Often, women stay because they are hopeful, caring, loyal, and capable of seeing the potential in someone. But potential is not enough. A man’s words do not matter if his actions do not support them. Over time, staying in a draining relationship leads to self-doubt, emotional burnout, and missed opportunities to meet someone who is truly aligned with your needs.

The first step to walking away is understanding that leaving does not mean failure. It means choosing yourself.

Signs He Is Not Right for You

If you are unsure whether to continue or walk away, pay attention to the subtle and not-so-subtle signs that a man is wasting your time. These signs often show up early, but many women ignore them hoping things will improve.

He is inconsistent
One week he is attentive, the next he disappears. Inconsistency is one of the clearest signs a man is not invested. Men who want a real relationship show up consistently without you having to chase them.

He avoids defining the relationship
If every conversation about commitment is met with excuses, jokes, or passive answers, he is showing you he is not looking for long-term connection.

He gives you crumbs of affection
Messages only when convenient, minimal effort, last-minute plans, or only contacting you at night are all indicators that he prioritizes himself over you.

You feel anxious more than you feel appreciated
Your body will tell you what your mind tries to ignore. If you constantly feel confused, insecure, or worried about where you stand, the emotional imbalance is already draining you.

He does not make you part of his life
A man who is serious introduces you to his friends, makes future plans, and wants to know your world. If he keeps your connection hidden or distant, he is not preparing for something real.

He wants the benefits of a relationship without the commitment
Physical intimacy, emotional support, companionship, but no real responsibility. This arrangement always leaves women feeling empty and used.

How to Know It Is Time to Walk Away

Recognizing the signs is one thing. Having the courage to leave is another. Here are the moments when walking away is the healthiest choice.

When your boundaries are repeatedly ignored
If you set clear boundaries and he breaks them over and over, staying will only teach him that your needs are optional.

When the connection drains you more than it fulfills you
Healthy relationships are not always easy, but they should bring peace, not chaos. If you constantly feel exhausted, it is time to let go.

When you are trying harder than he is
If you feel like you are the only one putting in effort, you are carrying a relationship that was never meant to be.

When you find yourself hoping he will change
Change must come from him, not from your desire. If you are waiting for potential, you are not in a relationship, you are in a fantasy.

When your values no longer align
If you want stability, commitment, or growth and he wants casual, freedom, or minimal effort, you are fundamentally incompatible.

How to Walk Away Without Regret

Walking away gracefully is a skill. Here is how to do it with strength and clarity.

Stop explaining yourself
You do not need to convince anyone why you deserve better. The moment you know he is not right for you, that is reason enough.

Cut off communication
Remaining friends or staying in touch keeps emotional wounds open. Space helps you heal and move forward faster.

Remind yourself of your standards
Write down what you truly want in a relationship. When you see it clearly, you realize why you cannot settle for less.

Focus on self-worth, not loneliness
You are not losing a man. You are losing someone who was not choosing you. That is freedom, not abandonment.

Redirect your energy toward yourself
New hobbies, healthier routines, friendships, and self-care will help you rebuild confidence and emotional stability.

How to Stop Attracting the Wrong Men

Walking away is important, but avoiding the wrong men in the future is equally essential. The men you attract often reflect the boundaries you set and the standards you maintain.

Heal old wounds
If you keep choosing emotionally unavailable men, it may be a pattern rooted in past experiences. Healing helps you recognize healthy love.

Be clear about what you want from the beginning
When you know your standards, men who cannot meet them naturally fall away.

Do not overinvest too early
Give a man time to show consistency and commitment before offering emotional depth.

Believe your intuition
If something feels off, it usually is. Women’s intuition is powerful. Use it.

Choose the man who chooses you
Healthy relationships feel mutual, stable, and peaceful. When a man is right for you, you will never have to question his intentions.

The Power of Walking Away

Walking away does not mean you gave up. It means you chose better for yourself. It means you decided not to settle for half-love, mixed signals, or emotional crumbs. The right man will never make you feel like you are begging for attention. He will show effort, consistency, and clarity. And the moment you let go of the wrong men, you create space for the right one to find you.

Learning when to walk away is not just a dating lesson; it is a life-changing shift in your self-worth. You deserve a love that is steady, passionate, and real. Do not waste another day on someone who cannot give you that.

When His Words Say “Serious” But His Actions Say “Casual”

In the modern dating world, mixed signals have become one of the biggest sources of confusion for women trying to understand a man’s intentions. Many men know exactly what to say to sound serious. They talk about the future, hint at commitment, and use emotionally intimate language that makes you believe they’re genuinely invested. But while their words paint a romantic picture, their actions tell a completely different story.

If you’ve ever found yourself torn between what a man says and how he behaves, you’re not alone. Women often doubt their intuition because they want to give someone the benefit of the doubt. However, when a man’s actions consistently contradict his promises, it’s not a misunderstanding — it’s a pattern. And patterns reveal the truth more reliably than words ever will.

This guide will help you clearly understand the behaviors that expose when a man is pretending to be serious while actually wanting something casual, how to trust what you see instead of what you hope, and what to do when you recognize the mismatch.

Why Men Say “Serious” When They Don’t Mean It

Not every man who talks about commitment is genuinely ready for it. Some simply enjoy the idea of a relationship. Others use future talk as a way to keep a woman emotionally invested without giving her what she truly wants.

