15 Important Tips on What to Do When He Texts After Ignoring You

The dating game can be pretty confusing for a lot of singles. One moment, you are spending quality time with a guy who gives you positive vibes; the next moment, he is ghosting you.

You can’t seem to wrap your head around his sudden behavior change. You become perplexed and powerless and begin to wonder what you have done to warrant such emotional and mental torture. Then, out of the blue, he starts texting you after keeping you in the dark for a while.

How do you approach the situation? These important tips on what to do when he texts after ignoring you would be all you need in dealing with such a dilemma.

5 possible reasons a guy is ignoring you

It is quite frustrating when a guy gives you the cold shoulder, and you’re stuck figuring out what to do when he texts after ignoring you. It leaves you with more questions than answers. Why a guy is ignoring you might be legitimate, and it could be that you might just be worrying too much.

1. Busy schedule

Life can get incredibly hectic, and work or personal commitments can consume a person’s time and energy. 

When someone is genuinely busy, they may not have the mental or emotional bandwidth to engage in extensive texting or communication. It’s important to recognize that this is often temporary and not a reflection of their interest in you.

2. Miscommunication or misunderstanding

Texting lacks the nuances of face-to-face communication. Sometimes, messages can be misinterpreted, leading to confusion. A simple misunderstanding or an unintentional offense could cause someone to hesitate in responding until they can clarify the situation.

3. Emotional or relationship issues

When individuals face personal problems or relationship difficulties, they might withdraw temporarily. They might need space to sort out their emotions, which can lead to ignoring messages. It’s essential to be empathetic and give them the time they need while remaining open to discussing the issues when they’re ready.

4. Loss of interest

Unfortunately, attraction and interest can wane over time. 

When someone loses interest in a romantic or platonic relationship, they may pull away and gradually stop responding to messages. This is a painful but natural part of human interactions, and it’s crucial to respect their feelings and move forward if this is the case.

5. Testing or playing games

In some instances, individuals may ignore messages intentionally as a way to test your interest or manipulate the dynamics of the relationship. This behavior is often a sign of immaturity or insecurity and can lead to confusion and frustration. 

It’s essential to communicate openly and honestly about your feelings and expectations if you suspect this is happening.

In any of these situations, effective communication is key. If you’re uncertain why someone is ignoring you, consider having an open and non-confrontational conversation to address your concerns and seek clarity on the situation.

What to do when he texts after ignoring you: 15 tips

The last thing you want is to burn bridges and destroy whatever you have built with one rude text. The aim is not to ruin the relationship, so you must be careful about your chosen words. It is important first to ask, “Is he ignoring me or just busy?”

You may have killed the relationship if you sent a strongly worded text, and he had legitimate and valid reasons for keeping you in the dark. You also do not want to sound too nice so as not to appear desperate and needy.

Please send him a text that conveys little emotion in a relaxed tone. Avoid asking him why he ignored you since you are only checking up on him. His reply, or lack thereof, should tell you whether you are still in a relationship or you should move on.

Receiving a text from a guy that had been ignoring you could be pretty jolting. At first, you may be at a loss on how to react to the situation.

Are you facing such a dilemma? Then, check out these tips to know what to do when he texts after ignoring you.

1. Find out why he ignored you in the first place

Take some time to assess the situation and find out why he has been ignoring you. This will help determine how to respond when he finally texts you back. 

Do not be in a rush to reply to the text. Instead, reflect on how long he has been ignoring you and if he did it on purpose or if it’s due to other factors.

Taking time to reflect on the situation would do you great good. For example, ask yourself, “Is he playing games by ignoring me? Is this the first time he has ignored you?” These are questions you must reflect on before making your next move.

2. Consider your feelings

Before deciding whether to reply to his text, determine your feelings at that moment. You don’t want to reply to his text from a place of hurt, desperation, or revenge.

Take time to sort out your feelings before replying to his text. Focus on yourself and take your time before responding.

3. Do not respond to his text immediately

When someone ignores you and then texts back, avoid responding to his text immediately. Replying to his text immediately denies you the chance of adequately accessing the situation.

Your emotions at receiving his text could be anxiety, rejection, and hurt. These emotions are fed by your intrusive thoughts, and they influence your behavior. The result is that you are more likely to reply with anger or shame.

4. Deal with your insecurities

Nothing can be more emotionally draining than being ignored by someone when you once enjoyed their company. It is easy for you to start having self-pity and doubts about yourself.

Do not allow your insecurities to get hold of you. You might be dealing with a guy who doesn’t deserve you and would probably do the same to any lady he meets. Do not entertain the idea that you are to blame, especially when you have no role to play in his disappearance.

