Mixed Signals

image of woman flirting with another man behind her partner's back

Getting Mixed Signals – How to Interpret Mixed Signals

Humans are born with a natural desire to be loved and a primal need to seek attention and affection from romantic partners. But love is a powerful, overwhelming emotion that drives people to act, speak and even think differently, causing them to misinterpret mixed signals and misjudge interest.

When you’re blinded by love’s glorious bliss, it’s easy to interpret words and behaviours differently than you usually would. What would easily be a red flag in your normal state of mind can slip by unnoticed when you’re in love.

Mixed signals really mean the other person isn’t being entirely honest. Ah, take the classic case of “I like you, but I also kind of maybe like someone else? Or maybe I don’t like you at all and I’m just a flirty person?” It’s enough to make anyone’s head spin. But fear not, dear reader, for I am here to provide some sage advice on how to clarify these confusing messages.

Step one: take a deep breath and resist the urge to overanalyze every little thing.

Step two: try to observe their actions, not just their words. Are they making an effort to spend time with you? Do they seem genuinely interested in getting to know you? Or are they constantly canceling plans or giving you the runaround?

Step three: don’t be afraid to ask for clarification. Sometimes the one that you’re dating is just bad at communicating their feelings and they need a little nudge to open up. And if all else fails, just remember that mixed messages are a sign of indecision and who wants to date someone who can’t make up their mind anyway?

What is a Narcissist?

Are you familiar with the term “narcissist”? If not, I will enlighten you. Here’s one of the biggest red flags – a narcissist is a person who has an exaggerated sense of self-importance, an excessive need for admiration and attention and a lack of empathy for others. They tend to believe that they are superior to others and they may seek constant validation and attention. Narcissists may also display arrogant and entitled behavior and they may exploit others to achieve their own goals. A narcissist is someone who is extremely self-absorbed and has an inflated view of their own abilities and importance, often at the expense of others.

Being in a relationship with a narcissist can be emotionally draining and sometimes abusive. If you’ve been in a relationship with a narcissist, it’s not your fault. Narcissists often leave a trail of destruction in their wake, so it’s not you! Recognize the signs so you can avoid falling into another similar situation in the future. Remember, you deserve to be in a loving and healthy relationship where both partners respect and support each other. Don’t settle for less! Stay positive and get on with your life and be a little independent.

Is Your Ex a Narcissist?

Often narcissists will send mixed messages as a tactic to control you.  It takes a lot of courage to even consider that your ex-partner might be a narcissist. It can be a difficult and perplexing realization to come to, but I’ll remind you that it’s okay to trust your instincts and prioritize your own well-being.

You deserve to be in a healthy and fulfilling relationship and if that means recognizing the unhealthy patterns of a narcissistic ex, then I’m proud of you! Remember that acknowledging the behavior is only the first step though – it’s important to set boundaries and seek support from loved one one of our psychic relationship experts or a counselor to help you navigate the emotional toll of a relationship with a narcissist.

Does Your Ex Give Off Mixed Signals?

Have you been feeling confused and uncertain about your ex’s behavior post-breakup? Do you constantly find yourself decoding mixed signals from them and unsure of where you stand? It’s time to take control of your emotions and focus on what you deserve. While it’s natural to feel drawn to the familiarity of a former flame, don’t let yourself get caught up in their games.

Remember, you deserve respect and clarity in any relationship or situation. Instead of obsessing over their mixed signals, take time to reflect on what you want and need from a partner. Be honest with yourself and confront any insecurities or doubts head-on. While it may be difficult to let go of the past, sometimes it’s necessary to stride forward towards a brighter future. Mixed signals might hold you back from finding happiness and peace within yourself, if you let them. Stay focused on your own growth and trust that the right person will come into your life when the time is right.

Jealousy and Common Mixed Signals

Many people mistake jealousy and possessiveness for love. If your partner gets jealous easily and tries to control you, you may believe their feelings for you are causing them to act that way. Realistically, they’re likely struggling with inner baggage and are projecting their insecurities onto you. Don’t confuse controlling tendencies with a caring nature.

Narcissists are empathy avoidant and they can disguise this with passionate (but inappropriate) displays of jealousy. They will say things ‘like I can’t bear to see you with anyone else’ or ‘I love you so much baby, I want you all to myself’ in attempts to make you think this behaviour is love. It is not! While it’s normal and desirable to have time together, in healthy relationships there is also some time apart doing other things with other people, including your family and friends.

It’s healthy for you to be independently minded, doing your own things when you want to.

