"Mirror, Mirror on the wall . . . where did he go, and why doesn't he call?"

Why You Should Not Date Insecure Men

I’m pretty sure that when you set out to start dating, you didn’t intend to date insecure men. But the reality is that’s exactly what ends up happening, and most times, without you even realizing it.

Insecure men are actually quite adept at attracting the perfect “victim.” And much of this goes back to the theory of the Law of Attraction which states that “like attracts like.” In otherwords, similar energies are, by nature, naturally attracted and drawn to one another. Which means that your insecurities, can actually be drawing insecure men back towards you.

An insecure man needs constant reassurance and validation of himself as a man, and his ideal woman is also insecure and feels “unworthy” of love and therefore, is eagerly willing to constantly sacrifice herself and her needs, thus directing all of her energy towards being his biggest “cheerleader” in life, and completely losing herself and her own identity in the process.

The Negative Cycle of Co-Dependency



This exchange of energy leads to a co-dependent relationship in that, he’s dependent on receiving the constant reassurance and support he needs from others (her) to keep himself feeling like a man, and she’s dependent on receiving the validation she needs to feel “worthy” as a woman by constantly proving herself “useful” to him.

But there’s a problem. This is one-sided and not equal. The man is “receiving” on a constant basis, while the woman is “giving” on a constant basis. (And for any men reading here, this piece is obviously geared towards women. But understand that much of this works both ways and the roles can actually be reversed.)

It becomes a feeding frenzy of negativity. A theme of “reassurance and acceptance” starts to play out. He needs to feel reassured and validated as a man, and she needs to feel accepted and worthy as a woman.

Are You the Perfect Victim?


Insecure men generally tend to seek out women who are an empty vessel. Meaning, similar to a blank slate, much like a brand new computer on the assembly line that’s just been pieced together, with an empty hard drive that’s ready to be programmed. Insecure men do not want to be challenged or questioned and they will eventually flee from strong women who are able to assert themselves. (Hint, hint ladies – “the disappearing man.”)

Insecure men prefer a mild woman who will worship them, not question them, not challenge them, and instead bend over backwards to please them. They prefer a woman who is very pliable and one who makes herself available all the time, forcing her to place her own life aside. (One of the reasons why very young, naïve women are highly sought after by men. It’s not always about sex.) Having that type of a woman makes an insecure man feel good about himself and more like a man.

Insecure men are an emotional wreck internally and to hide that from the rest of the world, they actually become very adept at overcompensating by creating a very refined external image that makes others believe they’re actually very successful in life.

What an Insecure Man Looks Like


Insecure Men Tend to be Loud, Boisterous Frat Boy Types

Insecure men are the guys that are the loudest in the room, the guys that are the life of the party. They are the guys that brag a lot about the successes they’ve had (20 years ago as a high school football player). They are the guys that, when challenged by other men verbally for their offensive behavior, either run away or throw a punch instead of providing a smart intellectual rebuttal (because they have no good excuse for their behavior). These types are usually found wearing Affliction Clothing line tees and True Religion jeans with heavy white stitching, sporting a few tattoos, dig MMA, have a close buzz cut on the sides, treat dating like a sport and have dined on a plethora of steroids. (This explains why they’re always exhibiting hostility and are usually “top heavy” with giant arms and a big upper body that is teetering on skinny legs).

Insecure Men Tend to be all Talk and No Action

Insecure men are the guys who are all talk and no action. The ones who have a tendency to constantly “school” others in a “know it all” fashion in an attempt to fool them into believing they have valuable knowledge to share with the world - while they produce no actual viable results whatsoever.

Insecure Men Tend to Exaggerate Stories

Insecure men are the guys at the bar telling exaggerated stories of sexual conquests with the ladies, yet are never actually spotted with a living, breathing one by their side. Insecure guys tend to have a long, long line of “crazy” exes in their past (not just one or two who truly may have been emotionally off balance), yet fail to realize the women weren’t all crazy and instead, were simply women who called him on his crap all the time.

Insecure Men Tend to Exhibit Offensive, Obnoxious Behavior – Towards Everyone

Insecure men are the guys that are quick to point out the flaws in others. They are the guys that drop small “negs” (negative comments) all the time directed at those around them, in order to bring insecurities in others to the surface, so as to misdirect anyone from noticing their own flaws and insecurities.

Insecure Men Market Themselves Well

They are the guys that have learned to “sell” themselves quite well on the surface, when in reality, they have no job, no car, are skipping out on child support payments and financial debts and are living in their parents basement.

Insecure Men Are Narcissistic Attention Whores

Insecure men are the guys that go around approaching women in nightclubs that are complete strangers and asking to take a selfie with them, and then publishing these photos to social media sites, thereby making them look like they’re in demand with the opposite sex. Their Facebook page is a constant stream of party boy selfies with the occasional self-deprecating post geared towards garnering a ton of compliments for themselves. As a matter of fact, I saw one recently that read, “I’m going to quit being such a man whore and start looking for a good woman.” (As if good women are going to jump at the chance to be with an old man whore.) And to my surprise, that comment garnered a lot of “Awe, you’re not that bad of a guy” responses from women. (Clue: If he’s telling you he’s a man whore – then that’s exactly what he is.)

Insecure Men Can Tend to Look Like the Cat That Ate the Canary

Can you say “smug?” Yea, insecure men create the impression that they’re very self-assured.

If you’re looking at a guy and he’s constantly sporting a “Billy Idol Smile” or a silly Cheshire Grin, and you get the feeling he knows something you don’t know – guess what?

He DOES know something you don’t know. . .he knows that you’re the canary and he’s about to swallow you whole.

Insecure Men Pull Stunts to Create False Appearances

They are the guys that, when on a date with them, leave their phone out on the table and are all too proud to openly inform you (and constantly remind you) that women all over the place are chasing them down. Yet they fail to mention that all the texts and calls they’re receiving are actually responses to the lame “hey” text they sent to every single woman in their Facebook account and on their phone 15 minutes before meeting up with you - so they can receive all these responses in front of you, thereby creating the impression that they’re in demand with the opposite sex.

Insecure Men Are Lazy, Lack Ambition and Seek a Free Ride – Single Mothers Beware

Insecure men are completely okay with riding someone else’s coat tails to the top, namely a woman’s. If there’s not a financially eligible woman to latch onto, they’re usually okay with a mediocre “status quo” for themselves (such as living in their parent’s basement). And when I say financially eligible woman, I’m not talking about a woman earning $100k a year. A lot of times, a single mother receiving financial assistance, child support and food stamps can fall victim to an insecure man because she’s got a home, food on the table, a reliable income stream, and an already existing living situation that the man simply slides right into.

Insecure Men are Flaky, Inconsistent and Full of Empty Promises

He’ll keep you floating on empty promises that he never fulfills. He’ll be like a magician who disappears and reappears at will. He’ll stand you up or cancel last minute for what he considers honest to goodness dates, which are most times actually sofa dates. And he’ll make good use of the learning theory called the random interval reward system to keep you hooked:


Insecure Men Cheat and are Opportunists in Life

The needs of insecure men are so hefty that many times, almost all the time, you’ll find that they’re also cheaters (insecurity and cheating tend to go hand in hand). Because the needs of insecure individuals are so very hefty, many times it takes more than one individual to fulfill them. Even if they weren’t outright seeking to fulfill those needs from several others, rest assured that when the opportunity presents itself - they will take the offer up. This is the reason that a lot of the cheating that occurs with insecure individuals is actually “opportunistic” in nature. When someone has cheated on you and you ask them why, if you hear responses along the lines of, “I didn’t mean to hurt you, it just happened” – then you know you’ve been bitten by an insecure man who took action on an opportunity that presented itself.

Insecure Men Move FAST

In the beginning, they lay it on thick and heavy, telling you everything they think you want to hear, zipping you into the bedroom and a relationship with lightning speed. (Warning: Moving too fast is a big red flag.) They’re pulling a number on you and the speed at which it takes place is mean to disorient and distract you from their real motivation – which is to use you and control you until they decide they’re done with you. They're not good at consistency though or maintaining any of this initial "flowery" behavior, which is why it's important to make a man repeatedly prove himself to you for a consistent length of time. The flakes won't be able to keep it up and they'll soon run once they realize they'll have to work to win you over.

