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A beta male is a reliable and friendly guy. He is approachable, kind, and emotionally vulnerable, and he could be the guy next door. These guys may also have other stereotypical characteristics, such as being introverted, lazy, nerdy, shy, unassertive, and socially inactive (1).
These attributes could give you only a partial understanding, not a clear idea. In this post, we highlight some common characteristics of beta males to help you understand them better.
Key Pointers
- Beta males are reserved, non-commanding, and lack leadership.
- They are someone you could depend on as they are trustworthy and take responsibility for their actions.
- Beta males can be your best friends since they are loyal, respectful, and open to communication.
What Is A Beta Male?
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Beta male definition states that he can be described as a non-commanding, reserved person who falls under the second category in the hierarchy of males. He is a yes-man who does not say ‘no,’ fearing hurting others’ feelings. A beta male is open to communication but might not be initiating a conversation. He is ready to help anyone in need and is also vulnerable at the same time. The beta male is a ‘nice guy’ with unique attributes and can be your good friend on any day.
Beta Males Vs. Alpha And Sigma Males
Beta males are typically seen as non-assertive and non-confrontational. They are comfortable being emotionally vulnerable with their loved ones. They avoid taking charge and are more used to following directions than giving them. They are collaborative, friendly, approachable, reliable, and trustworthy. While you may never have to worry about fragile egos when it comes to them, they can be passive and submissive.
Alpha males are seen as aggressive go-getters who prefer to take the lead. They are brave, ambitious, charismatic, confident, and assertive. They are comfortable being the protector and provider in relationships and friendships.
Sigma males have characteristics similar to Alpha males, except that they are more independent and introverted. They have a strong sense of self and are unafraid of setting themselves apart from others. They are detached from social norms and expectations. They are similar to Betas in their adaptability and subtle approach, and they do not force their dominance in social situations.
16 Characteristics Of A Beta Male
He has a self-effacing demeanor and is humble, kind, reliable, and loving with a deeper perspective.
Read further to know more about a beta male’s attributes.
1. He is not a leader
A beta male prefers to follow rather than lead. Making decisions for others or him is not a strong aspect. While it is mostly perceived as submission or that the beta males lack leadership, are subservient, and cannot reach the heights in their careers, it should be considered that they like to be a part of a team effort (2).
2. He is friendly
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A beta male is friendly and mature and likes to help anyone who seeks his guidance or assistance. Being kind is a good trait, but the beta male is too kind to allow dominant people to trample over. He might not realize that he is being taken for a ride until it is too late (2).
3. He is dependent
Beta males are dependent on others, be it their parents or partners as they lack assertiveness. Having the ability to know when to ask or accept help is good quality. But too much dependency is something on which they need to work (2).
4. He avoids conflicts
In dominance hierarchy, a beta male tries to stay away from arguments, while an alpha male likes to debate and prove the point. While it may seem that he takes a step back and stands down, he is fine with it as he likes to be at peace and is not insecure about social status. He is happy, even if it is momentarily rather than facing it.
When there is an argument or a conflict, the beta male generally is reserved and won’t even make an effort to defend themselves. This is another classic case of being the proverbial nice guy because the beta male thinks that walking away from an argument makes the other person not hate him. But it does not make him timid or meek. This characteristic has a positive side, too, sometimes, as when a real fight happens, walking away can help by keeping the beta male safer.
Trivia5. He doesn’t show passive-aggressive behavior
How a person deals when they are in an argument determines their personality. As the beta male meaning is non-confrontational, he neither gets into an argument nor passes derogatory comments. He either tries to solve the argument silently or stays away from it, considering it to be the best possible decision for the time being. It may be perceived as they lack self-confidence at times.
6. He is responsible
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The beta males take responsibility dearly. He knows what it means to have control over things in life, and if something bad is going on, they take control of it and act on it. Bad things happen in life, and sometimes they may be avoided, but how a person reacts when such things happen tells a lot about the personality of a person. The beta males in situations like these take responsibility and learn from them (4).
7. He is not competitive
The beta males tend to stay ideal and in their comfort zone (3). They know their skills and are confident, so they do not get pushy to prove themselves. Leisure and comfort are their priorities. They are okay even if they do not win a competition as they do not like to show their skills (4). They have high self-esteem and are least bothered about power dynamics.
8. He is trustworthy
To be happy in a relationship, you have to be open to your partner and accept humanly existent flaws. A beta male is always ready to lend an ear and makes you feel comfortable and accepted while sharing little vulnerabilities. Inherently, none of us are perfect, and the beauty of humanity is in those imperfections. A beta male understands this concept quite well (2).
9. He is secure
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Beta males know their positives and negatives and are content with that. Having a sense of what their skills and weaknesses are helps the beta male in understanding themselves better. They are not deterred by what others think about them and don’t believe in toxic masculinity. Having a sense of self-consciousness helps the betas make better choices in every walk of life.
Did you know?10. He respects others
A beta male respects the people around him. There is no sense of inequality associated with a beta male. He is highly deferential toward people and treats every person equally, which is a good characteristic that shows no dominance and disrespect toward his partner. At the same time, he wants others to treat him with respect. And so, he is caring and respectful (2).
