Why Leo Man Pulls Away (And What to Do About It)

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why leo man pulls away

Leo men are some of the most charming and exciting partners you can hope to find. They’re passionate, driven, and always up for a good time. It’s no wonder why so many women are drawn to them.

However, there is a downside to dating Leo men: they have a tendency to pull away suddenly and without warning. If you’ve been burned by a Leo man, you may be wondering what went wrong and how you can prevent it from happening again.

Don’t worry, I have plenty of experience with Leo men. And once you understand why they use this hot and cold behavior, it becomes a lot easier to deal with.

So take a page out of my book and learn from my past mistakes. Here’s everything you need to know about why Leo men pull away, and what you can do to stop them from disappearing on you again.

10 Reasons Why Leo Man Pulls Away

I have to be honest with you: I don’t always understand Leo men. One minute, they are all in, and the next minute they are gone. But I’ve been able to notice certain patterns when a Leo man becomes distant, and they can help you spot the signs that he’s about to pull away.

1. He’s Feeling Overwhelmed

Leo men like to feel in control at all times. When they start to feel like they’re losing control, they can get panicked and start to distance themselves. Some things that can make a Leo man feel out of control are:

  • Having too many responsibilities at work
  • Feeling like he’s not the one in charge of the relationship
  • Facing a major life change (moving to a new city, starting a new job, etc.)

If you notice that your Leo man is starting to pull away, ask him if there’s anything stressing him out. If he is feeling overwhelmed, this may mean he won’t be able to stay around for the long haul.

2. He’s Not Getting Enough Attention

Leo men thrive on attention and admiration. They need to feel like the center of your world at all times, and they need their ego to be constantly stroked. This sign is ruled by the sun, which is the center of the solar system, and he expects to be treated as such.

If he feels that you’re not putting him in the first place of your life or that you’re ignoring him when out with friends or family, he may start to pull away.

3. He’s Bored

Leo men need excitement in their lives. They’re natural-born risk-takers and adrenalin junkies. So if they feel like their life has become too routine or that you’re not providing enough excitement, they may start pulling away.

They may feel bored just getting dinner and watching movies with you, or they may be drawn to another woman or activity that provides more of a thrill.

You can tell that your Leo man is bored if he makes other plans without you or starts to become distant and aloof.

4. He’s Feeling Restricted

Leo men value their freedom above all else. This passionate fire sign needs to be able to change their mind or course of action at a moment’s notice.

So if he feels like the relationship is too routine, too rigid, or that you keep too many tabs on him, a Leo man pulls away. He may say things like “I need some space” or “I need to be alone right now.”

If he’s feeling extra vindictive, he may make snippy comments at you such as “You’re always telling me what to do” or “You’re just like my mother.” These comments are meant to push your buttons and make you back off, so don’t take the bait.

5. He’s Not Ready For a Serious Relationship

Leo men can be commitment-phobes. They may want all the benefits of being in a relationship without having to actually commit to you. Leo men love the chase, but they’re not always ready to settle down.

You’ll notice his distance when you’re out with friends or on a date in public. He may start pulling away, flirting less, and becoming more distant.

This is especially likely to happen if you’ve recently hit a new level of intimacy. Your Leo man may feel overwhelmed or rushed by his feelings for you and pull back to protect himself.

6. He Doesn’t Think You’re Into Him

As mentioned above, Leos like to be the center of attention, and they give a lot of thought to what others think of him. So, he will be very hurt if he feels like the relationship isn’t mutual.

A Leo man shows interest by being bold and passionate about his feelings and expects the same in return.

You may notice that his texts become shorter and less romantic or frequent. He may also test your feelings by flirting with other women to see how you act. He’s afraid that you’ll break his heart after he gets serious, so he tries to gauge your feelings before he fully commits.

7. He’s Jealous

Leo men are very jealous creatures. They hate feeling like they’re not the only one in your life or that you have eyes for someone else. If he suspects that you’re interested in another man, he may start to pull away, or may even respond by flirting with other women himself.

Jealousy is a normal emotion, but it can be especially destructive in a relationship with a Leo.

