Why Indian Men Play 'Forever Maybe' Game In Love!
Rishit raj | Feb 24, 2025, 18:53 IST
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This article explores the paradoxical behavior of Indian men when it comes to commitment. It delves into societal conditioning, cultural expectations, and personal insecurities that make many Indian men hesitant to fully commit to a relationship while simultaneously being unwilling to let go. The piece examines factors such as family pressure, fear of responsibility, and emotional unavailability, along with how patriarchal norms shape these attitudes. It also discusses the emotional toll this dynamic takes on women and offers insights into navigating such relationships with clarity and self-respect.
Relationships can be complex, but when it comes to Indian men and commitment, things can get even trickier. Many women find themselves in emotionally exhausting situations where their partners hesitate to take the next step but also refuse to let go. This paradox raises important questions: Why do Indian men struggle with commitment? What makes them hold on even when they aren't ready for something serious?This article dives into the social, psychological, and cultural factors that contribute to this behavior, along with insights on how to navigate such relationships.
In India, Social and familial institutions deeply root the institution of marriage. The majority of males experience direct exposure to arranged marriages of their parents during their development because those weddings focused on family succession rather than romantic love. Although they participate in contemporary relationships, many men silently seek to find "perfect" spouses instead of satisfactory matches. The internal conflict causes Indonesian males to delay romantic engagement because their relationship needs to satisfy their family acceptance standards first.
The commitments require individuals to fulfill emotional and financial requirements and social connections. Indian men get their upbringing in communities which do not require them to handle emotional responsibility. Society trains women to perform caretaking roles but men do not typically receive this kind of social training. Men face pressure from commitment to assume a role which they probably lack experience and readiness to handle. Innocence about personal freedom in addition to career goals or social independence typically drives Indian men to avoid meaningful relationships.
The love lives of Indian children remain under the strong influence of their parents who dictate both their marriage partners and wedding timing. Most male individuals experience dual pressures because they care about their romantic partners yet must obey family traditions. The emotional connection does not stop them from delaying marriage because they are concerned about facing disapproval from their relatives. They prefer to stay rather than part ways creating a period of emotional uncertainty that affects both members of the relationship.
Indian society, despite its progress, still fosters patriarchal mindsets. Without the necessity of official promises men in relationships get to receive love and companionship and emotional backing. Men do not need to formalize their relationships because they can receive full benefits from both worlds. People consider an eager woman "clingy" yet men who delay commitment act naturally by "figuring things out."
The social norms in India force numerous male citizens to suppress their emotions. Society trains males to display strength and composure through the conditioning process and this training frequently develops emotional intimacy issues. The act of vulnerability through emotional exposure panics anyone who avoided learning appropriate emotional communication. Such relationships exist between two parties without ever facing emotional challenges because they stay stuck between relationships statuses.
Modern dating has introduced a new concern about finding partners as a result of the modern dating scene. Dating applications provide continuous access to suitable matches which causes males to worry about selecting an unideal romantic partner. Their bond with their current loved one remains strong but internal doubts about possibilities of being with someone better persist. Their reluctance to commit exists together with their unwillingness to lose someone they genuinely care about.
Another common reason Indian men don't let go is pure comfort. Having a stable partner who provides emotional and physical intimacy without the pressure of long-term commitment can feel like the best of both worlds. Many men continue relationships not out of love but because they don't want to face the discomfort of a breakup or be alone.
For women caught in such relationships, it can be emotionally draining. The constant cycle of hope and disappointment can take a toll on self-esteem and mental health. Many women stay in these relationships believing that if they wait long enough, their partner will change. However, this often leads to prolonged emotional suffering.
If you find yourself in a relationship with a man who fears commitment but won’t let you go, consider these steps:
Fear of commitment within Indian men extends from their exposure to societal norms together with their own inner fears and society's cultural demands. Although every Indian male does not face this issue a substantial portion finds themselves in this conflict as they remain unwilling to enter a serious relationship yet fear losing what they already have. Analyzing the reasons behind commitment phobia will assist women in better comprehending their relationships and making decisions that protect them from unnecessary emotional distress.
Love should create happiness and offer security whereas creating confusion and pain is unacceptable. Remember that choosing yourself becomes the best option whenever you discover yourself doubting your value or expect an ongoing commitment that never materializes in a relationship.
1. The Cultural Conditioning
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2. Fear of Responsibility and Change
3. Parental Influence and Societal Expectations
4. The Patriarchal Mindset and Double Standards
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5. Emotional Unavailability and Fear of Vulnerability
6. The Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)
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7. The Comfort Zone Factor
8. What This Means for Women
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9. How to Navigate This Situation
- Communicate Clearly: Have an open conversation about what you want and expect. If he is unwilling to meet you halfway, take that as a red flag.
- Set Boundaries: If he refuses to commit, decide what you are willing to tolerate. Don’t let the fear of being alone keep you in a stagnant relationship.
- Observe Actions, Not Words: Someone who truly wants to be with you will show it through consistent actions, not just promises.
- Know Your Worth: You deserve a relationship that brings security, joy, and mutual respect. If your partner isn’t offering that, be brave enough to walk away.
- Don’t Wait for Change: People change when they want to, not when pressured. If he isn’t ready, it’s better to move forward rather than waste years waiting for something uncertain.
In Summary
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( Image credit : Freepik )
Love should create happiness and offer security whereas creating confusion and pain is unacceptable. Remember that choosing yourself becomes the best option whenever you discover yourself doubting your value or expect an ongoing commitment that never materializes in a relationship.