A good man isn’t just defined by how he treats people — he’s also defined by what he refuses to tolerate.
While some guys turn a blind eye to toxic behaviour, especially from their fellow men, a good man stands firm on what’s right, even when it’s uncomfortable. He holds himself and those around him to a higher standard, refusing to accept attitudes or actions that go against his values. If he’s genuinely decent, these are behaviours he won’t put up with from other men.
1. Disrespecting women
A good man won’t stay silent when he sees another guy being rude, dismissive, or degrading toward women. Whether it’s talking over them, making inappropriate jokes, or treating them like objects, he won’t pretend it’s harmless or ignore it to avoid confrontation. He understands that respect isn’t selective; it’s not just for his mum, sister, or girlfriend. A good man treats all women with dignity, and he expects other men to do the same.
2. Bragging about cheating
Some guys treat infidelity like a joke, acting as if cheating is something to be proud of. A good man doesn’t just brush it off or laugh along — he finds it pathetic and disrespectful. He doesn’t see cheating as just a “mistake” but as a serious betrayal of trust. He won’t make excuses for someone who breaks their partner’s heart just because they could get away with it. If a guy boasts about cheating, a good man makes it clear that’s not something to be proud of.
3. Acting tough by putting other people down
A good man doesn’t believe in building himself up by tearing anyone else down. Some men make fun of people to look superior, whether it’s mocking someone’s appearance, career, or personality. A good man sees that for what it is: pure insecurity disguised as confidence. He doesn’t stand by when someone is being humiliated for entertainment. If another guy thinks bullying makes him look stronger, a good man knows it actually makes him look weak.
4. Making creepy or inappropriate comments
Catcalling, making gross remarks, or turning everything into a crude joke — some men act like it’s harmless fun. A good man knows otherwise. He understands that words have weight and that making people uncomfortable for the sake of a laugh isn’t okay. Instead of staying quiet or awkwardly laughing along, he speaks up. He’d rather make things uncomfortable in the moment than let someone think that kind of behaviour is acceptable.
5. Refusing to take responsibility for their actions
Some men always have an excuse, blaming other people when things go wrong instead of owning their mistakes. Whether it’s in relationships, friendships, or work, they find a way to avoid accountability. A good man doesn’t respect that. He believes in taking responsibility, even when it’s uncomfortable. If a guy refuses to admit when he’s wrong, a good man won’t waste time trying to defend him.
6. Using anger as an excuse for bad behaviour
We all get frustrated, but some men use their temper as a free pass to lash out, intimidate, or say things they later brush off as “just being angry.” A good man doesn’t let that slide. He understands that self-control is a choice and that anger doesn’t justify mistreating people. If a guy constantly loses his temper and then expects forgiveness without change, a good man sees the pattern. He won’t let “I was just mad” become an excuse for toxic behaviour.
7. Treating kindness as weakness
Some men mock guys who are kind, calling them “soft” or acting as if showing emotion makes them less masculine. A good man doesn’t buy into that outdated mindset. He sees strength in empathy and respects men who aren’t afraid to be kind. Instead of trying to prove his toughness by acting detached, he stands by his values. If another guy sees kindness as a weakness, a good man knows that says more about him than anyone else.
8. Talking badly about their own partner
Some men talk about their partners like they’re an inconvenience, constantly complaining or making disrespectful jokes. A good man doesn’t engage in those conversations. He respects his own partner too much to trash-talk them, and he doesn’t encourage other guys to do it either. He understands that a strong relationship is built on mutual respect. If a guy spends all his time moaning about his partner, a good man wonders why he’s in the relationship at all.
9. Brushing off serious issues with “It’s just how guys are”
Some men excuse bad behaviour by saying “boys will be boys” or “that’s just how guys are.” A good man doesn’t let that kind of excuse fly. He knows that decency isn’t a personality type — it’s a choice. Instead of excusing harmful behaviour, he holds himself and the people around him accountable. If someone tries to use “guy culture” to justify something toxic, he’s not afraid to call it out.
10. Being obsessed with status and material things
Some men measure their worth by how much money they have, what car they drive, or how many designer labels they own. A good man doesn’t care about surface-level status. He values character over possessions. He doesn’t judge people based on their bank balance, and he doesn’t waste time with men who do. If another guy only respects people based on their wealth, a good man knows his priorities are in the wrong place.
11. Avoiding emotional depth
Source: Unsplash Some men see emotional conversations as something to be avoided at all costs. A good man knows that being in touch with his feelings doesn’t make him any less of a man — it makes him a stronger one. If a guy refuses to open up, constantly makes fun of deeper conversations, or mocks people for being emotional, a good man doesn’t join in. He values emotional intelligence and won’t suppress who he is just to fit outdated stereotypes.
12. Ghosting people instead of handling things maturely
Some men think disappearing when things get difficult is easier than facing problems head-on. A good man doesn’t respect that. Whether it’s friendships, relationships, or even professional situations, he believes in clear communication. Ghosting, dodging conversations, or avoiding responsibility isn’t how he operates. He expects other men to act like adults and not disappear when things get uncomfortable.
13. Dismissing someone’s boundaries
A good man respects when someone says no — whether it’s about physical space, personal topics, or emotional limits. He doesn’t pressure, guilt-trip, or act like boundaries are something to be negotiated. If another guy keeps pushing people past their comfort zone, a good man won’t look the other way. He understands that boundaries exist for a reason and that ignoring them is never okay.
14. Thinking fatherhood is optional when he has kids
Source: Unsplash Some men see parenting as the mother’s responsibility, stepping in only when it’s convenient. A good man knows fatherhood isn’t about just being present; it’s about being involved. He doesn’t respect men who abandon their responsibilities or treat parenting as an afterthought. If a guy sees fatherhood as optional, a good man sees that as a failure of character.
15. Using manipulation to get their way
Whether it’s guilt-tripping, playing mind games, or twisting the truth to suit their narrative, some men manipulate to stay in control. A good man doesn’t engage in that kind of behaviour, and he won’t stand by while other people do it. He values honesty and fairness. If a guy constantly uses manipulation to get what he wants, a good man sees straight through it.
16. Not supporting other men in being better.
A good man wants the men around him to be better, not worse. He doesn’t stand by and let toxic behaviours slide — he speaks up, offers guidance, and encourages growth. Instead of tearing other men down, he lifts them up. If a guy refuses to evolve, a good man knows he’s not someone worth having in his circle.
