7 types of men you should never settle for (unless you want to live with regret)

Are you feeling unsure about the guy you’re seeing? Maybe things just don’t feel quite right, but you’re wondering if you should just settle and hope it gets better.

I get it. Relationships can be complicated, and it’s easy to question whether your standards are too high.

But let me be clear — settling for the wrong man can lead to a lifetime of frustration, resentment, and regret.

As a relationship expert, I’m here to walk you through seven types of men you should never settle for.

Trust me, recognizing these red flags now will save you a world of heartache later.

Let’s dive in!

1) Mr. Right

Ever been with a guy who thinks he’s the smartest person in the room, all the time?

Yeah, that’s Mr. Always-Right.

This guy lives in a world where he believes he can do no wrong. He always has an answer for everything and is never willing to admit when he’s mistaken.

It’s like living with a human version of Google but with a major attitude problem.

The problem with Mr. Always-Right is that he leaves no room for your opinions or ideas. You’re not a partner to him, but more of an audience member in his one-man show.

Settling for this type of man can feel like being stuck in a black hole of constant criticism and dismissal. You want to be with someone who values your thoughts and insights just as much as their own.

2) Mr. Nice

Yes, you read that right. Mr. Nice is on the list of men to avoid.

Now, don’t get me wrong, kindness is a virtue, and it’s essential in any relationship. But when niceness crosses into the territory of being overly agreeable and passive, it can become a problem.

Mr. Nice is always eager to please, never voicing his opinions or standing his ground. He constantly fades into the background, allowing you to make every decision, no matter how big or small.

The trouble here is that relationships require balance and mutual respect. You want a partner who can challenge you when needed, who has his own interests and passions, and who isn’t afraid to voice them.

While it might seem great initially to have someone always acquiescing to your wants and needs, over time it can feel like you’re in a relationship with a doormat rather than an equal partner.

No one wants that. 

3) Mr. Casual

Ah, Mr. Casual. We’ve all met him. He’s charming, fun, and keeps you on your toes. But when it comes to making a real commitment, he’s always got an excuse.

This guy loves the chase but shies away from anything that smells like a long-term commitment.

There are many reasons for this. As noted by psychologist Diana Kirschner, Ph.D. in a Psychology Today post:

“Some men don’t feel like they’re adults who are ready to take on the responsibilities of a relationship, children, and family life. While for others, it can come down to a core unconscious fear that they are not lovable.'” 

Whatever the reason, this guy is probably not for you. Don’t get me wrong,  he’s great for a whirlwind romance, but when you’re looking for someone to settle down with, he’s not your guy.

Living with the constant uncertainty of where you stand in your relationship can be emotionally draining. I’ve seen too many smart, beautiful women get caught in the cycle of hope and disappointment that comes with dating Mr. Casual.

In my book, Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship, I explore how this cycle of attachment can harm your mental health and self-esteem.

But for now, just know that you deserve someone who is as excited about a future with you as you are with them. 

4) Mr. Center-of-the-Universe

Picture this: You meet a man who’s charming, charismatic, and always the life of the party. Sounds great, right?

Sure. Until you realize that he’s not just the life of the party, he believes he IS the party. Welcome to the world of Mr. Center-of-the-Universe.

This guy loves himself more than Kanye loves Kanye. Every conversation revolves around him, his achievements, his interests. Your role? To listen and admire.

Being with Mr. Center-of-the-Universe can make you feel like a side character in your own life story. It’s exhausting, and frankly, you deserve better.

Be with a man who sees you as an equal partner, not just an audience to his one-man show.

5) Mr. Can’t-Be-Alone

Then there’s Mr. Can’t-Be-Alone. This type of man jumps from one relationship to another like a bee buzzing from flower to flower.

Being with Mr. Can’t-Be-Alone can feel flattering at first. After all, he seems so into you that he can’t stand to be apart.

But the truth is, his need for constant companionship often stems from a fear of being alone with himself.

In my years of relationship counseling, I’ve seen this pattern often. And let me tell you, it’s not a solid foundation for a healthy, long-term relationship.

You want to be with someone who chooses to be with you because they value you and what you bring to the relationship, not because they can’t bear to be alone.

A relationship should enhance your life, not consume it. Choose someone who respects your individuality and personal space as much as they value their own.

6) Mr. Drama-King

Oh, the Drama King. His life is a never-ending soap opera, and he’s always in the middle of a crisis. He thrives on chaos and seems to have an uncanny ability to turn even the simplest situations into major dramas.

Dating Mr. Drama-King can be exciting at first. His life is full of action, suspense, and unexpected twists, just like a blockbuster movie. But over time, the constant drama can become draining.

As someone who has been around the relationship block a few times, trust me when I say, you don’t want to be cast in this kind of drama.

Seek out a man who brings peace, stability, and a healthy dose of real-life excitement to your life.

Don’t forget to follow me on my Facebook page for my latest articles and relationship tips. Trust me, you don’t want to miss out!

7) Mr. Never-Good-Enough

Last, but certainly not least, meet Mr. Never-Good-Enough. This man has an unending list of expectations and standards that you’ll never seem to meet, no matter how hard you try.

Whether it’s your looks, your job, your hobbies, or even your friends, nothing seems to be up to his high standards. His constant criticism and impossible-to-please attitude can leave you feeling inadequate and constantly on edge.

And it likely won’t end well. As noted by renowned researcher John Gottman,  criticism aimed at your character is also a predictor of divorce!

You should never have to shrink yourself or live in constant self-doubt for the sake of pleasing someone else.

You are enough just as you are. Anyone who makes you feel otherwise is not worth your time or energy.

So say goodbye to Mr. Never-Good-Enough and open yourself up to a man who loves and accepts you for who you truly are – flaws, quirks, and all.

A final note

Navigating the world of love and relationships isn’t always easy. It’s filled with highs and lows, joys and heartaches.

But remember, you are in control of your own love story. You get to choose who you want to share your life with.

Don’t let the fear of being alone rush you into settling for less than you deserve.  Stand by your values and know your worth. 

In the journey of love, it’s essential to understand that it’s okay to have standards. It’s okay to have expectations. And more importantly, it’s okay to walk away from a relationship that doesn’t align with what you want.

Understanding the kind of partner you want by your side is a journey that requires time, patience, and sometimes a few wrong turns. But trust me, the wait is worth it.

To delve deeper into this topic, here’s a video I think would be incredibly helpful.

This video by Justin Brown thoughtfully explores the complexities of finding a life partner. He reflects on his personal experiences and shares valuable insights that can help you navigate your own journey in finding a compatible partner.

As always, I hope you found some value in this post. 

Stay fabulous.