Alisa Atroshchenko, a multilingual life and couples coach with 7+ years of experience, specializes in guiding diverse couples towards stronger connections using empathy and practical strategies, drawing from her international background.
You’re out there, meeting people, looking for that spark but there’s always a risk of getting caught up with someone who’s just playing the field. A few of my clients, international women from all over the world, have shared stories that start like fairy tales and end with a wake-up call. And let me tell you, I’ve seen it all: the smooth talkers, the “accidental” ghosters, and the master breadcrumbers.
When you’re dating across cultures, recognizing a player can feel tricky. But there are universal red flags and a few cultural nuances that can help you spot when he’s not Mr. Right. Here’s what to look for, wherever you are, with some real stories from my clients who took control, built up their self-esteem, and finally found what they were looking for.
The universal red flags
Whether you’re dating in New York, Tokyo, or Rio, some behaviors scream “player.” Here are the classic moves that should always make you take a closer look:
1. Hot and cold communication
One day he’s all over you, texting constantly, making plans and then suddenly he’s gone. Players know how to dangle a carrot and keep you wanting more. A client of mine from Brazil once described this as “feeling like I was on a yo-yo.” She had ignored her gut because he was so charming, but his inconsistent contact kept her on edge. We worked on listening to her intuition and realizing that true interest doesn’t vanish and reappear.
2. Rushing the romance
He’s already talking about meeting your family, planning trips, or even “how amazing our kids would be.” Fast-forwarding can feel like passion, but often it’s a tactic to sweep you off your feet and then disappear. One of my clients, originally from Russia, fell hard for a Frenchman who was already discussing wedding plans within a month. But when it came time to make real, everyday plans? Nowhere to be found. We explored why she felt so swept up and helped her slow down the pace, which revealed his lack of real commitment.
3. Avoiding personal details
A player loves to stay mysterious. If he’s tight-lipped about his life, family, or job or if details just don’t add up, it’s time to pause. I once coached a woman dating a European man who’d spent months avoiding any details about his “crazy busy work life.” It turned out he had another girlfriend abroad. Through our sessions, she learned how to ask clear questions without feeling “pushy” and built up her self-worth to know that transparency is a basic relationship need.
4. Mixed signals and breadcrumbing
A player will give just enough to keep you invested. He might cancel plans last minute, always has an excuse, and yet finds ways to stay in your life. One of my clients, a young woman in Mexico City, dealt with breadcrumbing from a man who kept her on standby while he “figured things out.” We worked together to build her self-esteem and practice setting boundaries, which empowered her to call him out and walk away with confidence.
The cultural nuances
Dating isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience, especially when you’re navigating cultural differences. Here’s how these red flags might appear in different parts of the world:
In Latin America
Charming and passionate? Yes, please. But if he’s not introducing you to family or friends within a reasonable time, he might not be serious. Latin culture values family, and if you’re sidelined, that’s a clue. One Latina client realized that her partner’s reluctance to bring her into his personal life wasn’t a “personal style” but a signal he wasn’t looking for commitment.
In Asian cultures
Reserved communication can be normal, but someone who keeps their life completely off-limits might be a player. A client from Japan once felt “rushed” by a Western man who wanted to move too quickly. She recognized, through our sessions, that he was likely just passing through rather than investing in a long-term future.
In Western cultures
Serial dating, breadcrumbing, and fast-forwarding are often clearer signs in cultures where directness is valued. A European client realized her partner’s evasiveness about his social life was a sign he wasn’t serious. After recognizing these behaviors, she built up the confidence to walk away, no longer doubting her intuition.
Why high self-esteem is your best defense against players
High self-esteem isn’t just a buzzword, it’s the foundation for recognizing, and walking away from, men who don’t value you. When you truly value yourself, you don’t feel pressured to “settle” for a man who won’t step up. Instead, you have the courage to set standards, trust your gut, and know that the right relationship will feel secure, not uncertain.
One client came to me after a series of flings left her feeling lost. Together, we worked on strengthening her self-worth through daily affirmations, mindfulness, and redefining her expectations in love. When she met someone new, her high self-esteem allowed her to spot red flags early and walk away without a second thought.
Find your confidence, find real love
If you’re tired of second-guessing, feeling “played,” or settling for less, it’s time to work on you. Building self-confidence is the first step toward attracting a healthy, respectful relationship. Through my coaching I’ll help you recognize patterns, set boundaries, and find clarity.
Ready to say goodbye to players for good and hello to real love? Book a session with me, and let’s make sure you’re prepared to recognize the signs and choose a partner who values you as much as you value yourself.
Read more from Alisa Atroshchenko
Alisa Atroshchenko, Life and Relationships Coach
Alisa Atroshchenko, a life and couples coach with over 7 years of experience, specializes in fostering stronger connections and personal growth in relationships. Fluent in four languages— English, French, Russian and Spanish—her multicultural upbringing lends a deep understanding of global perspectives. Guiding couples through self-understanding and needs assessment, she facilitates transformative journeys towards understanding and harmony. With a mission to spread happiness through building stronger relationships, she draws from her international background spanning Russia, France, Switzerland, and Mexico. Her commitment to fostering understanding knows no bounds, offering support and guidance worldwide.
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