Sometimes we women just cannot help finding ourselves attracted to men who we know we shouldn’t pursue, the types of men to avoid at all costs. The heart wants what it wants. But our brains certainly know better. If you find yourself wondering if the guy who has caught your eye is a keeper, here is the definitive list of 15 types of men to avoid like the dating plague.
1. The Bad Boy
At one time or another, every girl has a thing for the guy who just doesn’t play by the rules. He’s perpetually angry, acts like a tough guy and looks damn good while doing it. But the juvenile attraction to the bad boys of our youth can quickly fade when rebellion turns into recklessness. The bad boys will just break your heart... or the law. And these rebels without a clue top the list of types of men to avoid on the dating scene.
2. The Underachiever
You know the type. Video games, couch, raiding the refrigerator, repeat. This is the daily existence of the cute, quirky guy who you have a thing for, despite all of your girlfriends trying to convince you otherwise. If he has no hobbies, skills, or future aspirations outside of his living room, you know you’ve just encountered the attractive but exceedingly lazy underachiever.
3. The Workaholic
Conversely, on the list of men to avoid, comes the classic workaholic. His finances are impeccable and the word "overtime" frequents his vocabulary. Sure, his bills are paid with money to spare for the weekend. But what good is having a weekend without an actual date? If his work schedule makes a social life impossible, investing hopes of being a happy couple might make you feel secondary to the job.
4. The Guy Who Reminds You of Your Ex
If you find yourself comparing your current romantic interest to your previous, you’re pursuing the guy who reminds you of your ex. It’s not his fault that his uncanny physical likeness and similar taste in music resemble your past loves. In terms of dating history, sometimes girls tend to repeat the past. And if you have a physical type of guy that makes you melt, chances are you’ve developed a pattern. But try expanding your dating options to avoid having your love life stuck on repeat.
5. The Mama’s Boy
For many women, a tightly-knit family bond is an important asset in any relationship. But there are certain men that may be knit just a little too tightly to a woman that they’ve bonded with through the years. If he must clear all plans with mother or constantly seeks her approval above all else, you may be dealing with the mama’s boy. Sure, familial bonds are important. Just ask Norman Bates. But most mama’s boys aren’t looking for a girlfriend. They’re looking for a girl who will cook, clean and be a wonderful mother... to them. No thanks!
6. The Guy’s Guy
Sports, card games and cold beer is on the itinerary of the average all-American man. And that’s okay! Guy’s nights are essential for every healthy relationship. While the boys are off doing the male bonding thing, we are enjoying cocktails and pedicures with the girls. There has, however, been a rare mutation of the male species where all social activities must include beer and broadcast sporting events. And if you’re not down to talk football and domestic brews 24-7, this guy’s guy might be the foul ball in your courtship.
7. The Cheater
It’s a sad fact of life that some men are apt to cheat on their wives and girlfriends, and avoiding the cheating type is almost impossible, unless we know of his duplicitous ways prior to pursuing a relationship. Well, blame it on overwhelming emotions, hope that things will change and plain ‘n’ simple poor judgment, women are taking back cheaters for second chances. But when forgiveness soon gives way to third, fourth and fifth chances, it should become clear that cheaters won’t change. Ladies, it’s time to let him go once and for all. Send the cheater packing and save the relationship that matters most - the relationship you have with yourself!
8. The Broke Guy
I don't believe money can't buy love, but I also don't believe you should try and date a guy who is content living paycheck to paycheck, who never aims to get himself a better job. If he has no drive and is fine working at a fast food restaurant making minimum wage, consider your options sweet pea! Do you really want to date someone who can't even take you to a movie now and then?
9. The Club Guy
Oh, you all know what I mean here. This is the guy who can be found at any club in town, most nights or weekends of the week. He's incredibly hot, super sweet and dances like a dream. Guess what? He'll probably want to keep up this routine, even if you're dating him, regardless of what he says. Don't go to clubs and expect to find a keeper. Trust me! Most of these men who hang out at clubs all the time end up doing so well into their adult years. Ever wonder why all those men in bars that are 50 are still single? That's why!
10. The Bossy Guy
He may tell you all the sweet things you want to hear, call you when he says he will and is even honest about where he's at. He also doesn't cheat on you, but is he bossy? Does he tell you what to wear, how to wear your hair, what you should look like, or tell you what to do? He's the bossy guy, and these guys are often the kind to avoid. Many become controlling, or abusive. Date someone who lets you express yourself for you and doesn't try to boss you around.
11. The Secretive One
If you're dating a guy who seems perfect but never wants to talk about his personal background, family, and so on, consider before you settle down. If he's really secretive, what is he hiding? A person in a relationship should be honest, open and be willing to share things with you. Don't push, but do be cautious if after months of dating, if he's still not letting you in.
12. The One Who Doesn't like Your Family
I do not have a perfect family, and nobody does! Yet, if your guy consistently says he doesn't want to be around your family, refuses to attend events where they are present, or is generally rude to them, ditch him! He should love you for you, not your family, and he should respect you enough to treat them with kindness, regardless of how he feels.
13. The Dream Buster
This is the guy who is great in theory, but tells you that your dreams are unrealistic, silly, unreachable, or pointless. Any guy not willing to support your ambitions is one that isn't for you deary pie!
14. The Diet Master
I love to eat healthy, and always will, but I never tell anyone else how to eat, and neither should your guy. Many workout buffs and male dieters are stuck in this category. They tell you not to eat dessert, tell you that you need to lose weight, or they try to order for you at restaurants. If a guy is obsessive about his food and yours, then you need to consider how he treats you. If he hurts your feelings, talk to him, and if things don't improve, get rid of him.
15. The Attention Seeker
This is the guy who always wants attention wherever he's at. He wears a tons of cologne, cares way too much about his appearance, interrupts people during conversations and tells pointless jokes anywhere he goes to try to get a laugh. He may be sweet, but why does he need all that attention if he's got you? Aren't you enough? Consider this type before you make a commitment to him.
There are honest, hard-working, socially-balanced men out there. It might take time to find them in the vast variety of lazy, cheating, beer-chugging, money-obsessed mama’s boys. But they’re out there. So don’t stop looking and definitely don’t settle for a man you know better to avoid. There’s good guys and there’s guys who will do you wrong. And if you need help deciphering the difference between them, ask a girlfriend. So tell me, girlfriends. What types of men have you been avoiding lately?
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why should I avoid certain types of men?
- You should avoid certain types of men to protect your emotional well-being, maintain your self-respect, and ensure you're in a healthy relationship. Some men have habits or traits that can lead to toxic or unfulfilling relationships.
- What are some red flags to look out for in men?
- Watch out for men who are overly controlling, disrespectful, inconsistent, overly secretive, or emotionally unavailable. These behaviors often lead to unhealthy relationship dynamics.
- How can I identify these types of men early on?
- Pay attention to how they treat you and others, how they handle stress, and their level of honesty and consistency. Trust your gut feelings – if something feels off, it probably is.
- Is it possible for these men to change?
- Yes, people can change, but it's important to remember that you can't force someone to change. They need to recognize their own issues and be willing to put in the effort to improve. Focus on what you need and deserve in a relationship.
- What should I do if I realize I'm dating one of these types of men?
- If you're dating someone and start noticing these red flags, it's crucial to reassess the relationship. Communicate your concerns clearly and set boundaries. If things don't improve, it might be best to move on for your own well-being.