11 signs you’re in a relationship with a man who is high maintenance

Have you ever found yourself working more to keep your boyfriend happy than actually enjoying the time you’re spending with him?

If this sounds familiar, you might just be dating a high-maintenance man. 

Believe it or not, there are some tell-tale signs that could help you figure this out.

Let’s dive into the 11 signs that show you’re in a relationship with a man who is high maintenance.

You never know, you might find out something surprising. 

1. He’s Never Satisfied

Ever feel like nothing you do is ever good enough?

You could be cooking his favorite meal, planning exciting dates, or even surprising him with tickets to his favorite band, but it always seems like he’s looking for something more.

High-maintenance men are hard to please. They have a specific standard for everything and if things don’t match up, they aren’t shy about expressing their disappointment.

If this sounds a lot like your guy, then you might be dealing with a high-maintenance man.

And remember, it’s not about you not being enough, it’s about him being too demanding!

2. His Look is Always On Point

Is your man constantly checking himself in the mirror? Does he spend more time getting ready than you do?

If so, you might be dealing with a high maintenance guy.

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to look good.

But if his grooming routine is longer and more complex than yours, or if he refuses to step outside without looking like he’s ready for a magazine photoshoot, he might be putting a little too much emphasis on his appearance.

3. His Schedule is Set in Stone:

Does your man freak out if plans change at the last minute?

Well, I’ve been there too! Let me tell you a little story.

One day, my boyfriend and I had planned to have a chill day at home.

But then, I got a call from a friend inviting us to an impromptu beach party. I was thrilled and thought it would be a fun surprise.

But when I told my boyfriend about this change of plans, he had a meltdown!

He complained about not being mentally prepared for the beach.

He was worried about what he would wear, how he hadn’t worked out that morning, and how we were deviating from our original plan.

That’s when I realized that his inability to adapt to changes was more than just being organized – it was a sign of him being high maintenance!

So if your man can’t handle the unexpected and prefers his schedule to be set in stone, you might be in the same boat.

4. He’s Always the Center of Attention:

You know those people who seem to have a magnetic pull, always drawing attention towards themselves?

Well, your man might just be one of them.

High maintenance men often need to be the center of attention, and they’ll go to great lengths to ensure that they are.

People who constantly seek attention tend to have higher levels of stress and dissatisfaction with their lives.

This could explain why high maintenance men are often anxious and unhappy when they aren’t in the spotlight.

So, if your man always needs the limelight on him, it’s another sign he could be high maintenance.

5. He Rarely Compromises

In a healthy relationship, compromise is key. It’s all about give and take, right?

But when you’re with a high-maintenance man, it often feels like you’re the one doing all the giving.

If you find yourself always bending to his will and sacrificing your own desires to keep him happy, then it’s time for a reality check.

Love is not about losing yourself or constantly meeting the other person’s demands.

It’s about mutual respect and understanding.

Remember, a relationship is a partnership, not a one-man show. If your man struggles to meet you halfway on decisions or issues, it’s a clear sign he’s high maintenance.

And darling, you deserve so much more than that. Remember to value your own happiness too. 

6. He’s Super Picky

Let me tell you, my ex-boyfriend was the pickiest eater I’ve ever met! I love trying out new foods and exploring different cuisines.

But dining out with him was always a nightmare. He had a long list of foods he wouldn’t eat, and he’d send back dishes if they weren’t prepared exactly to his liking.

But his pickiness didn’t stop at food. It extended to everything – from the clothes he wore, the movies we watched, to the friends we hung out with.

It was exhausting trying to accommodate his endless list of preferences all the time.

So if your man has a never-ending list of things he dislikes and is picky about everything, it’s another sign that shows he could be high maintenance!

7. He Doesn’t Handle Criticism Well:

We all have flaws, and it’s important to be open to constructive criticism, especially in a relationship.

But if your man can’t handle any form of criticism without throwing a fit or getting defensive, then you’ve got yourself a high maintenance guy.

Nobody’s perfect, and accepting feedback is a part of growth. But if he sees every suggestion or piece of advice as a personal attack, it’s not only a sign of being high maintenance but also shows a lack of maturity.

Being in a relationship means being able to communicate openly, even about the tough stuff. So if your guy can’t handle that, it’s definitely something to think about.

8. He Needs Constant Reassurance

High maintenance men often need constant reassurance about their looks, their abilities, and your feelings for them.

They thrive on compliments and need regular affirmations to feel secure.

So, if your man needs you to constantly reassure him, it’s another sign of high maintenance.

Remember, it’s not your job to fill his cup of confidence – he needs to learn how to do that himself!

9. He’s Always the Victim

I once dated a guy who was always playing the victim card.

Every time something went wrong, it was never his fault. It was his boss’s fault for giving him too much work, his friends’ fault for not understanding him, or even my fault for not being supportive enough.

He never took responsibility for his actions and was always quick to point fingers. It took me a while to realize that this was just another sign of him being high maintenance.

10. He Expects You to Drop Everything for Him

If your man expects you to be at his beck and call, canceling plans or rearranging your life to suit his needs, then he’s high maintenance.

A relationship needs balance. It’s not fair for you to always be the one making sacrifices while he sits comfortable.

Remember, you have your own life, interests, and responsibilities that are equally important.

11. He’s Overly Sensitive

Last but not least, if your man is overly sensitive and takes everything personally, it can be a sign of high maintenance.

You should be able to speak openly and honestly with your partner without being worried about hurting his feelings every time. If you find yourself walking on eggshells around him, it’s a red flag.

Being with a high maintenance man can be draining. But remember, it’s important to communicate and set boundaries in any relationship.

Don’t lose yourself trying to keep up with someone else’s demands. You deserve a relationship that brings out the best in you, not the stress in you.