Men who are never taken seriously in life usually display these 8 behaviors

There’s a stark difference between men who command respect and those who are constantly overlooked.

This difference often comes down to behavior. Men who struggle to be taken seriously usually exhibit certain behaviors that undermine their credibility.

Identifying these behaviors isn’t about criticizing or belittling, but about understanding how our actions can impact the way others perceive us.

In this article, we’ll discuss 8 common behaviors that can cause men to be dismissed or not taken seriously. It’s time to take a closer look at our actions, and see where we might be going astray.

1) Over-apologizing

There’s a certain power in knowing when to say sorry. However, men who are often not taken seriously tend to apologize excessively.

Apologies are important, yes, but overdoing it is an issue. It communicates a lack of confidence and gives off the impression that you’re always in the wrong.

This doesn’t mean you should stop apologizing altogether. Rather, it’s about understanding when an apology is necessary and when it isn’t.

Constantly saying sorry for things that don’t require an apology can undermine your credibility. It can make it seem like you’re always seeking validation or approval.

So, if you find yourself always apologizing, it might be time to reflect on why that is and how it might be affecting how others perceive you.

2) Avoiding eye contact

Eye contact is a powerful factor in human interaction. It conveys confidence, honesty, and engagement. Yet, a common behavior I’ve noticed in men who struggle to be taken seriously is their tendency to avoid eye contact.

I remember a time in my early career when I was presenting an idea in a meeting. I was confident about the idea, but nervous about presenting it. As a result, I found myself looking everywhere but at my colleagues while speaking.

To my dismay, my idea wasn’t well received. Later, a mentor told me that while my idea was solid, my lack of eye contact gave off an impression of uncertainty and insecurity.

Since then, I’ve worked on maintaining eye contact in conversations and presentations. It’s made a huge difference, not only in how others perceive me but also in how confident I feel.

3) Dominating conversations

When it comes to effective communication, it’s not just about what you say, but also how much you listen.

Men who are not taken seriously often tend to dominate conversations. This is because they leave little room for others to express their thoughts and ideas.

Instead of pushing your point across continuously, try to practice active listening. This involves not just hearing the other person speak, but also understanding and responding thoughtfully.

It’s a crucial skill that can significantly improve your interactions and the way people perceive you.

4) Neglecting personal appearance

Like it or not, first impressions matter.

And a significant part of that first impression comes from how we present ourselves physically. Men who are often not taken seriously tend to neglect their personal appearance.

This isn’t about being superficial or excessively focused on looks. It’s about showing respect for yourself and those around you by taking care of your personal appearance.

Whether it’s dressing appropriately for the occasion, maintaining good personal hygiene, or just taking the time to present yourself well, these are all things that can influence how seriously you’re taken.

Remember, your personal appearance is often seen as a reflection of your respect for yourself and for others. So it’s worth giving it some attention.

5) Not standing up for oneself

It’s incredibly important to respect others, but it’s equally crucial to respect oneself.

A common behavior among men who aren’t taken seriously is their tendency not to stand up for themselves.

It might seem easier to keep the peace by not voicing your concerns or objections. However, continually allowing others to disregard your feelings or opinions can send the message that you don’t value your own worth.

Standing up for yourself doesn’t mean being aggressive or confrontational. It’s about expressing your feelings and needs in a respectful yet assertive manner.

It’s okay to disagree. It’s okay to say no. And it’s definitely okay to expect respect from others.

By standing up for yourself, you show others that you value your own feelings and needs just as much as theirs. This in turn can lead to being taken more seriously in your interactions.

6) Constant self-deprecation

Humor can be a great way to connect with people and lighten the mood. But when it consistently involves putting yourself down, it can lead to others not taking you seriously.

I used to use self-deprecating humor as a way to fit in and make others feel comfortable. I thought by making fun of myself, I was showing that I didn’t take myself too seriously.

Over time, however, I realized this constant self-deprecation was affecting how others perceived me. They began to see me as I portrayed myself – as someone who was less capable or less worthy.

I’ve since learned that it’s possible to be humorous without belittling oneself. And while it’s okay to laugh at ourselves from time to time, constantly doing so can subtly erode our self-esteem and the respect others have for us.

7) Being indecisive

Decisiveness is a trait that’s often associated with leadership and respect. On the other hand, men who often aren’t taken seriously tend to display indecisiveness.

Being indecisive doesn’t just mean being unable to make big decisions. It can also show in small, everyday choices.

This constant uncertainty can give the impression that you’re incapable or unconfident, which can lead others to take your opinions less seriously.

Improving decisiveness involves trust – trusting in your knowledge, your judgment, and your ability to handle the consequences of your decisions.

It’s about understanding that it’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them, rather than avoiding decisions out of fear of being wrong.

8) Not following through on commitments

Trust is fundamental to being taken seriously. And nothing undermines trust quicker than not keeping your word.

When you commit to something, whether it’s a project at work or a promise to a friend, following through is crucial. Failing to do so can lead others to question your reliability and integrity.

It’s not about being perfect or never faltering. Life happens, and sometimes we can’t fulfill our commitments. But when it becomes a pattern, it sends a clear message that your words can’t be relied upon.

So if you want to be taken seriously, ensure that your actions consistently back up your words. It’s one of the most effective ways to earn respect and credibility from those around you.

Final thoughts: It’s about respect

The core of these behaviors we’ve discussed is respect – respect for oneself and respect for others.

It’s not about pretending to be someone you’re not or constantly second-guessing your actions. It’s about understanding how your behavior can affect the way others perceive you and adjusting where necessary.

Respect is reciprocal. When we show respect to ourselves in our actions and words, it invites others to do the same.

Being taken seriously is fundamentally about being true to yourself while also acknowledging the impact of your actions on others.

So, as you reflect on these behaviors, remember that change begins from within. It’s about fostering self-respect and extending that respect to those around us. It’s a journey of self-improvement that, over time, will lead to being perceived in the light we deserve.