When you’re using dating apps, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of meeting new people.

However, not everyone you meet is looking for the same things or has the right intentions.

Some men come with baggage or habits that make them less than ideal partners.

Whether it’s the thrill of the chase or an inability to commit, there are certain types who repeatedly show up for all the wrong reasons.

Knowing what to look out for can help you avoid wasting time on the wrong kind of relationship.

1) The ghoster

Ever matched with someone who seemed really into you and then suddenly vanished without a trace?

You’re not alone. This is a classic move of a type we’ll call “the ghoster”.

The ghoster, driven by a myriad of psychological reasons, may enjoy the thrill of the chase but lacks the emotional maturity to handle real connection.

They might shower you with attention, only to disappear when things start to get deeper.

It’s not about you. It’s about them and their inability to commit or communicate effectively.

Ghosting is a reflection of their own issues, not your worth or attractiveness.

This behavior can leave you feeling confused and hurt.

But understanding this can help you realize that you deserve someone who is genuinely interested and respectful, not someone who leaves you hanging without any explanation.

2) The over-sharer

You might think someone who’s open and shares a lot about himself right off the bat is a good thing.

Transparency is key in relationships, right? Well, not always, especially when it comes to the “over-sharer”.

The over-sharer tends to reveal too much too soon.

He might share intimate details about his past relationships, his family drama, or even his mental health struggles in the first few conversations.

While it may seem like he’s just being honest and vulnerable, this could be a tactic to gain sympathy or manipulate your perception of him. It can also be a sign of poor boundaries.

The over-sharer might make you feel special because he trusts you with his deepest secrets, making you feel obliged to reciprocate by sharing your own.

But genuine trust and intimacy take time to build. Don’t be rushed into emotional intimacy by the over-sharer’s premature revelations.

3) The validation-seeker

We all crave validation to some degree, but “the validation-seeker” takes it to a whole new level.

He’s often found fishing for compliments and affirmation. His constant need for approval might come off as charming at first, but it can quickly become draining.

This need for validation often stems from low self-esteem.

When someone relies heavily on external sources for self-worth, it indicates that they don’t feel good about themselves internally and are more likely to experience stress and anxiety.

This is because they’re constantly striving for approval that’s out of their control.

While it’s natural to want to help boost someone’s confidence, it’s not your job to be their sole source of self-esteem.

A healthy relationship requires two individuals who can stand on their own and contribute to each other’s happiness, not depend on it.

4) The eternal pessimist

Dating can be a rough sea to navigate, and it’s even more challenging when you come across “the eternal pessimist”.

This is the man who sees everything through a lens of negativity, from his past relationships to his views on love and commitment.

Now, this outlook often comes from a place of hurt or disappointment.

Life might have handed him a series of tough breaks, leading him to adopt a defensive stance to protect himself from further pain.

Yet, being in a relationship with someone who seems perpetually stuck in a cycle of pessimism can be difficult.

You might feel the urge to become their personal cheerleader, trying your best to uplift their spirits.

While your intentions are noble, it’s worth noting that true happiness and optimism come from within.

It’s not your responsibility to fix someone or make them see the world in a brighter light.

5) The non-committal wanderer

Ah, “the non-committal wanderer”. We’ve all met one or two in our dating lives.

This is the man who seems to enjoy your company, but when it comes to defining the relationship or making serious commitments, he’s always on the fence.

One day he’s all about spending quality time together, and the next day he’s nowhere to be found.

He may charm you with his free spirit, but his lack of commitment can leave you feeling insecure and confused about where you stand.

It’s normal to want clarity in a romantic relationship. Suppose he can’t give you a clear answer about his intentions or where your relationship is headed.

In that case, it’s not unreasonable for you to question if this is the type of relationship you want to invest your time and emotions in.

6) The love-bomber

Remember that man who swept you off your feet with grand gestures and declarations of love early on in the relationship, only to change dramatically once he had your attention?

That’s what we call “the love-bomber”.

The love-bomber is all about intensity. He showers you with affection, gifts, and flattering compliments, making you feel like you’re the only person in the world.

But once he feels secure that you’re invested in the relationship, his behavior can take a sudden turn.

The excessive attention may dwindle, and he may even start to become controlling or jealous.

This drastic change can leave you feeling confused and hurt, unsure about what happened to the charming person you fell for.

Love-bombing isn’t about genuine love or affection. It’s a way for someone to quickly gain control over a relationship.

It’s essential to be aware of this behavior as it can be a red flag for potential emotional manipulation down the line.

7) The perpetual player

Let’s talk about “the perpetual player”. This is the man who’s always juggling multiple people at once, unwilling to settle down or commit to one person.

He might seem exciting and unpredictable, but he can leave a trail of broken hearts in his wake.

The perpetual player often thrives on the thrill of the chase and the ego boost that comes from juggling multiple romantic interests.

But here’s the hard truth: if he can’t appreciate your worth and commit to you, he doesn’t deserve your time or affection.

Sure, it’s fun to be pursued and desired, but it’s not fun when you’re just one in a line-up.

Don’t sell yourself short for someone who can’t value you as you deserve to be valued.

Genuine love involves respect and exclusivity. It’s absolutely okay to want, and demand, both.

8) The emotional manipulator

Last but not least, beware of “the emotional manipulator”. This is the man who knows how to twist words and situations to his advantage, making you question your own sanity or judgment.

The emotional manipulator has a knack for turning things around, making you feel guilty or at fault even when it’s not justified.

This is a dangerous game that can leave you feeling drained and disoriented.

But always keep this in mind: Your feelings are valid. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Trust your instincts and don’t let anyone make you question your worth or perceptions.

In the end, the most important thing is to recognize your worth and protect your emotional health.

You deserve a relationship that brings you happiness and respect, not confusion and doubt.

Conclusion

Understanding the different types of people on dating apps is key to protecting your own emotional health.

These behaviors are often a sign that someone isn’t ready or capable of offering a healthy, fulfilling relationship.

You deserve someone who values you for who you are, not someone who plays games or uses manipulation.

Stay true to yourself, and don’t settle for anything less than what you deserve.