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?

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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.

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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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Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

At the start of my relationship my boyfriend used to disrespect me. When we'd fight over little things he'd get very nasty and put me down. If I ever confided in him about something it would be used against me in a fight. My opinions don't really matter to him either he thinks he's more intelligent than me and it can be hard when making descions together like where to move apartment. I used to have very low self esteem and never really thought he was disrespecting me and I was in love with him too so I let a lot of this behaviour slide but I think over time I've started to resent him a little. I know that I may have made him sound like a bad boyfriend but he has been very good to me and we have shared many good times together and he has a lot of good traits too. But lately I have been thinking of breaking up with him. I have said how I feel to him about disrespecting me and he said he'll change but I think it's too late for that now. I think the love I had for him has faded. I'm really scared to end my relationship though. I can't help but feel I'll be making a huge mistake.

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

Know one can make you feel " stupid" without you allowing them to, I'm 46 and just celebrated my 10 wedding anniversary my daughter cried when my husband read his vows to me , they said how he fell in love with my strength, my courage it's important to me that she sees a man who respects you above all!!!!!

@Akki I don't know your situation and it's not for me to judge I do wish you the best :)

Now I'm the attacker because some Not All of the ladies on here called me out by name ??? I stood up for my self I was attacked!!!! That being said I still hope you find strength to love yourself

Typical !!!!

Bravo!!!!!

@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!!

Thanks Husna. I really appreciate your advice but at some point I feel that I should leave everything on god. I'm sick and tired of these myriad "after break up" quotes. I left everything on god. He ain't a rock, maybe one day he will look back at me. There isn't a bad thing in keeping my hopes high?

Crazy. Tell me what do you women think if your man looks at a women ass?

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