• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Modest Man

  • .
  • Topics
    • Fashion
    • Shoes
    • Accessories
    • EDC
    • Hairstyles
    • Cologne
    • See All
  • Reviews
  • Outfit Ideas
  • About The Modest Man
    • Start Here
    • Contact
Home / Blog / Dating & Confidence
We earn a commission on some purchases you make through our site. Here's how affiliate links work.

15 Things Women Can’t Stand in a Relationship (Are You Guilty?)

Updated on September 4, 2025 by TMM Staff · Dating & Confidence

A woman talking to a therapist while sitting on a couch..
©Getty Images/Unsplash.com

Relationships can feel like a balancing act, right? One wrong move and suddenly everything feels off-kilter. Women notice the little things, the habits, and the attitudes that either build trust or slowly chip away at it. When those frustrations pile up, they start weighing heavier than you think.

Guys sometimes assume it’s the big moments that matter most, but the truth is, women often pick up on patterns of behavior. The things that bug them day after day, even if they seem minor, can grow into deal-breakers. If you’ve ever wondered what habits drive women up the wall, here are 15 things that may feel uncomfortably familiar.

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • 1. Poor communication
  • 2. Taking her for granted
  • 3. Lack of ambition
  • 4. Poor hygiene
  • 5. Jealousy without reason
  • 6. No sense of humor
  • 7. Being glued to the phone
  • 8. Lack of effort in romance
  • 9. Talking over her
  • 10. Forgetting the minor details
  • 11. Lack of emotional support
  • 12. Selfishness in intimacy
  • 13. Refusing to compromise
  • 14. Being dishonest
  • 15. Avoiding responsibility

1. Poor communication

A woman talking seriously to a man while sitting together.
©Getty Images/Unsplash.com

A woman values conversation that goes beyond small talk. When you brush off her thoughts with a half-hearted nod or leave her waiting for a text, she senses distance. Words carry weight, and silence creates confusion.

Being straightforward and open makes her feel valued. Saying what’s on your mind, even if it’s something simple like how your day went, bridges the gap. It shows effort, and effort never goes unnoticed.

2. Taking her for granted

A woman applying skincare cream to her face in front of a mirror.
©Josue Michel/Unsplash.com

Nothing feels worse than sensing you’ve faded into the background. A woman notices when appreciation slips away and gestures stop. Consistency in kindness keeps the spark alive.

Gratitude works like fuel for connection. Compliments, a warm hug, or simply recognizing her contributions remind her that she matters. Respect grows in those small moments of acknowledgment.

3. Lack of ambition

A close-up of two people holding video game controllers while playing.
©Getty Images/Unsplash.com

A woman admires someone who sets goals and actively pursues them. Sitting back without striving for more makes her feel stuck alongside you.

Showing determination in work, hobbies, or personal growth paints a picture of reliability. Ambition signals that the future has a shape and she’s a part of it. That inspires confidence.

4. Poor hygiene

A man applying shaving cream to his face in front of a mirror.
©Levi Meir Clancy/Unsplash.com

Neglecting basic care never wins points. Unbrushed teeth, wrinkled shirts, or a shower skipped too often stand out more than you think. Presentation signals respect.

A clean appearance doesn’t mean fancy clothes or cologne. Fresh breath, trimmed nails, and clean laundry already send a message that you care about yourself and her comfort.

5. Jealousy without reason

A couple sitting in bed while both looking at their phones.
©Getty Images/Unsplash.com

A woman wants trust to be the foundation. Constant questioning or side-eyes over her phone builds tension. Suspicion drains the fun out of a bond.

Trusting her word gives her space to breathe. Confidence shows strength, and strength feels attractive. When trust is firm, she feels secure being close to you.

6. No sense of humor

A woman lying on a couch looking thoughtful and distant.
©Getty Images/Unsplash.com

Laughter works like glue in relationships. A man who never cracks a smile or takes everything too seriously creates heavy air. Playfulness keeps things light.

A woman loves it when a man’s humor cuts through stress. Sharing silly jokes or laughing at everyday mishaps makes it easier to deal with life’s uncertainties.

7. Being glued to the phone

A woman lying on a couch looking thoughtful and distant.
©Getty Images/Unsplash.com

Attention divided by a glowing screen feels cold. Scrolling through feeds while she talks makes her feel unimportant. Presence carries more value than updates online.

Setting the phone aside signals priority. Looking her in the eye during a chat or enjoying a meal together without distractions creates real intimacy.

8. Lack of effort in romance

A close-up of two people hugging tightly.
©Kateryna Hliznitsova/Unsplash.com

A woman appreciates little surprises, sweet notes, or simply planning time together. When romance disappears, the bond feels routine, and the relationship gets boring quickly.

It’s constant effort that keeps love alive. A thoughtful touch, like cooking her favorite meal, revives excitement. Showing intention turns ordinary days into something special.

