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

He Flirts in Front of You as if You Weren't There • He Puts You down • He Tries to Dictate What You do and How You Dress • He Doesn't Listen to the Word 'No' • He Belittles Your Opinion • More ...

Relationship Alert: 9 Signs Your Boyfriend Doesnt 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.

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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Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

  • TheYellow1

    2015-05-26T17:10:30.047Z

    Ok Hun
  • 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.
  • TheYellow1

    2015-05-25T23:50:23.049Z

    I'm sorry certain people feel attacking. You stated your opinion and others have stated their opinion so what's the problem? Like my grandma would often tell me "you can say where you've been, but you can never say where you're going."
  • Niamh

    2015-05-24T11:47:13.084Z

    Thanks Akki. I have said this to him before, we've nearly broken up a few times over it. He says he'll change and he has stopped name calling me but there are still ways he disrespects me like not listening to my needs or disregarding my opinion. It's just hard because these are not everyday occurrences and he is my best friend. I just feel like I don't want to live my whole life never feeling the respect I deserve. Thank you also Beki4993 it's very reassuring to hear other girls have gone through the same thing. I'm glad things worked out well for you and you're with someone who loves and respects you :)
  • TheYellow1

    2015-05-25T08:30:38.255Z

    One woman's story is another's woman's example. Personally I'm grateful for my experiences because I can tell somebody else. And for individuals whom have never experienced the actions on this list, I guarantee 100% you've experienced something negative in your life that other women have not! There's nothing to be a shamed about. Think about it, make the changes, and then move on!
  • 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 ?
  • 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
  • Husna

    2015-05-24T16:37:15.467Z

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

    2015-05-24T14:26:37.390Z

    I don't see and how to handle it part ..
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