It’s common knowledge that a man’s behavior towards you is a reflection of his true feelings. Of course, this applies to adult life, as we’ve all grown up since our grade school days. Back then, it seemed like mistreating the girls we liked was the only way to show affection. But let’s face it, boys can be clueless when it comes to matters of the heart, especially when we’re young.
The origins of this behavior remain a mystery. Who came up with the idea that “kissing the girls and making them cry” was a valid approach to love? However, it’s important to note that some girls actually fell for it, perpetuating this cycle.
Fortunately, we’ve outgrown this playground mentality, or at least we should have. Unfortunately, some adults still play games with each other’s hearts. The more you let these games affect you, the more the other person will continue playing. But let’s not jump to conclusions; sometimes, what might seem like “being coy” is actually a sign.
A man’s respect for you is a clear indication of how much he values you. On the other hand, if a guy treats you poorly and makes you feel bad, it’s a definite sign that something isn’t right. Name-calling, mocking, and flaking out on your relationship are not acceptable behaviors from a caring boyfriend.
Embarking on the journey of love is not easy, but remember, you deserve to be treated like royalty. So, if a man treats you poorly, it’s highly likely that his opinion of you is equally low. This isn’t about playing hard to get or trying to keep you on a leash. It’s simply a matter of not liking or even worse, not respecting you.
Communication is essential in any relationship, and any relationship expert will tell you the same. The hope is that the maturity exists within the relationship to have open conversations without resorting to silence or yelling. However, communication is multifaceted. While words can be expressed, actions always speak louder.
Some people struggle to communicate effectively, but if they treat you with the utmost respect, it’s a clear indication of how they perceive you. However, the opposite is also true more often than not. It’s up to you to recognize these signs and respond accordingly.
If a man fails to listen to you, it’s a sign that he doesn’t care. If he constantly talks over you, it shows that he believes his opinions are more important than yours. And if he displays rudeness towards you, it’s a clear lack of respect.
Once you come to the realization that a man’s actions reflect his feelings, what should you do? Here are three essential rules that you must adhere to, regardless of the circumstances:
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1. Acknowledge the Issue
Don’t turn a blind eye to the treatment you dislike. Hoping that it will blow over or ignoring it altogether will only make matters worse. The more you tolerate and accept, the more you will endure. Allowance of such behavior will only lead to its escalation.
2. Avoid Tit-for-Tat
Revenge might seem tempting, but it won’t fix a relationship. While it’s true that he treats you the way he feels about you, responding with the same mistreatment will only ignite a passive-aggressive war, worsening the situation. Ideally, you should have left that unhealthy relationship long before it reaches that point.
3. Speak Up
If you notice changes or feel unhappy with the way he treats you, be direct and honest. He may initially deny his behavior, but by candidly expressing your concerns and confronting him with his words and actions, you’ll gain the clarity you need to make the best decision for yourself.
In the end, people will always reveal their true colors. The key is to pay attention and listen closely to what they say and how they act. Remember, you deserve to be treated with love and respect.
This article was written by Hashim Hathaway and originally published on 5 WS. For more insightful content, visit 5 WS.
