11 Subtle Signs Of A Man Who Is Shady And Low-Class, According To Psychology

He can't be more obvious that he doesn't love you.

Last updated on Mar 18, 2025

Low class man whom is subtly shady. Sergio Kian | Unsplash
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Women are sometimes drawn to shady men because they can be exciting and keep us on our toes. But not all realize they're dating a low-class guy until all the signs he's not ready for a relationship are laid out right in front of them. 

Some even stay in bad relationships because they're afraid of not having someone, but being alone is far better than dating a person who doesn't value you. If you're nodding yes to these 11 subtle signs, it's time to let him go — this man is shady and low-class.

Here are the subtle signs of a man who is shady and low-class:

1. He flakes on you regularly

woman waiting on park bench Bilanol / Shutterstock

He doesn't respect the plans you've made and usually has an excuse for not being able to go. He doesn't even have the common courtesy to reschedule when it's most convenient for you. Instead, he lets you know last minute (if at all) that he can't make it and brushes it off like no big deal.

RELATED: 15 Signs He's Not Into You

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2. He doesn't respond to your texts/calls in a timely manner

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He doesn't need to reply right away, but if he's not returning your messages within 24 hours without good reason, he's just being rude. You know he's seen it at that point; he's just choosing to push you to the side. And the truth is, if he's really into you, he'd want to talk to you right away.

A 2019 study explained that a delayed or absent response could signal a lack of interest in the relationship or the person. This could be a sign of underlying issues that need addressing, or be a matter of his personality and communication style.

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3. He always calls the shots

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It's rarely about what you want to do and more about him dictating the plans. He doesn't take your interests and non-interests into consideration because he doesn't really care. He automatically assumes the position of the alpha and doesn't like it if you disagree with his suggestions.

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4. He's unreliable

woman waiting for date WESTOCK PRODUCTIONS / Shutterstock

He's unavailable when you need him most, and any of your problems seem bothersome to him. When you're upset, it's not even a concern of his, and don't even try to ask for favors. But when the situation is reversed, he expects you to be there for him.

Unreliability in men, particularly in relationships, can stem from various factors including past experiences, attachment styles, and underlying insecurities, potentially leading to emotional distress and relationship problems. A 2017 study recommended open and honest communication is crucial for addressing unreliability and building trust in relationships.

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5. He's more into your body than your personality

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He has no problem showing PDA but would rather make out than have a real conversation. He loves showing you off to his friends but backs off when it comes to getting serious. It seems like he values your looks more than anything else.

RELATED: 9 Signs Of A Man Who Isn't Serious About You, According To Psychology

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6. His jokes are insulting

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His "playing around" is condescending and disrespectful. He doesn't understand the difference between teasing and being a flat-out jerk, but he doesn't care how he affects others, anyway. If he puts you down in some way, he doesn't acknowledge where he was wrong and tells you to stop taking it so seriously.

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7. He shows almost no effort

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You're willing to put work into the relationship, but he gets by with the bare minimum. Your attention and thoughtfulness go unnoticed, and he's rarely appreciative of your gestures. The times he does show any reciprocation are usually when he wants something, not out of politeness.

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8. His actions speak louder than his words — but not in a good way

couple arguing on couch Srdjan Randjelovic / Shutterstock

You can't trust what he says because his actions contradict his promises. He's a lot of talk but doesn't pull through on anything, even on the simplest of things.

When inconsistent with his words, a man's actions can reveal more about his true intentions and character than his words alone, potentially leading to a negative perception. Research in The Center for Male Psychology explained how instead of solely focusing on what someone says, it's essential to pay attention to their behavior and actions, as they often reveal a person's true nature.

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9. He's unapologetic

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He never says sorry and doesn't seem to care about anybody else's feelings but his own. Even if you're clearly upset by something he's done or said, he refuses to show you sympathy.

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10. He doesn't take responsibility

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He's quick to blame others when he's at fault and always finds an excuse for his behavior. When it comes to taking the heat, he reverts to a child and points his finger at everyone but himself.

A man quick to blame others for his own mistakes may exhibit traits associated with narcissism, low self-esteem, or difficulty with emotional regulation, potentially using blame as a defense mechanism to avoid feelings of guilt, shame, or inadequacy. 

A 2011 study explained that some individuals with high-conflict personalities tend to blame others, especially those closest to them or in positions of authority, as they may feel threatened or insecure.

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11. He doesn't care about your needs

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He's rarely interested in your day and doesn't ask about your feelings. If you want something to be discussed, you're the one who has to bring it up because he prioritizes himself first.

If this sounds like your guy, don't waste any more of your time! You deserve somebody who wants to be with you and a man who's willing to do what it takes to keep you around. Reevaluate your relationship and yourself if this all sounds familiar, and consider kicking him to the curb.

RELATED: 11 Overt Signs You're Dealing With A Man-Child

Suzanne Hayes is a freelance writer, journalist, and former contributor to PopSugar. She has appeared in AOL, Insider, Yahoo Life, TODAY, Patch, and more.

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