Texting Games and Mixed Signals

How to Spot Time Wasters in the Dating Pool

Dating has become like the Wild Wild West—where the good mornings are sweet, but the follow-through is trash. You know the type: sending “wyd?” texts at 11 PM, disappearing for days only to pop back up with a “been busy” excuse, or hitting you with just enough attention to keep you hooked but never enough effort to build something real.

Chile… welcome to the land of texting games and mixed signals—where consistency is rare, and some dudes treat your time like it’s on clearance.

But listen, we’re not doing this in 2025. I’m still an old school believer in talking on the phone but sometimes our busy lives don’t allow that luxury. As solo moms, we already juggle work, kids, and life, so the last thing we need is someone playing hide-and-seek with their intentions.

So let’s chat about how to spot these time wasters early, so you don’t lose sleep (or sanity) over someone’s grown son.

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🚩 Red Flags in the Texting Game

1.🚩The “Good Morning, Beautiful” Routine with No Substance

Now look, contrary to popular opinion, I’m not opposed to a good morning text. It lets me know that I’m on his mind early in the morning. However, but, and, if all he ever sends is a daily “GM, beautiful,” but there’s no effort to actually plan a date or chat about anything with significance. Sis… that’s not romantic—it’s routine. Sweet words with zero action mean nothing. Don’t fall for the copy-paste charm.

2.🚩Inconsistent Energy

One day they’re all in—texting you nonstop, asking about your day. The next? Radio silence. If their communication feels like a rollercoaster, that’s a sign they’re either entertaining other options or just not serious about building something real.

3. 🚩The “I’m Just Busy” Excuse

We’re all grown with responsibilities, but let’s be honest—if someone wants to talk to you, they will. No one is that busy. It takes 10 seconds to send a text or check in. If their “busyness” only kicks in when it’s time to make plans, that’s a no.

4. 🚩Plans That Never Happen

They keep saying, “We gotta link up soon,” but “soon” never comes. If you’re always stuck in the land of “one day,” it’s time to move on. Real interest looks like solid plans, not endless talk.

5. 🚩Breadcrumb Dropper

They talk a good game—say all the right things. Conversation is consistent. Their favorite thing is to talk about what they’re going to do but never actually do. These are the breadcrumb droppers—feeding you just enough attention to keep you interested but never any action to actually move forward.

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✅ How to Handle the Time-Wasters

1. ✅ Match Energy—Don’t Chase It

If they’re giving bare minimum, meet them at their level—or better yet, remove yourself. Your time is valuable. Don’t over invest in someone who’s only halfway in.

2. ✅ Ask Direct Questions

If you’re confused about where you stand, ask. “Are you genuinely interested in getting to know me, or just keeping it casual?” Their response—or lack of one—will tell you everything.

3. ✅ Set Clear Boundaries

Let them know what you’re looking for. It doesn’t have to be a dramatic “What are we?” conversation, but something simple like, “I’m dating with intention—how about you?” weeds out the game players real quick.

4. ✅ Don’t Mistake Attention for Intention

Someone texting you daily doesn’t mean they want a relationship. Look at their actions—not just their words. Are they making plans? Checking in consistently? Supporting you beyond the “wyd” texts? That’s what matters.

5. ✅ Know When to Unsubscribe

Sometimes, the best response is none. If you notice a pattern of hot-and-cold behavior, don’t explain yourself—just exit the chat. Protect your peace.

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💛 You Deserve More Than Games

At the end of the day, dating as a solo mom means your time is precious. You’re not just looking for someone who texts cute things—you want someone who shows up, stays consistent, and values you for the queen you are.

So, if someone’s playing games with your heart (or your inbox), let them go. You’re not a pit stop; you’re a destination.

Here’s to real love, clear intentions, and no more time wasters.

Love, light, & a strong block game,

Tiera Nicole