Trust me, it’s not always easy. Fortunately, there are subtle signs that reveal a man’s true level of respect and appreciation for you.
So, let’s dive into 8 warning signs that he may not value you as much as he claims…
1) The Cat Disappears After Catching the Mouse
If you close your eyes, you can almost taste the whirlwind romance that was between you from the start.
Constantly interested in texting. Exciting surprise dates. Sweet gestures galore.
Well, if that affection seems to evaporate once he “wins” you, that’s a big red flag.
Because a man who truly values you will continue to put in the effort and show his love consistently, and not just during the initial pursuit.
Also, beware of any over-the-top affection early on. You may think it’s perfectly normal for him to fall in love with you and get ready to marry you two days after meeting you, but he may be overdoing it…
2) Emotionally Unavailable
We still live with a lot of social stigma surrounding men sharing their feelings.
But that doesn’t change the fact that a man who appreciates you will be open and vulnerable, sharing his thoughts and feelings with you.
So pay attention if he’s constantly keeping his mouth shut, avoiding emotional conversations, or treating you like a therapist without you reciprocating the same sentiment.
Sure, it may take him a while to open up and feel comfortable sharing his deepest thoughts and secrets with you.
But if that day never comes, it’s a sign that he’s not willing to invest emotionally in the relationship.
3) Indirect Compliments
Indirect compliments are nice, don’t get me wrong, but indirect compliments are not at all.
If his compliments are often accompanied by a sting, it’s a sign that he’s trying to undermine your self-confidence and maintain control.
Indirect compliments come in many forms and may look something like this:
“Interesting choice of outfit…”
“You did better than I expected on that test!”
“That jacket is cute. It’s just like the one my grandmother used to wear.”
If his compliments never seem sincere, he may be ignoring you.
Beware of this behavior, stop it before it escalates, and don’t let someone who doesn’t appreciate you mess with you.
4) Empty and Broken Promises
Does he constantly make promises that he doesn’t keep?
Okay, I get it. Life is busy, things come up, and plans get canceled or changed.
But if your man is constantly suggesting elaborate plans or mentioning buying flashy gifts, only to forget or find himself too busy to commit, that’s a bad sign.
A man who doesn’t value your time and feelings won’t prioritize your needs. Even on your birthday.
And your man should be a man of action as much as he is a man of his word.
If he talks but doesn’t do what he says, he probably doesn’t respect you as much as he should.
5) Boundaries? Whose boundaries?
A man who values you will respect your opinions, boundaries, and decisions.
So if you notice a pattern of constantly interrupting you, talking over you, or ignoring your feelings, it’s a sign that he doesn’t see you as an equal partner.
Really bad news!
Sometimes, correcting bad behaviors, like interrupting, takes a little awareness, reflection, and improvement.
But if you keep bringing up his disrespectful behavior over and over again, and he continues to cross your boundaries, he’s probably not going to change…
(So don’t waste too much time trying to change him!)
6) Cheering on his favorite team, but can’t cheer on you
A supportive partner will be your biggest cheerleader, cheering on your dreams and celebrating your accomplishments.
If you know he’s a big cheerleader for his sports team, but he’s always putting you down, belittling your goals, or acting indifferent to your successes…
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This is a sign that he’s not interested in your happiness and growth.
Whether your goals are as simple as successfully growing some houseplants or as big as becoming an astronaut, he needs to be there. Cheering you on. Screaming your name.
If he’s not picking you up when you fall, cheering you on, and always having your back, he may be struggling with his competitiveness and self-esteem.
Either way, an unsupportive partner doesn’t bode well for a long-term relationship, so watch for any behavior that makes you question his support skills.
7) The Amazing Disappearing Man
Does he disappear for days without saying a word, then reappear with some vague excuse?
(Read more about why he might be acting this way here.)
A man who values you will make an effort to stay in touch and communicate regularly, even when he’s busy.
There may be times (and these should only come once a blue month) when he takes a little longer to respond or has to cancel the call, but these times should only come up in emergencies.
Otherwise, if he’s constantly absent, it’s a sign that he’s not prioritizing your relationship.
Because let’s be honest: it takes less than a minute to text “Today is a busy day, talk later!”
If he can’t even find the time to do that, he probably doesn’t see you as a big priority.
8) Jealousy, Jealousy
While a little jealousy can be tempting, excessive jealousy is a sign of insecurity and controlling behavior.
You might miss this at first.
You think he’s so hot and strong that he’s baring his teeth at other guys, across the bar.
“Fight for me, I’m your damsel in distress!”
But the truth is that innocent jealousy quickly turns sour and can be a sign of more sinister issues.
If he constantly accuses you of flirting, questions your friendships with other men, or tries to isolate you from your loved ones, that’s a big red flag.
Jealousy and manipulation often go hand in hand, and they can be a dangerous combination.
If you notice your partner creeping into your life, trying to control who you talk to, your social life, and your friendships, it’s time to step in and make an exit plan.
Trust your gut, ladies!
So there you have it, eight signs that he might not appreciate you as much as his words suggest.
Remember, actions speak louder than words, and these subtle behaviors can reveal a lot about his true feelings and intentions.
Now, that’s not to say that every man who displays one of these signs is automatically a bad guy.
We all have our flaws, and relationships take work and understanding. But if you notice a consistent pattern of these behaviors, it’s worth taking a step back and reevaluating the situation.
You deserve a love that lifts you, celebrates your strengths, and supports your dreams.
So trust your instincts, listen to your heart, and don’t be afraid to walk away if it’s not right.
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