The 6 Things Men Are Most Sensitive About

You can call a guy callous, inappropriate, sloppy, or even stupid, and most of the time he’ll just look up from the game and say, “Huh?” Comments that would devastate us bounce off most men like a basketball on hardwood. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t some things that get under their skin. Here are six things you should never criticize in a man, unless you want to really hurt him.

His thinning top. In the male world, hair is more than just hair; it is a symbol of virility, strength, and youth, all things that are very difficult to surrender. (Hence the comb-overs, plugs, rugs, and Hair Club for Men.) Calling attention to what’s up top is guaranteed to bring him down.

His mechanical ability. This is a broad category that encompasses assembly, troubleshooting, repair, upgrades, and, of course, looking under the hood and instantly being able to determine what’s wrong. Avoid even suggesting he doesn’t have a clue or—worse yet—that he should “call someone.” Let him tinker, praise his progress, then when he’s not looking, fix it yourself (or call someone). Women can create life; let men continue in their belief that they can sustain it.

His success compared with other men. Comparing your man’s accomplishments with other men’s grander accomplishments, especially in social settings, is a sure way to belittle the giant that lives inside most male minds and considers itself the ultimate protector and provider. Competitive by nature, it’s always looking to out-build, out-drive, out-title, out-earn, and generally out-do the other guy.

His shortcomings as a father. Even though they may sometimes fall short, most men truly want to be good fathers. They know how important it is because they had a father themselves who may or may not have done his job. Like being a mom, a certain amount of fatherhood is instinctive. To be accused of failing at it is akin to suggesting a genetic deficiency. If you can’t succeed at raising a child, what’s left? Respect him for the effort.

His turning 30…40…50. Make no doubt about it—the male midlife crisis is real. Those sensitivities mentioned earlier? They all come together here: losing hair, testosterone, proficiency, respect, youth…. Men think about these things every day. Like us, they are exquisitely aware of the tick of time. So, there’s no need to remind.