15+ Things Men Do That Women Only Pretend to Like

Jack Johnson's avatarBy Jack Johnson

Paying for everything

Paying for everything
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Times are changing! Long gone are the days when men were expected to pay for everything. Now, the ladies want to carve out their own path. Don't assume that your date wants you to pay for everything all of the time - she might prefer to split the bill or treat you instead.

"Good morning" texts

"Good morning" texts
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Don't get it twisted - some women love nothing more than waking up to a cheery good morning text. However, some girls find it clingy and overwhelming, particularly if this comes at the start of the relationship. Sometimes, less is more - and little bit of space can go a long way.

Bragging

Bragging
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The things that impress you might not necessarily impress your girl. Flexing your status, whether it's about work, life, or your hobbies, can sometimes be a major turn-off. What's she's looking for is authenticity - not a resume. Confidence is attractive, but cockiness? Not so much - keep it casual.

Mansplaining

Mansplaining
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Many men often think that they know best, boldly giving their unwanted opinions to anyone with a willing ear. As your girl sits there and nods politely, she's secretly thinking that she already knows everything you're saying - perhaps even having a better grasp on the topic than you do.

Boy-ish behavior

Boy-ish behavior
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It's true what they say - boys really don't grow up. Whether it's flirtatiously throwing a pillow your way or insisting on winning every game, there's always a playful, mischievous side to them. That youthful energy can keep things light and fun - even if it does seem a little immature at times.

Fart jokes

Fart jokes
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Sorry, boys, but girls just don't want to hear those crude, flatulence-related jokes. What you think is hilarious might actually be a major turn-off, even if your girl does politely laugh in response. Wit, charm, and a bit of clever humor go a lot further than bathroom talk - trust us.

Jokes in general

Jokes in general
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We hate to break it to you - but you might not be as funny as you think. Women will often laugh at a man's joke as an attempt to stroke his ego, not because they actually think he's funny. A genuine laugh? That only comes out when you're being your authentic self.

Competitiveness

Competitiveness
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"It's not about the winning, it's the taking part that counts" - said no man ever. While a bit of healthy competition can keep things interesting, you don't want to make it your entire personality. Constantly needing to outdo her or prove a point can turn playful moments into exhausting battles.

Video games

Video games
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Unless she's a gamer herself, she likely doesn't want to hear about your latest video game adventures. What sounds cool to you is likely completely disinteresting to her, especially if it's taking up a large chunk of the conversation. Save the detailed game recap for your buddies - she's more interested in real-world connection.

Showing off at the gym

Showing off at the gym
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Flexing those guns in front of the mirror might make you feel good, but it'll be a major turn-off for your girl. It shows a man who's over-confident - maybe even arrogant - something that can be a major turn-off. Confidence is attractive - but only when it's paired with humility.

"Alpha male" mentality

"Alpha male" mentality
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There's nothing wrong with being a confident, masculine man. However, the second you give yourself the label of being an "alpha male", it comes across as being forced and pretentious. True confidence doesn't really need a label; it's evident in your actions, respect for others, and how you carry yourself.

Making fun of "girl stuff"

Making fun of "girl stuff"
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If you're looking to enter a partnership with someone, it's a good idea not to rain on their parade. Whether your girl is talking about horoscopes or manifestation, don't scoff and roll your eyes - be open to listening to what she has to say. Just because it's different, it doesn't mean it's wrong.

Obsessing over cars

Obsessing over cars
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Boys love their toys, but it's always best to remember your audience. If your lady isn't particularly interested in the world of motoring, then it's unlikely that she'll find your two-hour rant about your car's engine particularly interesting. Try to gauge her interest and find a balance when it comes to your conversations.

Trying to "fix" every problem

Trying to "fix" every problem
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Sometimes, the women in your life just need a willing ear to vent to. What they don't want, however, is your constant input, trying to fix every issue that they bring your way. Talking about their problems is often a solution in itself. What they're really seeking is empathy, not engineering.

Being overly possessive

Being overly possessive
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Some women like a slightly possessive guy, feeling protected and cared for in a primal way. However, be sure not to take this notion too far. Being overly possessive can easily make you seem controlling, insecure, or even threatening - all of which are major red flags in the world of dating.

Bragging about high school

Bragging about high school
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Your high school days are long behind you. Bragging about how popular you were in class, how fast you could run track, and how many girls you dated might sound impressive in your head, but to women, it seems as though you're desperately trying to cling onto your glory days.

Long, nerdy discussions

Long, nerdy discussions
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There's nothing wrong with discussing your interests with the apple of your eye. However, make sure that you're engaging in an actual conversation - not dropping a load of information they don't truly care about. Notice their reactions, ask questions, and invite them to share their thoughts. Meaningful connections are built on mutual exchange, not one-sided monologues.

Acting shocked she knows about "guy topics"

Acting shocked she knows about "guy topics"
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Women are from Venus, men are from Mars. Still, that doesn't mean to say that we're completely different creatures. We're all human beings at the end of the day, with gender norms rapidly becoming outdated. A girl being as into football as you shouldn't be all that shocking in this day and age.

Posting shirtless pics

Posting shirtless pics
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Just because she commented a few fire emojis under your latest shirtless selfie, it doesn't mean she's genuinely impressed. More likely, it was a subtle way of marking her territory - a signal to others that you're taken. You might think that flexing your guns is impressive, but, in reality, it seems too try-hard.

Too many messages

Too many messages
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Some women love to chase. If you're constantly blowing up her phone with flirty texts, therefore, then she'll likely tire of you - and fast. The thrill of the chase is birthed from a bit of mystery and space - so don't be afraid to give her just a little bit of room to miss you.