Their usually joyful passion can turn into dark and dangerous anger. So if you notice that your Leo man is getting jealous or possessive, he may explode and leave abruptly, leaving you feeling confused and hurt.

8. He’s Not Over His Ex

Unfortunately, because Leo men love their partners fully and deeply, it’s possible that he may be pulling away because he still misses a woman in a past relationship. If he’s still not over his ex, you may notice that he brings her up often in conversation or compares you to her.

He may also make excuses for why he can’t see you or why he’s not ready for a serious relationship. If he’s dancing around the subject, ask him directly and he will most likely tell you that he is still hung up on his ex and needs more time to get over her.

Even if your Leo man pulls away over this situation, he is still likely to be honest with you about what’s going on when you communicate with him about it directly.

9. He Can’t Envision a Future With You

Leos are very loyal once they settle down into a relationship. When they want to be with a person for a long time, this zodiac sign will commit wholeheartedly. So if he’s pulling away from you, it may be because he doesn’t see a future with you.

This could be for any number of reasons. Maybe he doesn’t agree with your life goals or maybe he feels like you’re not on the same page about kids or marriage.

If you’re having disagreements about the future of the relationship, he may start to withdraw until you can come to a resolution.

10. He Was Playing You All Along

Let’s face it, the Leo man is known for being a player at times. When a Leo man ignores you for no clear reason, he may be giving his time to other relationships.

Since he is so charming and intense, he may make you feel like the only woman in the world when you’re together.

But if his behaviors aren’t aligning with the sweet nothings he’s whispering in your ears, then it’s a strong sign that he is busy with another partner, or may even be dating a few people.

Perhaps this is innocent enough, especially if you’re at the beginning phase of a relationship. But if your Leo man pulls away after you’ve taken the relationship to the next level and is giving his attention to someone else, it will definitely sting.

What to Do When a Leo Man Ignores You

When your man pulls away, it can be hurtful and a bit confusing. But this doesn’t mean that you’re powerless. Here are five actions you can take to try to get your Leo man back:

1. Talk to Him About His Feelings

If you’re in a relationship with a Leo, you know that they aren’t the type to shy away from confrontation. So if he’s giving you the silent treatment or seems distant, sit down with him and ask him what’s going on.

A Leo man’s favorite subject is himself, and he loves to share how he feels. Not only will this help you understand why he pulls away, but it could also help him to take the relationship more seriously and make him feel closer to you.

Ask questions such as, “What’s been on your mind lately?” or “How does it make you feel when I do this?” and then listen to him attentively. By showing genuine interest in how he’s feeling, you can help him feel more connected to you.

2. Get His Friends Involved

If your Leo man is ignoring you and you can’t seem to get through to him, try talking to his loved ones. They may be able to give you advice or perspective that can help you know what to expect when dealing with this zodiac sign.

They may also be able to talk to him about the situation and help him see how his actions are affecting you. If he’s really close to his friends or family, they may be able to get through to him in a way that you can’t.

3. Chase After Him

Maybe the reason why Leo man pulls away is that in his heart he wants you to chase after him. Before getting hurt and shutting down, give it one last valiant try and see if he responds to your advances.

Traditional romantic gestures will work best in this situation. Your guy wants to feel wanted, so try cooking him dinner, buying him tickets to his favorite sports team, or planning a weekend getaway.

Leos love luxury and being pampered, so go all out and make sure he knows that you’re doing this for him. If he still ignores you after this, then at least you know that you’ve given it your all. It’s time to move on to someone else who deserves all that you have to offer!

Related: Pamper your Leo man by getting him the perfect gift!

4. Ignore Him Back

It sounds a bit silly, but ignoring a Leo man may be the best way to get his attention. This is especially true if he wants freedom in the relationship and has been feeling a bit stifled.

This doesn’t have to be a dramatic amount of distance. You can take space by spending time with yourself, sending less texts, and going out with your friends without him.

He may notice that you’re not as available as you used to be and start to chase after you. If he does, make sure that you don’t give in too easily. You want him to value your time and attention, so make him work for it!

