He asked for space but I didn't give it to him

Respect him and give him the space he asked for.

By not giving him space you showed him you don’t respect him. Men want respect more than love. Don’t know if it is too late, but if you are newly dating, he already asked for space and you didn’t care (respect) him enough to give him that, I am going to say probably not.

What you should do is get busy with your own life. Find ways to fulfill yourself. Allowing a man to be your primary source of fulfillment will lead to insecurity and disappointment every time.

To me, asking for space is simple. He’s not crazy over you, he wants out, he’s trying to escape.

You want to discuss it. If he cared enough to discuss, he wouldn’t want space. Your pestering him is a killer.

If you really want this man, you need to play it smart and back off. It’s pretty insulting, though, you really should get it through your head that he’s wants out.

I grow oh so weary at all the mealy-mouthed men today. Men could cut their relationship woes by about 80% if they would just learn to stop pussing-footing around women. Instead of asking for a break or space just come right out and say:’ I am not interested in pursuing any sort of relationship with you’. That statement is a little blunt but at least his position has been made clear.

He just said he had alot of personal stuff going on and wanted some time to focus on that, and he couldn’t give me what I deserved out of a relationship. I feel terrible for continuing to talk to him after the fact, but I can’t really fix that part.

Ok… well that’s man code for him saying he doesn’t want a relationship with you. He is pulling away and also telling you he isn’t your man. This is a good time to cut ties and move on.

I hear what you’re saying, I’ll try and cut my losses then. I feel like I’ll keep hoping he’ll come back around for a while though, maybe that’s normal.

A guy who is interested after a couple of months of dating and has a lot of stuff show up at work, in his life etc, will say, I’m going to have limited time over X period and will not be able to see you much or at all but I”ll be in touch periodically and when I’m done, I’ll have plenty of time for you. And then keeps in touch as he said and then makes up his absence when he comes back by a really nice dinner, small gift, flowers, spending extra time with you etc.

The guy who is not interested will just not have the time and can’t give you what you want/deserve. And that is his polite way of breaking up.

See the diff?

Chloe, he hasn’t given you a mixed message. Note how many people have weighed in to tell you what he said really means. “I can’t give you what you want” is pretty direct and clear when you understand how men communicate. No offense but if he had been more blunt like “I don’t want to be with you anymore” then that would have hurt your feelings and you’d be here posting he’s rude and cruel and all upset about that. There is just no easy way to end a relationship.

Nah, it’s actually me, I’m just new to this/ super dense

Chloe, there is not much you CAN do. He asked for space, it means “leave me alone please”. if you do anything, it will be violating his request.

If this is a new thing then move on, do not wait for him. He is not that into you, otherwise he would not have asked for space. You’re wasting his time.

Find another guy but try to tame your “frantic nature” as this would work against you with men.

Update: I gave him space for a week and today he says that he’s trying to keep his emotional health in check. and being considerate to me he says that he’s not interesting in pursuing a new relationship with anyone right now. He says that I didn’t do anything wrong it’s just bad timing since he’s recently coming out of a long term relationship. So I guess that ship has sailed. Do you think people like that come back when they’re “ready” or no?

Well at least he was honest with you.

I think during that space he weighed the pros and cons and decided to end things.

Don’t wait around, there is someone who is ready. He’s not the one.