- Hamlet is not serious about his intentions toward Ophelia. Laertes warns Ophelia that Hamlet is just playing with her affections and has no intention of marrying her. He cites the fact that Hamlet is a prince and therefore would not be allowed to marry a commoner like Ophelia.
- Hamlet is too melancholy and unpredictable. Polonius points out that Hamlet has been acting strangely and irrationally lately. He worries that Hamlet's madness will hurt Ophelia and damage her reputation.
- The relationship between Hamlet and Ophelia is causing tension between the two families. Polonius is aware that the feud between the Hamlet and Polonius families is intensifying, and he believes that continuing the relationship between Hamlet and Ophelia will only make matters worse.