Respect is essential for a healthy and happy relationship. If you’re with someone who doesn’t respect you, it can damage your self-esteem and mental health over time.
It’s important to be able to identify the signs of disrespect early on in a relationship so you can either demand to be treated the way you deserve or walk away if the situation becomes unhealthy.
If your man is often rude or condescending toward you, chances are that he doesn’t respect you or see you as an equal.
Keep reading to discover some telltale signs a man doesn’t respect you and what to do about it.
10 CLEAR SIGNS HE DOESN’T RESPECT YOU
Disrespect can come in many forms and sometimes it’s hard to spot in a romantic relationship. Most people shrug it off and let it fester until it gets out of hand.
But it’s often best to try to stop disrespectful behavior as soon as you notice it. Condoling it means you’re okay with it and your partner will continue to take you for granted.
If your man behaves a certain way toward you and you often feel violated, you may be dealing with a lack of respect in your relationship. Here are some signs he doesn’t respect you:
1. He treats you poorly
One of the first signs of disrespect in a relationship is that your partner will treat you like trash.
For example, they may talk to you as if you’re a child and yell at you in public for little mistakes.
A disrespectful partner may also interrupt you when you’re speaking or dismiss your opinions.
Does your man brush you off when you try to talk about the relationship or voice your concerns?
Does he make hurtful jokes and comments and then claim you’re “too sensitive” when you call him out?
Does he often abandon you to hang out with his buddies even though you’ve complained about his behavior?
These are major red flags that indicate a man doesn’t respect you and probably never will.
You don’t need to tolerate this kind of disrespect from a man. Walk away from this relationship and find someone who will treat you better.
The longer you stay, the more your self-esteem will diminish and you’ll become a shadow of yourself.
A man who loves and respects you will treat you right and make you a priority in his life.
He’ll also see you as his equal and will go the extra mile to keep you happy. If your partner is taking you for granted, you need to consider leaving.
2. He doesn’t listen to your opinion
Another sign a man doesn’t respect you is that he never listens to what you have to say.
A healthy relationship is all about mutual respect, and that starts with actually listening to each other.
If your man frequently dismisses your thoughts or suggestions without considering them, that shows he doesn’t value your input.
Speak up and let him know his behavior is unacceptable! You deserve to feel heard in your own relationship.
Pay attention if he often interrupts you or talks over you in conversations, especially around others.
This rude behavior suggests he thinks what he has to say is more important than anything you might contribute.
Don’t stand for it! Politely but firmly tell him his actions are disrespectful and need to change.
And if he doesn’t often remember what you tell him, it could be a sign of disrespect too.
We all forget things sometimes, but if your man never seems to remember anything you share with him, that indicates he’s not listening or doesn’t care to retain what you say.
You need a partner who will make an effort to know what’s important to you. Let him know in no uncertain terms that he needs to do better if he wants this relationship to work out!
You deserve so much more than a man who won’t even give you the basic courtesy of listening. Stand up for yourself now before the lack of respect gets worse.
3. He puts his needs above yours
Does your man always put his wants before your needs? That’s a sign he lacks respect for you. A caring partner will value your happiness and well-being.
When you’re together, does he choose what to do without asking for your input?
Does he expect you to drop everything when he wants to see you but he’s “too busy” when you want to meet up? You deserve so much better than that!
A healthy relationship is a two-way street. Both of your needs and desires should be equally important.
Don’t stand for a one-sided relationship where you’re constantly compromising to please him but getting little in return.
Speak up and let him know his selfish behavior is unacceptable. If he’s unwilling to change and start prioritizing you, then you need to prioritize yourself and find someone who will treat you well!
Life is too short to waste time on people who don’t appreciate you. You deserve a partner who makes you feel respected and puts you first—just as much as you put them first!
And when you find the right person, you’ll wonder why you ever tolerated bad behavior in the first place.
4. He doesn’t take responsibility
Another sign a man doesn’t respect you is that he never says “sorry”. If he messes up or hurts your feelings, he won’t take responsibility for his actions.
He’ll make excuses, blame you, or just ignore the situation altogether instead of sincerely apologizing.
If a man can’t own up to his mistakes, it means he doesn’t respect you. Call him out on his behavior and let him know you deserve better.
If he’s unwilling to change, you need to decide whether you want to stay in a relationship where you’re not respected.
A caring partner will treat you well and want to make things right when they’re wrong so don’t waste your time on someone who doesn’t respect you enough to apologize.
5. He tries to change or control you
If your man is constantly trying to control you or change your personality, that’s a big red flag.
Controlling behavior is a sign he doesn’t respect who you are and wants you to be someone else that suits his needs. Watch out if:
• He criticizes how you dress or do your hair. Your partner should appreciate you for who you are, not try to mold you into his idea of the “perfect” woman.
Stand up for yourself and tell him his criticism is hurtful and unnecessary.
