If a man shouts at you, he might be upset. If he ignores you, he might be annoyed. That’s communication 101.
Yet, the human psyche is far more complex and nuanced. It takes genuine effort to decipher the subtle cues and signs that reveal a person’s true nature.
Some men, however, make this task somewhat easier by exhibiting certain behaviors. Yet, these behaviors can often hint at something darker – misogyny.
Here are some subtle signs to look out for.
1) Disguised disrespect
Misogyny isn’t always as black and white as one might think.
It seeps in subtly, often masked by humor or casual conversation, and before you know it, you’re in its grip. And that’s the most dangerous part – it’s so sneaky, you might not even realize it’s happening.
But if you’re observant and know what to look for, you’ll start to see the signs.
A man who constantly belittles women, even under the guise of ‘just joking’, or someone who consistently undermines your achievements or opinions.
It might be subtle, but these are clear indicators of a misogynistic mindset.
Remember, respect isn’t a negotiation. You deserve it the same way others do.
If you’re dealing with a man who often shows disrespect – even if it’s disguised as something else – it’s time to take note. That’s your first red flag right there.
2) Patronizing tendencies
Misogyny can also come in the form of patronization. Believe me, I’ve been there.
I once knew a man who seemed to think women were less capable, less intelligent, or less worthy of respect. He didn’t say it outright, but his actions spoke louder than his words.
He’d often talk over me during conversations or explain things to me that I already knew – a behavior known as ‘mansplaining’.
He’d brush off my ideas and opinions as if they were insignificant, and whenever I achieved something, he’d attribute it to ‘luck’ rather than my abilities.
It was subtle, but persistent. And it took me a while to realize that these were not just annoying behaviors – they were clear signs of his misogynistic tendencies.
Watch out for these subtle signs of patronization. It might be difficult to spot at first, but once you do, it changes everything.
3) Lack of female friends
It’s a curious thing, but often, men with misogynistic tendencies have very few or no close female friends. This isn’t a coincidence.
People generally gravitate towards those who share similar attitudes and beliefs. So, a man who does not value women or see them as equals is less likely to form close friendships with them.
If you notice a glaring absence of women in his social circle, or if he only relates to women on a superficial level, it could be a telling sign.
Actions speak louder than words, and who we choose to surround ourselves with speaks volumes about our true selves.
4) Double standards
One of the more noticeable signs of misogynistic tendencies is the presence of double standards.
A man who holds women to different rules or expectations than he does men is likely harboring a biased view.
For example, he might expect women to be nurturing and emotionally available, while excusing men from the same responsibilities.
Or he might judge women harshly for expressing their sexuality or assertiveness, while applauding men for the same behavior.
These double standards are not just unfair, they’re a clear sign of a deeply ingrained sexist mindset. Equality isn’t selective. If he’s practicing double standards, it’s time to raise an eyebrow.
5) Ignoring or invalidating feelings
I’ve seen it happen more times than I’d like to admit. A man dismisses or invalidates a woman’s feelings, calling her ‘overly emotional’ or ‘hysterical.’
This is a classic move by someone with misogynistic tendencies.
I remember when a friend of mine was upset about her boyfriend’s dismissive behavior.
Instead of empathizing with her, he would brush it off, saying she was being too sensitive or making a big deal out of nothing.
He was invalidating her feelings, making her question her own reactions. And trust me, that’s a major red flag.
If you find yourself in a situation where your feelings are being dismissed or invalidated, take note. You deserve to be heard and your emotions are valid, no matter what anyone says.
6) Overprotectiveness
While it might seem sweet or caring at first, overprotectiveness can often be a subtle sign of misogyny.
A man who always insists on ‘protecting’ you, or who believes you’re incapable of taking care of yourself, is actually undermining your independence and self-sufficiency.
It’s a form of control, masked as concern.
This behavior suggests that he sees women as weak or vulnerable – a stereotype rooted in misogyny.
Sure, looking out for each other is a crucial part of any relationship.
But there’s a big difference between caring and controlling. Recognizing this distinction is key.
7) Objectification
This one might seem obvious, but it’s surprising how often it can be overlooked or dismissed.
If a man constantly objectifies women, reducing them to their physical attributes or sexual appeal, it’s a clear sign of misogynistic tendencies.
He might make inappropriate comments about women’s bodies, judge them solely on their looks, or view them as sexual objects rather than individuals with their own identities, thoughts, and feelings.
This type of behavior is not only disrespectful, it also devalues women and perpetuates harmful stereotypes.
It’s important to recognize these signs and address them directly, because everyone deserves to be respected as a full and equal human being.
8) Lack of empathy
Above all, a man who lacks empathy for women is revealing his deepest misogynistic tendencies.
Empathy forms the foundation of any healthy relationship and without it, one party is often left feeling unheard and undervalued.
If he dismisses women’s experiences, refuses to acknowledge their struggles, or cannot put himself in their shoes, it’s a major warning sign.
Empathy isn’t optional. It’s essential for understanding, respect and equality. Don’t accept anything less.
Reflections on respect
If you’ve journeyed with me to this point, then hopefully you now understand that recognizing these subtle behaviors is about more than identifying a problem.
It’s about promoting respect, equality, and healthy relationships for everyone.
Misogyny, even in its most subtle forms, undermines these values.
But by being observant, understanding its signs, and standing against it, we can work towards a world where everyone is treated with the respect they deserve.
Remember, respect isn’t about gender. It’s about humanity.
We owe it to ourselves and each other to foster a society where everyone is valued not for their gender, but for their character and individuality.
Let’s strive to challenge these behaviors whenever we encounter them.
After all, the first step towards change is awareness. And now that you’re aware, you’re already part of the solution. Reflect on that.
