You know that sinking feeling when you start to suspect the person you’re dating (or even a friend) is trying to slowly push you out of their life? At first, you brush it off as paranoia or neediness on your part. But then the signs start piling up, and that sinking feeling turns into a full-on panic. Before you know it, you’re obsessively analyzing their every text or cancellation, trying to figure out if they’re just really busy right now or if they’re trying to ghost you.
Well, we’ve got your back. We’ve compiled a list of some of the biggest signs that someone in your life is trying to subtly—or not so subtly—get rid of you. That way, you can either call them out on their shady behavior or beat them to the punch. Because you deserve so much better than someone who doesn’t have the guts to break up with you to your face. Read on for the signs and the strength and confidence to stand up for what you want.
Table of Contents
Signs Someone is Trying to Get Rid of You
If you suspect that someone is trying to get rid of you, you may want to talk to them and find out the reason. Maybe there is a misunderstanding or a conflict that can be resolved. However, if they are not willing to communicate or change their behavior, you may have to accept that they don’t value your relationship and move on. You deserve to be with someone who respects and cares for you, not someone who pushes you away.
1. Excuses to Avoid Spending Time Together
If your partner is constantly coming up with reasons why they can’t hang out, it may be a sign they’re trying to distance themselves. Some common excuses to watch out for:
- They’re suddenly “too busy” with work or other commitments. Everyone gets busy at times, but if their schedule is mysteriously packed every time you try to make plans, something’s up.
- They start turning down invitations to do the things you used to enjoy together, like going out for dinner, seeing a movie, or just staying in. If quality time together seems to have dropped off the radar, they could be pulling away.
- Their excuses don’t quite add up or seem implausible. If their reasons for canceling or not making time sound fishy, they’re probably not being fully honest about why they don’t want to meet up.
- They stop initiating get-togethers and always have an excuse when you suggest a meeting. a Healthy relationships are a two-way street, so if you’re the only one putting in effort to spend time together, that’s a bad sign.
- They give vague excuses that don’t provide a lot of detail. Saying they have “other plans” or are “too tired” could indicate they’re avoiding giving a real reason for not wanting to hang out.
The bottom line is that if someone is coming up with lots of reasons to avoid FaceTime with you, especially if this behavior is new or increasing, they may be trying to distance themselves from the relationship. Have an open, honest conversation with your partner to find out what’s really going on and whether the relationship is salvageable. The sooner you address issues, the better.
2. They seem impatient or annoyed.
If they seem impatient or annoyed with you lately, that may be a sign they’re trying to push you out. Have they been cutting you off mid-sentence or finishing your thoughts in an irritable way? Do they roll their eyes or sigh loudly when you ask a question or make a suggestion? This behavior shows a lack of respect and hints that your presence is grating on them.
Maybe meetings that used to include you are now mysteriously disappearing from your calendar without explanation. If they’re avoiding one-on-one interaction with you and leaving you out of important discussions, that’s a major red flag.
Little jokes at your expense are not okay. Teasing that has an unkind edge to it, especially in front of others, is unacceptable and suggests they want to undermine you.
Watch out for frequent criticism that comes across as nitpicking. If they’re suddenly questioning all of your decisions and working in an unconstructive way, they may be building a case against you.
Have you noticed them distancing themselves physically? If they used to stop by your office to chat but now avoid even making eye contact in the hallway, that could indicate their desire to cut ties.
Ultimately, if the people around you make you feel devalued, unheard, or like dead weight, don’t ignore those feelings. Start looking for a new opportunity where your skills, experience, and work ethic will be appreciated. You deserve to be in a healthy environment where you’re set up for success.
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3. They stop initiating contact.
When someone starts pulling away from you, one of the first signs is that they stop reaching out to make plans or just to chat like they used to. If you find yourself always being the one to send the first text or make the call to get together, that’s a red flag that the other person is distancing themselves.
People who value a relationship and want to remain close make an effort to stay in regular contact. If that effort disappears, it’s likely they’re hoping the relationship will fade away too. Don’t make excuses for their behavior or blame yourself; the change is on them, not you.
Some other ways this might show up:
- They take longer and longer to respond to your messages or return your calls. Eventually, they may stop responding altogether.
- They cancel plans at the last minute or claim to be “too busy” to meet up without suggesting an alternative.
