If Your Partner Does These 10 Things While You’re Talking, They Don’t Respect You

If Your Partner Does These 10 Things While You’re Talking, They Don’t Respect You

Communication forms the backbone of any healthy relationship. When your partner consistently shows certain behaviors while you’re speaking, it might signal a deeper issue of disrespect. Recognizing these warning signs early can help you address problems before they damage your relationship beyond repair. Pay attention to these telling behaviors that reveal when your partner isn’t giving you the respect you deserve.

1. They interrupt you constantly

Being cut off mid-sentence feels awful. Your partner might jump in before you finish speaking, eager to share their thoughts without hearing yours completely. This habit shows they believe their words matter more than yours.

Over time, these interruptions create an uneven playing field where your thoughts get pushed aside. You might start holding back your ideas, knowing they’ll likely be cut short anyway.

A respectful partner waits their turn, allowing you to complete your thoughts before responding. They understand that good conversations need balance, not a race to speak first.

2. They look at their phone instead of you

Phone-gazing during conversations sends a clear message: whatever’s happening on that screen matters more than your words. The little dopamine hits from notifications apparently outrank your feelings and thoughts.

When someone scrolls while you’re opening up about your day or something important, they’re physically present but mentally absent. This split attention is especially hurtful during meaningful conversations.

Respect looks like putting devices away and making eye contact. It’s about creating a distraction-free zone where your partner’s words become the priority, not the latest social media update.

3. They roll their eyes or make dismissive faces

Body language speaks volumes in conversations. An eye-roll, smirk, or exaggerated sigh from your partner can hurt more than harsh words. These nonverbal cues silently communicate that your thoughts aren’t worth taking seriously.

Facial expressions reveal what someone truly thinks despite what they might say. When your partner’s face shows contempt while you’re speaking, they’re broadcasting their dismissal of your perspective.

Respectful partners maintain neutral or encouraging expressions even during disagreements. They understand that communication requires dignity and that dismissive body language creates emotional distance.

4. They change the subject when you’re vulnerable

Opening up takes courage. When you finally share something personal and your partner quickly pivots to an unrelated topic, it stings. This subject-changing tactic might happen because they feel uncomfortable with emotional conversations or simply don’t value your vulnerability.

You might notice they’re fine discussing surface-level topics but redirect whenever things get deep. This pattern creates emotional barriers between you, preventing genuine connection.

Partners who respect you will stay engaged even when conversations become difficult. They recognize that honoring your vulnerable moments builds trust and strengthens your bond.

5. They “listen” only to argue back

Some partners seem to have their comeback prepared before you’ve finished speaking. Their eyes might be on you, but their mind is busy crafting their rebuttal instead of truly absorbing your words.

This debate-style communication turns conversations into competitions. You can spot this problem when they immediately counter every point you make without acknowledging your perspective first.

True listening involves trying to understand, not just waiting for your turn to speak. Respectful partners take time to consider your viewpoint before responding, showing they value comprehension over winning arguments.

6. They minimize your feelings

Words like “You’re being too sensitive” dismiss your emotional reality and make you question your own feelings. When your partner consistently downplays your emotions, they’re essentially telling you that your internal experience doesn’t matter.

Minimizing often sounds like “it’s not that big a deal” or “why are you getting so upset about this?” These phrases make you feel small for having normal human reactions. You might start hiding your true feelings to avoid being judged.

A respectful partner acknowledges your emotions as valid, even when they don’t fully understand them. They recognize that feelings don’t need to be logical to be legitimate.

7. They walk away mid-conversation

Few things feel as disrespectful as watching someone physically leave while you’re still talking. This exit strategy abruptly ends discussions on the walker’s terms, leaving you literally speaking to an empty room.

Walking away serves as the ultimate conversation-stopper. It creates a power imbalance where one person controls when and how communication happens. The message becomes clear: “I’m done listening to you, whether you’re finished or not.”

Respectful partners stay present, even during heated moments. If they truly need space, they communicate this need and suggest resuming the conversation later, rather than simply abandoning the discussion.

8. They talk over you or dominate conversations

Conversations should be balanced exchanges, not one-person shows. If your partner consistently monopolizes discussions, turning every topic back to themselves, they’re showing a fundamental lack of interest in your thoughts.

You might notice you know everything about their day, opinions, and feelings, while they know little about yours. This imbalance happens because they rarely create space for you to fully express yourself.

Healthy communication feels like a tennis match with the ball moving back and forth. Respectful partners actively create openings for you to contribute equally, understanding that relationships thrive when both voices receive equal airtime.

9. They mock or sarcastically belittle what you say

Sarcasm and mockery disguised as “just joking” can be particularly painful forms of disrespect. When your partner responds to your genuine thoughts with an eye-roll and a snarky comment, they’re undermining your dignity.

This behavior often comes wrapped in plausible deniability—”Can’t you take a joke?” But consistent patterns of making you the punchline reveal a deeper disregard for your feelings. Your ideas become targets rather than contributions.

Respectful humor builds connection rather than tearing down. Partners who value you might tease gently, but they never use humor as a weapon to diminish your thoughts or make you feel foolish for expressing yourself.

10. They ignore or dismiss your opinions and ideas

Having your thoughts brushed aside feels like being erased from the conversation. When your partner consistently ignores your input on decisions or dismisses your suggestions without consideration, they’re showing they don’t value your perspective.

You might notice this pattern when planning activities, making household decisions, or discussing future plans. Their automatic response becomes “that won’t work” or silence followed by continuing as if you hadn’t spoken.

Respectful partners treat your ideas as worthy of consideration, even when they ultimately disagree. They understand that honoring your thoughts doesn’t require agreeing with everything you say—just giving them fair attention.