Here are the most common reasons men use serious language but pursue casual behavior:
• They enjoy the attention and emotional support you provide.
• They want the benefits of a relationship without the responsibility.
• They are still exploring their options but don’t want to lose you.
• They fear being alone and want someone “in the meantime.”
• They like you, but not enough to commit fully.

Understanding this helps you detach from the illusion and evaluate his actions from a logical, grounded perspective instead of an emotional one.

The Core Principle You Must Remember

A man’s words tell you his intentions.
A man’s actions tell you his truth.

When a man wants something serious, it naturally shows: consistency, communication, accountability, follow-through, respect, and prioritization. You don’t have to decode anything. You don’t have to “wait and see.” You don’t have to guess.

When a man is only acting casually, the cracks appear quickly — but many women overlook them because they feel chemistry, hope for potential, or fear losing the connection.

Let’s break down the biggest signs his behavior is casual despite his serious-sounding words.

Sign 1: He Talks About the Future But Makes Zero Real Plans

He’ll say things like:
“We should go on a trip someday.”
“I can see you in my future.”
“When we live together, it’ll be fun.”

But then? No actual dates are planned. No steps are taken. Nothing moves forward.
A man who’s serious creates real timelines. A man who’s casual keeps everything in the “someday” category so he never has to commit to anything concrete.

Sign 2: He Shows Passion but Lacks Consistency

In the beginning, he texts a lot, seems excited, and gives you attention. But consistency fades quickly.

He becomes:
• unpredictable
• unavailable at key moments
• affectionate only when it benefits him
• hot and cold depending on his mood

Consistency is a hallmark of genuine interest. Inconsistency is the behavior of someone keeping things casual.

Sign 3: He Apologizes for Behavior He Repeats

A man who wants you in his life will correct behavior that hurts you.
A man who only wants something casual will give you surface-level apologies — then repeat the same actions.

If he keeps saying “I’m sorry” but nothing changes, he’s not investing emotionally or taking accountability. He’s maintaining just enough connection so you won’t walk away.

Sign 4: He Avoids Defining the Relationship Even When He Claims He’s Serious

A man who is ready for commitment craves clarity. He does not fear labels.
If he avoids the conversation, delays it, or says “let’s just go with the flow,” that’s a clear indicator he wants the benefits of your presence, not the responsibilities of partnership.

Sign 5: You Feel Like You’re Always the One Initiating

You plan the dates.
You start the conversations.
You maintain the connection.

If he says he’s serious but you’re doing all the emotional labor, he is not prioritizing you. A committed man invests equally and actively.

Sign 6: He Prioritizes Convenience Over Connection

He contacts you most when he’s bored, lonely, or wants something from you — attention, validation, intimacy, comfort.

But when you need support?
He’s distant.
He’s busy.
He suddenly disappears.

This is one of the strongest signs of casual intentions.

Sign 7: His Life Continues as If He’s Single

A man who wants something serious will integrate you into his life naturally.
But if months have passed and you:
• haven’t met his friends
• don’t know his routines
• aren’t part of any plans
• feel excluded from his world

He’s keeping you in a casual category—even if he says otherwise.

Sign 8: He Uses Emotional Intimacy to Keep You Close

Some men are skilled at saying deep, vulnerable things that create a sense of closeness:
“You’re different from anyone I’ve met.”
“I feel safe with you.”
“I’ve never connected with someone like this.”

But deep talk doesn’t equal deep commitment.
If his emotional depth never translates into relationship actions, it’s a performance — not partnership.

Sign 9: He Reacts Poorly When You Ask for Clarity

If you bring up boundaries, or ask where things are going, or express your needs and he becomes:
• defensive
• irritated
• withdrawn
• dismissive

Then his claims of wanting something serious are not aligned with reality. A committed man welcomes clarity. A casual man fears it.

Sign 10: Your Intuition Feels Uneasy

Your body feels the truth before your mind accepts it.
If something feels off, inconsistent, or uncertain, don’t ignore that signal.

Women often override their intuition to avoid conflict or disappointment. But your intuition exists to protect you from emotional harm.

What to Do If His Behavior Doesn’t Match His Words

If you recognize these signs, here are steps to take:

1. Observe, Don’t Explain

Stop making excuses for him.
Stop filling in the gaps.
Watch what he does without interpreting it through hope.

2. Communicate Your Standard Clearly

Say what you want in a calm, confident way.
Not a demand — a standard.
A man who wants you will rise to meet it.

3. Don’t Re-Explain Your Needs

You shouldn’t have to convince someone to treat you like a priority.

4. Be Willing to Walk Away

This is where most women struggle.
Your willingness to walk away is the biggest filter.

A man with serious intentions won’t risk losing you.
A man who was pretending will let you go easily.

5. Choose the Man Who Chooses You

A man who sees you as a long-term partner will show you through predictable, loving, consistent choices.
You never have to beg or chase.

Final Thoughts

When his words say “serious” but his actions say “casual,” believe the actions. They reveal the truth he’s either unwilling or unable to express. You deserve a relationship where intentions are clear, love is consistent, and commitment is demonstrated — not just spoken.

If you trust what you see instead of what you’re told, you’ll always choose the man who’s genuinely ready for you.