Respectful men prioritize their partner’s well-being, independence, and happiness. They try to create a balanced relationship built on mutual trust, respect, and support, where both partners feel valued and cherished. Here are 17 things no respectful man would do to his partner.
Disrespect their boundaries
Everyone has their own boundaries, and it’s important to communicate them in a relationship. No one should ever disrespect your boundaries, and a respectful man never would. Psych Central says it is great to be curious about boundaries. This will help him understand where you are coming from.
Criticize their partner’s appearance
For many men, their partner is a reflection of them. If they dislike how their partner looks or how they are dressed, they have no issues putting them down, but this is not respectful. In this comparison culture, appearance means everything to some people, but a respectful man would never criticize his partner’s appearance.
Withholding affection
You would never find a respectful man using intimacy as a weapon. It should not be a bargaining tool as this is a form of control. Withholding affection to get a reaction is not a healthy way to navigate a relationship. A respectful man would never control the timing of affection or the amount of physical intimacy.
Ignore their partner’s needs
A relationship is reciprocal, and just as you attend to your partner’s needs, they should attend to yours. Respectful men simply don’t ignore their partner’s needs. They will always validate your emotions, listen to your concerns, and accommodate your requirements.
Be physically abusive
Physical abuse should never be part of a relationship, but according to the National Coalition of Domestic Violence, more than 10 million Americans are victims of domestic violence every year. If a man is respectful, he would never physically abuse his partner; the idea wouldn’t even enter his radar.
Manipulate
Manipulation is surprisingly common in relationships, but a good man who respects his partner would never entertain manipulation. A man who has respect for you knows that you can make your own choices and would never control your life or a decision. He would never play mind games.
Gaslight
A specific type of manipulation that appears in abusive relationships, gaslighting is a sneaky form of emotional abuse. It can often be difficult to tell that you’re being gaslighted to begin with, but once you notice the red flag, you need to remove yourself from the situation.
Undermine their feelings or opinions
When someone dismisses your feelings or opinions, it is common to feel belittled, but a respectful man wouldn’t make you feel this way. When a man has respect for his partner, he engages in meaningful conversation and acknowledges their point of view without any judgment.
Be unfaithful
Psychology Today found that men are more likely to cheat than women. However, a respectful man could never cheat on his partner. While things happen and relationships break down, infidelity wouldn’t be an option for him. Respectful men stay loyal and won’t betray your trust.
Fail to support their partner’s dreams
Respectful men never understand people who don’t support their partner’s dreams. To them, nurturing your aspirations is part of the relationship, and they truly value your goals. We may still live in a patriarchal society, but men who truly respect their partners respect their independence and ambitions.
Blaming his partner for his shortcomings
Narcissists have little to no respect for anyone. They are self-absorbed and only care about themselves. If a man blames you for his mistakes or shortcomings, this is a trait of narcissism. A respectful man would always take accountability for his actions and never try to pass the book.
Isolate their partner from friends and family
Friends and family are our immediate support systems. It’s important to still nurture these relationships and a respectful man would never expect you to give them up. If a man tries to isolate you from your friends or family, it should ring alarm bells.
Mock their partner’s interests or passions
Everyone has unique interests and passions, which should never be mocked by anyone, especially not your partner. A respectful man will value your own hobbies and interests, no matter how quirky they may be. He won’t invalidate your love for these things and will never belittle you over them.
Invalidate their partner’s emotions or experiences
A lot of our emotional validation comes from romantic relationships, and respectful men don’t undermine their partners’ experiences. The way we handle emotions and react to situations is entirely subjective. A respectful man wouldn’t dismiss your feelings; he will always put himself in your shoes and see where you’re coming from.
Make his partner feel guilty for expressing
Relationships need a solid foundation of healthy communication. It’s important to feel like you can express yourself at all times. Whether you are expressing your thoughts and feelings or even just showcasing your personality, a respectful man values this and would never make you feel guilty for sharing who you are.
Dismiss their partner’s contributions or value in the relationship
Regardless of your role in a relationship, you always have an input and have value in it. However, some contributions are viewed more highly than others, particularly in relationships with a breadwinner and a homemaker. No matter what your situation is, a respectful man would never dismiss his partner’s contributions.
Refuse to communicate openly and honestly about issues in the relationship
Communication is a common stumbling block in a relationship, but Verywell Mind says it’s vital for a healthy relationship. A respectful man will always be open and honest. He will be willing to have conversations about issues in the relationship and will make a strong effort to address concerns.
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