7 subtle habits that indicate a low-quality man, says psychology

Farley Ledgerwood by Farley Ledgerwood | May 16, 2025, 9:23 pm

The difference between a high-quality man and a low-quality one can often be subtle. Psychology tells us that it’s not just about obvious flaws, but also about tiny habits that can reveal the true nature of a person.

If you’ve ever wondered how to spot a low-quality man, it’s not as complex as you might think. There are certain habits that, according to psychology, can be a dead giveaway.

In this article, we’ll delve into seven subtle habits that indicate a low-quality man.

This is not about judging or labelling but rather understanding and identifying behavioral patterns for better decision-making in relationships and interactions.

Remember, it’s all in the details. So buckle up and get ready to learn something new today.

1) Always shifting blame

Psychology has long pointed out that one of the most telling traits of a low-quality man is the constant shifting of blame.

This might seem like a simple and harmless habit, but it’s a clear sign that someone lacks responsibility and accountability. When faced with issues or problems, instead of taking ownership, they deflect blame onto others.

Famous psychologist Carl Jung said, “Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.”

This quote perfectly encapsulates this habit. A low-quality man might blame fate, circumstances, or other people for his misfortunes, rather than acknowledging his own actions and decisions.

If you find someone who never seems to take responsibility for their actions and instead blames everyone else for their problems, psychology suggests you might be dealing with a low-quality man.

But remember, we’re not here to judge, just to understand better.

2) Lack of empathy

In my own experience, one of the most revealing traits of a low-quality man is the lack of empathy.

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s what allows us to connect with each other on a deeper level.

I remember a time when I was going through a rough patch. I was dealing with some personal issues and was emotionally drained.

There was this man in my life who, despite knowing what I was going through, never showed any concern or understanding. His indifference was hurtful and showed me a clear lack of empathy.

Famous psychologist Daniel Goleman once said, “Empathy is about standing in someone else’s shoes, feeling with his or her heart, seeing with his or her eyes.”

A low-quality man fails to do this. He is unable to step out of his own perspective and genuinely understand someone else’s feelings or experiences.

If you come across someone who seems indifferent to other people’s feelings and struggles, psychology suggests that you’re likely dealing with a low-quality man.

3) Dishonesty

Have you ever dealt with someone who’s consistently dishonest? It’s exhausting, isn’t it?

Dishonesty is another subtle sign of a low-quality man. This isn’t just about big lies; even small, unnecessary lies can be a clear indicator.

I’m talking about those men who seem to have an aversion to the truth, who bend facts to suit their narrative or to evade scrutiny.

Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, once said:

“He that has eyes to see and ears to hear may convince himself that no mortal can keep a secret. If his lips are silent, he chatters with his fingertips; betrayal oozes out of him at every pore.”

This quote resonates because dishonesty, no matter how well hidden, eventually seeps out.

If you encounter someone regularly twisting the truth or hiding things for no apparent reason, beware. According to psychology, you might be dealing with a low-quality man.

4) Poor listening skills

A less obvious but significant sign of a low-quality man is poor listening skills.

I’m talking about those individuals who tend to dominate conversations, focusing more on what they have to say than on understanding what others are sharing.

The importance of listening in effective communication cannot be overstated. It’s not just about hearing the words; it’s about understanding the thoughts, feelings, and intentions behind them.

A study conducted by psychologist Faye Doell revealed that there are two types of listeners: “people-oriented” listeners who are interested in the speaker’s perspective, and “content-oriented” listeners who are more interested in evaluating the information being shared.

The research found that people-oriented listeners tend to have healthier and more satisfying relationships.

If you’re dealing with an individual who consistently fails to listen or show interest in your thoughts and feelings, psychology suggests you might be interacting with a low-quality man.

Remember, quality men value your words and seek to understand, not just to respond.

5) Constant negativity

Another subtle sign of a low-quality man is constant negativity. We all have our down days, but someone who persistently sees the glass as half empty can be draining.

I’ve crossed paths with individuals who seem to have a knack for spotting the worst in every situation.

Their constant pessimism and tendency to complain was not only off-putting but also created a negative environment around them.

If you’re dealing with someone who seems perpetually stuck in negativity and has no interest in changing their perspective, psychology suggests you might be dealing with a low-quality man.

Remember, quality men are not immune to adversity but they choose to focus on solutions rather than problems.

6) Overconfidence

This might come as a surprise, but overconfidence can be a subtle sign of a low-quality man. While confidence is generally considered attractive, there’s a fine line between healthy self-assuredness and overbearing arrogance.

Overconfidence often masks deep-seated insecurities and can lead to overestimation of abilities, underestimation of risks, and dismissive attitudes towards others’ opinions or advice.

Renowned psychologist Albert Bandura once said, “In order to succeed, people need a sense of self-efficacy, to struggle together with resilience to meet the inevitable obstacles and inequities of life.”

This means that true confidence comes from overcoming challenges, not from belittling others or ignoring potential risks.

If you encounter someone who is overly confident to the point of being dismissive or arrogant, psychology suggests you might be dealing with a low-quality man.

Remember, a quality man possesses humble confidence and respects others’ viewpoints.

7) Lack of ambition

Finally, a subtle sign of a low-quality man can be a lack of ambition. Ambition isn’t about ego or material success; it’s about growth, self-improvement, and the drive to achieve one’s goals.

The renowned psychologist Abraham Maslow once stated, “What a man can be, he must be. This need we may call self-actualization.”

This quote underscores the importance of striving to fulfill our potential.

If you’re dealing with someone who lacks drive or shows no interest in self-improvement, psychology suggests you might be dealing with a low-quality man.

Remember, a quality man has a vision for his life and works persistently towards it.

Final thoughts

Understanding the subtle habits that indicate a low-quality man is not about pointing fingers or labeling.

It’s about gaining insights into human behavior and recognizing patterns that can help us make better choices in our relationships and interactions.

Remember, psychology doesn’t provide us with absolute truths, but it does offer valuable perspectives. It’s important to approach every individual with an open mind and remember that people can change and grow.

This exploration of habits is simply a tool to enhance our understanding, not a definitive judgment.

As we navigate through life’s complexities, it’s crucial to remember that empathy, understanding, and open communication play vital roles in creating meaningful connections.

As we conclude this journey into the subtle signs of a low-quality man, let’s take these insights not as final verdicts but as guiding points that can help us cultivate healthier relationships.

After all, recognizing these signs is the first step towards change.