Men Who Make Terrible Husbands Always Do These 6 Things While Dating

Ever wondered if you can tell whether a guy will make a good husband before you call him your “boyfriend”? Turns out, some men practically announce that they’ll be terrible husbands—while you’re still dating. In this post, we’re diving into men who make terrible husbands always do these 6 things while dating. Spotting these red flags early can save you a lot of heartache (and maybe a few gray hairs, too).

1. They Avoid Deep Conversations and Keep It Surface-Level

Imagine going on date number five, and it feels like you still only know their favorite pizza toppings and how they feel about the last game. No talk about dreams, fears, or values. That’s a huge warning sign. Men who dodge meaningful conversations often aren’t ready (or willing) to build the emotional foundation a marriage needs.

Take Sarah’s story: she kept asking about his family and future plans only to get vague non-answers. When they eventually broke up, she realized he never intended to truly connect. Relationships need depth, not just small talk.

2. They’re Stingy with Their Time and Commitment

Ever notice how he’s “too busy” to spend weekends with you consistently or flakes when plans get a little serious? Men who make terrible husbands often treat dating like a hobby, not a priority. While life gets hectic, consistent effort is the heartbeat of lasting relationships.

Take Jake, for example. He’d disappear for days, then return with excuses like “work stress” or “needing space.” His girlfriend felt more like an option than a partner. Marriage needs consistent investment—not sporadic checking in.

3. They Dodge Talking About Money or Future Planning

Sure, some money talks feel awkward on early dates, but a guy who avoids ANY talk about finances or future goals is signaling trouble. Financial compatibility and shared goals are pillars of a healthy marriage.

Think about Emma’s experience: every time she tried discussing budgeting or career plans, he’d change the subject or joke it off. Later, she found out he had massive debts and zero plans for stability—a classic recipe for marital stress.

4. They Don’t Introduce You to Their Close Friends or Family

When you’ve been dating for a while, most people want you to meet their inner circle. If he never invites you to meet his family or close friends, it’s like he’s keeping you in a shadow box—safe but separate.

Anna remembers how her boyfriend of eight months always “forgot” to introduce her at group events. Eventually, she realized he wasn’t imagining a shared future with her. Being part of each other’s worlds is non-negotiable in marriage.

5. They Show Control Issues or Jealousy Early On

A little jealousy can feel flattering—but if it swiftly crosses into controlling behavior, that’s a huge red flag. Men who make terrible husbands may begin manipulating or dictating who you can see or where you can go—masks that often slip off once committed.

For example, Lisa’s partner started asking her to delete certain friends from social media after a few dates, then critiqued what she wore. These controlling behaviors aren’t just unattractive—they’re dangerous for a healthy partnership.

6. They’re Unreliable or Break Promises Frequently

Does he say he’ll call and then radio silence? Promise plans and bail? Reliability is the foundation of trust. Men who make terrible husbands often show early on they can’t be counted on.

Take Tom, who repeatedly canceled date nights last minute—claiming “life happens.” But over time, it wasn’t just about the nights; it showed he couldn’t dependably show up, the kind of pattern that crushes trust over time.

Wrapping It Up: Spotting Red Flags Early Can Save Your Heart

You deserve a partner who’s ready to build a genuine, lasting connection. Men who make terrible husbands always do these 6 things while dating, so keep your eyes open for these subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs. Trust your gut—if something feels off, it probably is.

Next time you’re dating, think about these behaviors. Are they merely quirks, or serious warning signs? Remember: a good marriage starts with a good foundation now.

If this post helped you spot the warning signs, share this with friends who might need a nudge, or comment below with your own stories about spotting red flags early. Let’s support each other in finding partners who truly deserve us.

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For more on relationship red flags, check out this article by Psychology Today.