5. Demand an explanation

Do you want to know what to do when he texts after ignoring you? Demand an explanation for his actions.

The last thing you want for yourself is a man who toys with your emotions. Ask for an explanation, especially if he sends a text and pretends everything is well. His explanations could reveal a lot about the future of the relationship.

6. Set boundaries and let him know your stance

A guy who ignores you for a while and suddenly sends a text should understand that there is now a need to have boundaries. Let him know your stance and clarify that you have limits that should be respected. Then, give him time to communicate with you if he is serious about the relationship.

7. Don’t ignore him

It is easy to wonder, “How long do you have to wait to text back after being ignored?” Yes, he ignored you, which is hurtful enough. But don’t return the favor if you still hope to build something out of the relationship.

Playing mind games or ignoring his texts could backfire and ruin your chance of coming together.

8. Do not lose your self-esteem

A guy can send flirty messages to you and then disappear, only to repeat the same thing. This is typically breadcrumbing at its best.

The worst thing you can do to yourself in such a situation is to lose your self-esteem. 

9. Be firm and conceal your feelings

Do not allow your emotions to overwhelm you. Instead, try to be in the right mindset when he texts you after ignoring you. Be in control of your feelings so you don’t appear vulnerable when deciding to reply to his text or not.

10. Reflect on your behavior

Try to reflect on your actions and see if you have a hand in his ignoring you. Maybe he was genuinely hurt by you and took the time to assess his situation.

Don’t just send a rude text if you don’t know what to text a guy who has been ignoring you. Pause for reflection, and then reach out. 

11. Show empathy to some extent

A guy who ignores you and later texts you could have legitimate reasons for doing that. He might think you were too clingy, or the relationship might be moving too fast for him. So again, reply to him, but this time define your boundaries.  

12. Be sure he is not breadcrumbing you

You might ask, “Should I text him back after he ignored me for days”? The problem with doing this is that you are probably being taken for a ride without knowing.

If he ignores you for a long time and comes back with a lame text without any explanation or apology, then you can be sure he is ‘breadcrumbing‘ you, i.e. stringing you along without any intention of committing to you.

To learn more about the different types of breadcrumbing and its examples, watch this video:

13. Reach out to those who care about you

You don’t have to face challenges alone. Do you want to know what to do when he comes back after ignoring you? Reach out to family and friends. 

 

Being isolated may not be helpful to you if you need to deal with the pain that comes from being ignored. Instead, talk to people who can provide emotional support to keep your mind sane.

14. Give him the benefit of the doubt

You need to ask yourself if he has previously acted this way to you. If he has never, then there could be something responsible for his actions. Give him the benefit of the doubt, but be clear about your expectations moving forward. 

15. Put your interests first

Don’t just sit around all day figuring out what you do when a guy ignores your text.

While it is okay to reflect on your actions, know that you are the center of whichever decision you choose.

Don’t give room for him to go in and out of life without any tangible explanation. Instead, think carefully through the situation and remember that your peace of mind matters.  

Commonly asked questions

It’s not uncommon for people to experience confusion or frustration when someone they’re communicating with suddenly ignores their texts or doesn’t reply promptly. Let’s explore some common reasons behind these behaviors in the context of relationships and communication.

• Why does he come back after ignoring me?

Sometimes, individuals may temporarily withdraw due to personal issues, but they come back when they feel ready to engage again. It could also be because they miss your connection or regret their initial silence.

• Why do guys text you and not reply?

Guys might initiate conversations but not reply promptly for various reasons, including being busy, distracted, or unsure how to respond. Miscommunication or mismatched expectations can also lead to delayed responses.

• Do guys sometimes forget to text back?

Yes, just like anyone else, guys can occasionally forget to reply. It could be due to a busy schedule, absentmindedness, or genuinely overlooking your message.

• Why do guys suddenly start ignoring texts?

There could be several causes for this behavior, such as loss of interest, relationship issues, or personal stress. It’s essential to have open communication to understand their perspective and address any concerns.

Final thoughts

Dealing with a guy who ignores you for a while only to text back later could be pretty confusing. However, knowing what to do when he texts after ignoring you is important.

When he texts after ignoring you, it’s crucial to exercise patience and self-respect. The tips mentioned in this article serve as a guide to help you maintain your dignity and emotional well-being. 

Remember that your worth is not determined by someone else’s actions, and it’s okay to set boundaries. Prioritize open and honest communication, and if a genuine connection exists, it will endure. 

Ultimately, self-care and self-love are paramount, ensuring that you emerge from such situations stronger and more confident in your pursuit of genuine, respectful, and fulfilling relationships.

You must ensure you assess the situation before deciding whether to reply to his text or not. You can also seek the service of a professional relationship counselor for help.