Insecure Men are Emotionally Unavailable and Have a Shallow Orientation

Their inner world will rarely, if ever, be anything you get a peek into. They’re usually immature jokesters who won’t “get real” with you and they’re not interested in hugs and kisses, long talks, affectionate caresses or fulfilling your emotional needs. Being with them feels more like having a child to take care of instead of an intimate lover who’s an equal to you. Their primary goal is to get their own needs met, much like a child, which usually has a shallow orientation focused on nothing but primal, sexual needs and survival – and nothing deeper than that.

Insecure Men are Adept at Using Guilt to Their Advantage

Insecure men are never responsible and never accountable. And if you attempt to make them become that, they are not above spinning that back onto you somehow and making you feel guilty for asking too much of them, and not accepting them for who they are and what they have to offer – which is nobody with nothing to offer other than a mere presence in your life.

The Words and Actions of Insecure Men Do Not Align

Insecure men are men who say one thing – yet do something else completely different. Their words never align with their actions and in essence, they’re full of crap and constantly spewing a lot of BS at you.

The Manipulation


Insecure men (and women) are incredibly manipulative. They’re very adept at getting their negative needs fulfilled by others (because they can’t provide that for themselves). One can almost view them as the vampires of society in that they tend to suck the life out of those they’re partnered with via the hefty need for constant reassurance they have. “Maintaining “ them becomes a full time job.

An insecure man is not much of a provider, he’s more of a taker (the vampire) and contributing in any way other than his mere presence in your life is really not going to be his thing. He may work a mediocre job for a while at your behest, but eventually he’ll have a personality clash with someone at work or he’ll get a hang nail or some other ailment that he’ll use as an excuse to get the hell outta’ there - and then he’ll blame you for the entire debacle.

That reminds me of a National Lampoon movie with Chevy Chase and Randy Quaid, who played Cousin Eddie. Cousin Eddie is an insecure guy, constantly attempting to impress Clark and overcompensate in ways that ultimately make him appear as a buffoon. When asked about his job, his wife (the ever willing cheerleader in his life) does damage control and tells people, “He’s holding out for a management position.” And then it’s pointed out that he’s been holding out - for 7 years.

The End Result of Dating an Insecure Man


Insecure men won’t lift you up – they will only ever control you and pull you down, down, down with them – to their level. You can tread water for a while, but eventually, you’ll exhaust yourself, you’ll never be able to get ahead, you will feel like a 200 pound ball and chain has been tied around your ankle that you just can’t shake, and you’ll realize that it’s either sink or swim. You’re either going to go down with them, or you’re going to have to get away from them.

And mind you, if you don’t leave them first, nine times out of ten, they will eventually leave you. . .and most likely - in a lurch - and much worse off than when they met you.

After all, they are the vampires of the world and once they drain you of your life’s blood, much like a vampire, they have no use for the empty carcass that’s left behind. They are relationship jumpers who consider 3 and 5 month flings honest to goodness real relationships. And if they’re married, guess what? Most times, they’re still conducting those 3 to 5 month flings on the side anyways, or taking up the various one time opportunities that float their way. And beauty isn’t what it’s about when that happens, it’s about their insecurity.

Ever notice how many times the “other woman” in a situation like that is always a hot mess of sorts, and you wonder why the heck the man risked a relationship with a great, beautiful woman for – a bar fly that’s akin to a doorknob who’s permitted everyone in the building to take a turn? It’s rarely the Pamela Anderson’s or Scarlett Johansson’s of the world that play that role. . .it’s always some unassuming, non-descript woman that was like a scrap left on the floor for bottom feeders that leaves you shaking your head asking, “Why, why?”

The reason why is because the woman was pliable and therefore - made a good victim - and fulfilled a shallow need at the time. Remember, insecure individuals are very “needy” (man or woman).

Loyalty is not their thing and they will start to be dismissive of you entirely (not that they were ever really that attentive to you and your needs in the first place), eventually disposing of you when another more promising opportunity (victim) comes along. And if you have a child or children with them, it won’t matter. They’ll easily walk away from you and their own blood without pause, and in keeping with their status quo, will bail on child support, visitation, responsibility, accountability, and/or any financial debt residue left behind.

They will skip into the next relationship as if the one with you never even happened – and you will fast become one of the “crazy” exes he’s telling stories about and receiving sympathy from others over (like he once did with you). And don’t be surprised if, when telling others these stories, he begins to exaggerate it and starts to “project” onto you the very sin that he, himself, committed – cheating.

If you meet a guy who claims that every single ex (not just one or two) he’s ever had has cheated on him, you need to question why that is. He’s either an incredibly lousy, neglectful, apathetic mate – or he’s lying.

Are You Dating an Insecure Man?


In the beginning insecure men come on fast and strong, spreading compliments thick, for about the first 3 or 4 dates and professing to love you by the fifth. They talk strongly and often about a future with you very early on, too early, and tend to fast track you into the bedroom by doing so (because they know women, by nature, bond with men through physical contact).

Insecure men pick their victims well, identify their needs immediately, and then start to fulfill those needs fast – only to yank that all away from you and completely turn the tables once they’ve hooked you.

All those compliments, promises, talk of future, exchanges of love and hot sex. . .yea, that was the bait on the end of the hook. And once you bite, they know they have a winner and they pull back hard on the line, quickly and without warning, reeling you out of the lovely pond you were just swimming in - and onto very dry land where they will watch you eventually suffocate and die without remorse.

If you’re dating a man that’s leaving you feeling completely exhausted, totally emotionally drained, financially wiped out, incredibly neglected, abused and taken advantage of, entirely confused, suspicious and constantly questioning and second guessing yourself – you, my dear, are most likely dating an insecure man.

Get rid of him – NOW.

Protect Yourself



If you want to protect yourself from falling prey to another one in the future (hey, we’ve all been there) - work on yourself. Change always starts with YOU.

Behavior that is self-destructive need no longer take place. Hookups and one night stands, settling for less than you deserve, not demanding traditional first dates where you’re treated like a lady, drinking too much, giving men who treat you poorly a second chance or the benefit of doubt, not carrying yourself with dignity, behaving desperately – no more. It’s a fallacy planted into women’s heads by society that if you smile, sacrifice yourself constantly and “do, do, do” for others like a household appliance. . .you will receive love in return. So forget about that because the only thing that will get you these days is victimized and taken for granted.

Ladies, there are good men still out there, trust me on this. Yes, the “gentlemen” is nearing extinction and entering the realms of the dinosaur, however, they do still exist. And if you work on yourself and participate in things that actually build your confidence, rather than take part in self-destructive behavior that actually chips away at it– you will find that you are no longer attracted to insecure men, you will develop a radar that can see them coming a mile away, and good men will admire your strength, independence and strong will. . .and will begin to enter your life.

If you’re not ready and haven’t done the work, you won’t recognize them, you’ll pass them over, you’ll experience fear and you’ll confuse the “high” of sexual attraction with real emotion and love. If you have done the work, and you know your value and begin to understand what it is that you truly need from a man to be happy – then you can’t miss them.

If you’ve done the work, insecure men will no longer be drawn to you. Instead, they’ll sense immediately that you wouldn’t make an ideal victim - and they’ll quickly flee from you without explanation.

Seriously ladies, be thankful for all the disappearing men in your life - they actually saved you a lot of grief.

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441 Comments:

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Angelica said...

Dear Mirror. Its Astrid here. I just want to thank you kindly for your reply and advice in regards to my DM. I posted my story on the 13th of january and just want to give you an update.
As you know my DM asked me out on a date which i agreed to however no details were set as yet. The day before our date he text me saying that he still wants to meet however he has to be somewhere else at 7.30pm which leaves us with 45 minutes for our date. He then continues with saying he wants to spend more than 45 minutes with me and maybe we are cutting it short and hinting that we should reachedule.

