You’re starting to question whether your partner has been telling the truth to you because it’s becoming more and more obvious that he isn’t. Society has set expectations and standards around sexual orientation, which can make things difficult.
People frequently battle with their sexual identity, particularly in the context of the continued discrimination and rejection that come with being gay, bisexual, or queer.
Some people may disguise their sexual orientation as a result of these attitudes, frequently going to considerable lengths to appear heterosexual.
How do you tell if someone is acting heterosexual or is gay? Let’s look at some signs a guy is pretending to be straight.
7 Signs a Guy is Pretending to be Straight
1. He steers clear of discussions concerning sex.
This could be a warning sign that a guy is pretending to be straight if you’ve noticed that your partner becomes evasive or uncomfortable when the subject of sexual orientation is brought up.
He can go around a lot or appear uninterested in discussing anything that has to do with LGBTQ issues. Should the conversation go on, he can also get defensive or upset.
This can indicate that he is trying to evade any possible inquiries or remarks by concealing something about his sexual orientation.
2. He Is Too Attached to a Single Male Friend
Having close male friends is perfectly acceptable, but if a guy appears unduly committed to one person in particular, it is another sign he is pretending to be straight.
He may be hinting at something more serious if he is constantly messaging or calling this person and demanding to hang out with him even when other friends are there. This could mean that he is secretly seeing this person or that she is drawn to him.
3. He Isn’t Interested in Women
It is only natural for many heterosexual men to be attracted to women, even if they are not their spouses or friends. Many women have claimed to have witnessed their partners flirting or casting sidelong glances at other women.
It’s possible that your boyfriend isn’t romantically attracted to women if he acts uninterested in them or seems indifferent to their presence. He is more interested in males than females. This could be an obvious sign that a guy is pretending to be straight.
4. He Is Hiding Information About His Private Life
Does your man hide a lot of things from you? Maybe he’s hiding his true identity.
He might be hiding some information regarding his activities or the people he has been hanging out with. He might also be reluctant to discuss specifics about previous relationships or his sexual identity.
This could be an indicator that your partner may not be telling you the whole truth and he could be gay, especially when you don’t have information on his activities and the people he spends his time with.
5. You See Him Glancing at Other Men.
It’s common for anyone to find physical attractiveness appealing, but if your boyfriend appears obsessed with the bodies or looks of other men, you should think about the possibility that he may be experiencing sexuality issues.
He may be just envious of another guy’s appearance or level of fitness, but if he appears to be making an effort to gaze at other guys or appears unable to turn his eyes away, it may be worthwhile to investigate more.
But keep in mind that this could just be one component of a bigger puzzle and not always a sign that he’s pretending to be straight.
6. He Has An Outright Prejudice Against LGBTQ Individuals
According to research that was published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, individuals who identify as heterosexual but who, in psychological tests, have a strong attraction to the same sex may feel threatened by individuals who identify as gay or lesbian.
This response is probably because homosexuals force people to face uncomfortable internal conflicts by reminding them of similar inclinations they possess.
Should your significant other or a male friend exhibit overt prejudice against LGBTQ individuals, it may indicate that he is making an excessive effort to make up for his emotions.
7. He Shows Excessive Interest in Your Gay Friends
Although it’s acceptable to be interested in other people’s lives, if he appears unduly fascinated with their sexuality, it could be another sign a guy is pretending to be straight.
He may be exploring his attraction to guys with your gay friends without coming clean to you or himself.
Imagine also that he is inquiring about your gay friends’ relationships and sexual experiences regularly. If so, it might indicate that he’s attempting to learn more about what it’s like to be in a same-sex partnership.
8. He Gives too much attention to His Masculinity
People naturally desire to fit in with their peers, and being strongly identified as a man is often viewed as a means of doing so, particularly in environments where men predominate.
But if your partner is always bragging about how manly he is or how much he enjoys “guy stuff,” it may be an indication that he is overcompensating for his actual sexual orientation. Pay attention to the little details.
9. He Makes Jokes About Being Gay Often.
Comedy is a common tactic used by males who are in the closet to divert attention away from their genuine emotions. They might try to detach themselves from their actual sexuality and escape suspicion by laughing about it or making light of the circumstances.
They may also use these jokes to test the waters and see how you respond. Reacting adversely can validate their apprehensions and strengthen their resolve to remain hidden.
However, if you answer them favorably, it might inspire them to be more forthcoming and truthful about who they are. This could be another clear sign that a guy is pretending to be straight.
10. He Has Gay Men-Related Phone Apps.
Another sign a guy is pretending to be gay is if he has apps on his phone that are connected to the LGBT community.
Even if he says these applications are only for “research” or “networking,” it’s important to consider how and how frequently he uses them. Take some time to go through his phone.
11. He Is Friends With Many Gay and Bisexual Men
Since they don’t make fun of him for being gay, he might feel more at ease with them. It’s crucial to remember, though, that having close friendships with gay people does not always imply that they are lying about their sexual orientation, but it could also be a good sign.
Remember, the people you associate with influence how you act. It is crucial to examine the other indicators and behaviors as a result.
12. He Is Afraid of How Other Men Will See Him
He could attempt to conform to the stereotypical image of a conventional man to allay concerns about his sexual orientation. To seem more manly, he can put a lot of effort into grooming himself, exercising, or dressing in a certain manner.
Additionally, he can also be concerned with how he acts and speaks around other males, trying to avoid anything that might be interpreted as homosexual.
13. He Displays an Unusual Interest in Male Athletes or Celebrities
Another sign a guy is pretending to be gay is that he’s unusually attracted to male athletes or celebrities. Most people have probably seen at least one athlete or celebrity who they look up to.
Let’s say he is incredibly attracted to specific male athletes or celebrities and frequently expresses his admiration for them. If so, this might be an obvious sign that a guy is pretending to be gay. In addition, he might spend a lot of time seeing images or videos of these individuals, which might provide him the chance to explore his feelings in a “safe environment.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, after noticing some of the signs that a guy is pretending to be straight, you should handle the matter with tact and respect. Even if you feel misled and angry, it’s crucial to communicate with your partner openly and courteously.
Ask him questions and make an effort to comprehend their viewpoint and emotions. Always be open to listening and learning more, because your assumptions can also be wrong.
Don’t force them to respond immediately or give too much information. Give them time to analyze their feelings and thoughts instead.
You must also be considerate of their privacy. Despite your frustration, don’t inform anyone else or engage in gossip about them.
Make the effort to educate yourself if you’re not familiar with the LGBTQ+ community. Find out how to be a helpful friend or partner by becoming knowledgeable about the various identities and experiences that people have.
Tell him about the support groups and online forums for gay people that are at his disposal if he’s ready to come out. In addition, if necessary, you can provide your own practical and emotional assistance.