5. Get Closure

If you’ve tried all of the above and nothing has worked, then it may be time to get closure from the situation. Breakups are never easy, but sometimes they are for the best.

Ask your guy why he has been ignoring you in the first place and if the distance means that he’s done with the relationship. Tell him that knowing why will help you to move on.

This can be a difficult conversation, but it will help to put your mind at ease and give you the answers that you need.

How Long Can a Leo Man Go Without Talking to You?

If a Leo man is still interested in you, he can’t go very long without talking to you. His ego will want your attention, and the romantic in him doesn’t want to stop communication with the person he cares for.

You can expect to hear from him a day or two after a fight or disagreement. However, if he’s really mad, he may give you the silent treatment for a little while longer.

If he’s really hurt, he may connect with a friend who he trusts to talk about what happened first. He is very sensitive and takes things to heart, so he needs someone to help him process his emotions before he can talk to you again.

In general, though, you can expect him to reach out within a week or two at the most. If he doesn’t, it’s likely that he’s moved on.

Is Hot and Cold Behavior Normal for Leo Men?

Yes, this is typical, because Leo men are pulled by two opposite forces. On the one hand, they crave attention and validation. They want to be the center of your world and they need to know that you’re always thinking about them. On the other hand, they also enjoy their freedom and independence.

This contradiction makes this astrology sign extremely interesting, but it can also be exhausting to deal with the back and forth of their hot and cold behavior.

Since they ultimately love committed personal relationships filled with long-term loyalty, this behavior will eventually fade away. But your Leo will need to feel secure and trusting in the relationship in order to make this shift.

Some things you can do to encourage him to settle down are to be patient, consistent, and loving. If you can be the stable force in his life, he will eventually come to rely on you and feel more comfortable committing to you long-term.

How Do You Get a Leo Man to Chase You Again?

Just because your Leo man has exhibited some distance doesn’t mean that things can’t be rekindled. Here are some of the best ways to inspire your Leo guy to chase you and resume the relationship:

  • Show him your spontaneous side: Leo man can’t resist relationships full of adventure and excitement. So, show your man that you can keep up with his zest for life! Plan spontaneous weekend getaways, take dance classes together, or try a new restaurant every week.
  • Stay confident: You may feel a little vulnerable when your Leo guy becomes distant, but don’t let this show! Maintain your confident attitude and keep doing the things that make you happy. He will be drawn to your positive energy and self-assurance.
  • Compliment him: Leo men love compliments, so make sure to give him plenty of praise. Appreciate his achievements, let him know how much you enjoy his company, and constantly remind him how lucky you feel to be with him. He won’t be able to resist you!

Do Other Zodiac Men Pull Away Suddenly?

  • Why Aries men pull away
  • Why Taurus men pull away
  • Why Gemini men pull away
  • Why Cancer men pull away
  • Why Virgo men pull away
  • Why Libra men pull away
  • Why Scorpio men pull away
  • Why Sagittarius men pull away
  • Why Capricorn men pull away
  • Why Aquarius men pull away
  • Why Pisces men pull away

The Bottom Line: Why Leo Man Pulls Away

It can be hard when your Leo partner suddenly lost interest in the relationship and needs to take space. It can leave you hanging and wondering what you did wrong.

But it’s important to remember that this is just a natural part of being in a relationship with a Leo man, especially when he is confronted with new challenges or stresses in his life. So try not to take it personally when he pulls away and instead figure out the root cause.

Want to learn more about the ins and outs of dating a Leo man? Check out this detailed guide by relationship astrologer Anna Kovach: Leo Man Secrets. In this text, you’ll find everything you need to know about understanding, dating, and ultimately winning the heart of your Leo man.

Good luck on your journey towards finding lasting love with your Leo!

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AUTHOR

Sophia

A 27-year-old Sagittarius looking for love in all the wrong places. A good friend’s advice led to a deep dive into astrology. I created Zodiac Daters to share my newly gained knowledge with the world in an attempt to help other women avoid the pitfalls of dating, relationships, break ups, and sex.