• He checks up on you or monitors where you go and who you see. This controlling behavior is a sign he doesn’t trust or respect you.
Have an honest conversation about setting healthy boundaries in your relationship. If he can’t give you space and independence, he’s clearly not the right person for you.
• He makes important life decisions without consulting you. A respectful partner values your input and opinions.
If he frequently disregards what you want in favor of what he wants, this relationship will continue to be unbalanced and unhealthy. You deserve an equal say in decisions that affect you both.
The bottom line is that you should be with someone who loves and respects you for who you are. Don’t settle for a man who is constantly trying to change or control you.
Have a serious talk with him about this behavior, set clear boundaries, and be prepared to walk away if things don’t improve.
6. He disregards your feelings and boundaries
A disrespectful partner often doesn’t care about your feelings or respects your boundaries.
When you express how his actions make you feel, he brushes them off like they don’t matter.
If you try talking to him about something he did that upset you, he acts like you’re overreacting or being “too sensitive.” He may say things like:
“You’re blowing this way out of proportion.”
“Why do you have to make such a big deal out of everything?”
“You’re always nagging me about something.”
A disrespectful partner also trivializes your feelings instead of taking responsibility for his actions.
When you ask him not to do something that bothers you, he does it anyway and acts like you never said anything. It’s like your words go in one ear and out the other.
A respectful partner would listen when you express your needs and make an effort to honor them.
If your man constantly disregards your feelings and boundaries, it’s a sign he doesn’t respect you.
His dismissive behavior shows a lack of care, empathy, and respect. Don’t hesitate to leave a man who sees you as an object, not a human being.
7. He consistently belittles you
When a man consistently puts you down and makes you feel “less than”, that’s a clear sign he doesn’t respect you.
Does he roll his eyes when you talk about your hobbies or make snide comments about your achievements? That’s belittling behavior and shows he doesn’t value what’s important to you.
Does he often criticize how you look or dress? If he’s constantly nagging you about your appearance or commenting on your weight/style negatively, that’s a sign he doesn’t respect you for who you are.
Does he ignore your opinion or speak to you in a condescending tone? A respectful partner will listen when you speak and consider your input.
If he frequently interrupts you, talks down to you, or dismisses your opinion altogether, that points to a lack of basic respect.
Don’t accept this disrespectful treatment. Have a serious conversation with your man about how his behavior makes you feel and that you expect to be treated as an equal in the relationship.
If he’s unwilling to change, you may need to reevaluate whether this is the right relationship for you.
8. He ignores you and makes decisions without you
A major sign your man doesn’t respect you is that he ignores you and makes big decisions without even talking to you first.
If he expects you to just go along with whatever he decides without asking how you feel, that shows he doesn’t respect you as an equal partner.
A caring partner will discuss important matters with you and consider your thoughts before making any move. Speak up and let your man know his behavior is unacceptable!
Have an honest heart-to-heart with him and express how his actions make you feel underappreciated.
Explain that you want a healthy relationship where you both listen to each other and make joint decisions.
If he’s unwilling to change, you may need to walk away from the situation. You’re worth so much more than being ignored and disregarded. Don’t settle for less than you deserve.
9. He’s abusive toward you
Any form of abuse, be it verbal, physical, or emotional, is a serious sign of disrespect and is unacceptable.
If the man in your life has ever hit, slapped, or shoved you, that’s a big red flag. If he verbally abuses you, calls you hurtful names, and criticizes you all the time, that’s not a good sign.
No one deserves to feel unsafe or unloved in their relationship. Your partner should treat you with kindness and respect at all times.
Don’t stick around hoping he’ll change—the abuse will likely get worse over time.
Staying in an abusive relationship will only lead to hurt and pain. Your self-esteem and mental health can also get damaged in the process.
However, once you build up the courage to leave, you’ll feel liberated and empowered. So don’t be afraid to walk away from a toxic relationship.
10. He fails to keep his word or commitments to you
Another sign a man doesn’t respect you is that he often breaks his promises without considering your feelings.
If he frequently promises to do something with or for you but then doesn’t follow through, it shows he doesn’t respect your time or priorities.
When your man brushes off his broken commitments by making excuses or blaming outside factors, don’t buy it.
His failure to keep his word is a sign he doesn’t value you or the relationship. Don’t let him take you for granted—speak up and let him know his behavior is unacceptable.
Be firm in telling him that if he wants to keep you in his life, he needs to show you more courtesy and respect.
If he continues this pattern, you’ll have to decide whether you want to stay with someone who has little regard for anyone but himself.
Conclusion
If you feel disrespected in your relationship, don’t ignore your instincts. Communicate your feelings and concerns with your partner openly.
Let him know that you deserve respect and won’t tolerate bad behavior. If he’s not willing to step up, it may be time to move on from the relationship.
Recommended reading:
10 Subtle Signs Of Disrespect In A Relationship