15 Signs You’re Still Single Because You Intimidate People

15 Signs You’re Still Single Because You Intimidate People iStock

You’re still single, but it’s not for lack of trying. You keep “putting yourself out there” and putting your best foot forward in the dating world, but for some reason, you’re still solo. Instead of thinking there’s something wrong with you, consider that there could be something very right. Maybe you’re still single because you’re so awesome that you intimidate people — ever think of that? Here’s how you know that’s the case.

1. You’re fiercely independent and you won’t give that up for anyone.

smiling businesswoman walking with coffee

You don’t rely on anyone to complete you, and not everyone can handle that. Your self-sufficiency and ability to handle things on your own can be intimidating to those who are used to being needed. You’re not afraid to stand on your own two feet and pursue your goals without looking for someone to hold your hand. This level of independence can scare off people who are looking for someone more dependent. They might feel like they can’t offer you anything you can’t already provide for yourself, so they don’t even bother trying.

2. Your confidence is off the charts.

goofy woman giving peace sign

You know your worth, and not everyone can handle being around someone who exudes that level of self-assurance. Your confidence can be intimidating to those who are not secure in themselves. They might feel like they can’t measure up to your self-assuredness, and that can make them uncomfortable. Some people are not used to being around someone who knows exactly who they are and what they want. They might prefer someone who is more self-deprecating or unsure of themselves, as it makes them feel more secure in comparison.

3. You’re not afraid to speak your mind.

trendy guy texting against wall

Your honesty and directness can be intimidating to those who are not used to hearing the unvarnished truth. You don’t sugarcoat things or beat around the bush, and that can be jarring to people who are more accustomed to polite evasions. They might be used to dealing with individuals who are less forthright and more likely to tell them what they want to hear. Your willingness to speak your mind can be a breath of fresh air for some, but for everyone else, it can be uncomfortable and unsettling. (If you struggle with this, check out our sister site, Sweetn. They have some amazing tips and tricks to help restore your confidence and make you feel empowered in love. Check them out here.)

4. People might think you’re too busy for a relationship.

businesswoman talking on phone outside

You’re always focused on your goals and ambitions, and not everyone can handle being with someone who is so driven. Your dedication to your career or personal pursuits can be intimidating to those who are not as focused. They might feel like they would have to compete for your attention and time, and they might not be up for that challenge. They might assume that you won’t have any room in your life for a relationship, so they don’t even bother trying to pursue one with you.

5. You’re not afraid to take risks and go after what you want.

smiling man texting while walking down street

Your fearlessness can be intimidating to those who are more risk-averse. You’re not one to sit back and let opportunities pass you by – you go after what you want with determination and drive. This can be unsettling to people who are more comfortable playing it safe and sticking to the status quo. They might feel like they can’t keep up with your boldness, and they might prefer someone who is more content with the familiar and the predictable.

6. Your success and achievements can make people feel insecure.

woman walking down street looking backYour accomplishments might shine a spotlight on other people’s perceived shortcomings, and that can be uncomfortable for them. They might feel like they can’t measure up to your level of success, and that can make them feel inadequate. Some people are not comfortable being around someone who seems to have it all together and is achieving their goals at a rapid pace. They might prefer someone whose success is more on par with their own, as it makes them feel more secure in the relationship.

7. You’re not afraid of being alone.

smiling man with backpack on street

Your self-assurance and self-sufficiency can intimidate those who rely on other people for validation and support. You don’t need anyone to complete you, and not everyone can handle that level of independence. Some people might feel like they’re not needed in your life, and that can be unsettling for them. They might prefer someone who is more reliant on them for emotional support and validation, as it gives them a sense of purpose and importance in the relationship. Your ability to stand on your own might make them feel like they’re not essential to your happiness.

