What to Do When He Pulls Away? 11 Tips to Pull Him Back

When you notice him becoming distant—fewer calls, texts, and shared moments—it’s natural to feel unsettled. 

What to do when he pulls away can seem unclear, but it’s crucial to approach this shift with understanding and not despair. This situation, though challenging, often reflects deeper personal issues rather than a diminishing affection. 

By recognizing the signs early, you can address the change constructively. This article provides insights and actionable steps to navigate this phase in your relationship, helping to foster a deeper connection or, at the very least, clarity and peace for both of you.

What to do when he pulls away?

Breakups aren’t as final as they initially sound. A survey revealed that almost 50% of American adults attempt reconciliation after breaking up with a romantic partner. About 10-17% of separated couples get back together. However, the first step is to ensure that getting back together is worth it. 

As you figure out what to do when he pulls away, your first assignment is to be sure that the relationship was worth desiring in the first place. Toxic relationships are better left in the past where they belong. 

To be very honest, however, getting your man back after he pulls away boils down to one thing: desire.

The next thing to do when a guy pulls away is to make him desire you. His rekindled desire for you must outweigh any negative emotions he may feel about you due to the split.

At first, make it difficult for him to forget about you. Then, find your way back into his heart. If you can make him want you again and again, you’ve completed the first and most critical stage.

Of course, reconciliation and conquering your couple’s troubles come after that. In the next section of this article, we will discuss some simple but powerful steps to accomplish this. 

11 steps to bring him back after he pulls away

Understanding what to do when he pulls away can be challenging, but with the right approach, it’s possible to navigate these waters smoothly. 

According to Licensed psychologist Silvana Mici:

When a man pulls away, remember that this may not always be your fault or something related to you. In times of emotional distance, it’s crucial to give your partner space to process their thoughts and feelings. 

Trust that they will reach out when they’re ready to reconnect. As a therapist, I advise you that you take this time to focus on yourself rather than keep questioning why he is behaving like this. 

When a man distances himself, it might feel like you’re losing him, but often, it’s a phase that can be managed with empathy and smart strategies. Here’s a look at how you can gently guide your relationship back to a place of warmth and closeness.

1. Give him space

Allowing him space can enable him to sort through his thoughts and feelings independently. This is often the first step in understanding what to do when a man pulls away. It’s important to resist the urge to fill the silence or close the gap too quickly, as pressure can make him retreat further.

• Start with this: Designate a “no-contact” period where you don’t initiate calls, texts, or social media interactions. This gives him the space he might need without feeling pressured.

2. Stay calm

Maintaining your composure is crucial. Displaying panic or distress can create additional pressure and possibly cause him to pull away more. Aim to keep interactions calm and supportive, which is essential in understanding how to get a man back when he pulls away.

• Start with this: Practice mindfulness or meditation to manage your emotions and maintain calm. This helps prevent panic from influencing your responses and interactions with him.

3. Keep communication open

Let him know you’re available to talk whenever he feels ready, without pushing him to open up before he’s comfortable. A simple message expressing your readiness to listen can make a big difference.

• Start with this: Send a simple, supportive message letting him know you’re there when he’s ready to talk, but avoid bombarding him with frequent or demanding messages.

4. Focus on yourself

Use this time to engage in activities that fulfill you personally and emotionally. Keeping busy and nurturing your own interests can help you maintain your emotional health and provide a more balanced perspective on the situation.

• Start with this: Take up a new hobby or revisit an old one that you’ve neglected. This not only enriches your life but also improves your emotional resilience.

5. Avoid overthinking

It’s easy to fall into a pattern of wondering and worrying about every possible reason for his behavior. Try to stay grounded in what you know and avoid assumptions that may not be accurate.

• Start with this: Whenever you find yourself overthinking, redirect your thoughts by engaging in a physical activity like jogging or yoga, which can help clear your mind.