Top 10 Mixed Messages and Signals

  1. Continuously texting or calling, but then not responding when you answer.
  2. Acting affectionate or intimate, but then avoiding discussions about the future of the relationship.
  3. Showing up unexpectedly, but then acting distant or disinterested.
  4. Saying that they miss you and want to get back together, but then not making any effort to reconcile.
  5. Flirting or making romantic gestures, but then not following through on any plans.
  6. Being hot and cold, showing interest one minute and then acting uninterested the next.
  7. Giving mixed signals especially about intimacy or their feelings, expressing both love and anger, or happiness and sadness.
  8. Saying that they want to be friends, but then behaving in a way that suggests they want more than friendship.
  9. Asking for space or time apart, but then reaching out frequently.
  10. Engaging in behaviors that suggest they are dating or seeing other people, but then acting jealous or possessive when you talk to or date other people.

More Red Flags…

A Hectic Schedule

Does your lover frequently cancel plans or forget to call you back, using their busy schedule as an excuse?  Let’s face it, we’re all busy these days, but if they’re interested, they’ll make the effort. It’s a huge red flag when your potential partner mucks you about, especially when you’ve just started dating. This shouldn’t be dismissed as normal behavior. Everyone has the same amount of time in a day, and we’re forced to make time for what’s important. If your partner isn’t devoting enough time to you, it’s not because they’re too busy; it’s because they don’t want to.

Pet Names

Baby, honey and sweetie are nice to hear especially in the early stages of a new relationship. It’s exciting when your significant other starts to incorporate them into your conversations. However, avoid putting too much emphasis on these words because that’s all they are: words. Pet names are an easy way to show affection and are often used without a second thought, so exercise caution when making decisions about them as a sign of interest. After all, you are not an actual baby, you are an adult with all the rights associated therewith. Sometimes the term ‘baby’ can be used as a form of manipulation to put you into a less powerful position.

Unwanted Motivation

It’s nice when you can count on your partner to motivate and inspire you, but there’s a fine line between pushing someone to be their best and trying to change who they are. If someone is continuously urging you to change the way you look, re-evaluate your religious beliefs or stop doing the things you love, it’s quite possible that they’re trying to mold you into a different person. Why not encourage you to be a better version of yourself?

It can be extremely challenging to decipher mixed signals when you’re pursuing a relationship with someone new. If you’re trying to determine if someone cares for you as much as you care for them, step back and evaluate the situation objectively. Examine the signals they’re sending and determine what their behaviours, not words, are telling you. You might wish to make your true feelings be known – communication is key!

You should always let your intuition guide you. If you feel like your partner may not be as invested in the relationship as you are, you’re probably right. The sooner you realise that someone’s feelings aren’t genuine, the sooner you can move on to someone more worthy of your time.

How to Interpret Mixed Signals

Mixed signals can simply mean that you don’t know what’s truly happening. It’s like being on a never-ending rollercoaster ride. Or trying to decipher a cryptic message without a decoder ring. So how do we deal with these confusing messages?

First, don’t overthink it – your brain will start to resemble a bowl of spaghetti.

Second, don’t obsess over it – you don’t want mixed signals to become your new hobby.

Third, don’t assume anything – mixed signals are like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get.

Fourth, communicate – yes, actually talk to the person and see if you can clear things up.

Confusing or Mixed Signals from an Ex Post-Breakup

It’s understandable to feel confused when you receive mixed signals from your ex after a breakup. But don’t let that confusion bring you down!  Keep your head up, and remember that you’ve got this. Remember to focus on yourself and what you need right now – take some time to reflect on your feelings and maybe even set some boundaries with your ex once you’re feeling more secure. Mixed signals—and messages can often come from a place of uncertainty or fear. If you feel like you need closure or more clarity, consider having a respectful and honest conversation to clear the air. But most importantly, don’t forget that you are strong and capable of handling any confusing situation that comes your way!

Finally…

Sometimes if you feel stuck, uncertain or just want someone to talk to an experienced therapist, psychotherapist or one of our psychics who can help to make you feel more confident, stable and secure.

Don’t be afraid to take care of yourself and prioritize your own needs. You are strong and capable of moving forward. Recognizing the signs of a problematic relationship is a the first step to the happiness and respect you deserve. Keep going, and stay motivated towards a brighter future including a successful relationship if you wish.

Getting mixed signals or messages? Check out our psychic mediums and clairvoyants…they know about narcissists and mixed signals. Or if you’re not sure about psychic phone readings, get an email reading.  Many blessings to all x


Author: Rose Smith