As you may recall the reason for my 3 weeks silence was that half the time he does not follow through with plans. Mind you he is always the initiater and asking me on dates but bails half the time the day before the scheduled date.
Anyway when i received the message i decided not to reply as yet again I feel he does not value my time and takes me for granted. As if I would drive half way across town for 45 minutes of his time WTF Lol. And then he has the decency to put the ball in my court and make me cancel the date if i am not satisfied with a lousy 45 minutes of his time as if he is some important celebraty that i should be grateful to get the chance to meet again Lol.
Anyway i still havent replied to his selfish text and its now been nearly 4 weeks.
During this time he has made contact 5 times via text.
The day after the initial text he sent me a text asking if i received his text. The following day he sent a text talking about a tradegy in melbourne city where we both live. Then 4 days later he sent a text asking how i am going and how my weekend was.
Finally he sent a text thursday hoping that i am well and that i am enjoying my new job. No questions were asked.
I was hoping that my silence would eventually make him apologize, but nothing so far and its really driving me nuts.
As much as staying silent doing nothing sounds easy i find it so hard and it takes some serious will power to do so when emotions are involved and i still really like this guy.
40% of me just want to stay silent for good knowing that his ego most likely is suffering and i now have the power however 60% of me still wants to touch base with him. Maybe just tap him and see what happens. What do you think Mirror? Would you stay silent for good? What would you do? Did i maybe over react?
Thank you
Astrid

The Mirror of Aphrodite said...

@Astrid,
"i still really like this guy"

Why? You might want to ask yourself why you're attracted to a man that treats you poorly, doesn't value your time, only offers crumbs of his time, and takes you for granted.

"60% of me still wants to touch base with him"

For what? More of the same? More crumbs, more of him taking you for granted, and more of him disappointing you?

"Maybe just tap him and see what happens."

The choice is yours. But what will likely happen is -- more of the same.

Think about it. This guy has attempted to contact you 5 TIMES, acting as if nothing has happened. He hasn't asked you why you're not responding, he hasn't asked you if something is wrong -- he's going about this like it's business as usual.

Nothing about that is new. So it's highly likely that if you do contact him, you'll receive more of the same.

"Would you stay silent for good? What would you do?"

I would stay silent for good. If the man isn't adding anything positive to my life and only causes me to feel anxious, worried, and questioning myself and his behavior constantly. . .I'm jumping off the merry-go-round.

I'm not staying put in a situation that only causes negative feelings and isn't enjoyable. If I'm going to date -- I'm going to make sure it's at least an enjoyable experience. . .with another man that is enjoyable ;-)

Angelica said...

Hi Mirror. Just wanted to thank you for your reply. I do know what i need to do and that is to follow your advice, move on and never look back. The funny thing is that i feel like a bitch not replying to his attempts. If i hadnt come across your blog i would have most likely reached out for the usual chat, asking him if something is wrong - just to probably get dumped by him. Now at least I would know for sure that nothing would ever come of this. I guess what has been clouded due to my emotions is that his actions have been proving exactly that all along and i shouldnt need his words to confirm that he is only half interested. I think its a common issue for woman needing closure from a mans words before they can move on, but i must say making a decision that he is not worthy and walking away is so much more empowering even though he was only a half interested man. I guess the answer for closure comes from within - making the decision to move on and not look back. Whereas i think most woman are so eager to find closure from the man causing the pain and as a result suffer even more.
Thanks again Mirror.
Alice

Anonymous said...

Hi Mirror, i've been seeing this man for a few months now. He has come on very strong, texting me everyday all day, and talking for hrs nightly. He told me he loved me within 2wks of knowing me and asked me to be his gf. He has also asked me to move in with him, and he actually lives out of state from me. When we are together, he never seems to make much effort or plans (it's always my ideas for things to do), but instead wants to be constantly physically connected. I find it smothering sometimes. My problem is, I feel like I do not trust him for one, and for two he also never asks me anything about myself. Our conversations are literally always about him, sometimes for hours. He does not ask me anything. I carry our conversations for the most part. It has me feeling gross and awkward at times. I have asked him why he never asks me anything about myself, and he says he doesn't care about my past, only the present and future. I also notice he has a short temper, and he has a lot of anger. There's been a few times where he has told me to shut up and has yelled at me, for in my opinion, very trivial things. On top of all this, sex with him isn't always pleasant. I have told him this too several times now, that he is hurting me or being too rough and not listening to me. (Sorry TMI!) He has admitted to me that it turns him on when i'm in pain. Several signs are pointing to this not being a healthy relationship. The good is: he is very consistent with always texting back and always calling when he says he will, he has not disappeared and he has not changed his tune about loving me. I feel silly for even questioning myself, as we're both in our thirties. Any advice is appreciated.

The Mirror of Aphrodite said...

@Anonymous Sep 12, 7:31 PM,
"He told me he loved me within 2wks of knowing me . . . he actually lives out of state from me."

That's not even possible. In order to truly love someone, you have to love them faults and all. This man has no clue what you're like on your worst of days. He hasn't spent enough time with you during them. He barely knows you at all.

He may have affection for you. He may have lust for you. But it's not possible to truly love someone, faults and all, after only 2 weeks of dating - in a long distance relationship (or otherwise).

Men tell women what they THINK they want to hear every single day unfortunately :-(

"wants to be constantly physically connected. I find it smothering sometimes."

That's a sign of insecurity (and also possible motive - i.e. sex).

"I feel like I do not trust him"

Of course not. He hasn't earned that yet by truly PROVING himself to you as a man.

"Our conversations are literally always about him, sometimes for hours."

That's him trying to "sell" himself to you. It's also a sign that he's self-centered and focused solely on himself.

"I also notice he has a short temper, and he has a lot of anger."

NOT GOOD AT ALL. Especially when combined with this other behavior.

"He has admitted to me that it turns him on when i'm in pain."

NOT GOOD!!!!

"Several signs are pointing to this not being a healthy relationship."

Agreed 100%.

"The good is: he is very consistent with always texting back and always calling when he says he will, he has not disappeared and he has not changed his tune about loving me."

That's not all that matters. Communication is only a small portion of what matters. And we don't know if he's telling the truth about loving you.

What you really need to think of with men (or women) that display these characteristics is this -- what would happen if you left them? What would happen if you broke up with them? Would they become a stalker? Would they send you 50 texts a day trying to reach you? Would they begin to threaten you? Would they show up unexpectedly at your place of employment or your home? Or would they just come unglued and disappear off the face of the earth, never to be seen or heard from again - AFTER they've blamed YOU for this happening?

I would give a lot of thought to these things before proceeding.

Most importantly, give a lot of thought as to whether or not you're even actually enjoying dating this man. If you're not, then there's your answer right there.

Anonymous said...

Hello Mirror

I need your advice please.I am dating a 35 years old guy ,going out with him for a drink or walk in the park and after a month he said that he is looking for a serious relationship now and marriage in the future as he felt that he is getting older now.He also wants me to be his girlfriend but i said that i need time to think about it and would like to get to know each other more.He replied okay he can wait but not too long so that it would not be difficult for him after if it will not work.

He contacted and wanted to see me regularly but i like to see him just once in a week.He is also not clingy and is very open.We had a deep conversation every time.He also said that it is important for him that i talk to him and open up if there is any problem.

However after a month things changed.He doesn't have a plan to take me out but invited me to have a dinner to his place then talk and watch a movie after.But i replied "I suggest that we can grab a coffee first or walk in the park.He then replied "why outside?Here in my house i have food,drinks and everything" Then i was thinking that maybe he has no much money for the meantime,he finished a job contract and searching for a new one.But he received a monthly support from the government which i think only enough for his own living.He is a foreigner and just arrived here 2 years ago.
So i still suggested to go walking,eat ice cream,or drinks,sometimes going to a simple restaurant,sometimes cinema,i said that i like those things.I really gave him hints and these things are not expensive by the way.
Then he agreed to go to the park.After an hour he asked me to go back to his apartment as he felt cold ,you know its near to winter.I accepted it.He cooked me food,we talked and kissed.We didn't have sex but i found it so cool when he said that he likes to please a woman in the bed. He said that woman likes it before sex.

