Mixed Signals

Signal strength — Unclear: real green lights, real red ones, and no pattern

What's probably going on — Something is there, but it isn't consistent. He texts for an hour and then vanishes, he's sweet one-on-one and distant around his friends, he says something that sounds like flirting and then takes it back. That can mean he likes you but isn't ready for people to know, that he isn't sure what he feels, or that he enjoys the attention without meaning much by it. From the outside there's no way to tell which. What you can tell is that the confusion is real and you're not imagining it.

Signs pointing yes

· When he's on, he's really on: long chats and real attention

· He remembers some of the small things you told him

· Sometimes he shows up for you when he didn't have to

· The flirty jokes aren't something he does with just anyone

Signs pointing the other way

· He goes quiet for days with no explanation

· He acts differently when his friends are around

· He takes things back with “kidding” before you can answer

· The good moments never turn into an actual plan

What to do next — Ask one simple, direct question when it's just the two of you, like “want to hang out this weekend, just us?” A clear answer either way beats another month of guessing. If it's a no, take it and step back.

What not to do — Don't rebuild his whole week from his story views and last-active times to figure out where you stand. You're not a detective, and the timestamps won't tell you.

One line for you — You deserve someone whose interest doesn't depend on who's watching.