In general, why do some women hide their feelings if they're in love?

Traditionally, girls aren’t supposed to show their feelings for a guy, for fear of appearing “too easy”. But that’s changing nowadays.

That is counter to what I know. Most woman are pretty open about this stuff if you actually listen. Sounds like the guy is expecting love where there is none so he is confused.

edit :: grammar & spelling

Because men like the chase.

I never did it, I was always very upfront and honest in my relationships. Although, I was never the first one to say, “I love you,” it was always the guy first. I didn’t date much though. I have only been in two relatioships where the word love was used.

Some women do this because when you open yourself up you become vulnerable and then you can easily be hurt, and no one likes to be hurt or heartbroken. That simple I think.

Also, sometimes, when a woman expresses her feelings and the guy isn’t ready for it or doesn’t reciprocate, it’s a pretty good way to get some guys to head for the door, ASAP.

I have heard of women who have had a guy stolen from under their nose by predatory friends. They tend to be less forthcoming until the relationship that is blooming, is on more solid footing.

This can work both ways and I don’t think this is gender related. There are 4 possibilities here; she may have read some ill advised dating advice (still very common today) which encourages women to play hard to get, she may be shy, she suffers from the princess syndrome or she’s just not into you as much as you may think.

Maybe women are afraid to get too attached to someone.
Fear of rejection if they expose their true feelings.
Maybe they just got out of a bad relationship and are taking things slowly. Those are my guesses.

Women professing love too quickly sometimes sends the guy running in the other direction.

It does not sound from your details like she has any feelings for you. It sounds like you are in the friend zone. The answer is that she wouldn’t hide her feelings, especially if you has declared yours.

Telling a best friend you have special feelings is risking that friendship.

I have been hid my feelings once, for that reason… but then again… I’m a boy.

and now I’m married to her for almost thirteen years

I have never known a woman to hide her feelings, but I have known them to not expand on their expression unless reciprocated.

It’s not saying “I love you” on the third date, but being affectionate, touching, smiling when they see you, all the little cues to encourage you. It’s incremental, and reciprocal. She won’t increase her affection if you don’t.

In general, why do some women hide their feelings if they’re in love?

As opposed to men, who are so open with their emotions?

fear of vulnerability.

If she knows how you feel and hasn’t reciprocated it’s because she is only interested in being friends.