After that,things repeat again and it's always me who suggested what to do.He agreed to walk in the center like sight seeing and he asked me to have dinner to his place after,then talk and make out ,no sex coz i am not ready and he is willing to wait.

Then after 2 months of dating,we are supposed to go out Saturday.I was glad that he first suggested to go walking in a beautiful park nearby his place and take me photos as he knows that i like to have some little souvenir sometimes.However he called me on Friday evening and invited me to come sleep over to his place and saturday we go out.He said that he really miss me.I think it was a mistake for me to accept it.

So i went there,he cooked food ,we talked and kissed.Then Its Saturday morning i woke up and was excited to go to the park but after lunch he said that he can't make it coz he is still tired.Suddenly i felt bad and was silent.

Afterwards a friend called him on the phone and asked to see him.Then he asked me if i didn't mind that he can go see his friend for about 30 mins and he will come back.I said yes and i asked him again if we can go to the park.He still refused and said that it is cold outside. I answered seeing your friend is the same.He replied that he is going to see him inside the building so it is not cold there and that he i really tired and have a headache ..........

Anonymous said...

Afterwards,I swear Mirror that i prevented my tears to fall from my eyes but i cannot help it.Damn i am really so sensitive though i tried to control my emotion.I know it is not good to cry for he will see me like a child.I felt bad not because i didn't get what i wanted but it's because i did not see his effort there,there is something wrong.What do you think MOA ?

Am i just over reacting ? After that ,it was time to go back and before i go i said to him that i think we are not a good match and i have to leave.He said that i am like a child.I didn't argue .

Then he said okay we will do it next weekend and please stay.I replied : i must go back home and maybe this will be our last meeting,and thank you for everything.He looked very sad when i leave and said that he needs me.

When i arrived at home,he called me and also yesterday but i didn't answer. I think MOA that he will convince me to see him and take me out.I can sense that he will continue to pursue me and he is the only man doing like that to me among those guys that i've dated before and we had deep conversation in the phone or when i am seeing him.
But i think there is something wrong here but i can't figure it out.I am really confused if i give up or continue.Should i give him more time to get to know him? Is there a red flag here that i didn't see.Overall this guy spend a little money on me and i don't like that it is me mostly who think of what to do but i don't know how can i get him to have a plan.For sure he will call me again today.

Any advice MOA? THANK YOU very much !

The Mirror of Aphrodite said...

@Anonymous Nov 21, 12:27 PM,
"He replied okay he can wait but not too long so that it would not be difficult for him after if it will not work."

He doesn't have the right to pressure you. He has the right to decide he doesn't want to wait, and he can then choose to end the relationship. But he does not have the right to push you into a decision. If you're not making the decision fast enough for him, then he can decide to walk away.

"What do you think MOA?"

You have the same right that he has. You have the right to walk away if he/the relationship is not making you happy. But you cannot control his actions. You can't make him love you or want to do certain things with you. If he doesn't want to do things that make you more comfortable with him, that's fine - that's his right.

But there are consequences for everything.

And it may be that the consequence of him no longer wanting to participate in the things he originally did for you that you enjoyed and that made you comfortable with him - is that you decide you're no longer happy in the relationship and walk away.

"Should i give him more time to get to know him?"

If you're enjoying dating him, sure you can decide to proceed. However, if you're not really enjoying dating him any longer, then it probably wouldn't be wise to proceed.

Remember - it's not about HIM and HIS happiness. It's about YOU and YOURS.

Don't settle for less than you deserve simply to make him happy. And don't ask for more than you deserve because you feel entitled to it. It's a balancing act and there has to be a fair give and take between two people in order for them to successfully fulfill each others emotional needs.

If you're enjoying dating him - proceed. If it's no longer enjoyable - it's probably time to move on.

Anonymous said...

Hi Mirror, i'm ready to give up on dating. I can't meet a normal decent guy if my life depended on it. My most recent, we have been "dating" for over 2months now and he has not asked me to be his gf. We talk daily, texts and calls. He says he likes me. When i have broached the issue of not being together yet, he says he doesn't want to jump into anything like his last relationships because he wants something serious and to last. Speaking of serious, he can't make plans in advance with me, ever. Not once has he planned a date in advance. Speaking of dates, we mostly stay in at his place because he says going out costs too much, so i sometimes come up with ideas of cheap/free things to do and then beg him to go along. :/ He complains about being broke constantly, yet he doesn't do anything about it. Oh, and he also spends $300+ a month on drugs(of the green variety) and cigarettes. He works a full time job and gets home from work, smokes and sits on the couch. On the weekend, he doesn't do much either. The craziest part is, if I tell him I don't like the drugs and his lifestyle he will call me an alcoholic for having a glass of wine once a week! He also seems to talk down to me, saying I'm not one to give advice because I'm currently working part time and in a training program to be certified in my field, so i'm not as "established" as him.. (because he received an inheritance and bought a house with it.) lol. I don't know, I feel a huge amount of disrespect and disregard for my feelings, and I believe he is lazy unmotivated and full of excuses. I feel like this "relaionshit" has been a waste of my time and he isn't looking to budge in any sense of the word in his life. He is VERY content with the status quo of everything. Because of this i've decided I need space and not contacting him for some time. I'm unhappy since he doesn't seem to value me in the way that I would like and expect, and frankly i'm sick of doing most of the work. He says he isn't good with change and to be patient with him. But I don't have time for him to someday want more with me and want more with his life in general. He is such a lackluster drag. He doesn't make me a better person in any sense of the word. He isn't motivating. And I honestly feel like I bring a lot more to the table than him in which he benefits from being around me and not the other way around. Any advice is appreciated Mirror, thanks.

The Mirror of Aphrodite said...

@Anonymous Jan 20, 1:33 PM,
"Speaking of serious, he can't make plans in advance with me, ever. Not once has he planned a date in advance."

Why do you accept his last minute date requests? The way to make him understand that your time is valuable as well is to not accept last minute date requests and instead, tell him you've already made other plans -- but you're available at a later date and time (give him an exact day and time).

"Speaking of dates, we mostly stay in at his place because he says going out costs too much."

That's not dating, that's hooking up. (Those are what I refer to as "sofa dates.")

Formal dating consists of actually setting a date and time for both parties to meet for an event: "establish or ascertain the date of event."

In his case, there is no event. The event consists of sitting on his sofa because he's too lazy to actually plan an outing. If he can't afford to date, then he shouldn't be dating. He shouldn't expect some woman to settle for what little he has to offer and be happy about it.

Walking in the park is free. Walking on the beach is free. Hiking through the forest is free. Walking through the mall is free. An ice cream cone costs $3. A shared appetizer and 2 sodas at a restaurant costs about $15. An afternoon matinee at the movies can be done for about $20.

I could go on and on. Not having a lot of money at your disposal is not an excuse for not taking a woman on a date. There are a lot of activities that are free and/or very affordable that he could be planning. He's just too lazy and complacent to actually do that.

"Oh, and he also spends $300+ a month on drugs(of the green variety) and cigarettes. He works a full time job and gets home from work, smokes and sits on the couch. On the weekend, he doesn't do much either."

That's where his laziness and lack of enthusiasm comes from. And he's NOT BROKE. He's simply choosing to spend his money on recreational drugs instead of recreational activities with a woman.

"He also seems to talk down to me, saying I'm not one to give advice because I'm currently working part time and in a training program to be certified in my field, so i'm not as "established" as him."

When he disrespects you in this manner, do you leave? Do you issue a consequence to him for his behavior and treatment of you (i.e. no more access to you), or do you stay and send him the signal that it's okay to treat you this way. Because no matter what, you'll still be right there, willing and waiting on him.

Cont. . .

The Mirror of Aphrodite said...

"I feel a huge amount of disrespect and disregard for my feelings, and I believe he is lazy unmotivated and full of excuses."

100% agreed based on what I'm hearing here.

