If you’ve ever heard the dreaded, “You’re a nice guy, but I don’t feel that spark,” you know how frustrating it is to be seen only as a friend by someone you’re genuinely interested in. The friend zone can be a difficult place to escape from, and it’s likely not due to looks, height, money, or status. Often, it’s about certain behaviors that unintentionally lead women to see you as “just a friend” instead of a potential partner.

To understand what might be going wrong, let’s explore six common mistakes men make with women and how to avoid them to foster a genuine romantic connection.

1. You Pretend to Want Friendship and Hide Your Intentions

A common trap many men fall into is starting a relationship on purely platonic terms, hoping that the woman will eventually realize how great a boyfriend they’d be. They play the role of a supportive friend, always there for her emotionally and helping whenever possible, only to realize that she still doesn’t feel attracted to them. Here’s why this approach often backfires:

The Fix: Attraction doesn’t naturally blossom from friendship—it requires a spark. If you’re interested in a woman, be honest with yourself and her by showing genuine romantic interest. Flirt, add some playful banter, and don’t shy away from making physical gestures like light touches that convey your feelings. It’s better to be open about your intentions than to build an unbalanced friendship that may never turn romantic.

2. You’re Always Waiting for Signals

Many men wait for women to make the first move, mistakenly believing this approach will help them avoid rejection. But the reality is that most women prefer men to take the initiative, signaling their interest by asking them out or initiating a first kiss. Waiting for explicit signs from her means you’re likely missing opportunities.

The Fix: Lead with your interest. Once you feel a connection, ask her out, make plans, and guide the conversation towards a flirtatious tone. Confidence is attractive, and women are more likely to respond positively when they see you’re willing to take the lead. Don’t waste time looking for hints—be upfront with your intentions.

3. You Don’t Make a Move in Time

Some men think taking it slow will make a woman more comfortable, but this can actually work against them. Women often know early on if they feel a spark, and waiting too long can cause that attraction to fade. If you’ve been talking for months without taking the next step, it’s likely she’ll see you as a friend rather than a romantic partner.

The Fix: Take action sooner rather than later. If you feel a connection, invite her to go out within a few conversations. When on a date, pay attention to cues that she’s interested and go for a kiss when the moment feels right. Acting with intention shows confidence and builds momentum, which is crucial in keeping her interested.

4. You Don’t Take the Lead

Leading is more than just making decisions—it’s about showing her that you’re comfortable and confident in your own skin. Indecisiveness, like constantly asking her what she wants to do, can make you appear uncertain and puts undue pressure on her to decide. Women often want a man who takes charge and makes things easier for them.

The Fix: Take ownership of the date by making suggestions and plans. If she doesn’t like your ideas, she’ll let you know, and you can adjust accordingly. Even initiating deeper conversations shows that you’re interested in who she really is. This doesn’t mean being pushy, but rather being confident enough to lead and give her the chance to respond.

5. You Back Down from Her “Tests”

Women sometimes challenge men to gauge their confidence and genuine interest. If she makes an offhand comment like “Are you hitting on me?” or pushes back when you invite her back to your place, she may not be rejecting you; rather, she’s testing to see if you’ll stay confident and composed under pressure.

The Fix: Learn to handle these challenges with a sense of humor and calmness. If she questions your intentions, be playfully reassuring without backing down. This shows inner strength and helps her feel more comfortable around you. Confidence, when tested, reinforces that you’re someone who knows what he wants and isn’t easily deterred.

6. You’re Not Bold or Polarizing

Playing it safe and always agreeing with her can help her feel comfortable, but it doesn’t generate the attraction necessary for romance. Women are drawn to men who are genuine and unafraid to express their opinions, even if they disagree with her. Showing your authentic self and stirring up emotions can be far more appealing than playing it safe.

The Fix: Let your personality shine, quirks and all. Don’t be afraid to disagree with her in a friendly, respectful way or ask personal questions that deepen the connection. Share your passions, suggest a spontaneous adventure, and go for that kiss when the moment feels right. Bold actions create excitement, and by risking a little, you show that you’re confident enough to handle potential rejection.

Breaking the Friend Zone Barrier

If you want to go beyond friendship and spark attraction, take these six tips to heart. By showing genuine intent, leading the interaction, and building a romantic connection with confidence, you can make a woman see you as more than “just a friend.”