Why are men afraid of being liked too much?

There's a strange thing: men like to be liked, but they're afraid of being liked too much. Because at that moment, something they carefully hide kicks in—their dependence on a woman's reaction. He likes having a woman nearby, likes her gaze, likes the way she plays with pauses... but as soon as he notices himself reaching out to her faster than he intended, he abruptly stops.
He takes a step back, as if checking to see if he'll lose himself if he takes two steps forward.
And that's when the woman sees the most interesting thing—the struggle within him. He seems to want more, but he clings to his freedom with both hands, so as not to appear weak. Although, to be honest, sometimes a man appears much stronger when he allows himself to feel, not by giving in, but by choosing.
But men too often think that if they show they're important to him, she'll start dictating the rules. Although everyone knows: more often than not, it's the opposite—a woman respects a man who isn't afraid to be open but remains himself. The funniest thing is: the more a man tries to hide his desire, the more clearly it's revealed. Women see it instantly—in his pauses, his breathing, the way he stops looking into her eyes for too long.
And yet, if he's afraid of being liked too much... then he already is.
Would you admit it out loud or continue playing it safe?