"Any advice is appreciated Mirror"

Let's review your summation of this. You said:

"I feel like this "relaionshit" has been a waste of my time and he isn't looking to budge in any sense of the word in his life. He is VERY content with the status quo of everything. Because of this i've decided I need space and not contacting him for some time. I'm unhappy since he doesn't seem to value me in the way that I would like and expect, and frankly i'm sick of doing most of the work. He says he isn't good with change and to be patient with him. But I don't have time for him to someday want more with me and want more with his life in general. He is such a lackluster drag. He doesn't make me a better person in any sense of the word. He isn't motivating. And I honestly feel like I bring a lot more to the table than him in which he benefits from being around me and not the other way around."

So now I ask -- why have you not ceased dating this man for good?

Dating him isn't an enjoyable experience, so why bother doing it anymore? Dating is supposed to be fun. It's not supposed to be a drag. Your significant other is supposed to make you feel good about yourself, not make you feel badly. They're supposed to do little things to make you feel special, not things that make you question yourself and your worth.

Dating is supposed to create feelings of excitement and enjoyment. I don't see any of that here. I see a lot of negativity laced with drug use and verbal abuse.

If I were you dear, I'd run and never look back.

If you stay, you could end up wasting years of your life "waiting" for this man to get his sh*t together. You've only been dating for two months. You can make a clean break now before it's too late (and someone catches feelings).

This relationship isn't progressing. He's not leading it anywhere. He's not providing any enjoyable experiences for you. He's becoming verbally abusive and disrespectful of you. He does not value or appreciate you as he should. He's immature and defensive. And he chooses to put himself and his own needs first on a regular consistent basis. And he has failed to impress you. You've spent two months getting to know him, and he's proved himself to be unimpressive.

This man has given you absolutely no reason whatsoever to continue dating him.

You've invested enough time into this to know that it's a dead end street and that all roads lead back to him sitting on his a** on his sofa. The only thing this guy has proved to you is that he'd win first place in the couch potato awards. He's kinda' like a fungus or a mushroom that just sits and lacks any real zest for life LOL.

I'd dump this guy in a heartbeat and move on so that you can find the right man that's meant for you dear. One that will appreciate you, value you highly, and treat you right ;-)

Anonymous said...

Hi Mirror, I don't know why I attract men who are insecure. This happens again and again. This recent man, Nathan, and i dated for 2 1/2months, he seems to have almost a self fulfilling prophecy going on. He lacks confidence, he would message me sometimes and if I didn't get back to him quick enough, usually he would become accusatory and ask me a bunch of questions. He also told me he doesn't trust women, that he thinks i'm out to use him/play him, and he gave me a very hard time "joking" that I am seeing/sleeping with other men all the time. Meanwhile, he has yet to even ask me to be his actual gf! I assured him that he was the only person I was talking to, and when I would say that, he would then say "do what you want you're single anyway." Obviously this made me very confused. The most common thing he would accuse me of, almost daily, was liking his friend. His friend and I made out at a party 14yrs ago when we were 19. We haven't seen or spoken to eachother since! We just kissed, that's it, back then. Every single day I have had to defend myself telling my date that I am not in any way shape or form interested in his friend. It became so exhausting and annoying, that I went on fb messenger and messaged his friend and I said "hello, I am accused of liking you for some reason by Nathan,every single day, what is going on, did you tell him something I don't know?" Well, he immediately screen shotted the message to Nathan, and then replied to me that he promised Nathan if I ever contacted him that he would tell him. I said okay?? Well Nathan, then texts me and says "F U, we are done, you messaged my friend, you lied, you don't deserve my loyalty, you messaged him that says enough right there!". I was shocked. I told him he is overreacting, that the message was about him and his accusatory comments, I even sent him screen shots. Nathan wants nothing to do with me now. It ended just like that. And I am left in bewilderment. He won't take my calls, texts, and wouldn't answer his door when I went to his house. Suddenly, I am left feeling guilty, abandoned, and pretty horrible, over this whole mess. I did so much for this man, and he gave so little in return and was not that great to me. I helped him sell furniture he needed to get rid of, rehome his dog, I cooked for him, I helped him clean his house once, and I always offered solutions to his problems in life. He didn't ever ask to help me in any way, and he never drove to my house. He put me down often, all of his jokes all the time, seemed like he was threatened by me getting attention from men, or as if I'm some floozy. And I'm not at all. I spent all my free time with Nathan. Nothing was ever good enough though. Guess I'm just venting but I don't know why I keep getting deeply involved with insecure men who seem to be very immature emotionally.

Anonymous said...

You keep getting deeply involved with insecure men because you lack the courage and stamina to walk away from them early on. It is that simple.

Stop saying he abandoned you. That is an awful word to use. You are a grown adult who cannot be abandoned by anyone but yourself. He has blown you off and if I were you, I would not look at it through the perspective of a tragedy, but as a GIFT from the high heavens.

Anonymous said...

Hi there MOA :-)
I would like to hear your advice,please.

I've been dating a guy for 3 months now (the first 2 months he contacted me like twice a week which i think for me is okay ) but after 2 months (the time i slept with him which was my choice ) he only contacted me once a week and only when he is asking an appointment to see me..talking not more than 15 minutes in the phone.We meet each other once a week and he took me to proper dates. Also I noticed that when i see him in person we only talked about other things ,just light things.Also unlike in the first and 2 dates, he is not anymore asking questions about my life,about me ,my family ,what i like or don't like ,nothing and he didn't even know that it was my birthday last week. He asked about it on the second date but it was not important for him i think.He is open to talk about his life when i asked but rarely asked mine or he only asked when i asked him first.

I like this guy so much and he was treating me like a princess when we are out, but it doesn't feel right when he only contact me once in week and said that he is very busy with his new project.He also said that even with friends he replied them after 4 days .I once tried to initiate a chat but he just replied twice and said that he must go to have a dinner.

Also after 3 months, i asked him "which direction would you like to go in life " ? He replied that he is just enjoying the present moment in life , just go with the flow without really thinking of the future and follow where it leads and said that he will treasure those memories that we had.The last date i told him maybe to give him hints like " i would love to hear from you more when you are abroad " (he was working abroad during the 3 months for a new project and can still able to see me ) he replied: "yes but I cannot text you every night" ,then i just remained silent.

In fact last week i am supposed to see him again by Saturday but we didn't had the specific time yet.What i did ,i waited and observed then again the pattern repeated. He contacted me by Thursday night just saying how was my day but i didn't reply.Then he called me on Friday and text i also didn't reply.I think by now he is very confused.

Now it's Monday and i am still silent.I was not inspired to see him as i didn't hear from him ,communication is very weak.He seems not eager to talk and to know me and my life.I can still feel that this guy is a good person but he is not ready i think.

Anyway ,what is the best way to do MOA ? Should i continue dropping this guy without any word ,or should i tell him that it will not work and that i have to move on ? Thanks a lot MOA ,Best Regards .






Anonymous said...

Dear Mirror
I have a situation here i cannot make sense of. This guy i know asked me out on my birthday one week before but I alr have plans. So i met him a week prior to my birthday. Aft which he texted me consistently for abt a month without askine me for another date. One of our mutual frds posted sth on facebook and insinuated thats hes not a reliable guy (names were not stated in the post). Since than he has mia for a good few weeks without contacting me. Do u think he felt pissed abt the post from that common frd? He shldnt be bcos names were not referenced on the fb post. Dear wise mirror do u feel that the guy was offended by that post and therefore he mia-ed (passive aggresive). Pls shed some light on this matter. Thanks much

The Mirror of Aphrodite said...

@Anonymous Jan 27, 3:08 AM.
"Do u think he felt pissed about the post from that common friend?

No. He was already fading away for a month previous to that and instead "e-maintaining" you through technology.

"Do u feel that the guy was offended by that post and therefore he mia-ed?"

No. A month had already passed before that without any action from him, which was a sign he wasn't serious and was likely going to disappear and fade away slowly.

When people behave like that, chances are they're going to eventually disappear on you.

It might take them a week, a month, or 3 months before they actually do. . .but either way, their lack of action is a sign that they're not going to move the relationship forward.

If a man doesn't ask for a 2nd date within 2 weeks after the first one, don't wait around for him. Keep moving forward and dating other men. If he wants you, he knows where to find you. But don't put your life on hold waiting around for him.

