Relationship Alert: 9 Signs Your Boyfriend Doesn't Respect You and How to Handle It ...

Relationship Alert: 9 Signs Your Boyfriend Doesn't Respect You and How to Handle It ...
By Alison • Sep 14, 2025 MD

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.

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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.

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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.

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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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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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

  • MerilynJade

    2015-05-24T11:06:45.794Z

    This is the fact!
  • shannon

    2015-05-24T13:48:05.577Z

    This never has and never will happen to me value your self and the man in your life has no choice but to as well!!! End of story
  • 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😕
  • Akki

    2015-05-25T06:02:51.101Z

    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?
  • TheYellow1

    2015-05-25T08:50:42.563Z

    Real strength don't come from the fact you didn't let something negative happen to you. Real strength come from the negative happening to you but finding the strength to get out of it! Just my opinion.
  • Lara

    2015-05-24T14:27:03.879Z

    Maby you don't . Easy
  • shannon

    2015-05-25T01:20:21.630Z

    Jenna I said I won't except that and I won't I value me , I respect my self I like who I am ... I also do not get in arguments on with strangers in not going to apologize for knowing what I want in a man/ partner in a relationship!
  • shannon

    2015-05-26T12:52:43.684Z

    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
  • 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.
  • shannon

    2015-05-26T12:49:05.125Z

    I do know my husband will not be treating me like trash if the thought crossed his mind I would leave I do know that I'm not weak I know me and what I accept and what I don't . What's next after verbal abuse physical ?
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