15 Signs They Don’t Respect You: Enhance Your Psychology Skills for Better Relationships

Ever had that nagging feeling that someone in your life just… doesn’t respect you? Maybe it’s a friend who always cancels last minute, a partner who dismisses your feelings, or a coworker who talks over you in meetings. Whatever the case, disrespect—whether subtle or blatant—can slowly erode your self-esteem and leave you questioning your worth.

Well, I’ve been there too. And after one too many “Oh, I forgot we had plans” texts (seriously, how hard is it to set a reminder?), I decided to dig into the psychology behind respect—or the lack of it. Turns out, people show disrespect in predictable ways. Once you recognize the signs, you can either address them or walk away with your dignity intact.

So, let’s break it down. Here are 15 undeniable signs they don’t respect you—and what to do about it.

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1. They Constantly Interrupt You

You’re mid-sentence, sharing something important, and—bam!—they cut you off like your words are background noise. If this happens once, it might be an accident. But if it’s a habit? They’re basically telling you, “What I have to say matters more.”

What to do: Call it out politely but firmly. “Hey, I wasn’t finished. Can I finish my thought?” If they still don’t care, well… maybe they don’t deserve your stories.

2. They Never Listen (Like, Actually Listen)

You tell them about a rough day, and their response is, “Yeah, anyway, guess what happened to me?” If they’re always zoning out or waiting for their turn to talk, they’re not invested in your life.

Pro tip: Test them. Bring up something you mentioned before. If they have zero recollection, that’s your answer.

3. They Make Plans and Flake Last Minute

We all have emergencies, but if someone consistently bails without a good reason (or worse, ghosts you), they’re showing you exactly how much they value your time.

My rule: Two flakes in a row, and they’re downgraded to “Maybe I’ll see you if I’m free” status.

4. They Disregard Your Boundaries

You say, “I don’t like being teased about that,” and they keep doing it. Or you set a clear limit, and they push it “as a joke.” Newsflash: Boundary-pushers don’t respect you.

What to do: Reinforce the boundary. If they still ignore it? Distance yourself.

5. They Talk Down to You

Condescending tones, unsolicited “advice,” or acting like they’re smarter than you—all signs of disrespect. Bonus points if they pull the “I’m just being honest” card to mask their rudeness.

Response option: “Thanks for your input, but I didn’t ask.”

6. They Take Credit for Your Ideas

At work or in friendships, if someone constantly steals your thunder, they don’t respect your contributions.

Move: Start documenting your ideas or calling it out in the moment. “Actually, I suggested that last week.”

7. They Ignore Your Texts or Calls for Days

We’re all busy, but if they’re always MIA—yet somehow have time to post memes on Instagram—they’re prioritizing everything over you.

Ask yourself: Would they tolerate that treatment from you? Probably not.

8. They Gaslight You

“You’re overreacting.” “That never happened.” “You’re too sensitive.” If they dismiss your feelings and make you doubt your reality, that’s emotional manipulation, not respect.

Red flag alert: Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is.

9. They Never Apologize (or Give Fake Apologies)

A real apology includes accountability and change. If their “sorry” sounds more like “Sorry you feel that way”, they’re not sorry—they’re just annoyed you called them out.

10. They Compare You to Others

“Why can’t you be more like [insert name]?” Whether it’s about looks, success, or personality, comparisons are a cheap way to make you feel inadequate.

My take: The right people will appreciate you for you, not who they wish you were.

11. They Make Decisions Without Considering You

In relationships, this could mean planning trips without asking. In friendships, it might be making group plans that exclude you. Either way, it screams, “Your input doesn’t matter.”

12. They Mock Your Interests or Passions

Laughing at your hobbies, career goals, or even your taste in music is a subtle way of belittling you.

Clapback option: “I’m happy with what I like. Maybe find something better to do than judge?”

13. They Only Reach Out When They Need Something

Ah, the classic user—always popping up when they need a favor but vanishing when you need support.

Solution: Stop being their go-to helper. See how quickly they disappear.

14. They Don’t Respect Your Time

Chronic lateness, last-minute changes, or expecting you to drop everything for them? That’s entitlement, not friendship.

Boundary to set: “If you’re more than 15 minutes late without notice, I’m leaving.”

15. They Treat Others Poorly in Front of You

If they’re rude to waitstaff, talk badly about mutual friends, or gossip constantly, guess what? They’ll do the same to you when you’re not around.

Final thought: How people treat others is how they’ll eventually treat you.

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So… What Now?

Recognizing disrespect is the first step. The next? Deciding whether to confront it, set boundaries, or walk away.

You deserve relationships where you’re valued—not tolerated. And if someone consistently shows these signs? Don’t waste your energy trying to change them. Focus on people who already treat you with the respect you’d give them.

Final question: Which of these signs hit home for you? And more importantly—what are you going to do about it? 😉

(Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your experiences!)