Anonymous said...

Hi Mirror. This guy I dated for about 6 months was acting up the last few times we went out. I got mad at him for the things he did. He apologized and seemed to want to make it up to me. The last time he took me to dinner, but he had a little too much to drink so we left. He text the next day saying he had fun and then I didn’t hear from him for 2 1/2 weeks. He was complaining that I never reach out to him first. I don’t because I didn’t think he was too serious anyway. Funny he would say he loved me, but I almost laughed because I didn’t believe him based on his actions. Anyway his text to me after not a word to me for 2 1/2 weeks was asking if I wanted to go out of town in March. I just ignored it and didn’t reply. I think that is best but what do you think. We have been on and off for a few years but I think best to be done for good because he always reverts back to the same behavior. Thanks for your thoughts :)

The Mirror of Aphrodite said...

@Anonymous Jan 31, 2:03 AM,
"I think that is best but what do you think. We have been on and off for a few years but I think best to be done for good because he always reverts back to the same behavior."

If you feel good about your decision, then it was the wise thing to do for yourself.

Sounds to me like this relationship has been given many opportunities to grow over the years but that hasn't happened.

As well, a man that truly loves a woman doesn't leave her hanging for 2.5 weeks at a time. It could be that this man is not cut out for commitment, and isn't emotionally mature enough to make one or keep one in place.

It's best not to waste anymore precious time. Don't waste the best years of your life waiting around on a man. Keep moving forward and make room in your life for the right man to enter it ;-)

Anonymous said...

Hi Mirror,

I was wondering if it’s smart to look at the type of friends the guys we are talking about surround themselves with. In my case, while know I shouldn’t jump to conclusions, I’ve stumbled on profiles on dating apps of the friends he hangs out with and get major vibes of insecurity.

Regarding the guy I talk about a lot here, if I squint hard enough, I can catch glimmers of similar insecurity to that of his friends such as looks but maybe not to the full extent. He’s known his friends for years so maybe he’s outgrown them? This is going off some profiles and what he’s told me about them. I’ve only encountered one of them a few times.

I know the saying, “birds of a feather flock together” and what you usually say, “like energy attracts like” therefore would friends apply? Can I get a good glimpse at one guy’s insecurities based off of the vibe I get from his friends? If so..then I’m worried if maybe it applies to me as well since I was drawn to him in the first place and if I can outgrow him as well and any latent insecurities we both carry.

Hope this helps other readers as well.

The Mirror of Aphrodite said...

@Anonymous Feb 11, 11:13 PM,
"I was wondering if it’s smart to look at the type of friends the guys we are talking about surround themselves with."

It is wise. Because let's face it, if he were nothing like them, and they had nothing in common, they wouldn't be friends. They're friends because they have common views and common interests.

"He’s known his friends for years so maybe he’s outgrown them?"

It can happen. But when it does, there's usually a "break" of some sort. And that usually starts when the individual begins to distance themselves considerably from the group.

"I know the saying, “birds of a feather flock together” and what you usually say, “like energy attracts like” therefore would friends apply?"

Yes, friends would apply. Again, friendships are built on common views, common interests, common goals, etc. Those are the things that bind people together. It's difficult to form deep friendships with those you do not hold any commonality with. Therefore, one can assume that if there's a strong bond of friendship, there are common views and interests between the group of friends.

"Can I get a good glimpse at one guy’s insecurities based off of the vibe I get from his friends?"

I'd say you can get some pretty good insights into his character from his friends. But you would also need to spend time w/the man himself to make a fully informed determination about him. If you start to see commonalities between his friends behavior and his own, then you have confirmation.

"If so, then I’m worried if maybe it applies to me as well since I was drawn to him in the first place and if I can outgrow him and any latent insecurities we both carry."

Well, let me ask you this. It appears you may be possibly dating online. This will apply whether you are or you aren't but - are you dating outside of your comfort zone in order to create new, varied experiences and opportunities for yourself?

Or are you dating the same type of man, over and over again?

If you find yourself drawn to the same type of man over and over again, you can expect the same end result over and over again. I'm sure you've heard the definition of insanity which is, "Doing the same thing over and over again, yet expecting different results."

Don't drive yourself insane.

Cont. . .

The Mirror of Aphrodite said...

Instead, push yourself outside of your comfort zone - where the magic happens.

If you want to experience self-growth, you need to expand your horizons into new territory. . .so that you can have new experiences that enable that growth and further development.

For instance, if you find you date the same type of man all the time and it's the type of man that makes you feel insecure about yourself, you're going to experience the same damage to your self-confidence over and over again. (i.e. No growth)

However, if you step outside your comfort zone and date a different type of man, one that treats you special and makes you feel secure in the relationship, you're going to have a new experience that aides your personal development and grows your confidence in yourself. (i.e. Growth experienced)

New experiences provide the opportunity for growth and personal development while the same experiences over and over again generally do more of the same permanent damage.

Dating the RIGHT type of man for you can see many of your insecurities disappearing literally overnight. Because many times, the very thing that is triggering a woman's insecurities to rise to the surface is the man she's with.

We ALL have insecurities. It's part of the human condition.

However, we don't all date people that trigger them, causing them to surface constantly.

Dating a man that lifts you up is a completely different experience from dating a man that brings you down. Men that lift you up are confident in themselves. Men that bring you down are insecure and lack confidence in themselves.

Think of it like cheating to win. Confident men don't need to cheat to win. (Because they've got the social skills to do it naturally).

Insecure men need to cheat to win. (Because they lack the social skills and confidence to do it naturally).

And the tactics insecure men use to cheat can do permanent damage to your confidence in yourself. (i.e. Triggering jealously making you feel "less than" other women. Disappearing and ghosting for days or weeks on end triggering you to feel "unworthy" of their attention. Giving you little of their time triggering you to feel as if you need to try harder to win more of it from them, etc.)

The main way insecure men "cheat" to win at the game of dating is this -- they keep the woman in a constant state of feeling "unworthy and less than." This tricks her mind (triggers her insecurities) into feeling as if she must try harder, must always go the extra mile, must constantly remind the man she exists, must constantly fight for crumbs of his attention.

Doing so puts the insecure man into the position of power (making him feel beter about himself), and forces the woman into a position of powerlessness (making her feel worse about herself).

If you want to feel good about yourself and you want to ENJOY dating, it's critical that you date the RIGHT kind of man for you. One that will create those positive experiences that enable your personal development and self-growth.
If you're not enjoying dating and you're having miserable experiences with men that leave you feeling angry, used and powerless all the time, then you're dating the WRONG type of man. . .and it's time to step outside of your comfort zone (date the types of men you've never dated before to create new, positive experiences for yourself that enable personal growth).

Anonymous said...

Hi Mirror,

Thank you for your response and taking the time to write in such detail. Something about what you said stuck out to me and that was, "..if you step outside your comfort zone and date a different type of man, one that treats you special and makes you feel secure in the relationship, you're going to have a new experience that aides your personal development and grows your confidence in yourself. (i.e. Growth experienced)" because I realized I have a fear of leaving something familiar even if the outcome might be better than what I am currently in (or not in as the case may be).

Thanks for reminding me I need to start weighing the cost and benefits involving this guy and work on gaining a new self-awareness to my needs vs wants. I haven't been taking my long-term goals seriously enough so I guess it is back to the drawing board so I can see what type of future/relationship I'd like to have.

All the best to you and your readers!

Anonymous said...

Hi MOA.I've dated a guy for almost 2months.I felt so good with this guy coz he is a gentleman and was treating me well.However,there is an obstacle and it's his job.After a month and half of seeing each other ,he received a news to go to different countries abroad for 4 years and more.He said that he did not expect that it will be too soon. It will be next year. In fact his main work is here and he is not obliged to go to missions but he really really likes it and is used of doing it since before.He was also hinting me that it would be also nice if his future girlfriend will go and live with him abroad. I answered that i am not dreaming of leaving my country too soon.