11. He says ‘yes’ to everything
Beta adult males go through a difficult time saying a clean ‘no’ to someone since they always try to be the nicest person and do not care about the pain that they are about to cause themselves. Although it is a good trait that many people lack, some people may take advantage of it, assuming the beta male to be an obsequious person. Hence, learning to say ‘no’ is not a bad idea (4), as it will prevent them from appearing submissive.
12. He is open to communication
Looking in straight at the eyes of someone you are talking to establishes the feeling of truthfulness and a sense of value to the conversation. It also gives the feeling of paying attention to whatever is being communicated. Beta male knows the importance of clearing things up instead of getting into a tangled situation.
13. He likes to spend time alone
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Having a sufficient dose of leisure is good. It helps him to have a balance between work and personal time, which is the right way to progress in life. He uses his free time to learn new things and improve his skills instead of hanging around with friends (4). He strongly believes in self-improvement and personal growth.
14. He is reserved
Beta males are reserved and happy with their own company.
The reserved nature comes from being a nerdy and introverted nature, which is a common characteristic of betas. They are emotional and quiet, adding to their reserved behavior.
15. He is loyal
A beta male is loyal to both his friends and partner, and he respects the love and care shown to him. He is also true to his job and completes his tasks diligently without causing any issues (2). This quality shows that he cannot be dispensable.
16. He is emotionally vulnerable
A beta male can be emotionally vulnerable. Unlike most men who consider showing emotions and crying a sign of weakness, beta males are in touch with their feelings. They are expressive and show emotions, be it remorse, sadness, excitement, or happiness. Beta males, with their emotional depth and compassion, can be an excellent partner. Many women find this vulnerability attractive. They are appealing to those who appreciate affectionate men. Their willingness to put aside their ego and show vulnerability makes them successful in relationships. In a world that encourages toxic masculinity, beta males stand out for embracing their feelings, challenging stereotypes, and fostering healthier and authentic relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a beta male like in a relationship?
A beta male in a relationship generally displays the following behavior:
- He is mindful of your wants and needs.
- He will take part in your favorite activities to spend time with you.
- He believes in clear communication rather than bottling up his feelings.
- He takes joy in the little things such as cuddling and watching movies together.
2. What zodiac signs are beta males?
Some beta male signs may be Pisces, Taurus, and Cancer because they are believed to be easy-going, empathetic, and helpful. However, any sign can be a beta male, depending on their behavior and personality.
3. What are some common misconceptions about beta males?
One misconception is that beta males lack confidence. In reality, confidence levels vary among individuals regardless of their perceived social status. Another misconception is that beta males are unsuccessful in attracting romantic partners. Beta males are sometimes portrayed as weak or submissive. This oversimplification ignores the diversity of personalities and character traits found in individuals.
4. How can beta males improve their confidence and assertiveness?
Improving confidence and assertiveness is a personal development journey that can benefit individuals of all personality types, including those who may identify as “beta males.” For this, you need to understand yourself better and establish realistic and attainable goals that provide a sense of purpose and direction. Try to embrace the belief that abilities and skills can be developed through dedication and effort.
5. What are some tips for understanding and connecting with a beta male?
Understanding and connecting with individuals, regardless of their perceived “beta” traits, is best approached by focusing on empathy, respect, and open communication. Engage in active listening by paying attention to what the person is saying, maintaining eye contact, and showing genuine interest in their thoughts and experiences. This demonstrates respect and helps establish a connection.
6. What type of woman is a beta male attracted to?
Some beta males may be attracted to women perceived as more assertive, confident, or dominant, as they may appreciate qualities that complement their personality traits. On the other hand, beta males may also be attracted to women who possess nurturing qualities, empathy, and kindness, as these traits can create a sense of emotional security and connection.
7. What are the pros and cons of being a beta male?
Beta males are known for being emotionally intelligent, adaptable, collaborative, loyal, trustworthy, and reliable. They are strong communicators and can be approached by anyone. However, they can be submissive, passive, and vulnerable. They lack the drive to make decisions and lead and are prone to being taken advantage of.
A beta male is a simple, non-dominant, and friendly person. They have some unique characteristics that make them special and adorable. For example, they are friendly team players and not excessively competitive. Their self-security, trustworthy nature, responsible attitude, emotional intelligence, and willingness to ask for support when needed make them good friends and partners. While people may consider beta males drab and pushovers, they are peace-loving and easy-going. You may think they can be cowed into submission, but beta males or sigma males who know how to say “no” when needed can make things happen in their favor while being unaggressive.
Infographic: Characteristics Of A Beta Male
In addition to the character traits we have listed, we also bring you this infographic with additional traits of a beta male to help you understand them better. The beta male, more often than not, likes to assume a passive role and is comfortable inside his comfort zone. So, read on and keep a note of the points as well. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Illustration: Characteristics Of Beta Males That Make Them Unique
Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team
References
1. Kate Ludeman; Coaching the Alpha Male; Harvard Business Review (2004)
2. Rhetoric and Civic Life; The Rise of the Beta Male; Penn State (2012).
3. Scott Barry Kaufman; The Myth of the Alpha Male; Greater Good Magazine (2015).
4. Jennifer Jean Reinwald; Seth Rogen and the Beta Male: An Exploration of Masculinity in Freaks and Geeks, Knocked Up and This is the End; The University of Texas at Austin (2014).
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