Most women think men don’t get emotional but they are also human beings.
You might assume guys only care about sports, beer, and video games, but there’s a lot more going on beneath the surface.
Men have feelings too and certain things can hurt them deeply.
Whether you’re a woman trying to understand your man better or a guy looking to make sense of your own emotions, this article is an eye-opener.
We’re going to look at some of the things that hurt men deeply in relationships.
9 THINGS THAT HURT MEN DEEPLY IN RELATIONSHIPS
If you’re in a serious relationship, it’s essential to avoid doing things that cause your significant other pain.
Now, you may act a certain way and think it doesn’t get to your man but constantly provoking him can lead to relationship problems.
Here’s a list of things that hurt men deeply and how to avoid them.
1. Dishonesty
Dishonesty is one of the major things that can hurt a man in a relationship.
When you lie to your partner, even if it’s just a “white lie,” you’re eroding the foundation of trust that’s essential for a healthy relationship.
Men often value authenticity and straightforwardness, so deception can feel like a betrayal of their core values.
The truth is, lies have a way of snowballing. What starts as a small omission can quickly spiral into a web of deceit that’s hard to untangle.
This can leave your man feeling confused, angry, and questioning everything about your relationship.
The mental strength required to keep track of lies is also exhausting for both parties.
Whenever you’re tempted to lie, remember that honesty is necessary for building a healthy, long-term relationship.
So focus on creating an environment where your man can feel safe to be vulnerable and authentic.
2. Constant disrespect
One of the biggest things that hurt men deeply in a relationship is a lack of respect.
When you consistently belittle a man’s opinions, mock his interests, or dismiss his feelings, it chips away at his self-esteem.
Even “playful” teasing can cross a line if it gets too much.
Men often feel inadequate or unappreciated when you don’t respect them.
It’s not just about the words you use—your body language can also send a strong message.
For example, rolling your eyes, sighing heavily, or giving the cold shoulder are nonverbal ways of showing disrespect that can be just as hurtful.
Remember, respect is a two-way street. If you want your man to value and appreciate you, make sure you’re doing the same.
Take his thoughts and feelings seriously, show interest in his passions, and communicate your concerns without resorting to sarcasm or insults.
Being respectful goes a long way in nurturing a healthy, loving relationship.
3. Lack of regular intimacy
Regular physical intimacy is important to most men in relationships.
When this aspect is non-existent, it can deeply affect a man’s self-esteem and emotional well-being.
You might notice your partner becoming withdrawn or irritable if this need isn’t met.
A lack of intimacy can also lead to feelings of rejection and loneliness.
Your man may start questioning his desirability or the strength of your bond.
For many men, physical touch is a primary way of expressing and receiving love.
Make time for regular intimate encounters and avoid rejecting him in bed all the time.
If you’re struggling to get in the mood, consider talking about your needs and work on rebuilding your emotional connection.
4. Lack of appreciation
Do you know that a simple “thank you” can make a world of difference in your relationship?
When you genuinely appreciate your partner, it can be a game-changer. It instantly improves his mood and strengthens your connection.
Don’t fall into the trap of waiting for your partner to show appreciation first.
Take the initiative to express gratitude for their contributions, no matter how small.
Lack of appreciation often stems from a negative dynamic where both partners feel their efforts go unnoticed.
This can lead to resentment and anger, slowly eroding the foundation of your bond.
Being appreciative is not just about grand gestures; acknowledging the little things can make your partner feel truly valued and motivate him to do even more.
So learn to be grateful for everything your man does—it can go a long way in boosting his self-esteem and improving your relationship.
5. Betrayal or infidelity
Concerning what hurts men the most in relationships, being betrayed or cheated on often tops the list.
Infidelity can have a devastating impact on a man’s emotional well-being, causing depression, anxiety, and even trauma-like symptoms.
Society expects men to be tough, but infidelity can leave them feeling extreme emotional distress and a loss of self-worth.
It’s not just about the physical act–emotional affairs can be just as painful.
If you’re having issues in your relationship, try to work on them with your partner instead of seeking solace in another person’s arms.
Sometimes, people cheat because they’re going through a rough patch and get carried away by the attention they get from someone else.
6. Emotional withdrawal
Another thing that can hurt men in a relationship is emotional withdrawal.
When you disconnect from your man, you might notice him becoming distant, uncommunicative, and emotionally unavailable.
This coping mechanism is particularly common among men due to societal expectations around masculinity.
Look out for subtle changes like:
• Lack of communication
• Reduced physical affection
• Avoidance of deep conversations
• Increased time spent alone
These signs can indicate your partner is struggling to cope.
Try to create a safe, nurturing environment where he can explore his feelings without judgment.
And most importantly, don’t shut him out when you’re going through a difficult time. Instead, open up to him and talk about what’s bothering you.
7. Criticism and nagging
Constant criticism and nagging can negatively affect a man.
When you often point out his flaws or nag about unmet expectations, it creates feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness.
According to research, criticism is one of the top predictors of divorce, as it attacks a person’s character rather than addressing specific issues.
Instead of using phrases like “you always” or “you never,” try focusing on the behavior, not the person.
Express your feelings and needs using “I” statements. Creating an environment where you both feel secure and protected is crucial for a thriving relationship.
By replacing criticism with appreciation and constructive communication, you’ll reduce negative feelings and strengthen your bond.
8. Conflict within the family
Family conflicts can deeply hurt men in relationships, often causing stress and anxiety.
Research shows that when both partners experience high stress levels, conflict increases. This tension can arise from various sources:
• Money disputes
• Disagreements over family events
• In-law related issues
These conflicts are particularly challenging because family ties are permanent, making it harder to distance yourself from the problem.
Work on addressing these issues openly and try to get along with your man’s family.
Use “I” statements to express your feelings and listen attentively to the other person.
If conflicts persist, consider seeking professional help through couples counseling.
Resolving family conflicts often requires empathy and sometimes outside intervention can help you find mutually acceptable solutions.
9. Neglect or abandonment
Feeling neglected or abandoned can cut deep for men in relationships.
When you consistently ignore your partner’s needs or fail to show up emotionally, it can leave lasting scars.
Some men may struggle to trust future partners or become overly clingy out of fear.
Abandonment issues often stem from childhood experiences, like an absent father figure. This can leave men feeling unworthy of love and affection.
You might notice your partner seeking constant validation or avoiding vulnerability to protect himself.
Healing is possible but it requires open communication and patience.
Encourage your partner to express his feelings often and try to prioritize his needs.
If the issues persist, couples counseling should be considered to work through deep-seated fears together.
With time and effort, you can build a secure, trusting relationship.
Conclusion
Men have feelings too, even if they don’t always show it.
Next time you’re upset with your man, keep these pain points in mind and try to avoid doing things that create problems in your love life.
We all just want to feel loved, respected and appreciated in our relationships.
Instead of looking for things to complain about, show your man you care by listening when he talks and being mindful of his needs.
Your relationship will be stronger when you put in the effort to grow it.
Recommended reading:
8 Things Women Do That Upset Men
10 Annoying Things Women Do That Chase Men Away
9 Telltale Signs A Man Is Unhappy In A Relationship
About The Author
Jennifer Dagi
Jennifer Dagi is happily married to her best friend and the love of her life.
As a relationship coach, she is passionate about helping couples build healthy and happy relationships.
She strongly believes communication and intimacy are the most important ingredients for building a successful relationship.
Join her on a fabulous journey to improve your love life one step at a time and don't forget to subscribe for weekly blog updates.