Why are guys cowards?

I am a 30 yo woman and have been feeling frustrated with the way guys slowly ghost then when I confront them they say “I don’t think I’m ready for a relationship” or “I’m going through stuff right now”. Mind you that we would go out on a couple of dates, and they go well. We flirt, hold hands, body language indicates attraction and the dates go on for hours talking and going to different places. Is it so difficult to send a text saying “hey this isn’t working” or “I’m not interested anymore”. I am talking about 28 – 35 yo age range who have good careers, healthy relationships with family and friends, and appear mature and smart when talking to them. Do they genuinely want an asshole to treat them horribly without showing interest? Do I have to act and pretend in the first few weeks to have a guy hooked? I don’t like that thought and just want to know if my experience is universal or is just the ones in this country.