Why are guys so protective of their girlfriends?

Question

My boyfriend and I were walking past a homeless man who appeared a little drunk the other morning. When my boyfriend realised we actually needed to pass by the man, he grabbed me by the arm out of nowhere and moved me so that I was on the other side of him, and my boyfriend was between me and the homeless man. I got zero vibe this man was a threat to us, yet my boyfriend always gets quite protective like this. Just want to know why.

Zefram · Accepted Answer

Yes. Even I do this.
I even did this with a girl who wasn't my girlfriend last week, a coworker of mine, while she and I were leaving our office and walking down a rough area of my city to grab a coffee. It's just a male instinct, lady. Call it leftovers of our evolution but we're just hardwired to be protective of the nearest vagina. We're bigger and stronger than you, that's a fact. And if we care and another bigger stronger male gets near us that we don't know it's just kinda natural that the protective instinct immediately kicks in.
I'm a fit guy, fucking 6'4 and 240lbs. My girlfriend is 5'6 and 140, so a small little thing, quite a bit smaller than me. My coworker is also only a little bit taller than her. So it makes just a little bit more sense for me to be in front of the women than it does the other way around I think, hell I'm one intimidating and imposing bastard man I can end a conflict just by standing up.
Men are just creatures and agents of action, women can be too but more often than not they're creatures and agents of inspiration. The mere presence of a woman will generally inspire a man to action, in my case with my girlfriend or my coworker, it's protectiveness. Welcome to the world of men and women.

Knighted2170 · Accepted Answer

This is two parts. One is a societal thing where higher value is placed on women and children's lives. Watch just about any rescue type movie and you will hear "Women and children first." Men are supposed to be the protectors of women, and kids.
Second, is how he was raised.

I have a pretty keen eye for trouble. I deal with it on an almost daily basis. Reading body language, eye movement, watching the direction of the feet, and of course a persons hands.
Your boyfriend might have noticed a movement the drunk guy made that you may have missed.
Or, he just wanted to demonstrate that you are safe with him. The drunk gave him a perfect opportunity, without any real present danger to either of you. In other words, playing hero for you.

Blunique · Accepted Answer

What? You are complaining about that? That sounds hot. I would love to have a protective boyfriend. But it's just male instinct, just in case the homeless guy is a problem he wants to be prepared so he can protect you.

ChronicThinker · Accepted Answer

Why wouldn't they be? Most males have that innate instinct to protect their girlfriend seeing as we are less likely to be effective in a fight.

Jackieboi · Answer

Haha i did that recently even with a gal i was "just going home with" because you never know what intentions people have. Even if he's not giving off a threatening vibe he might just be acting and waiting for us to come closer for whatever he has planned. Maybe he has friends waiting around the corner, or watching from over the street. At least that goes for "thugs" as it was in my case. But for a homeless person its still the same, you at worst obliterate at least any physical negative consequences that might arise from him doing something surprising and at best negate the whole thing he might have had planned. It could be anything from him actually attacking both of us to just him wanting to create a bad atmosphere by lets say couping a feel of her breasts or ass as we walk by. a lot of street rats are smart enough to walk the fine line of whats legally allowed, or in more practical terms whats going to be accepted without any mentionable consequences for his part. Let me ask you if the homeless guy wouldve couped a feel of your breasts what is your boyfriend supposed to do? No matter if he does nothing, straight oit knocks him out, or something in between it would undoubtably dampen the evening right? He negated or at least lessened the chances of all that having the ability to happen by moving just 2m. All guys know aboit this that why gangs love harassing a dude with a gal even more than a lone gal

Mornin23 · Answer

That's just him being careful. A guy who's willing to do a gesture like that rather than just ignore a potential, if unlikely, threat to you is a keeper. Honestly, I'm the same way with any girls, or guys that I don't think can protect themselves as well as I can. It's just something in a person's nature. Your boyfriend probably knows that there isn't likely going to be an incident, but if there is, he wants to make sure you're safe, and that's awesome. He cares, and doesn't want you to be hurt. Not all guys are like that anymore, so good for you, I suppose :D

liam2409 · Answer

It’s basic evolution, he wants to make himself look strong and dominant to you so he protects you from what he sees as potential threats. Mates do this in order to assert their dominance to other males and to you as to say I am top dog don’t mess with me or my girlfriend or there will be trouble. Honestly it’s a good thing he just wants you to be safe. Guys feel they must protect and show they’re dominant otherwise they may think they look weak and that you’ll leave them and go to another man, which is the worst feeling in the world. It’s romantic and you’re lucky to have a partner who actually cares for your safety.

