Men Who Are Deeply Unsatisfied In Their Relationship But Don't Leave Usually Have These 6 Reasons

You probably know a man who always complains about his unhappy relationship, about how down he is, or the stress it causes him. The question most women ask is: if he’s so unhappy, why is he staying with her?

In some cases, the reasons men stay in unhappy relationships are similar to the reasons women stay in unhappy relationships. But there are other reasons that women might not suspect.

Men who are deeply unsatisfied in their relationship, but don't leave, usually have these 6 reasons:

1. His partner boosts his ego

man who is unsatisfied in his relationship not leaving because his partner is attractive PeopleImages / Shutterstock

It should come as no surprise that having a beautiful wife, girlfriend, or partner is important for a man. Having an attractive partner by his side is a boost to his ego.

If she’s attractive, he feels validated. Even if he may feel as though he’s lacking in other areas, an attractive partner will boost his confidence. So, if she makes him unhappy, he becomes an economist — does he value her beauty more than his own relationship happiness?

In many cases, men will choose beauty ahead of satisfaction. And if she may be a bit out of his league, he’ll be willing to put up with the misery to still feel that boost of confidence at the end of the day.

Although maintaining a relationship with an attractive partner can be beneficial, it can also foster suspicion of infidelity and increase jealousy. Additionally, a 2015 study revealed that social conditioning plays a role in evolved preferences for physical beauty, contributing to men prioritizing attractiveness more than women.

2. He's sentimental about the relationship

man who is unsatisfied with relationship but won't leave because he's sentiemental Perfect Wave / Shutterstock

Men can be sentimental when it comes to relationships. If a man has been with someone for a long time or has shared intimate moments with her, then he will feel a deep fidelity and loyalty to the idea of the relationship.

This means that he’ll keep thinking that the relationship is like it was years or months ago, instead of looking at the relationship as it is. He will stay in the relationship primarily to relive the good times. He is unable to let go of an idea he had of the woman he was with and remains stuck in a cycle of unhappiness.

3. The intimacy is too good to give up

man who is unsatisfied in relationship but won't leave as the physical side is too good Ground Picture / Shutterstock

Sometimes, men will stay in an unhappy relationship because it’s an easy avenue to intimacy — he doesn’t have to go elsewhere to look for it, and he doesn’t have to worry about why he isn’t getting any.

Just as intimacy is a reason why men leave relationships, it can be a reason to stay in one, even if he’s unhappy. A satisfying love life is a powerful factor in relationship satisfaction for both men and women, with some evidence suggesting it can predict future relationship happiness rather than merely being a result of it. The anticipation and payoff of that high can be compelling enough to override the negative aspects of the relationship.

4. He believes he has no other options

man who is unsatisfied in relationship and won't leave because of no other options PeopleImages / Shutterstock

The fear of the unknown is a strong motivator for humans. It can be a strong motivator for a relationship as well. A man will stay in an unhappy relationship if he thinks that it’s the only relationship that he can find.

There are plenty of fish in the sea, but if he thinks that he can’t get another woman, he’s likely to keep coming back to a painful and unhappy relationship out of loneliness and desperation. For men, the devil you know can be better than the angel you don’t.

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5. He wants to keep her for himself

man who is deeply unsatisfied in his relationship not leaving because he wants to keep her to himself Face Stock / Shutterstock

This is basically jealousy talking. But when a man has strong feelings attached to a woman, he can become extremely possessive. At this stage, he might not care how unhappy the relationship is — because the thought of her being with someone else will make him more unhappy.

Men with low self-worth may fear that their partner will find someone better and leave them. A 2020 study explained that by controlling their partner's interactions, they attempt to maintain their sense of value and security.

6. He loves her and remains optimistic

man who is deeply unsatisfied not leaving his relationship because he loves her Shift Drive / Shutterstock

If he has any relationship experience, a man knows that no relationship will ever be perfect. Someone is bound to get on someone’s nerves at some point. Frustrations come with the responsibility of being in a committed relationship, and giving up is not the answer. He stays because he hopes that things will get better and not worse.

He realizes that until he fixes the mistakes within himself and properly deals with the relationship at hand, there is no need to go on to the next woman because he will only end up back at square one, repeating the same mistakes.

The motivators for a man to stay in an unhealthy relationship are varied. And sometimes, even after the reasons listed above, there still may not be a good explanation for why a man stays in an unhappy relationship. But if you’re wondering, just know that he believes he has a good reason.

How To Meet The Man Of Your Dreams is made up of relationship experts who aim to empower men and women with knowledge and confidence to help them find love and happy relationships.