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What’s a ‘real man’? It’s not about the size of your biceps or the thickness of your wallet.
A ‘real man,’ in essence, is someone who respects himself and those around him and stands firmly by his core values.
Today, we dive into seven things these men never tolerate in their relationships. This isn’t about being overly assertive or dominating, but setting boundaries that foster mutual respect and understanding.
Let’s get started.
1. Disrespect
Have you ever felt belittled, ignored, or unappreciated in your relationship?
If yes, then you’ve experienced disrespect.
A real man understands the importance of mutual respect in a relationship. He knows that respect is not just about treating the other person well but also about being treated well in return.
Disrespect can manifest in various ways – it could be constant criticism, dismissive behavior, or even neglect. Remember, real men never tolerate disrespect in their relationships.
They value themselves too much to allow anyone to treat them poorly.
2. Lack of support
Can you recall a time when you were bursting with excitement over a new idea or opportunity, only to have your partner respond with indifference, or worse, criticism?
Real men understand the importance of a supportive partner in a relationship. They need someone who will cheer them on, believe in their dreams, and be there for them when the going gets tough.
Take my friend Tom, for example. He was passionate about starting his own business. But every time he brought up his plans, his girlfriend would shoot down his ideas, saying they were unrealistic and risky.
This lack of support strained their relationship to a breaking point. Let’s just say the business is going well.
The point is in a healthy relationship, both partners should be each other’s cheerleaders, not critics.
Ask yourself: Is your partner supportive of your ambitions and dreams? If not, it might be something you shouldn’t tolerate.
3. Dishonesty
As the famous author Mark Twain once said, “Honesty is the best policy – when there is money in it.”
While Twain’s quote may have been satirical, the underlying message is clear: honesty should be a cornerstone in every relationship.
Being truthful with your partner is about more than just not telling lies. It’s about being open and transparent, even when the truth is uncomfortable or challenging. In a relationship, dishonesty can take many forms, from hiding financial troubles to concealing past relationships.
Mature men understand this and do not put up with dishonesty in their relationships. They know that a single lie can cause a thousand doubts.
4. A lack of communication
Ever felt like you’re talking to a brick wall when trying to discuss something important with your partner?
Self-assured men understand that effective communication is the backbone of any healthy relationship. They know that silence can be more destructive than an argument and that failing to communicate often leads to misunderstandings and unresolved issues.
Neglecting communication is more than just avoiding conflict. It’s about failing to share your thoughts, feelings, and concerns with your partner, which can create a disconnect over time.
Whether it’s about the small daily updates or the bigger life decisions, a real man values open and honest dialogue.
5. Emotional manipulation
So let’s say you’re at a party, and you’re having a great time. You notice your partner sulking in the corner, shooting you disapproving glances every time you laugh with your friends. Later on, they guilt-trip you for “ignoring” them and “not caring about their feelings,” even though they never expressed any discomfort at the party.
This is a classic example of emotional manipulation, a subtle but destructive form of control where one person uses guilt, fear, or obligation to influence the other’s behavior or decisions. It’s not always easy to spot, but once you do, it’s even harder to ignore.
A strong man simply won’t tolerate such games.
He understands the importance of emotional honesty and respect in a relationship. He knows that love should never be about control or coercion. It should be about mutual understanding and respect.
6. Lack of personal space
I remember a friend of mine, Jack, who was in a relationship where his partner constantly wanted to be around him. She would get upset if he wanted to hang out with his friends or even if he just wanted some alone time. It got to a point where Jack felt like he was losing his identity.
Space is crucial in any relationship. It allows us to maintain our individuality and independence, even while we are part of a couple. A real man values his personal space and respects his partner’s need for the same. He understands that spending time apart can actually strengthen the bond between them.
7. Unresolved conflicts
Imagine you’ve just had an argument with your partner. Instead of addressing the issue and finding a resolution, they brush it under the carpet, pretending like nothing happened. This scenario is more common than you might think and is a clear sign of unresolved conflict.
Unresolved conflicts can be like a small crack in a dam. Over time, as more and more water pushes against the crack, it widens until it eventually causes the dam to break. Similarly, conflicts that are not addressed can build resentment and create a larger rift in a relationship over time.
A real man is not afraid of confrontation. He understands that disagreements are a normal part of any relationship and that resolving them promptly and effectively can actually strengthen their bond with their partner. He does not tolerate unresolved conflicts because he knows they can cause long-term damage to his relationship.
The bottom line
A real man knows his worth and the value of a healthy relationship. He understands that love is about respect, honesty, communication, and mutual support.
We’d love to hear from you. Have you ever faced any of these issues in your relationships? How did you handle them?
Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments. Let’s learn from each other and grow together in our journey towards healthier relationships.