- They seem distracted or uninterested when you do talk, like they have one foot out the door. The conversation feels forced.
- You notice a pattern of contact and quality time decreasing over weeks or months. It’s a slow fade rather than an abrupt end, but the end result is the same: they push you out of their life.
The writing is on the wall: if someone stops making the effort to stay in touch, they’re signaling that you’re no longer a priority in their life. Don’t chase after them or try to revive a dead connection. Accept this painful truth, wish them the best, and turn your focus inward towards self-care and surrounding yourself with people who truly value you. The ones who want to stay will meet you halfway.
4. Conversations Become One-Sided
When someone starts to tune you out and rarely asks questions in conversation, it’s a sign they may be trying to get rid of you. If you find yourself always being the one to initiate contact or make plans to get together, they’re likely pulling away.
Some other clues that conversations have become mostly one-sided include:
- They give short, disinterested responses like “yeah”, “uh-huh”, or “that’s nice”. There’s no enthusiasm or follow-up questions.
- They frequently change the subject back to themselves. The discussion revolves around their lives, interests, and priorities. They don’t seem curious about what’s new with you.
- They are distracted or avoid eye contact. You get the sense their mind is elsewhere and they just want the conversation to end. They may glance at their phone or watch frequently.
- Excuses start replacing invitations. Rather than making an effort to get together in person, they claim to be “too busy” or “have other plans”. Repeatedly turning down your attempts to meet face-to-face is a sure sign the relationship is fading.
- Shared interests and inside jokes fall away. The playful, bonding elements of your connection have disappeared. Conversations lack the liveliness and rapport you once shared.
If more than a couple of these scenarios sound familiar, it may be time to face the fact that this relationship has run its course. The good news is that now you know the signs to watch out for next time. And rather than waste more energy on someone who’s not
By reciprocating, you can start focusing on surrounding yourself with people who truly value you.
5. Your needs aren’t a priority anymore.
If the people in your life no longer seem to care about your needs or priorities, that’s a sign they may be trying to push you out. Some key indicators:
Your input is ignored.: Your thoughts, opinions, and suggestions seem to fall on deaf ears. The plans and decisions are made without your consideration or consent. If what you want or need is repeatedly disregarded, that shows a lack of respect and care for you and your well-being.
Your boundaries have been crossed.:The people around you continue to overstep and ignore the boundaries you have clearly set. Whether it’s taking your belongings without asking, showing up unannounced, or breaking promises and commitments to you, violating your limits signals they don’t value you or your limits.
Your concerns and complaints are dismissed.:When you voice your worries, troubles, or objections to situations, they are brushed off, invalidated, or ignored altogether. The people who care about you will listen with empathy and work to understand your perspective. If your concerns are continually dismissed, that indicates you and your needs are not a priority.
They make excuses to avoid you.:Do the people around you seem to frequently have reasons why they can’t spend time with you or do things together? Excuses like being too busy, having other commitments, or not feeling well may be used repeatedly to get out of engaging with you. While occasional reasons to not see each other are normal, constant excuses are a sign they would rather not remain in your life.
Your requests for support go unanswered.:When you reach out for help, advice, or just someone to listen to when you’re struggling, do you find yourself waiting in vain? True friends and caring individuals will take the time to support you when you need it. If your requests for backing are left unaddressed, that signals you can’t rely on them, and they likely want to distance themselves.
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6. They seem distant and preoccupied.
If your partner appears distracted, uninterested in conversation, and physically absent, this could be a sign they’re trying to distance themselves from you. Some things to look out for:
- They stop initiating contact or making plans to spend time together. Instead of calling or texting regularly like they used to, communication dwindles to a few messages here and there, and most of the effort comes from you.
- They become vague about their whereabouts or schedule. Whereas before they openly shared details of their day, now you get evasive answers or “I’ve just been busy with work stuff.” This could indicate they’re avoiding commitments to plans with you.
- They seem detached or indifferent during interactions. Conversations feel forced, and they give the impression of wanting to escape as soon as possible. Their mind seems occupied, and they have trouble focusing on you or what you’re saying.
Physical intimacy or affection diminishes noticeably. If they were once generous with hugs, kisses, holding hands, etc. but now rarely engage in any kind of meaningful touch, this signifies they’re putting distance in the relationship. They get defensive or make excuses when you bring up the changes you’ve noticed. If confronted about their distance and preoccupation, they deny it or blame external factors like a heavy workload or stress. But deep down, you sense the real reasons go unsaid.