6. Reconnect casually

Suggest doing something enjoyable together without any pressure. This could be as simple as a walk in the park or a coffee date. The goal is to remind both of you why you enjoy each other’s company, which is a subtle way of how to pull away to make him want you.

• Start with this: Invite him to a no-pressure, fun activity you both used to enjoy, like watching a favorite movie together or visiting a place you both like, suggesting a shared experience without the expectation of a deep discussion.

7. Seek understanding

When he does start to open up, listen without judgment and seek to understand his perspective. This can help rebuild trust and show him that you’re a supportive partner.

• Start with this: When he starts to open up, actively listen without interrupting. Use phrases like “What I’m hearing is…” to show that you’re listening and to clarify his feelings without imposing your own assumptions.

8. Reaffirm your affection

Make sure he knows that your feelings haven’t changed because of this phase. Simple gestures of affection and reaffirming words can reinforce your commitment and care for him.

• Start with this: Drop him a note or text expressing something you appreciate about him. This reaffirms your affection subtly without overwhelming him.

9. Counseling or therapy

If the distancing becomes a recurring issue, suggesting professional help can be a proactive step. Therapy can provide tools and insights that help both partners communicate better and address underlying issues.

• Start with this: Research and suggest a counselor who specializes in relationship issues, perhaps attending an initial session on your own to demonstrate your commitment to improving the relationship.

10. Be patient

Recovery from such a phase can take time. Patience is essential as both partners navigate their feelings and work on their relationship dynamics.

• Start with this: Set personal goals for yourself that aren’t dependent on his actions or the relationship’s status. This helps you remain patient as you’re focused on your own growth.

11. Evaluate the relationship

Sometimes, it’s also important to reflect on whether the relationship continues to meet your needs. If the distance becomes too great or persistent, it may be necessary to consider the health and viability of the relationship long term.

• Start with this: Create a list of your needs and wants in the relationship, and honestly assess which of these are being met. This can help you decide if the relationship is still beneficial for you.

Through these steps, you can gain insight into how to make him chase you after he pulls away, fostering a renewed sense of commitment and closeness in your relationship.

Why do men pull away from someone?

Men might pull away from a relationship for myriad reasons, including stress, fear of commitment, or even confusion about their feelings. It’s crucial to recognize that this behavior is not always a reflection of their feelings towards their partner. Often, it’s a personal journey of navigating challenges or doubts. 

For a deeper understanding, you might want to read more about why men withdraw emotionally and physically from relationships here.

What to do when he pulls away from you: 7 tips

It’s challenging when you notice the man in your life starting to create distance, and you might wonder what to do when a man pulls away. Recognizing the signs and understanding how to react can make a significant difference in the outcome of your relationship. 

Here are seven thoughtful tips to help you navigate this difficult phase.

1. Reflect on the relationship

Take this time to think deeply about the dynamics of your relationship. Analyze the patterns that lead up to him pulling away and consider how both of you have been feeling. This introspection can help clarify what you both truly need from the relationship and whether those needs are being met.

• Try doing this: Create a journal to record your thoughts about the relationship. Write down the happy moments, the challenges, and any patterns of behavior that stand out. This can help you see things more clearly and decide what steps to take next.

2. Don’t pursue excessively

While it might be tempting to try to close the distance immediately, doing so can sometimes exacerbate the situation. Give him the space he needs to miss you and to sort through his own feelings. This doesn’t mean cutting off all contact, but rather giving him the time he needs without pressure.

• Try doing this: Set a personal rule for yourself on limiting contact. For instance, if you’re used to texting him multiple times a day, reduce this to perhaps one check-in text and wait for him to respond before sending another. This allows him the space he might need without completely cutting off communication.

3. Stay socially active

It’s important to maintain your own social life even when your partner is pulling away. This helps you keep a sense of normalcy and fulfillment, ensuring that your happiness and mental health aren’t wholly dependent on your relationship’s status.