Then the day after ,he told me that he can't continue anymore dating me because of this job mission and he is confused , that he doesn't like to play with my feelings ,he likes me a lot but in this moment of his career it is what he needs to do. So he wanted us to remain friends.I felt that he has feelings for me also.
But then i didn't hear from him since 4 days and did not bother him either but i am really sad.

So my questions are ...is there any chance that he will choose me over his career ? That he will stay here than going abroad instead ? If there is any hope then what should i do ? He also told me that during the dates he felt that i was cautious and a little distant .I think maybe because i was only seeing him once in a week and did not sleep with him yet and didn't act like a desperate woman. How would i respond to this if a guy ask why i am so cautious or distant? I just don't really like to rush. Would it be still okay to stay friends with him knowing that i have feelings for him ?

Thanks for your reply MOA . I really appreciate it a lot . Regards !

The Mirror of Aphrodite said...

@Anonymous Feb 24, 6:53 PM,
"Is there any chance that he will choose me over his career? If there is any hope then what should i do?"

Well, there's always a chance that something will change.

But don't put your life on hold waiting for that to happen. Continue moving forward and living your life and begin dating other men. If he wants you, he knows where - and how - to find you.

So leave that up to him to figure out while you continue moving forward with your life.

"How would i respond to this if a guy ask why i am so cautious or distant?"

You would respond by being honest and simply telling them that you need more time to get to know them first. And you're not ready to become closer until you get to know them better.

"Would it be still okay to stay friends with him knowing that i have feelings for him?"

Truthfully - that would only serve to hurt you.

Because you're not really "friends" when one of the two secretly wants more.

When there are two people and one wants friendship while the other wants romance, it won't work out. Because one will be focused on keeping things platonic while the other is focused on taking things to a romantic level.

When the one that wants friendship rejects the others romantic advances, there will be pain and sadness. The one that wants romance will be left feeling hurt and confused, possibly even suffering damage to their confidence.

As a result, I do not recommend friendships for anyone that secretly harbors romantic feelings. You can't manipulate someone into loving your or wanting to be with you. And if you try to do so under the guise of "friendship" - you'll get hurt.

As unfortunate as it may be - ACCEPTANCE is the path of least resistance.

If, instead, you accept that this may not be the right man for you, and that things may change between you very soon as a result. . .you'll begin healing, you'll eventually reach a sense of peace about it, and you'll be free to move forward with your life.

Hanging on will only keep you stuck in the past, placing you at risk of getting hurt even more :-(

Anonymous said...

Hello Mirror,

I was dating this guy for about 4 months and patiently waited for it to become closer and deeper but it did not. Our conversations were very superficial and light. I opened up but in hopes I could get to know him at a deeper level but he always had his guard up.

He was inconsistent, hot and cold. I never knew where I stood. I chalked it up to him not being emotionally available. I decided he was history and never initiated any contact.

Several weeks later, he suddenly texts to say today his sister, Deb, is terminal and today looks like the end. However, I got the exact same text 2 days later and a third the next day. Being the caring person I am, I wrote back with my condolences and even went up to him on the street outside our office to say how sorry I was. He was all appreciative. I felt something off about this though and I asked if this story was at all true, and he was incredulous at my response. A week later, he told me when the funeral was but then a few days later contradicted himself and said he already went to the funeral. Facts were not adding up. Another thing, his office has 3 days off at work for bereavement leave and he never took it.

Any way, after all this I just ignored and never spoke to him again. I cannot believe someone would actually concoct that kind of story. I wonder if it was to get my attention? If so, this is a very sad man and I am sorry I ever spent time with the guy.

Would insecurity in a man cause this type of behaviour? Or would you say it's more serious than that?






The Mirror of Aphrodite said...

@Anonymous Mar 3, 6:02 PM,
"Would insecurity in a man cause this type of behaviour?"

Yes, it can be a driving factor leading to that type of behavior. Insecurity can cause all sorts of bizarre behavior in men and women both.

If none of this is true, then he's being emotionally manipulative by attempting to play on your sympathies. If he can make you feel sorry for him, and you're a caring person, he knows he can get your attention with a story like this.

And I will say this. If none of this is true, it's pretty extreme behavior. Lying about a family member passing away in the hopes it'll place a woman's attention on you is frankly - deplorable behavior. If true, it's indicative that something is VERY wrong emotionally with this man. A man that will do that will pretty much do anything and cannot be trusted. And without trust there's nothing to build on.

"Or would you say it's more serious than that?"

In my opinion, I believe deep rooted insecurities can cause this type of behavior. It can cause someone to play on another's sympathies and pull at their heart strings in order to receive attention.

Having said that, as I stated above, this is pretty extreme behavior if none of it is true. And the fact that it's extreme signals there's a lot more to this man's emotional instability than meets the eye.

If someone is SO DESPERATE for attention from the opposite sex that they have to pretend a family member passed away in order to receive it - there's something VERY wrong there.

Anonymous said...


Hi Mirror,

I’ve run across gentlemen and players and the most recent players I’ve run across I just had to share about here because I’m just floored by the antics.

The first player I came across was over a dating app. We were chatting and our conversation took a drastic turn when he said his car was great and IF I ever got the chance I’d see how great he and the car was.

That statement alone was jaw dropping. I was like, “if?” And he replied that it might happen but I hadn’t WOWED him enough yet.

That’s when I knew what type of guys lurk on the dating web, very narcissistic with an inflated self. Needless to say I flat out said it wasn’t my job to wow him and that was the end of it. I later found out he was an aries male, go figure since they seem to be popping up around me a lot lately but anyway I digress.

Therefore, I felt letting my fellow ladies know the level of spoiled entitlement which floats around the dating web is very real and now very apparent to me and to be careful and on the lookout.

It’s like Mirror says, guys wouldn’t use blatant showy arrogance if it didn’t get them anywhere and I feel for the poor woman who taught this boy that treating woman like that was okay. She must’ve had hell to pay with that one.

Granted, I’ve met some guys who treated me well in fact very well and I’m still wondering if I should give them a chance since they bowed out gracefully. Gentlemanly behavior does stick even though they aren’t out there fluffing out their feathers and I guess in my case their oh so wonderful vehicles ;)

The other player (another Aries male...these types seem to LOVE dating apps so a bit of forewarning) that started making moves to try and get me to feel insecure did so by deleting me off one of the social media platforms. This was after I didn’t reach out and wish him a happy birthday so while I can only speculate I figure that was the reason. He kept me on another social media platform so I can only guess this was some type of mind trick he was playing to get me to notice him.

It worked since I’m writing about it but I figure I’d get a few laughs and chuckles while laying it out for all of you to witness and appreciate the antics.

Sending love out there to you all and miss Mirror because this blog has helped me find some humor and hope regardless of the stunts these guys pull.

The Mirror of Aphrodite said...

@Anonymous Apr 11, 12:20 AM,
"We were chatting and our conversation took a drastic turn when he said his car was great and IF I ever got the chance I’d see how great he and the car was. That statement alone was jaw dropping. I was like, “if?” And he replied that it might happen but I hadn’t WOWED him enough yet."

LOL, clearly he's been reading up in the PUA (Pick up Artists) communities and it shows with his cheesy attempts at "negging" you. That's a tactic that PUA's advise men to use on women, in an attempt to trigger their insecurities and make them feel as if they need to try harder to impress the man.

It's straight up game playing. And a sure sign of a man that's not taking dating seriously at all. The goal of a PUA is sex, not commitment.

So if he can get the woman feeling bad about herself and somehow "less" - she will drop her defenses, lower her values, and do things she normally wouldn't do in order to impress him -- such as sleep with him right away.

My response to him at that point would've been, "I understand. I feel the same way. I'm not wowed BY YOU. Which is why I'm not even bothering to try and wow you myself. Nice talking to you though. Take care of yourself."

And then I'd never respond to him ever again.

"I later found out he was an Aries male"

Oh God - a double whammy LOL ;-)

"I feel for the poor woman who taught this boy that treating woman like that was okay."

