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You’ve been chatting with this guy for a little while, but you’re getting some pretty weird vibes from him. Are you just overthinking things, or is the new man in your life a genuine creeper? We’ve got your back. Keep reading for red flags and warning signs that this guy is bad news. Even if he doesn’t match up with the signs on this list, don’t be afraid to follow your gut—your sense of comfort always comes first, and you deserve to be around people who make you feel safe and at ease.

This article is based on an interview with our licensed psychologist, Sarah Schewitz, Psy.D. Check out the full interview here.

1

He disrespects your boundaries.

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  1. Maybe you get 1 too many social media notifications from him, or you feel like you’re bumping into him a little too often. Truly nice, non-creepy guys will respect your space and let you take the first move on your terms. [1]
    • There’s nothing wrong with a guy leaving an occasional like or comment on your profile. However, it’s definitely a problem if he’s constantly interacting with and replying to all of your posts.
    • A creeper might constantly look for opportunities to hang out and spend time with you, while a respectful guy will give you space and keep things casual.
    • A creepy guy might randomly pop up at your workplace, or look for chances to cross paths with you at school.
    • Don’t be afraid to block and cut all contact with a guy who refuses to respect your boundaries.
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2

His body language is really awkward.

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  1. Certain studies show that specific types of body language can make someone seem especially creepy. According to this research, a creepy guy might:
    • Stand really close to you without respecting your boundaries
    • Laugh at random, awkward times
    • Lick his lips a lot
    • Talk without making eye contact [2]
    • If you’re chatting with a guy online, you obviously won’t be able to observe his body language—but there are still signs you can watch out for! Online creepers tend to ask a lot of personal questions, follow people on multiple social media platforms at once, and send constant streams of messages. [3]
4

He talks badly about other people.

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  1. There’s nothing wrong with venting about a frustrating person or situation, but he shouldn’t be using every conversation to put other people down. Plus, who’s to say that he isn’t talking about you in his conversations with other people?
    • An especially big red flag is a guy who constantly talks badly about his ex. Constant blaming and insults signify that he can’t hold himself accountable for his actions, and that he’ll always be passing the blame onto someone else. [5]
    • He might also make uncomfortable, objectifying comments about the people around him—including your friends.
7

He texts you quickly and expects a quick reply.

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  1. There’s nothing wrong with a friendly text once in a while, but it’s a bad sign when he starts blowing up your phone. It’s an even bigger red flag if he asks why you aren’t responding right away. [8] In his texts, he might pester you with harassing messages, like:
    • “Who’s the guy who keeps replying to your tweets?”
    • “Why are you taking so long to reply?”
    • “Who’s the dude you just followed on Instagram?”
    • It’s not automatically crossing a line if he sends the occasional double text , but it’s definitely bad if he’s sending text after text without any sense of boundaries. Follow your gut—if his texting habits feel weird and overbearing, they probably are.
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8

He acts like a toxic “Nice Guy.”

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  1. Nice Guys tend to brag that they’re “nice,” which is a big red flag in and of itself. They may also talk a lot about why their past relationships didn’t work out, or make excuses about how a person’s standards don’t line up with the guys they actually go out with. [9] You might hear a Nice Guy say something like:
    • “She was more into bad boys, so we didn’t end up going out.”
    • “I’m a really nice guy—I always hold the door open for people.”
    • “Women always talk about wanting to date nice, respectful guys, but completely ignore the guys who are actually nice to them.”
9

He’s constantly keeping score.

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  1. Maybe he offers to buy you a coffee one day, only to use his “super kind gesture” as a means of manipulating you into doing something for him (like going on a date or hanging out). You don’t feel comfortable doing anything with him, since you’re afraid of it being used as ammunition in a future conversation.
    • He might offer to spot you money for a meal or drink, only to use this act of generosity to guilt you into going out with him.
    • He might make comments about how you “owe him” from before, or constantly focus on the nice things he’s done for you in the past.
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10

He makes decisions for you.

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  1. This includes the various plans and decisions you make when you’re together. Let’s say you met him at a bar or restaurant, only to find him picking out your drink and dish. This is definitely creepy behavior, as it shows that he doesn’t respect your authority. [10]
    • There’s nothing wrong with a guy offering advice or a recommendation. It only becomes a problem when he makes his opinions and preferences non-negotiable.
    • Creepy guys also tend to assume that you always need their help, rather than giving you the breathing room you need to learn and grow independently.
11

He can’t accept rejection.

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  1. Think back to your past conversations—did you ever reject or say “no” to him? If so, how did he respond? Creepers tend to go off the handle and say incredibly rude things when situations don’t go their way, so keep an eye out for that kind of behavior. [11]
    • Let’s say you decline a guy’s invitation because you have something work-related to focus on. He might comment about how you “don’t think about others” and how “you’re self-centered.”
    • Getting rejected is never easy, but rude, disrespectful comments are never an acceptable response.
    • Creepy guys also have a dubious understanding of consent, which is extremely unhealthy. You should never feel coerced or pressured into doing something you’re not 100% down for, whether it’s accepting a drink, going out somewhere, or doing something physical. Any guy who doesn’t understand that “no” means “no” is definitely a creeper. [12]
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12

He makes idle threats.

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  1. Threats and verbal abuse are common warning signs in an abusive relationship—so, you know a guy is bad news if he’s already making intimidating and threatening remarks before you’re even together. [13]
    • A creeper might comment about how “it’s good that he’s not like other guys,” implying that something really bad could happen if he wasn’t such a “nice guy.” Even if he’s “just joking,” no joke should ever make you feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

Community Q&A

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  • Question
    I’ve been dealing with with a guy who’s been a bit of a creep around me and when I confronted him about it he said “weird luck”. What would likely be the best call of action from there?
    Rockdagreatlifelovinalpha
    Community Answer
    Call the police. He sounds insane. Distance yourself from him as much as you can.
  • Question
    So there is this boy I have a crush on. He literally stares at me too much and whenever I am on a specific location, he always tends to be there. Is he a creep?
    Rockdagreatlifelovinalpha
    Community Answer
    He is a creep and is stalking you. You should not have a crush on him. Call the cops.
  • Question
    I have an ex that is a gay crossdresser, but he's stalking me, and I simply don't get it. If he's interested in men, why doesn't he just go away?
    Community Answer
    If he's stalking you, call the police. That's illegal.
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      Tips

      • Don’t be afraid to walk away or ask for help if you ever feel unsafe with a guy. If you’re out in public, you could ask a bartender or waiter for help getting away. [14]
      • Feel free to unmatch and block any guys who give you creepy, unsettling vibes. Your sense of safety and comfort is worth far more than their personal pride! [15]
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      Warnings

      • Don’t be afraid to call the police if a guy is stalking you and invading your personal privacy.
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