Subtle (And Not-So-Subtle) Signs You’re Dating A Misogynist

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A misogynist is defined as “a person who hates, dislikes, mistrusts, or mistreats women.” In some cases, misogynists can be slightly difficult to spot because as Psychology Today points out, misogyny is often unconscious. Nonetheless, being in a relationship with a man who hates women, whether consciously or unconsciously, will place you on the path to misery, so it’s best to peep game early. Here are ten signs you’re dating a misogynist.

He has a general disdain for women in leadership

Misogynists hate to see women in power because, in their minds, only men should lead. As a result, these types are hypercritical of women in leadership. They’re completely miserable when they have to work under female supervisors and they’re particularly repulsed by women in politics.

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He frequently refers to women as emotional, unstable, or crazy

Misogynists are infamous for trying to portray women as crazy, emotionally unstable, and incapable of being rational. They are highly likely to use this idealogy as a weapon to win arguments, dismiss the legitimate concerns of the women around them, gaslight their partners, and one-up female colleagues in the workplace.

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He habitually refers to women as “hoes” or other derogatory terms

A hallmark of a misogynist is the frequent use of derogatory terminology aimed at women. B-tches, h-es, thots, broads, sl-ts, and other degrading phrases are a regular part of their vocabulary. When confronted about their problematic language, they’ll often try to rationalize it, either stating that they didn’t mean it that way or that they’re not talking about all women. Stay woke, sis. He’s definitely talking about you too.

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He’s controlling and possessive

Misogynists often view women as property instead of individuals. Thus, they are fiercely controlling and possessive of the women in their lives. While they will frequently try to justify their actions and call it “protection,” the true motivation behind their behavior is far more sinister.

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He is quick to attack women, but frequently backs down from men

Misogynists are quick to run up on women and pop off for whatever reason. Sometimes they’re passive-aggressive with it. Other times, they’re loud and indignant. Unfortunately, there are even times when they are physically violent. Whatever the approach, rest assured that they have no problem attacking women when they feel they’ve been wronged in some way. When it comes to other men, however, the energy never seems to match.

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He’s known for discrediting female colleagues

Misogynists wreak havoc in the workplace and they’re usually a major thorn in the flesh of their female colleagues because they help to create work environments that are uncomfortable and hostile towards women. They attempt to use their male privilege to surpass their female counterparts and seek to discredit them anytime they see an opportunity.

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He compares men who show emotion to women

Misogynists often have a very clear picture in their minds of what masculinity looks like and oftentimes, this does not include showing emotion or vulnerability. Misogynists can often be overheard telling their sons that men don’t cry and likening men who show emotion to women.

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He uses the Bible to put down women

There’s a special brand of misogynist who uses the Bible to justify his misogynistic actions. Oftentimes, these types are enabled by their pastors and fellow church members who have all been groomed to believe that women are the weaker gender. Ironically, these are often the same types of churches that preach purity and chastity to the women while the men run wild.

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He frequently speaks poorly of the women in his life

The wrath of the misogynist is not just limited to their romantic partners and colleagues. They also tend to have a general disdain for the women in their families as well. You may hear them speaking poorly about their aunts, sisters, and female cousins. In some extreme cases, you’ll catch them mistreating their moms as well.

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He treats his sons better than his daughters

Unfortunately, misogyny manifests in parent-child relationships as well. Oftentimes, misogynists treat their male children differently from their female children. They have separate sets of rules and consequences for their children and in many cases, the male children are held to a much lower standard than the female children.