The writing on the wall becomes clear through their actions and apathy. As difficult as it is, try opening the lines of communication to clarify where you both stand. It’s better to gain closure on a relationship that’s run its course than cling to a hollow connection with someone who’s already moved on emotionally. Though it won’t lessen the hurt, the truth will set you free.
7. It takes longer to respond.
When someone starts taking longer to respond to your messages or calls, it could be a sign they’re trying to distance themselves from you.
Delayed responses
If you used to hear back from them within a few hours or a day at most, but now it routinely takes 24-48 hours or more, that delay is probably intentional. They may claim to be “so busy with work” or blame it on their phone, but if they wanted to connect with you, they’d make the time. The truth is, their priorities have shifted, and you’ve moved down on the list.
Vague or half-hearted replies
The responses you do get may seem disinterested, like short “ok” or “hmm” texts. Or their answers to your questions lack the usual details. It feels like they’re just going through the motions to placate you, but their heart isn’t in the conversation anymore.
Less initiation
They rarely reach out to you first these days. The communication has become mostly one-sided, with you always being the one to start a text thread or suggest meeting up. If they really valued you and the relationship, they’d put in effort to stay in touch rather than waiting for you to do so.
The writing’s on the wall—or, in this case, the screen. Don’t make excuses for their behavior or cling to false hopes. As painful as it is, come to terms with the fact that this relationship has likely run its course. The sooner you accept it and start to move on, the sooner you can find people who will respond to you with care, closeness, and priority in their lives.
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8. Excuses Pile Up When Making Plans
When someone starts making excuses to avoid making plans with you, it’s usually a sign they’re trying to distance themselves. Do they keep coming up with reasons why they can’t meet up or have to cancel plans at the last minute? Excuses like:
- I have a work thing.
- I’m not feeling well.
- Family issues came up.
If these types of excuses become a pattern, it’s probably not a coincidence. They may be avoiding spending time with you in person. Of course, sometimes people genuinely do have unavoidable schedule conflicts or life events that arise. But if the excuses are vague, implausible, or happen frequently, it’s more likely they’re trying to wiggle out of your company.
Some other signs that point to someone attempting to cut ties with you are:
- They stop initiating contact and only respond briefly when you reach out.
- They seem distracted or unengaged during the rare times you do talk or meet up.
- They cancel at the last second or don’t even bother responding to your messages to confirm plans.
- They avoid eye contact, seem tense in your presence, and can’t wait to leave.
The truth may be hard to accept, but their actions speak louder than words. Don’t make excuses for their excuses or behavior. Have an honest conversation about where you both stand, and if needed, start distancing yourself in return. Surround yourself with people who genuinely want to spend time with you!
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9. You’re kept at a distance from their lives.
They’re not inviting you to hang out anymore. If someone who used to invite you over or out for drinks, dinner, or events has stopped extending those invites, it’s probably a sign they’re trying to distance themselves from you.
Communication has changed.: The frequency and depth of your conversations and communication have decreased. They don’t call or text as often, and they seem less engaged or hurried when you do talk. It feels like pulling teeth to get more than a superficial conversation out of them.
They don’t share details.: They become vague or evasive when you ask questions about their life, relationships, work, or personal details they used to openly share. The flow of information has slowed to a trickle.
Plans are made without you.: You start to realize they’re making plans and engaging in activities without including you. They mention doing things together with other friends, but you’re left out.
Your belongings go missing.: If you’ve left belongings, gifts, or mementos at their place, you may notice those items disappearing or not being returned. It’s a way to erase reminders of you and your connection.
Excuses Abound: Do they frequently make excuses for why they can’t get together or engage with you? Excuses like being too busy, tired, or not feeling well have become the norm. The excuses seem implausible or like a way to avoid commitment.
If several of these signs resonate with you, it’s likely this person is trying to distance themselves from you, and the relationship is fading. The healthiest thing to do is accept what’s happening and shift your own time and energy to the people in your life who truly value you.
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10. They get defensive when you bring up concerns.
When someone gets defensive when you bring up relationship concerns, that’s usually a sign they’re trying to push you away.
