In theory, if you don’t like someone, it’s best to clearly reject them and put an end to the one-sided affection.

Although direct rejection seems a bit cold, it allows you to face reality sooner, not continue with hopeless affection, and gives the other person space and time to focus on things they enjoy.

In any case, direct rejection when not interested is a good thing.

However, there are some people who genuinely don’t like someone, have no intention of being together, yet don’t reject them outright.

They not only refrain from verbal rejection but also chat with you, accept your kindness, spend time with you, leading you to believe that they may also like you, just unwilling to say so.

But when you think you have a chance and just need some time, you’ll realize that the person never admitted to liking you. One day, you might even find out that they truly like someone else and make it public.

It’s only at that moment that we understand, the person never liked you, and didn’t even acknowledge your feelings.

Enjoying the Feeling of Being Liked, Satisfying Vanity

Not everyone is unwilling to have any connection with someone they don’t like, thinking that such affection doesn’t count.

There are some people who, maybe due to lack of love, lack of confidence, or just enjoying being pursued, will accept someone’s affection even if they don’t reciprocate the feelings.

To them, the quantity of admirers matters more than the quality. They believe that being liked by many proves their charm and boosts their self-esteem.

Because they enjoy this feeling, they rarely turn down people’s affection. They need this validation to feel good about themselves.

It’s almost impossible for them to truly love and commit to someone. They can’t stand the idea of not being liked and always seek the feeling of being pursued by many, feeling popular and desirable.

Wanting to Take Advantage, Reaping Benefits

Genuine affection isn’t just about words; it involuntarily leads to actions.

For instance, showing care, asking about your well-being, giving gifts, and spending money.

Some people disdain unnecessary favors. If they don’t love you, they’ll draw a clear line and avoid all entanglements. However, others enjoy accepting favors and always want to gain without effort.

People who love to take advantage will never miss an opportunity, especially when it’s under the guise of love. If you willingly show affection, they’ll feel justified in accepting it.

They are fully aware that all your actions are voluntary. Even if you later realize they didn’t like you, and you can’t do anything about it, they can argue that you were the one who gave willingly, and they did love you at one point.

You’ll ultimately have no way to demand anything in return, and they won’t feel any guilt. They’ll continue to bask in the affection and take advantage of others’ kindness.

Just Playing Around Until They Find Someone Suitable

Some people don’t mind settling for someone they don’t really like until they find someone they truly want to be with.

To them, having someone around who actively shows affection can help alleviate their loneliness and make them feel cared for. This kind of companionship is enough for them.

Although they’re willing to be with you, they have no intention of having a future with you because they don’t like you. Consequently, they won’t make any promises or acknowledge your relationship.

They’ll act like they’re in a romantic relationship with you while still looking for other possibilities, hoping to find someone they truly love and want to spend their life with.

Once they find that person, they’ll become indifferent toward you. They might not even say goodbye when they move on to someone else because they feel they don’t owe you anything and it was your misunderstanding.

In matters of the heart, if someone doesn’t reject you, it doesn’t mean they like you.

Someone who truly likes you will tell you directly, and if there’s no direct expression of affection, then it doesn’t count.

So, if you don’t like ambiguous relationships and don’t want to be deceived, you must always be rational and discern whether the other person truly cares for you.

If someone has never acknowledged you, hasn’t rejected you but hasn’t agreed either, it’s best not to waste too much time on them. When someone truly loves you, they’ll express their genuine affection and commit to a serious relationship with you.

Only such a person is worthy of your affection and love.