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 …

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Want more like this? Subscribe for personalized picks.

Successfully subscribed.

Check your inbox for personalized content.

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?

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Want more like this? Subscribe for personalized picks.

Successfully subscribed.

Check your inbox for personalized content.

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

  • 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
  • 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!
  • Lara

    2015-05-24T14:27:03.879Z

    Maby you don't . Easy
  • 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

    2015-05-24T13:48:05.577Z

    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
  • 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 !
  • Husna

    2015-05-24T16:37:15.467Z

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

    2015-05-24T11:06:45.794Z

    This is the fact!
  • Beki4993

    2015-05-24T11:23:09.283Z

    Niamh Id tell him if I was you. I just came out of a relationship like this in the start of the year and my ex was 100% like the article says. We brought a house and had been together for almost 2.5 years when he wanted to break up. Now I'm dating a wonderful guy who is completely respectful to me and is showing me what a true gentleman is. Looking back at how my ex treated me I realise he honestly didn't love me
  • 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.
Commenting as
Add allwomenstalk.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Allwomenstalk app icon

Don't Miss the Latest Version

Get the latest stories, save favorites, and share with friends — all in one place.

New Earn badges & level up while you read

Create your profile. Earn badges. Level up your reading.

Join Allwomenstalk to track your streaks, collect badges, and earn XP for the things you already do—reading, sharing, and taking quizzes.

  • 🔥
    Daily streaks with gentle boosts for 3, 7, and 30 days.
  • 🏅
    Collect badges like Reader I–III, Socialite, and Quiz Ace.
  • ⚡️
    Earn XP for reads, deep reads, likes, comments, and shares.

It’s free. Takes 30 seconds. Already have an account? Sign in.

10,000+ badges earned last month

Level

3

Streak

7 🔥

XP420 / 700

Badges

🔥 On a Roll
📖 Reader I
📣 Socialite

Trending products

Other Cool Reads

Related Topics

warning signs a rebound relationship signs of a genuine guy i like him more if a guy respects you does he like you signs you re not really in love self pity in a relationship lucy pinder topless boyfriend doesnt text me while on vacation woman lust signs signs there is no chemistry
Featured article image