8. Some people might feel like they can’t measure up to your intelligence and knowledge.

smiling woman texting

Your intellect and expertise can be intimidating to those who are not as knowledgeable. They might feel like they can’t hold their own in conversations with you, and that can make them uncomfortable. Some people might be used to being the smarter one in the room, and being around someone who outshines them intellectually can be a blow to their ego. They might prefer someone who is less intellectually challenging, as it allows them to feel more secure in their own intelligence.

9. You’re not interested in playing games or settling for less than you deserve.

blue-haired man standing against blue wall

Your unwillingness to tolerate BS can be intimidating to those who are used to getting away with it. You don’t have time for mind games or half-hearted efforts – you want honesty, respect, and genuine connection. This can be unsettling to those who are used to manipulating or taking advantage of people in relationships. They might feel like they can’t get away with their

10. Your strong personality and assertiveness can be too much for some people to handle.

woman in beanie crouching in city

You don’t shy away from speaking your mind and taking charge, and that can be overwhelming for those who are more passive or indecisive. Your assertiveness might make some people feel like they don’t have a say in the relationship, and that can be off-putting for them. They might prefer someone who is more accommodating and less inclined to take the lead. Your strong personality can be polarizing – some will be drawn to it, while others might find it too intense to handle.

11. You have high standards and aren’t willing to compromise.

smiing guy walking with phone

You know what you want and what you deserve, and you’re not willing to settle for anything less. This can be intimidating to those who are not used to someone with such clear boundaries and expectations. They might feel like they can’t meet your standards, and that can make them feel inadequate. Some people might be more accustomed to partners who are more willing to bend or compromise, rather than holding firm to their expectations. Your unwillingness to settle can make some people feel like they’re not up to par.

12. You’re not afraid to call out BS when you see it.

serious looking guy sitting outside

Your honesty and unwillingness to tolerate dishonesty can be intimidating to those who are not used to being held accountable. You don’t hesitate to point out inconsistencies or dishonesty, and that can be uncomfortable for people who are more used to getting away with deception. They might feel like they can’t hide anything from you, and that can be unsettling for those who are not used to being called out. Your willingness to challenge dishonesty and hold people accountable can be a wake-up call for some, but for others, it’s too much to handle.

13. Some people might feel like they have to compete with your independence, success, or confidence.

smiling woman standing against wall

They might feel like they can’t measure up to your level of self-assuredness and self-sufficiency, and that can be intimidating for them. They might feel like they have to constantly prove their worth and value, and that can be exhausting. Some people might prefer someone who is more reliant on them and less sure of themselves, as it gives them a sense of importance and control in the relationship. Your level of independence and success might make some people feel like they’re not needed, and that can be unsettling for them.

14. Your self-sufficiency and ability to handle things on your own can make people feel like they’re not needed.

smiling guy sitting outdoors in summer

You don’t rely on anyone for emotional support or validation, and not everyone can handle that level of independence. Some people might feel like they don’t have a role in your life, and that can be unsettling for them. They might prefer someone who is more reliant on them for emotional support and validation, as it gives them a sense of purpose and importance in the relationship. Your ability to stand on your own might make some people feel like they’re not essential to your happiness, and that can be intimidating for them.

15. You’re not afraid to walk away from anything or anyone that doesn’t meet your standards.

Portrait of attractive happy caucasian woman with brunette hair in bright living room with white walls.

Your unwillingness to settle can be intimidating to those who are used to being chased or accommodated. You know what you want, and you’re not willing to waste your time on anything less. This can be unsettling for those who are used to partners who are more willing to bend or compromise to keep the relationship going. They might feel like they have to constantly prove their worth and value, and that can be exhausting. Your unwillingness to settle can make some people feel like they’re not up to par, and that can be intimidating for them.

Like what you’ve read? Follow Bolde on MSN for more!

Jennifer Still is a writer and editor with more than 10 years of experience. The managing editor of Bolde, she has bylines in Vanity Fair, Business Insider, The New York Times, Glamour, Bon Appetit, and many more. You can follow her on Twitter @jenniferlstill
close-link
close-link
close-link
close-link