Men who lack empathy and compassion for others often display these 7 behaviors in relationships

A healthy relationship requires emotional support and understanding, but when one partner lacks empathy, the relationship can suffer deeply.

Men who struggle with empathy and compassion often show consistent behaviors that push their partners away, create tension, and diminish emotional safety.

By identifying these traits early, couples can address potential issues head-on or take steps to protect their emotional well-being.

In this article, we’ll explore seven behaviors that men without empathy commonly exhibit—and offer insights on how to handle these challenges in a relationship.

1) They often dismiss or invalidate feelings

Let’s start with the first behavior.

Have you ever shared your feelings with someone, only to have them dismissed as unimportant or foolish? It’s an awful feeling, right?

Well, this is a common tactic used by men who lack empathy and compassion.

Instead of acknowledging and validating your feelings, they might downplay them or brush them off entirely.

What’s even worse is when they turn the tables and make you feel guilty for expressing yourself.

I remember being in a relationship with a guy who was incredibly cold and dismissive towards my period pains. I vividly remember him saying, “It can’t be that bad, you’re just exaggerating” after a long night in which I hadn’t slept due to cramps.

He essentially made me feel like I was making the pain up just to get attention.

But here’s the thing:

Everyone has a right to their feelings. If someone makes you feel otherwise, it might be a red flag that they’re lacking in empathy and compassion.

2) They struggle to show understanding

Let’s move onto the next behavior.

It’s about understanding – or rather, the lack of it.

I remember an incident with a friend of mine.

We were watching a movie that depicted a character going through some tough times.

Instead of empathizing with the character’s struggles, my friend merely shrugged it off, saying, “Why can’t he just get over it?”

This lack of understanding is another common behavior exhibited by men who lack empathy and compassion.

They might struggle to understand why others feel or react the way they do, especially when it comes to emotional matters.

This can make it challenging for them to connect with others on a deeper emotional level.

3) They rarely express genuine concern

Here’s another one.

Ever been sick or stressed and had a guy in your life who just didn’t seem to care?

I mean, sure, he might ask if you’re okay, but it feels more like a formality than genuine concern.

I’ve gone through this. Being unwell, needing someone to show they care and not getting that. It’s tough.

Men who lack empathy and compassion often struggle with this.

They find it hard to express genuine concern for others, especially when those people are going through difficult times.

It’s like they have a blind spot when it comes to recognizing the needs or troubles of others.

This behavior can make their partners feel alone, even in their presence. That’s not how a healthy relationship should feel.

4) They tend to be self-centered

On to the fourth behavior.

In a balanced relationship, there’s a healthy mix of give and take. Both partners’ needs, wants, and feelings are respected and valued.

But not all relationships are like this.

Have you ever felt like you’re constantly catering to someone else’s needs while yours are left unaddressed?

This might be because the man in your life is self-centered – another trait commonly exhibited by those lacking empathy and compassion.

They may always put their own feelings and needs first, leaving little room for yours. In their world, it’s all about “me” rather than “we,” which can leave you feeling undervalued and neglected.

This behavior can create a one-sided dynamic that is far from the shared partnership that a relationship should be.

5) They struggle with emotional intelligence

Now, let’s talk about emotional intelligence.

Did you know that emotional intelligence is a crucial aspect of empathy and compassion?

It’s the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions while also recognizing, understanding, and influencing the emotions of others.

Here’s the kicker.

Men who lack empathy and compassion often struggle with emotional intelligence.

They might find it difficult to read other people’s emotions or react appropriately to them.

This can be frustrating for their partners who might feel misunderstood or unheard.

After all, being in a relationship means connecting on an emotional level, and this requires a certain level of emotional intelligence.

6) They often lack patience

Patience, it’s a virtue, right?

Especially when it comes to understanding others’ feelings and experiences. It takes time and patience to truly listen, comprehend, and respond empathetically.

But here’s the thing.

Men who lack empathy and compassion often fall short in the patience department. They might get easily frustrated or lose interest when you’re expressing your feelings or concerns.

This isn’t a reflection of your worth or the validity of your feelings.

It’s more about their inability to show patience and understanding.

Everyone deserves to be heard and understood in a relationship – your feelings matter, and it’s important to remember that.

7) They struggle with vulnerability

Lastly, let’s talk vulnerability.

Vulnerability is the cornerstone of deep, meaningful relationships.

It’s about letting your guard down, showing your true self, and allowing others to do the same.

But here’s the crucial insight.

Men who lack empathy and compassion often struggle with vulnerability.

They might find it challenging to express their emotions or allow others to see their softer side.

This can lead to a lack of emotional depth in the relationship, hindering true intimacy and connection.

Showing vulnerability isn’t a sign of weakness, but a strength that fosters understanding and closeness in a relationship.

Final thoughts

If you’ve found yourself nodding along to these behaviors, it’s possible you’re interacting with someone who lacks empathy and compassion. Or, perhaps, you recognize some of these traits in yourself.

But here’s the silver lining – recognition is the first step towards change.

With understanding and effort, these behaviors can be altered.

We can learn to be more empathetic and compassionate, not just in our relationships but in our day-to-day lives as well.