Does “If He Wanted to, He Would” Always Apply? 5 Types of Gentle Suggestions That Help You Date with Clarity

“If he wanted to, he would” sounds nice, but there’s nuance. Gentle suggestions can help you tell the difference between someone truly interested and someone who’s just not.

Don’t get mad at me just yet… hear me out.

You’ve probably seen it on Instagram, TikTok, or heard it from friends: “If he wanted to, he would.” It’s the dating mantra meant to help you stop overthinking a man’s behavior and recognize when someone isn’t putting in the effort.

And while there’s some truth to it, in modern dating, it’s a little more complicated than that.

Here’s the thing: unless you and the guy you’re dating share the exact same upbringing, influences, preferences, and expectations, he might not actually know what you want or find acceptable – at least not without you telling him.

And that’s not a crime.

Yes, if you’re waiting days for a text back or hoping he’ll show any sign of interest without guidance, then this quote absolutely applies.

If a man genuinely wants something, he’ll pursue it. But the reality is, modern dating (with its online influence, modern-day stressors, and diverse, global perspectives) has shifted, and the rules are… messy.

Guys today are often told not to be too forward, not to seem pushy or creepy, and not to overstep boundaries. Social norms around male behavior are confusing, and many men are just plain unsure how to express interest appropriately.

Sometimes, this results in them doing “not enough” – even if they genuinely like you.

That’s why the concept of a gentle suggestion can be a game-changer. A well-placed, confident message is not desperate. It’s not needy. It’s self-assured, thoughtful, and clarifies expectations, thus giving both people a fair chance to show up for the relationship.

Let’s break down the different ways gentle suggestions can work, depending on your needs and expectations in dating.

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1. For Spending Time Together

If your priority is actually seeing each other, gentle suggestions can remove confusion without pressure.

For example:

• “Hey, I had fun last time. Want to do it again?”

• “I’d love to see you this week. What’s your schedule like?”

These messages are clear, simple, and invite him to take action. They communicate your interest without guilt-tripping, shaming, or waiting endlessly for him to “read your mind.”

2. For Communication & Texting

Sometimes you want more than just in-person interactions. Maybe you like getting to know someone in between dates or keeping the connection alive through texting.

Try something like:

• “I like it when I can get to know someone through texting a bit more between seeing each other in person.”

• “I enjoy keeping in touch between dates, and I’d love to hear from you more often.”

This lets him know your communication preferences. If he responds positively, great! If not, you’ve clarified that he can’t meet a core need early on, saving time and emotional energy.

3. For Emotional Availability & Vulnerability

Here’s another scenario: you may want a guy who can share and connect with you on a deeper level. You’re looking to feel emotionally safe and understood. Gentle suggestions for this situation might sound like:

• “I value honesty; if something’s on your mind, I’d love to hear it.”

• “It’s important for me to feel like we can talk openly. Can we check in more?”

You might be afraid to say something like this due to a conditioned belief that you’d be nagging or policing him; it’s about setting the tone for a healthy, emotionally available connection. If he can meet you there, awesome.

If not, that’s when the old mantra “if he wanted to, he would” really starts to apply.

4. For Effort & Investment in the Relationship

You might want someone who shows interest through effort and not just words. Small gestures, initiative, and consistent follow-through can mean a lot.

Here are some examples of what you can say to see whether he’s up for that or can’t give you what you need:

• “I appreciate when someone shows they care; little gestures such as (insert your favorite types of gestures here – flowers, notes, back rubs, whatever!) mean a lot to me.”

• “I like it when plans are mutually made and not just one-sided, so can we make sure we both put in effort?”

These gentle suggestions clearly communicate your standards and invite him to meet them. Again, if he doesn’t, then yep… “if he wanted to, he would.” 

But since not everyone communicates or shows love in the same way, the phrase doesn’t make sense until he knows what you care about.

5. For Clarity & Avoiding Mixed Signals

Finally, sometimes you just want to know where you stand. Modern dating is notorious for ambiguity, so gentle suggestions can provide clarity (as opposed to overthinking and assuming the worst!).

Try:

• “I value clarity. I feel (this way) about you. How are you feeling about where we stand?”

• “If we’re both feeling this connection, I’d like to be straightforward about it.”

These kinds of messages communicate confidence, self-respect, and emotional intelligence all at once. They make it clear that you’re proactive, not passive, and you know you deserve someone who can show up honestly.

Putting It All Together

Here’s the bottom line: “If he wanted to, he would” is not the whole story.

Sometimes, men genuinely do want to pursue you or show they care, but they don’t know how to navigate modern dating norms, or they need a little guidance to understand your specific preferences and standards.

Gentle suggestions give you a way to:

• Communicate your needs confidently

• Clarify expectations without coming off desperate

• Save time and emotional energy

• Invite him to show up in ways that matter to you

And then? If he still fails to meet you where you are after understanding your needs, then that’s when the mantra fully applies.

Modern dating isn’t about mind games, waiting endlessly, or testing him.

It’s about honest communication, self-respect, and creating a space where both people can show up fully. A confident, well-timed suggestion can be the difference between waiting for someone to “get it” and actually building a meaningful connection.

So don’t feel guilty about asking for what you want. Your time, energy, and heart deserve clarity.

Love,

Imani

If you liked this article, you might be interested in other problematic dating rules that may be inadvertently hindering your chances at finding a genuine connection. Check out my free, clickable eBook: 12 Dating Rules to Rethink.