Sudden change in behaviour - what would you think?

[RandomMcRandomface]

I just wondered what you would think if someone you were close to and spoke to regularly suddenly started only replying to your messages as a bare minimum to be polite (ie no questions to carry the conversation onward) and stopped initiating messages? Especially if they were still clearly online.

Would you think:

1. they didn't like you as much any more and are pulling away; or B) they have something else going on and are too distracted/busy to be in touch?

I've been in this position a couple of times now and have never been quite sure what to do. I always assume it's the first and feel bad, but know I have been guilty of this before when it's for the second reason.

What would you assume?

That they were no longer interested. Sorry!

What's the context of your relationship with them?

I'd also assume that they were no longer interested.

but if they have given no explanation - just suddenly changed their behaviour - it surely means they are not all that interested?

and if you are analysing perhaps you are over invested?

i'd find lots of other things to do and not message or even 'check up' on them.

if they are interested they'll come back to you.

Thanks!

In this case it's a friend of the opposite sex (although nothing more), but the last time I was in the same position it was a friend of the same sex and I let the friendship slide and always wondered if it was the right thing to do. I still don't know why it happened.

It's not that I'm checking up as such but am online a lot myself (it's my main form of communication with many people I chat to daily and am in lots of groups) so can clearly see who has a green light on.

Tricky. It could just be that they have a lot going on and dont have the headspace to reply. If they have a green light on it doesnt necessarily mean that they are available. I think a better test would be to arrange to meet if possible. If they want to be friends they will make it, if not you will get excuses.

Also if its a friend of the opposite sex their oh might not like it. Or they might have feelings for you but want to stay with their partner so do it as a sort of protection.

*Would you think:

1. they didn't like you as much any more and are pulling away; or B) they have something else going on and are too distracted/busy to be in touch?*

I would think:
III) The relationship is gradually fizzling out, perhaps their interests have changed or you were never really that compatible, or never do much together, and it has run its course.

Which doesn't mean they don't like you any more.