How to tell if a guy wants you to stop texting him?

Look at who starts the conversations, who asks the questions, and how long replies take. A guy who is interested usually matches your effort roughly, even if he isn't a fast texter. When the gap between messages keeps growing, when his replies stop including anything you can respond to, and when he stops asking about your day, that's the signal. Notice whether he still answers things you ask directly. Someone who wants to step back will often still reply to a plain question, but won't add anything of his own. Pay attention to whether plans are being made or dodged. A vague "we should hang out sometime" with no follow-up is different from a specific invitation that never happens. None of this is proof, but a steady trend in the same direction over several days tells you far more than the wording of any one message.

When you respond to a cooling thread, your message should keep things easy and hand him a choice he can take without guilt. Keep it brief and warm, with one light point and no question that needs a big answer. Skip anything that asks him to explain his feelings or confirm where things stand. If he's been short, match the length instead of pushing for a fuller reply. A good draft should feel like something you'd say to someone you're comfortable with, not someone you're trying to hold on to. The test is whether your message still reads fine if he never answers it. If it only works when he replies with enthusiasm, it's too heavy and asks him to do the emotional labour. Stop once it's sent. Don't add a second message to clarify or soften the first.

Give him a real window before you check again. For most people that means a few days, longer if the two of you usually text on a slower rhythm. If you've sent one thoughtful message and he hasn't replied, you're allowed to wait. Sending a second message the same day reads as anxious and tells him the first one wasn't enough to hold your attention. If he does reply, match his pace rather than jumping back to your earlier intensity. If there's no reply after a week or so of silence, treat it as his answer. Don't send a "hey, you there?" or a message that asks for closure. Let the thread go quiet, and if you want to reopen contact later, do it on a different topic with no reference to the gap. If he comes back warm, you have your answer. If not, move on and keep your energy for people who match it.