They don’t actually address your concerns. Rather than thoughtfully considering your concerns and perspectives, they immediately get hostile and turn the conversation into an argument. They refuse to validate your feelings or acknowledge their role in the issues. It’s all about making excuses, hurling accusations, and avoiding responsibility.
They twist your words.: They misinterpret your concerns on purpose to make you seem unreasonable. They put words in your mouth or exaggerate what you say to make you look like a bad guy. This tactic is meant to make you feel confused, upset, and like the source of problems in the relationship.
They bring up your flaws and past mistakes.: To deflect from the current issues, they start listing all your faults, weaknesses, and mistakes. They use things you’ve done wrong in the past as ammunition against you now. This is a low blow meant to make you feel bad about yourself and put you on the defensive.
They storm off. When tensions rise, they abruptly end the conversation by stomping off, hanging up the phone, or giving you the silent treatment. Rather than working through challenges together, they flee from constructive communication. This behavior shows they have no interest in addressing problems or improving the relationship.
If these defensive tactics sound familiar, it may be time to consider whether this relationship is still right for you. You deserve to have your feelings heard and your concerns addressed in a respectful manner. Don’t let their behavior make you feel bad for speaking up about important issues. Your needs and perspectives matter.
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When Someone Wants You Gone?
When someone’s behavior starts shifting and things feel off, they may be subtly trying to push you out of their life. Some signs that indicate they want you gone are:
- They stop responding to your messages or calls. Before, they used to reply promptly, but now you’re left on hold for days. If they do reply, their responses are curt or half-hearted. –
- They make excuses to avoid spending time together. Suddenly, they’re always too busy with work, family, or other commitments to meet up. When you do see each other, they seem distracted or cut the interaction short.
- They share less information and are more secretive. Whereas they used to openly share details of their lives, now they’re tight-lipped and share minimal information. They may even lie or be evasive when asked direct questions.
- They criticize and nitpick frequently. Rather than offering constructive feedback, their comments turn hypercritical, judgmental, or passive-aggressive. They make subtle digs to make you feel inadequate or unwanted.
- They pull away physically and emotionally. A decrease in affection, intimacy, and emotional support is a glaring sign the relationship is breaking down. They don’t seem interested in resolving issues or reconnecting, and intimacy feels obligatory rather than genuine.
- Their priorities and interests start shifting away from you. They develop new hobbies, social circles, and commitments that don’t include you. Your once-close bond and shared interests fall by the wayside as they redirect their time and energy elsewhere.
- They pull away physically and emotionally. A decrease in affection, intimacy,and emotional support is a glaring sign the relationship is breaking down. They don’t seem interested in resolving issues or reconnecting, and intimacy feels obligatory rather than genuine.
- Their priorities and interests start shifting away from you. They develop new hobbies, social circles,and commitments that don’t include you. Your once-close bond and shared interests fall by the wayside as they redirect their time and energy elsewhere.
If these types of behaviors start becoming the norm, it may be time to face the facts: this person likely wants to end things but doesn’t have the courage to do so directly. The kindest thing you can do is call them out on their actions, set clear boundaries, and start distancing yourself in return. You deserve relationships where you feel wanted, respected, and cared for.
When someone starts acting strange and distant, it can be a sign they’re trying to push you out of their life. The best way to know for sure is to have an honest conversation about the state of your relationship and what you both want. But when actions and words don’t align, it may be time to accept what they’re really trying to tell you, as difficult as that is, and start the process of moving on. The sooner you gain clarity, the sooner you can begin to heal.
Conclusion
So there you have it—a few sneaky signs that someone in your life is trying to get rid of you. The good news is that now you know what to look out for. The bad news is, well, someone close to you wants out. But don’t get too down about it. Now you can start preparing your exit strategy and figuring out how to fill that space in your life.
Maybe it’s time for new friends, new hobbies, or pursuing that thing you’ve always been passionate about. While endings are never easy, they often pave the way for exciting new beginnings. So keep your head up; this could be an opportunity in disguise. The future is yours to shape, and now you have one less thing holding you back from forging your own path in life. Their loss is your gain. You’ve got this!
References
- 6 Signs It’s Time to End Your Relationship, According to Experts: It’s important to recognize when it’s time to walk away.By Stacey Laura Lloyd
- 8 Signs That Your Relationship Is Over
- 10 Signs Someone is Losing Interest in You
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