There is no limit to the number of articles and online quizzes that claim to determine whether someone has romantic feelings towards you, but the truth is you cannot relegate the responsibility of figuring out the answer to someone else.

If your potential partner has actual potential, he will make an effort to show his feelings for you—and you will be able to feel out the answer for yourself. You won't have doubts. You won't have to second guess your gut feelings. You will be secure that the feelings are mutual.

Why would you want to be with someone who only maybe likes you?

We've all fallen into this trap of what-ifs, but now it's time to climb back out. Of course, there's always a period of not-knowing in the blossoming of any relationship as you begin to ascertain your own feelings, but the not knowing should not be chronic. He either likes you or he doesn't. And you definitely don't deserve someone who is uncertain about how he feels, one foot in, one foot out. No, he should figure that sh*t out on his own and if he comes back with open arms, you can decide whether he's worth it to you. You need to think of yourself as a high-value individual, and should never settle for maybe, maybe, maybe. Everyone deserves more than that.

Keep in mind the words of author John Green: "Don't bother with someone who maybe likes you."

I always made the mistake of chasing the wrong men thinking that I was always one step away from not maybe. That's not how it works, for whatever reason, they can't be certain. Or you're not certain about what to think.

By holding onto someone who isn't right for you, you reduce your chances of meeting that person who is right. The person who will be direct and say "' have feelings for you," "I think I've fallen for you," "I love you," and show it too. When you continue to bother with someone who maybe likes you, you stop questioning whether you should like them. You become too caught up in them liking you, you don't stop to think: huh, maybe there's a better fit for me out there, somewhere. Because it's better to be alone than to be pining after the wrong person—or finally get with them and realize how wrong you are for each other.

Sure, give him a chance, but don't accept any wishy-washy words or behavior. Getting someone to tell you they have feelings shouldn't be like pulling teeth, let them pour it out on their own volition or assume it's not there. Go with your gut instinct and follow that trail.