• Try doing this: Make plans with friends and family at least once a week. Whether it’s a movie night, a dinner, or a quick coffee meet-up, keeping your social calendar active ensures that you maintain your emotional well-being and don’t over-focus on the issues in your relationship.

4. Communicate effectively

When the opportunity arises, express your feelings and concerns calmly and clearly. Use “I” statements to convey how his pulling away affects you, without sounding accusatory. Effective communication can pave the way for open, honest dialogue about what each of you needs from the relationship.

• Try doing this: Schedule a specific time to talk when both of you are free and not distracted by other responsibilities. Approach the conversation with specific points you want to discuss and express them clearly and calmly, emphasizing your feelings and needs without placing blame.

5. Set boundaries

Identify what you are and aren’t willing to tolerate as your partner pulls away. Communicating your boundaries clearly can prevent resentment from building on your side, and it lets your partner know the impact of his actions on your emotional well-being.

• Try doing this: Write down what you are willing to accept and what you aren’t during this time. Communicate these boundaries to him clearly. For example, you might be okay with giving him a few days of space but not okay with him ignoring your messages entirely.

6. Maintain your self-esteem

It’s easy to start questioning your worth when someone pulls away. Remind yourself of your value outside of your relationship. Engage in activities that make you feel good about yourself and reaffirm your self-worth.

• Try doing this: Engage in activities that boost your self-confidence. This could be a hobby you excel in, a new skill you want to learn, or even exercise routines that help reinforce your sense of self-worth. Regularly engaging in these activities can help keep your spirits up.

To build your self-esteem, learn from the guidance offered by Dr. Tracey Marks in this video:

7. Be ready for any outcome

Prepare yourself emotionally to accept any result—whether that means the relationship ends or evolves into something stronger. Keeping an open mind helps you cope with the uncertainty and allows you to adapt more easily to whatever may come.

• Try doing this: Consult with a counselor or therapist to discuss your feelings and prepare for all possible outcomes. They can provide you with strategies to handle whatever may come, ensuring that you are emotionally prepared to either continue with the relationship or move on if necessary.

Summary 

When you’re wondering what to do when he pulls away, remember that the approach you choose can shape the future of your relationship. 

Act with compassion and maintain open lines of communication. It’s important to respect both your needs and his during this challenging time. Encourage honest dialogue, setting a tone that allows both partners to feel safe and heard. 

Licensed psychologist Silvana Mici shares her insights:

When coming to clients, as a therapist, I tell them to remember that every relationship is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to navigating challenges like a partner pulling away.

Trust your instincts, prioritize open communication and self-care, and be willing to seek support if needed as you work through this difficult time.

Reflect on your personal growth and remain open to various outcomes, whether that leads to a deeper connection or a respectful separation. 

Ultimately, focusing on a balanced perspective will help you navigate this phase with grace and understanding. Ready to improve your relationship dynamics? Start by revisiting these tips and choosing your next step wisely.

Expert Q&A

I’ve been close with this guy for nearly a year, and he recently said he’s falling for me and doesn’t want to lose me. We planned a trip, but he canceled last minute due to an emergency. Now he’s distant, leaving my messages on read. I’m confused and hurt.

Jennifer Jacobsen Schulz

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Expert Answer

I'm sorry this is happening to you. It's possible he lost interest. It's also possible that an emergency did come up, and he feels badly about canceling. He may not know how to approach the issue and apologize. Either way, it may be best to distance yourself a bit from him. He will reach out if he is interested and doesn't want to lose you. In the meantime, try to focus on yourself and do things that make you happy.

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Sylvia Smith Author

Sylvia Smith loves to share insights on how couples can revitalize their love lives in and out of the bedroom. As a writer at Marriage.com, she is a big believer in living consciously and encourages couples to adopt this principle... Read more in their lives too. Sylvia believes that every couple can transform their relationship into a happier, healthier one by taking purposeful and wholehearted action. Read less