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Some individuals find it extremely difficult to make relational decisions, confusing potential new partners.

A study explores the roots of relational indecisiveness, showing six ways to detect it in a new partner.

By understanding why some partners can't commit, you can wait out their decision with greater patience.

In any new relationship, there’s a period of time in which both individuals have the chance to decide how serious this relationship will become.

Casey and Morgan were both single when a mutual friend introduced them. It seemed like things were off to a good start. However, a few weeks into the relationship, Casey began to wonder why Morgan wasn’t picking up on what she thought were obvious cues that she was ready to commit. Wanting this relationship to be serious, Casey felt hurt and confused about what was holding Morgan back from reciprocating.

If you can relate to this situation, you may have some theories about Morgan’s seeming indifference. Perhaps Morgan isn’t really that interested in Casey. Or maybe Morgan is just an indecisive person who always waits to take action.

The Quandary of Relational Indecisiveness

According to Kyoto University’s Kuan-Ju Huang and colleagues (2026), decisions involving relationships “can be fraught with ambiguity, conflicts, and uncertainties, preventing individuals from making fast and stable decisions” (p. 1391). In some ways, the general inability to make decisions can reflect a general personality........

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