When a guy slumps on the couch all day, you may think he’s just lazy. If he’s drinking too much, you might assume he’s just having a rough week.
Yet, it isn’t always that simple. The complexities of the human psyche mean we often miss the quiet signs of someone slowly letting go of their will to fight.
In particular, men can be masters at hiding their internal struggles. But there are 8 subtle routines that can betray them.
Now, as someone who spends a lot of time reading and editing words for a living, I’ve come to appreciate that actions can speak just as loudly. That’s why recognizing these routines is so important in understanding when someone might be silently surrendering. Let’s dive in.
1) Neglecting personal hygiene
Believe it or not, how a man takes care of himself physically can say a lot about his mental state.
If he used to be someone who took pride in his appearance, always looking sharp and smelling good, and then suddenly all that changes, that’s a red flag.
When he starts neglecting his personal hygiene, when the smell of cologne is replaced by the stench of unwashed clothes and unkempt hair, it might indicate something deeper than just laziness.
It could be that he’s dealing with inner turmoil so intense that he’s lost the will to take care of himself.
This subtle routine is an alarming sign of someone who could be quietly giving up on himself.
2) Withdrawal from social activities
I remember a friend of mine, a guy who was once the life of every party, always surrounded by people and laughter. Then, almost overnight, it seemed like he just vanished.
He started declining invitations to hang out. His absence at social gatherings became a norm. He was just…gone.
At first, we thought maybe he was just busy or going through a phase. But this went on for months, even years.
When I finally managed to catch up with him over a cup of coffee, it was clear something had changed. He looked tired, his eyes vacant, his laughter forced.
His withdrawal from social activities wasn’t just a personal preference. It was a subtle routine that was silently screaming for help.
3) Change in sleep patterns
Sleep, as mundane as it might seem, plays a crucial role in our overall well-being. It’s our body’s way of recharging and healing itself.
When a man starts to sleep too much or too little, it could be a sign of him struggling internally.
Insomnia or excessive sleep can be symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. In fact, nearly 90% of people with depression report issues with their sleep.
So if you notice a drastic change in someone’s sleep patterns, it could be a subtle routine indicating they’re quietly giving up on themselves.
Surprising, wouldn’t you agree?
4) Overindulgence in vices
We all have our vices, whether it’s a glass of wine after a long day, a bar of chocolate when we’re feeling down, or a night out to let off some steam.
But when these occasional indulgences turn into a daily routine, it might be more than just a harmless habit.
If a man starts to rely heavily on alcohol, food, or any other vice to numb his feelings or escape reality, it’s a clear sign he’s struggling. This overindulgence is often a desperate attempt to cope with the pain he’s feeling inside.
This subtle routine is another alarming sign that he might be quietly giving up on himself.
5) Loss of interest in hobbies
I’ve always been a big fan of soccer. The thrill of the game, the camaraderie, the sheer joy of it all. It’s something that has always managed to lift my spirits, no matter what.
So, when I notice a friend who used to share this passion suddenly lose interest in it, it’s hard not to worry.
If a man starts to abandon the hobbies and activities he once loved, it might be a sign he’s losing his zest for life. This can be especially true if these changes happen alongside other subtle routines we’ve discussed.
From my perspective, watching someone lose their spark is one of the hardest things to witness.
6) Excessive work habits
You might think that a man who throws himself into his work is just ambitious or passionate about his career. But sometimes, it’s not about the work at all.
When a man starts to spend excessive hours at the office, neglecting his personal life and relationships, it could be a sign of him trying to escape something.
Work becomes a distraction, a way to avoid dealing with his emotions or confronting the reality of his situation.
This subtle routine can be misleading, but it’s often a sign of a man quietly giving up on himself.
7) Neglecting relationships
People, relationships, connections – they’re what truly enrich our lives. But when a man starts to neglect his relationships, whether it’s with family, friends, or a significant other, it’s a cause for concern.
When he starts to pull away, becomes distant or unresponsive, it could be a sign that he’s grappling with something heavy inside him.
This retreat from social connections is another subtle routine that might indicate a man quietly giving up on himself.
8) Lack of self-care
Above all, when a man stops taking care of himself, it’s the most glaring sign that he’s quietly giving up on himself.
Self-care isn’t just about maintaining a good appearance. It’s about nurturing our physical, emotional, and mental health.
When he stops eating well, stops exercising, or generally stops caring about his well-being, it’s a cry for help that shouldn’t be ignored.
This neglect of self-care is the most distressing of all subtle routines.
A tough pill to swallow, indeed.
Unseen battles
If you’ve joined me on this journey through the article, I hope you’ve gained a deeper understanding of the struggles some men silently endure.
These 8 subtle routines are not just random acts. They are silent cries for help, reflections of internal battles that often go unnoticed.
Remember, it’s not about labeling or judging them. It’s about understanding their struggles and offering support wherever we can.
Because sometimes, the strongest people are those who are quietly fighting battles we know nothing about.
A sobering thought, isn’t it?
