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How to Deal with Mixed Signals (Without Losing Your Mind)

Don’t make this critical mistake…

Manj Bahra
Modern Love
Published in
3 min readJan 27, 2025

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Have you ever found yourself utterly confused by someone’s behaviour?

One minute, they’re all in — flirty messages, frequent contact, and undeniable interest.

The next? Everything changes.

The tone shifts, the messages slow down, and suddenly, they seem distant or cold.

You notice it. You feel it. And no matter how much you try to ignore it, something feels off.

Then, just as you’re ready to walk away, they swing back — flirty, attentive, and seemingly “back to normal.”

You breathe a brief sigh of relief… until the cycle repeats.

Sound familiar?

If it does, you’re not alone.

Mixed signals are one of the most common (and frustrating) challenges people share with me.

So, how do you deal with it?

The first step is understanding why mixed signals drive us crazy.

Psychology gives us a solid explanation: Cognitive Dissonance.

Cognitive dissonance happens when we experience conflicting behaviours or ideas, creating mental stress.

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Modern Love
Modern Love

Published in Modern Love

Sharing the best in the science and psychology of 21st-century dating

Manj Bahra
Manj Bahra

Written by Manj Bahra

Helping you break the cycle and find love. Neuroscience & psychology-based advice. 3 million reads and counting!

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