Calling her "bro" or "dude"

Calling her "bro" or "dude"
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She's not your bro, and she's not your dude, and she likely doesn't appreciate being called as such. It borders on friendzone territory, with you giving her just enough affection to keep her interested - but still at arm's length. If you're truly invested, then make it clear with your words.

Edgy, dark humor

Edgy, dark humor
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When telling a joke, it's important to know your audience. Tell something too dark or too edgy, and you run the risk of alienating - or worse, offending - those in your company. Don't mistake those awkward giggles for approval - they're more likely a nervous reflex as opposed to genuine laughter.

Being career-obsessed

Being career-obsessed
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It's no secret - a professional, successful man is attractive. However, being solely focused on your career will soon wear thin. Your girlfriend will only put up with hearing about so many office stories before she grows tired of feeling like an afterthought. Like everything in life, it's all about maintaining a healthy balance.

Bragging about exes

Bragging about exes
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Your long list of exes might sound impressive to you, but, in the eyes of a woman, it's a major red flag. It suggests a pattern of short-term connections as opposed to long-term relationships, leaving her wondering why none of them actually worked out. She may even start to question if you're truly capable of commitment.

Talking about other women

Talking about other women
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Talking about other women in front of your girlfriend will make her feel disrespected and undervalued. Slowly but surely, these offhanded comments will erode trust and reduce intimacy, potentially even leading to the end of your relationship. What feels like casual conversation to you may feel like constant comparison in her eyes.

Being overly sarcastic

Being overly sarcastic
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Some people use sarcasm to display their sharp mind and wit. However, when it's overused, it can come across as biting or scathing. While it might get a laugh in the moment, constant sarcasm can create emotional distance in a relationship, with your girl feeling as though she's always being kept at arm's length.

Identitfying as a "bad boy"

Identitfying as a "bad boy"
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The ladies love a bad boy, a man who isn't afraid to bend the rules and forge his own path in life. However, the second you call yourself a "bad boy", that's the exact moment the title is revoked from you. It's something that you have to embody - not name.

Constant debates

Constant debates
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There's nothing wrong with a healthy debate, with the two of you putting the world to rights as you express your innermost opinions. However, be mindful that debating isn't all that you do. If so, your relationship will be built on a constant clash of opinions, not mutual understanding and respect.

Pretending to know things she likes

Pretending to know things she likes
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Don't think that pretending you know all there is to know about the Kardashians will get you in her good books - she'll be able to see through your thinly veiled attempt to impress. Women like a man who's unafraid to be authentically himself, not someone who wears a facade to fit in.

Telling the same story over and over

Telling the same story over and over
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We get it - that time you went swimming with sharks was a life-defining moment you'll never forget. But that doesn't mean that you need to bring it up at every chance you get, turning every conversation you have into a personal highlights reel. Strike a balance and use social cues to gauge when it's appropriate to share your stories.

Talking about your friends

Talking about your friends
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Your friends are likely extremely important to you, serving as a constant source of solid reliability. However, be sure that you don't always just discuss your friends with your boo. Constantly talking about them can make your partner feel sidelined or less important. Strike a balance by focusing on your relationship, not just reminiscing about your social circle.

Acting nonchalant

Acting nonchalant
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There's something alluring about a mysterious man who keeps his cards close to his chest. Over time, however, this allure soon begins to fade. Your partner will want to get to know you on a deeper, more intimate level - not just engage with the aloof persona time and time again.

"I don't mean to be rude, but..."

"I don't mean to be rude, but..."
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If any of your sentences start with this phrase, then it's likely that you are, in fact, going to be rude. Stating that that's not your intention doesn't absolve you of responsibility - your words will still sting. In fact, it shows a complete lack of awareness - you can't just say whatever you want, whenever you want!

Keeping things casual

Keeping things casual
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Women often seek emotional connection and stability in long-term relationships, not just fleeting encounters. Men who just want to keep things casual or as friends may seem unwilling to invest in deeper intimacy, leaving women feeling undervalued or underappreciated. Long-term connections require commitment and effort, not fleeting moments that lack emotional depth.

Constant phone use

Constant phone use
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If there's one thing women hate, it's a guy who's constantly on his phone. Keeping your focus on your Instagram feed and vaguely grunting in your partner's direction isn't just rude - it's a complete sign of disinterest. Put down your phone and engage with your boo - your social media isn't going anywhere!

Jealousy

Jealousy
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A dash of jealousy can keep a connection alive, showing a sense of possessiveness and lust. Too much jealousy, however, will burn your relationship to the ground. Excessive jealousy breeds insecurity and mistrust, making both partners feel trapped as opposed to chosen and cherished. Stop that green-eyed monster in its tracks - healthy relationships thrive on confidence, not control.

Donwplaying emotions

Donwplaying emotions
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Men notoriously like to avoid talking about their emotions, instead preferring to shove them deep down into their subconscious. While this might seem like an easy way for you to keep things simple, it can be frustrating for women who value open communication. When you avoid talking about your feelings, it can leave her feeling shut out.

Being over-opinionated

Being over-opinionated
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We get it, you think that the world would be a better place if you were in charge - you've told us ten times already. Sometimes, keeping your opinions to yourself can be more powerful. It can make you come across as being mysterious - a mystery the women in your life will love to solve.

Comparing relationships

Comparing relationships
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Whether it's with your friends, family, or even your exes - you want to avoid comparing your relationship to everybody else. Every relationship is different (that's what makes them so special), so it's best to remain in the here and now. Unnecessary comparisons can cause resentment; something that can slowly erode your foundation of trust.

Buying expensive gifts

Buying expensive gifts
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It's not what's in your bank account that matters - it's all about what's in your heart! Most women would value a thoughtful, handwritten letter over an expensive designer purse any day of the week. Genuine affection, consistent effort, and meaningful gestures mean far more than gifts of luxury and decadence.