u/peanutbutterhhh

Leo man I’m dating told me he was cheated on on multiple occasions by the woman he thought he was going to marry. He‘s been single and dating casually for 7 years now. We’ve been spending consistent time together at his initiative for the last 6 months but he hasn’t revealed much emotionally. His actions show that he likes me (he initiated exclusivity) but he hasn’t verbally expressed how he truly feels. I know Leos’ top traits are loyalty and commitment, and betrayal can be one of the worst and most painful experiences, maybe more so than for other signs given how hard Leos love and your pride.

1. What is the psychology behind Leos that have been hurt deeply / betrayed in the past?
2. If he isn’t very verbally expressive about his emotions and feelings, is there a way for me to get reassurance that he really does care?

Edit: Modified the q slightly as this isn’t about me forcing anyone to feel or do anything. Not the intention here.

Leo man that I’m seeing withdraws and becomes a bit cold / distant / aloof when stressed. He works long hours under high pressure in a corporate job and has been struggling with motivation and performance recently, which isn’t his usual self. He admits he’s going through a bit of an existential crisis in his career. I give him 100% but sometimes get 10% in return, and sometimes I want more attention and effort from him even though I believe he’s doing his best to see me and isn’t intentionally trying to hurt me. I have tried to be supportive and he says he appreciates me understanding his situation but I admit I feel a bit unsatisfied at times.

When he’s not stressed and doing well at work or work isn’t as busy, he is present and the sweetest. But now his responses over text are short and a bit inconsiderate and his energy and behaviour is just overall low effort. He also doesn’t communicate the best when apart and isn’t an open book about what he’s going through so that makes it harder for me to know what’s going on in his mind. Is it best I back off a bit and give him space? Please help me understand you guys better!

I’ve recently started seeing a Leo for the first time. I’m a Virgo, and I’ve always heard that Leos and Virgos aren’t the most naturally compatible signs, so I’m curious what really makes you guys commit.

A few Leo friends of mine — including the guy I’m currently seeing — have been hurt in the past (cheating, betrayal etc.), so they seem much more careful about opening up or committing (some of them are total commitment-phobes). But at the same time, I’ve noticed that once a Leo does commit, they’re all in, and honestly that’s something I really admire and love about you guys.

So please share the secrets to your hearts — especially if you’re a Leo with commitment fears. What makes you feel safe enough to fully let someone in?

I (25), Virgo, recently started seeing a Leo man (31). We met through work and became friends quickly. At the time, I had a bf, so things were completely platonic, at least on my end. I ended my relationship 2-3 months ago, and since then we’ve been spending even more time together and recently became intimate.

I’m not ready for another serious relationship, but the more time we spend together, the more emotionally attached I am to him and I have communicated this. He said he likes spending time with me and wants to take things slow but nothing beyond this. I agree with, but I’m scared of getting hurt or ending up in a situationship.

Part of the struggle is because of what I learned about him through our friendship. 7 years ago, he was repeatedly cheated on by the girl he thought he’d marry, and since then he hasn’t been in a relationship or emotionally involved. Even things like cuddling or holding hands or a girl staying over at his place are unfamiliar to him. He openly admits he’s an fboy, doesn’t trust women, is terrified of love, and definitely has avoidant tendencies (and a bunch of other issues I won't go into).

At the same time, we have a great connection, and I’m starting to see softer sides of him. He’s been vulnerable with me about his past (rare), childhood, and family, and I’ve met his friends once. He’s sweet when we’re together, and despite his emotional walls, we’ve already done “couple” things, with limitations.

Right now, I genuinely enjoy his company. We also have a solid friendship, similar hobbies, and naturally enjoy spending time together. But I worry that once I’m ready for a relationship, I’ll want more than he can give. I can sense that he craves deep love and has a lot of love to give, but after 7 years of emotional unavailability, I wonder if I’m setting myself up for future disappointment and heartbreak.