Have you ever walked away from an interaction feeling like someone just doesn’t respect you?
Maybe it’s that coworker who constantly interrupts or a friend who consistently brushes off your ideas.
It’s not always easy to pinpoint, but sometimes the patterns are too glaring to ignore.
After years of working with teams and leading my own startups, I’ve seen how people reveal their true feelings, often without saying it outright.
So, if you notice the behaviors listed below on a regular basis, there’s a strong chance the person you’re dealing with doesn’t hold you in high regard.
Let’s check them out one by one.
1. They brush off your input or achievements
One of the quickest ways to sense contempt is when someone dismisses whatever you bring to the table.
It could be at work, where every idea you propose gets shot down within seconds or never acknowledged at all.
Or maybe in your personal circle, where you share exciting news—like launching a side hustle—and they greet it with an indifferent shrug.
It’s not just a lack of enthusiasm.
It’s more like they’re telling you that your contributions don’t matter.
I remember a particular business partner in my mid-20s.
Every time I’d suggest improvements to our marketing strategy, he’d wave me off like I was an intern fresh out of college.
Eventually, I realized he just didn’t see me as an equal, despite the fact that we were co-owners in the venture.
In my experience, truly respectful people might challenge your ideas, but they’ll also listen and consider them before speaking.
If you find someone automatically tuning you out, it’s a clear indication they don’t value your perspective.
2. They downplay your boundaries
Boundaries exist for a reason. They protect your mental and emotional well-being.
When someone repeatedly stomps on those lines, it’s often a sign that they see their needs as superior to yours.
They might show up uninvited, insist on bringing up touchy subjects you’ve already asked them to avoid, or keep pushing even when you say “No” to a request.
As noted by the team at Positive Psychology, respecting boundaries is a hallmark of healthy relationships.
If a colleague keeps emailing you during your off-hours—even after you’ve clearly stated you’re unavailable—the underlying message is that your personal space and time don’t really matter to them.
Sure, emergencies happen.
But if these boundary violations are constant, you’re dealing with more than just an occasional lapse in etiquette.
You’re dealing with someone who fundamentally doesn’t consider your comfort or autonomy as important as their own agenda.
3. They resort to constant sarcasm or backhanded praise
Sarcasm can be fun in small doses—especially when it’s good-natured and both parties understand the context.
But when it becomes a go-to method of interaction, you might want to watch your back.
I once had a boss who would say things like, “Oh, look who decided to finally show up,” even if I was just five minutes early instead of ten.
It may sound like a joke, but repeated over time, it starts feeling more like passive-aggressive digs.
I’m all for some playful banter. Yet, it’s different when the sarcasm always seems to have a hint of condescension.
Something like, “Wow, didn’t know you were capable of that,” is not exactly a genuine compliment, is it?
Surrounding yourself with individuals who constantly pepper you with sarcastic barbs can chip away at your confidence.
If they can’t communicate without slipping in low-key jabs, there’s a solid chance they don’t think highly of you.
4. They control conversations in group settings
Have you ever been in a meeting where one person abruptly seizes control of the discussion?
Or a social gathering where someone constantly steers every topic back to themselves—while neglecting to include or acknowledge you?
When a person effectively hijacks the conversation, ignoring your input or talking over you, it’s more than just poor etiquette.
It can signal they don’t consider you (or your words) worth pausing for.
I’ve seen this happen in entrepreneurial circles all the time. A friend of mine used to pitch ideas in group brainstorming sessions, only to have a more dominant voice cut him off before he even finished a sentence.
This kind of behavior often indicates a lack of respect or even an attempt to elevate themselves above others in the group.
Plus, it’s a clever way to mask dismissiveness—by never letting your voice be fully heard.
5. They make you feel “less than” through subtle put-downs
This one’s insidious because it’s often disguised as advice or “helpful critique.”
Let’s say you mention a success you’re proud of—landing a big client, maybe—and instead of offering genuine congratulations, they respond with something like, “That’s cool, but you do know that client’s notorious for being high maintenance, right?”
It’s like the rug gets pulled out from under your accomplishment.
People who don’t honor your victories or who sour them with negativity often drain your energy more than you realize.
They might claim they’re just being honest or realistic, but more often than not, these “helpful” remarks whittle away at your self-confidence.
I had a mentor once who gave incredibly constructive feedback, but he never made me feel incompetent.
That’s the difference: true mentors help you see areas to improve without belittling your progress.
If someone’s critique consistently leaves you feeling small, it’s time to question their respect for you.
6. They don’t apologize or take responsibility
Finally, there’s nothing like a refusal to say “sorry” when it’s clearly warranted to reveal a person’s lack of regard.
We all make mistakes.
But if they never own up to theirs—whether it’s a rude outburst, missing an important meeting, or messing up a project that involved you—it’s a big red flag.
I remember dealing with a client who would cause last-minute changes left and right, completely disregarding my schedule.
When things fell apart, it was somehow always my fault or “circumstances beyond anyone’s control.”
Some people just can’t seem to utter those two little words: “I’m sorry.” They might pretend the issue never happened or spin an elaborate excuse that casts themselves as the victim.
Genuine apologies are critical for maintaining respect and trust in relationships. If apologies are perpetually missing, it’s a safe bet they don’t consider your time, feelings, or experiences important enough to acknowledge.
Wrapping up
And to round things off (though it’s no small matter), remember that you deserve to be around people who genuinely respect you.
Sometimes, we make excuses for bad behavior because we don’t want to face the fact that someone close might view us as lesser.
But ignoring the signs doesn’t make them go away. It just prolongs the stress and keeps you from setting healthier boundaries.
If you notice these patterns becoming a regular occurrence in a professional or personal relationship, it might be time to confront them—or, if necessary, walk away.
Your self-worth isn’t up for debate.
Until next time, friends.
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