The sad reality is that this stuff works on insecure women :-( Women that don't feel good enough, don't feel worthy enough, and lack confidence and self-esteem. When these PUA's throw "negs" at women like that, those women start to jump through hoops and begin performing like a circus monkey on demand for these men. They start bending over backwards to impress them, which by the way never really happens because it's all a game anyway. None of it is real. It's all only geared towards triggering the woman's insecurities in an effort to make her so desperate to impress the man that she just jumps into bed with him immediately.

"their oh so wonderful vehicles"

Is this guy like 16 years old or what? Does he have a home too, or does he just simply live in his fancy car. . .down by the river somewhere LOL :-)

I don't know about you ladies, but being impressed by vehicles was never really my thing. Heck, I had my own fancy vehicles when I was a kid in high school. My first car was a Z28 and my second one was a Trans-Am. (I'm really showing my age here LOL.)

But seriously. . .as a grown adult, who is impressed by a car anymore? Seems incredibly childish to me.

Thanks for sharing - gave me my morning giggles today! :-)

Anonymous said...

Hi MOA. I have seen this youtuber named sheraseven1 teaching young women to only date rich men (the provider) and not the dusties (broke men) and how to get money from them. She has a lof of videos about it.
What are your thoughts about these ? Is this ethical ?

The Mirror of Aphrodite said...

@Anonymous April 22, 7:14 AM,

No, It's not. A man doesn't have to be rich to be a good provider. I suppose if you want him to provide designer handbags and shoes, and fancy cars and big houses he'd have to be rich.

But if you want him to provide protection, shelter and food - the basics - he doesn't have to be rich to do that. He just needs to be a hard worker. These provisions are necessities in life while the others listed above are not.

Don't use people. Don't love them for the wrong reasons. Don't place unrealistic expectations onto them.

Be the best version of yourself you can be and you will draw that same energy right back to yourself in a mate.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for your reply MOA , i really appreciate it . I agreee with you . Out of curiosity i watched some of her videos lately and i really hate it. She has a lot of followers . Too bad she is teaching women the unethical way .

Anonymous said...

Hi MOA,
Thanks for all your valuable insights. I'm learning a lot :)

Do you mind advising on this one?

So my bf of 9 months broke up with me out of a sudden via WA.
He said he likes me a lot but doesn't love.
I was totally shocked as just couple of days before he sent me pics from his holidays (he was away with male friends, brother and father), called me honey and sent me kisses.
I didn't reply.
There were many cases I thought he wanted to garner my attention with some stunts like giving me little attention or threatening to break up (to which I replied he can do as he pleases). He had never done so though.
Other times he was very attentive, especially (or was it only?) when we were alone. We had an awesome time just speaking about this and that and having good laughs and where he many times also cooked for me.
But as soon as his friends where around he acted much more distant. He'd also want to see his friends several times a week which then mainly was socialising and drinking. As I don't drink or not much I felt I wouldn't want to be there every time and so I did.
He'd nearly every time ask me to join. When I told him I need more time alone also with a more privacy. He then twisted my words saying I said I don't want him to meet his friends anymore.
Also just before the break up he started talking about kids with me (asked me), also in front of his parents.

I initiated NC immediately to digest this slap in my face. Not only he broke up but in such a rude and cruel way.
After his return from holidays I had made prior obligations with my friends but we agreed to meet up the next day. On which he broke up.

After 3 weeks he texted me he'd like to return my things if he should just leave them at my door?
I didn't reply.
The same day he created an event on fb for 2 days later on his public page which I'd see.
And posted this text there from a song: Action speaks louder than words. And I'm a man of great experience. I know you're with another man but I can love you better than him.
Then 2 days later he sent me a text saying he brought my things and even sent me a pic of it.
Then said sth in the line of: I'm really sorry if I've hurt you and you're a really nice person. Always welcome to his event (which was the same day) and always welcome to contact him in case I'd like to chat. He ended this with a kiss.
I didn't reply.
And of course didn't go to his event.

What is your thoughts about this whole situation? Especially the last one being so nice and inviting baffled me.
Is this an invitation to talk? What do you read into this?
I've completed the 30 days NC now.
We're both in around 40 years old.

Your advice is very much appreciated. Thank you :)

Anonymous said...

One of the best articles I have ever read. She nailed it to the tee, describing the characteristics of an insecure man, and the reason why women are attracted to them. Pay attention ladies.

Anonymous said...

I hope you still read the comments as I really could use your advice.
I met a man years ago now, we have always been on and off. It never bothered me much as I was still getting over a horrible divorce. We always got on really well, never once argued. He had his freedom and I had mine, we would meet up but after we had a lovely evening he started to take longer and longer to get in touch with me. Then on the occasion I contacted him, he wouldn't reply. I would back off then back he would come. I decided to tell him this wasn't working for me, he agreed with it. He waited 2 months then back he was at my door. When I see him I want to melt, but I'm managing to stay strong. It's not easy as he won't come out and tell me what he wants from me. I'm finding it difficult to get him totally out of my head when he just turns up like this. No one has ever managed to mess with my head like he seems to do. Can you help me out about what I should do. By the way...if he came to me saying he wanted to give this a proper go, I think I would say yes. As it stands at the moment I'm so confused. Why does he keep doing this if he doesn't care?

Unknown said...

THANK YOU SOOO MUCH FOR BEING ON MY GOOGLE SEARCH RESULTS TONIGHT!!! SAVED ME FR WOW I AM GETTING MY BELONGINGS, GETTING IN MY CAR, & TAKING MY BROKE ASS STRAIGHT OUT OF THIS INSECURE JERKS HOME AFTER THREE YEARS OF A DOWNWARD SPIRAL. I HAD SO MANY QUESTIONS AMD I THOUGHT THERE WAS STILL THE POSSIBILITY THAT IT COULD BE ME OR IDK I JUST WANTED ANSWERS TO WHY HE DID THE THINGS HE'S DONE... AND THANKS TO YOU I HAVE THE REASONS. THANKS BC I MEAN IT WHEN I SAY THAT YOU PROBABLY SAVES MY LIFE BC I HAVE BEEN THINKING OF SUICIDE THE LAST FEW MONTHS. IM GOOD NOW. YAY!

Chleo said...

Hi Mirror.

I am not exactly sure if this falls under an insecure man issue, but I have a strange question: can people fall in love with someone when they know the person for less than a month? I always thought that falling in love would require more time, and this particular individual that told me he is in love with me, does have other characteristics that makes me think of an insecure man. I have no feelings for the person, but I am curious if you fall in love too fast (if he really is), makes the person insecure

The Mirror of Aphrodite said...

@Chleo,
"Can people fall in love with someone when they know the person for less than a month?"

My personal opinion on this is - no.

Can you develop feelings, yes. Can you become infatuated, yes. Can you confuse lust for love, yes. But love itself ... takes a lot of time to grow and develop. Because to love someone is to know someone, warts and all.

And you simply cannot know someone fully in 30 days.

You haven't seen them at their worst. You haven't seen them under stress. You don't know how they handle pressure. You don't know if they're being truthful. You don't know all of their goals yet to know if they align with yours. You don't know what it's like to live with them for any length of real time. You don't know their family and what role they'll play in your relationship. You don't know all of their friends and the role they'll play in the relationship.

There's simply too many unknowns at that point.

In my opinion, men who rush love are one of two things:

1) naïve and infatuated and confusing lust with love or

2) A PLAYER that's telling you what he thinks you want to hear, so you'll jump into bed with him (or keep jumping into bed with him).

So keep your guard up and proceed with caution. Ignore his words, and FOCUS ONLY ON HIS ACTIONS ... because actions tell the true tale of someone's intentions.

Chleo said...

Thank you Mirror :)

I thought it was strange for a man who is almost 50, to say he is already in love, and he does have a string of failed relationships, so I would expect him to have more experience with women, or if he does in fact confuses being in love with something else, by that age, I would think a man would have a good knowledge of the differences. Thank you again Mirror

Anonymous said...

True Women empowerment and life saver, all girls must know this before they start dating, keep on spreading this word so that women can protect themselves from crazy men/criminals.God bless 🙌

Anonymous said...

Sound like my x smh

Anonymous said...

As s Master Personal Development Life Coach, I must say that this is the best article that I've ever seen written about relationships and insecure men. Very well done!

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