Relationship Alert: 9 Signs Your Boyfriend Doesnt Respect You and How to Handle It ...

Relationship Alert: 9 Signs Your Boyfriend Doesnt Respect You and How to Handle It ...
By Alison • Sep 14, 2025

One of those issues that can really kill a relationship is a lack of respect. Why would you want to be with someone who doesn't respect you? But sometimes it's not as obvious as you might think, and the lack of respect is more subtle. Here are some signs your boyfriend doesn't respect you, and what you should do about it …

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1. He Flirts in Front of You as if You Weren't There

Is your boyfriend 'a bit of a flirt'? Do you make excuses for him and brush it off as not meaning anything? Well, it's not a very respectful way to behave if you're not there, acting as if he doesn't have a girlfriend. And it's even worse if he flirts right in front of you as if you weren't even there. It's dismissive of you, and it's not just him being charming and friendly. It's rude.

2. He Puts You down

Does he constantly criticise you? That's definitely not showing you the respect you deserve. Someone who loves you supports you. They don't put you down and make you feel inferior.

3. He Tries to Dictate What You do and How You Dress

This should be a huge red flag. It's a sign of a controlling man who doesn't respect that you're an individual with the right to choose for yourself. Someone who tries to dictate what you wear, where you go and who you're friends with has no respect for you as a person but thinks you're his property.

4. He Doesn't Listen to the Word 'No'

Does he ignore you when you say no to something? Does he try to force you to do sex acts that you don't like? A man who doesn't listen to and respect the word 'no' has no respect for you. Is this really the kind of guy you want to date?

If you're looking to engage your partner in intriguing conversations, why not try some hypothetical questions for couples? These fun queries will not only keep the conversation lively but also stimulate deep thoughts and potentially reveal insights about each other's personality and thought processes.

5. He Belittles Your Opinion

Or does he belittle your opinion? Does he laugh at your ideas and dismiss them patronisingly, or tell you flat out that he thinks they're ridiculous? Guys like this have no respect for you. Guys who do will accept that you have your own opinions, even if they don't always agree with you.

6. Sex is More Important than Anything

Sex is an important part of most relationships, but it shouldn't be the only thing that matters. Does he only ever call you when he wants sex, or pressure you into having sex even when you're not in the mood? That's a terrible lack of respect and shows that he only sees you as a bed partner.

7. You're His Second Choice

Do you have a sneaking feeling that you don't match up to his ex, or that he secretly has the hots for someone else? You should never feel that you're second best. If he truly values you, he won't be dating you when he'd rather be with someone else. And if he prefers being with his friends, let him be with them - while you find someone who really likes you!

8. He Repeatedly Lets You down

Be wary of guys that are constantly coming up with reasons for letting you down and cancelling dates. Something may come up from time to time, but if he's constantly cancelling, he's showing that he doesn't value you enough to stick to arrangements.

9. He's Not There when You Have Problems

Is he there for you when you're sick or need support, or is he nowhere to be seen? Guys who respect you are always there for you when you need them.

Have you ever been disrespected by a boyfriend, and how did you handle it?

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Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

  • Beryl

    2015-05-24T21:36:30.591Z

    Been there,done that and cried my eyes out for a while then decided to laugh. Life is too short to pine after the ones who refuse to respect you. Being with no man is better than being with the wrong one ! They are the losers having not recognised how lovely you ladies are . What would you tell your best friend if she were in your situation? Bet you would tell her to start putting herself first for a change and not waste her life on theses problem kids !
  • Steph5

    2015-07-26T23:52:58.672Z

    Situations 4, 6, 8, and 9 totally occurred in my past relationship. He didn't care about me or my values and took advantage of me. It makes me feel terrible that I "put up" with it. Not anymore!! It hurts, but I'm focusing on myself right now. Hoping that my next relationship will be a genuine one.
  • Akki

    2015-05-24T14:12:27.642Z

    That's very true, Shannon. But in situations like mine, I just don't know what to do.
  • Nathalie

    2015-05-25T13:10:01.034Z

    After reading this article, I am so happy that I am in a relationship with a great handsome guy who loves me and goes out of his way to make sure I am happy :)
  • Husna

    2015-05-24T16:37:15.467Z

    Correction not married to the same person (thank goodness) LOL
  • El

    2015-05-24T09:32:34.478Z

    The thing is these types of characters are slippery little b@st@rds and ever one of those points are true and then some .... But how they get away with it is that they don't show all of those all the time - they turn them down and off according to what they want from you at any given time. They can be nice and charming even loving characters but I'd suggest when they are being so likeable it's only a mask that shortly is bound to slip and reveal that very horrible nature. Hard work for sure. If you challenge this type than can and will be physically violent towards you. The straight up truth😕
  • She

    2015-05-31T17:16:16.776Z

    Kayy that's fucked up
  • TheYellow1

    2015-05-26T17:10:30.047Z

    Ok Hun
  • Husna

    2015-05-24T16:35:28.538Z

    @Akki I'm sorry to hear what you're going through. You sound like a very intelligent and wise women. I do know what you're going through is hard because I was in a similar situation before, same religion different sect. For four years almost every day I spent in fear of loosing him. But now I'm happily married and he's my best friend. Akki you're still young, I know when you're in the situation it may feel that there is no way out of it or all you want it is him, however I do promise you that soon you'll be back to your bubbly self and have a permeant smile! I'm sure your parents want to see you happy! P.s you know what helps me? TRAVEL!!
  • Akki

    2015-05-24T10:33:10.287Z

    Niamh, I guess you should talk to him because of course, for some reason he came into your life and without even letting him know your problem, you're breaking up with him. There shouldn't be anything unsaid. It's better that you talk to him with calm attitude before things go worse.
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