10 Reasons He Looks at Other Women (+ What to Do About It)

You’re strolling down the street with your partner, enjoying a casual walk together on a bright afternoon. As you walk side by side, you notice his gaze lingering on a woman passing by.

Does your man check out other women in real life or on social media? Do you ever feel hurt, jealous or self conscious when your man’s eye’s wander? Or maybe disrespected and insecure?

Do you ever wonder if this is normal or worry that maybe it’s a sign of something more serious? Do you ever wonder if you are really the one for him or if he’s just waiting for someone better to come along?

If you’ve ever wanted to know what’s really going on when he looks at other women, read these 10 laser-sharp insights into why men do this. Ones that most women fail to understand…

Reason #1: He can’t help but look

Men are visual creatures. It’s just in their nature. When they see women who have certain looks or act in a certain way, they can’t help but look. It’s like a magnet pulling their eyes towards those women.

So when he keeps looking at other women, it might simply be because he’s wired that way. Don’t take it personally; it’s more about his natural instinct than anything else.

Reason #2: He worries about his seduction power

Here’s the deal: Men often worry about how charming they are. So, when they spot a woman they find attractive, they start to wonder if they could win her over.

It doesn’t mean he’s unhappy with you, he just wants to feel desirable. If he’s checking out other women, it might be because he’s questioning his own appeal, not yours. Keep this in mind when you notice him glancing elsewhere.

Reason #3: Society says he should notice women

In many societies, there’s this unwritten rule that men should pursue women. Even though society says it’s not cool to check out other women when in a relationship, it’s still seen as manly.

So, when he’s glancing at other women, it might be because he wants to live up to this idea of masculinity. It’s not an excuse, but it helps to understand where it might be coming from.

Reason #4: He seeks variety naturally

He might be with you and love everything about you, but that doesn’t stop him from being curious about different types of women.

For instance, if you’re petite, blonde, and reserved, he might still be curious or intrigued by tall, brunette women, confident. He’s not unnecessarily unhappy with you, he just has a natural desire for variety.

Reason #5: He appreciates beauty like art

Men often look at other women like they would look at a beautiful thing like a painting, a plant, or a statue. Just because a man looks at another women doesn’t mean he would necessarily cheat on his partner if given the opportunity.

Reason #6: He remembers his glorious single days

When he’s checking out other women, he may be feeling nostalgic, thinking about the times when he was out there dating and conquering. He might wonder if those women would have been interested in him back then.

But it doesn’t mean he’d want to go back to his single days. He’s probably just reminiscing about his past experiences, and he feels a bit wistful for those carefree times.

Reason #7: He doesn’t even realize he’s doing it

Ever noticed him glancing at other women without even realizing it? He has this unconscious habit of letting his eyes wander. Sometimes, he won’t even turn his head, so you won’t notice.

He’s not trying to intentionally disrespecting you. It’s more like his eyes have a mind of their own. So, if you catch him doing it, you can just give him a gentle nudge to bring his focus back to you.

Reason #8: He needs a confidence boost

A guy may check out other women prominently when he’s with you to show the world himself and the world he’s not too old or too rusty for the attraction game, even though he’s clearly with you.

He just wants to feel like he’s still got it and feel good about himself. It’s his way of saying, “Hey, I’ve still got some game left.”

Reason #9: He feels safe with you

Some guys will check out other women ONLY when you’re around. You know how some kids act goofy and do dumb things when their parents are around? They feel like they’re protected and that nothing bad can happen to them whatever they do.

Some guys behave the same: when they’re with their wife or girlfriend, they feel confident enough to stare at other women or even try to make eye contact. It’s like a fun little challenge even though they know nothing will ever come out of it.

In these cases, a guy generally expects the other women to ignore him, since it’s clear he’s with someone. So there’s no risk of being disappointed as he doesn’t expect anything. He can keep playing that little game risk-free.

Reason #10: He’s trying to make you jealous

Some guys conspicuously look at other women just to make you jealous. Perhaps he wants to get back at you for something he’s upset or annoyed about.

Or, he’s feeling insecure and that’s a way to make you insecure as well. He might also be trying to gain some power in the relationship, even though it’s not the healthiest or most mature approach.

What to do? Effective steps you can take

OK, now that we’ve seen the various reasons why he might look at other women, let’s shift our focus to what you can do about it. Here are six actionable steps to help fix this issue – and possibly your relationship.

#1. Drop a hint

First, when he stares, look at the woman too. Let him see you noticed without saying anything directly. This can make him realize his actions without causing a fuss.

#2. Talk about it calmly

If he keeps staring, calmly ask, “Do you like her looks?” Don’t say more, don’t give in to any reassuring or hugging from his part. Your calm response shows you’re not okay with it.

If he’s doing it without realizing, tell him calmly it bothers and embarrasses you. Explain how it might make others think you’re okay with disrespect, which isn’t fair.

#3. Give him a taste of his own medicine

Start checking out other guys subtly, so he knows how it feels. Keep it low-key to avoid seeming like you’re getting back at him. Let him feel what you feel when he stares.

#4. One step up: cut back on going out

If he keeps it up, go out together less. Suggest he goes alone without explaining why. He’ll probably realize his behavior is causing the change.

#5. Give him space

Consider giving him more time alone. Many guys will not stare at women when they’re alone. They may not have the confidence, and they’re afraid to look like a stalker.

#6. Last resort: know when to step back

If he’s actually trying to seduce other women, it might be time to think about the relationship. You can’t watch him all the time, and if he’s crossing a line, there’s not much you can do.