12 Common “Nice Guy” Behaviors That Can Turn Women Off
More women are finally owning what they want in love and expecting men to meet them there.
Bumble’s 2025 dating trends report states that 64% of women globally are being more honest with themselves and are no longer willing to compromise on what they want in relationships.
“Women are increasingly drawn to authentic, assertive men whose kindness is balanced by confidence and emotional self-regulation.”
Expecting something in return
Experts warn that some “nice guys” might expect romance or affection in return for their acts of kindness. It’s important to understand that kindness should come from a place of genuine care, not with the expectation of something in return.
People-pleasing and lack of boundaries
According to Marriage.com, 49% of U.S. adults see themselves as people-pleasers. In 2025, cognitive behavioral therapy practitioners have reported that many clients experience burnout and resentment when relationships are based on appeasement rather than genuine connection.
Lack of assertiveness
In 2025, women are placing a high value on emotional stability and assertiveness. Women prefer partners who confidently express their needs and opinions. A lack of assertiveness can be perceived as a lack of self-confidence, making women feel disconnected from their partners.
Passive aggression
Passive-aggressive behavior is one of the biggest emotional turn-offs. According to Mayo Clinic, passive-aggressive behavior can interfere with relationships by damaging mutual respect, making it difficult for a person to get their needs met, and weakening communication.
Self-sabotaging insecurity
Low self-worth and the constant need for external validation can be unattractive traits. Women are drawn to confident men who are comfortable in their own skin.
Love bombing early in relationships
While gestures of affection are important, overwhelming someone too soon can create discomfort rather than drawing them closer. A survey by the jewelry company Shane Co. found that 65% of dating app users have felt suffocated by a partner who wanted to spend too much time together too early. This behavior is a key tactic often associated with love bombing.
Also on MSN: 15 signs you’re settling for the wrong partner
Clinginess and always being available
In today’s dating world,toxic habits like being too needy are a major turn-off. Women are repelled by partners who are constantly available, leaving no space for individuality.
Avoiding conflict
Open communication has become a key dating trend in 2025. According to HelpGuide.org, when conflict is mismanaged, it can cause great harm to a relationship. It’s essential to handle disagreements openly and respectfully rather than avoiding them, which helps build stronger emotional connections.
Lacking ambition
Women in 2025 are increasingly looking for partners with clear goals and ambition. According to Dearmedia, Women like ambitious men because it clearly shows they can handle their own and take care of themselves. Partners who are driven and have a sense of purpose are seen as more reliable and attractive.
Faking interests to impress
Pretending to share someone’s interests just to impress them is another behavior that can turn women off. Genuine connections are built on mutual respect and shared interests, and pretending to like something you’re not truly interested in undermines that foundation.
Inconsistent behavior
Inconsistency is a major red flag in relationships, according to The Relationship Space. Stability and consistency are crucial in building trust, and emotional unpredictability can create anxiety, leading to a loss of attraction.
Suppressing authentic desires
Suppressing emotions or desires can often be misread as passivity. Authenticity in relationships is key, and being open about feelings and desires fosters respect and connection.
Key takeaway
Many “nice guy” behaviors can lead to disengagement in romantic relationships. To build stronger connections, men need to balance kindness with confidence and emotional self-regulation.
Disclosure line:
This article was developed with the assistance of AI and was subsequently reviewed, revised, and approved by our editorial team.
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