9. Talking over her

A man smiling while talking to a woman at a café table.
©Getty Images/Unsplash.com

Conversations thrive on balance. Cutting her off mid-sentence or dominating every topic makes her feel invisible.

Nodding, asking questions, and letting her finish strengthen trust in the relationship. Listen to what she has to say, and you’ll find that she’ll respect your opinions more.

10. Forgetting the minor details

A plastic cup of iced coffee on a wooden table in sunlight.
©Brooke Cagle/Unsplash.com

Remembering her birthday, her favorite coffee order, or even what she said last week shows attention. Skipping over these details creates distance.

Small memories mean a lot. They show she’s on your mind. Recalling those details proves you listen and value her presence.

11. Lack of emotional support

A woman sitting at a desk holding a tissue and rubbing her eyes.
©Getty Images/Unsplash.com

Life comes with challenges, and a woman wants a partner who stands beside her through them. Shrugging off her struggles leaves her feeling alone.

Being present during tough moments builds connection. Offering encouragement, lending a listening ear, or simply sitting with her brings comfort and trust.

12. Selfishness in intimacy

A couple sitting close together on a blanket while holding hands.
©Kateryna Hliznitsova/Unsplash.com

Connection deepens through give and take. When focus leans only toward your own needs, she feels overlooked. Balance is everything.

Showing care for her experience builds closeness. Attention to what she enjoys creates intimacy that strengthens the bond beyond the physical.

13. Refusing to compromise

A woman and a man sitting on a couch having a serious conversation while eating snacks.
©Curated Lifestyle/Unsplash.com

Relationships require compromises, and a man who insists on always having his way breaks that balance.

Sometimes letting her choose the movie or adjusting plans goes further than you’d expect. Compromise proves the relationship matters more than winning.

14. Being dishonest

A man in a suit sitting on a bed while talking on the phone.
©Andrej Lišakov/Unsplash.com

Trust crumbles the moment lies enter the picture. A woman notices when your stories shift or details don’t line up. Honesty builds stability.

Speaking truthfully, even when it feels uncomfortable, secures confidence in you. She feels safe knowing your words align with your actions.

15. Avoiding responsibility

A man wearing glasses standing by a window and looking outside thoughtfully.
©Getty Images/Unsplash.com

Mistakes happen, but passing blame wears thin fast. Owning up to actions shows maturity. Responsibility signals reliability.

Admitting when you’re wrong and making amends strengthens respect. Accountability creates the kind of trust that keeps a relationship steady for the long run.

Dating & Confidence

Related Posts
15 Common Reasons Why Many Men Contemplate Leaving Their Wives After Turning 50
15 Common Conflict Areas in Relationships According to Psychologists and Why the Top One Often Leads to Divorce
17 Signs You’re Dating a Boy in a Man’s Body
Man and woman arguing
16 Subtle Ways Your Jealousy Is Making You Impossible to Love
About TMM Staff

The Modest Man staff writers are experts in men's lifestyle who love teaching guys how to live their best lives.

If an article is published under TMM Staff, that means multiple writers worked on it. For example, sometimes several of us have experience with a certain brand, so we collaborate to publish a more thorough review.

Or, if an article was originally written by one person, but then it was updated by someone else, we'll re-publish it under TMM Staff.

Remember: all of our articles (including those below) are written by real people with decades of combined experience in men's fashion and lifestyle topics.

More Articles by This Author

Facebook Twitter Instagram

Join the Club

Never miss a post, plus grab this free guide (instant download). No spam. Ever.

Subscribe Now

Reader Interactions

Ask Me Anything Cancel reply

Got questions? Want to share your opinion? Comment below!

Primary Sidebar

Join the Club

Never miss a post, plus grab this free guide (instant download).

No spam. Ever.

Subscribe Now

Trending Articles
A person's hands typing on a silver laptop displaying the Hulu streaming service interface with various show thumbnails.
12 Series Finales That Sparked Major Fan Backlash
Seiko 5 SNK805
35 Great Watches for Small Wrists
Men over 40 style
“Old Man Style”: Advanced Age Is the New Sartorial Prime
Fashion brands for short men
Stride in Confidence: Where To Buy Clothes For Short Men
Best Business Casual Shoes for Men
Business Casual Shoes for Men: The 8 Best Options to Step Out in Style
Topics
  • Clothing & Style
  • Outfit Ideas
  • Fitness
  • Product Reviews
  • Dating & Confidence
  • Grooming
  • Men of Modest Height
  • Income Reports
Top 10 Brands
  1. Uniqlo
  2. Nordstrom
  3. Warby Parker
  4. J. Crew
  5. J. Crew Factory
  6. Amazon
  7. Thursday Boot Co.
  8. Mr. Porter
  9. Banana Republic

Footer

The Modest Man logo

Home • Blog • Resources • Contact • Advertise

 

Privacy Policy & Affiliate Disclosure • Terms & Conditions • Sitemap

 

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

 

Copyright © 2025 The Modest Man (Registered Trademark)