What is why does he act interested one minute and distant the next?

When someone acts interested one minute and distant the next, it can be confusing and frustrating. There are several reasons why this behavior might occur:

1. Mixed Feelings: The person might have mixed emotions about the relationship or situation. They could be interested but also have reservations or fears that cause them to pull back at times.

2. Emotional Unavailability: Some individuals struggle with being emotionally available due to past experiences or personal issues. This can lead to oscillating behaviors as they grapple with their emotions.

3. Testing Boundaries: They may be testing the other person's reactions and boundaries to gauge interest or see how much the other person cares.

4. Fear of Commitment: A fear of commitment can cause someone to act interested and then withdraw. They may be eager to connect but afraid of what a deeper commitment entails.

5. Indecision: They might be uncertain about their feelings or what they want from the relationship, which leads to fluctuating behavior as they try to figure it out.

6. External Factors: Stress, personal issues, or external pressures unrelated to the relationship can also influence their behavior, making them seem distant at times.

7. Communication Issues: Miscommunication or a lack of communication might cause misunderstanding about intentions and feelings, leading to mixed signals.

8. Playing Games: In some cases, people might intentionally play hard to get or use distancing as a strategy to increase the other person's interest.

Understanding the underlying cause of this behavior often requires communication and, in some cases, patience. If the relationship is important, discussing these patterns openly can help clarify any misunderstandings and address any underlying issues.