Makeuphoarder · Answer

I see it as your boyfriend trying to protect you from any potential threats. He's also trying to prevent anything from happening but if something does happen he will take the hit/will be the one in harm's way. Basically sacrificing himself to protect you. If you think about it that way. It's nice to have someone that cares about you n doesn't want anything bad to happen to you. I guess it could get annoying if he's doing it every minute, everywhere you go but see it as a sign of affection. He's showing you he cares about you & puts you first.

spartan55 · Answer

He was being protective (which I hope you wouldn't question and overthink to death) I mean, would you prefer your boyfriend just stands back and lets you become a violent crime victim? That being said, I think he took it pretty overboard, and likely did it so you would know he had your back. The homeless are not typically violent threats, but they certainly can be. ANYONE can be. If it were me I probably would have kept a close eye on the guy and kept my situational awareness on orange until we were safely past the guy. I would have casually positioned myself between the guy and you until we were a safe distance.
Be glad your boyfriend has your back, hopefully he never takes it overboard unnecessarily.

9teen · Answer

It's in their nature. I don't think he even realized what he did, it's just an instinct.
Isn't it attractive though?

What a flawed logic it is for those who call a protector insecure. Ain't no little bitch will protect his girl. He'd let other dudes take her as long they leave him alone because he is afraid and insecure. Afraid they'll harm him. It takes confidence to claim someone yours, to defend and to protect her. Jealousy isn't playing any role here. I doubt her boyfriend thought the homeless man is going to steal her lmao.

ChipTooth · Answer

Man We just kinda feel it, Ready to go. I've had confrontations and that adds to it I know if it can happen to Me it can happen to her and I will not think twice, I opt to avoid because it's bad and ugly but I feel like a lot of men have this understanding especially if they have had been in or grown up in stressful environments. I think some guys mainly younger will misjudge non threats for threats but safe is safe really. Can't tell Me holding onto they're arm, shoulder or hand for safety and warmth doesn't feel nice, A guy with a pretty woman he loves on his arm brings confidence as well.

Jake2190 · Answer

Because physical + unknown = danger. Simple. Yes, men are protective and yes it's nice that your pissy gets wet from that BUT women are also protective. The sign cancer ♋ is about protection. It's a feminine sign. Doing it is all about courage. Men just have more of it on average than do women and men aren't raised being told that you're only supposed to do mars. Women however are told that doing mars is wrong as a woman when it isn't. Men do venus by getting women why wouldn't a woman be able to mars? It's all psychology and self esteem. Who the person is inside tells you everything.

jar_of_honey · Answer

Women are the more vulnerable sex and it's in the men's genetics to protect the weaker, whether it is a woman, a child, a defenseless animal, etc. Especially if it's someone he cares about. It is not something your boyfriend does consciously it's an instinct.

Sylo1uniquely · Answer

It's natural, no immanent threat needed, rather safe than sorry. Anything could happen, I've seen some unfathomable situations unfold out of no where & it's already too late if something actually did happen suddenly. The fact that because you're having to walk right up to someone to get past & who probably has nothing much to lose. More than likely extremely desperate & possibly looking for a dark opportunity. One never really knows what's going on in someone elses mind. He might spot something on you or think he has because he was drunk as well & could do something stupid the moment you're close & there's nothing in the way. . . Good man, good question as well but you should start by asking him. What was his answer? ☺

Exterminatore · Answer

Because he’s smart.

Most homeless people are mentally ill, drug addicts, alcoholics, or all three.

They have great potential for violence and unpredictable behavior.

Even if you didn’t perceive danger, why be closer to him if on the off chance something happens. You’ll get at least a little hurt before your boyfriend can end it.

Your boyfriend was wise enough to put himself between you and him because if he does try anything... he’s going to have to go through your boyfriend first and I’ll bet he wasn’t having that shit.

You should be thankful he’s street wise and cares enough to look out for your saftey.

I ensure as much distance as possible when I pass the homeless on the street.

Raúl27Lago · Answer

Well... As a biochemist I only can explain these scientifically. Indeed it's much easier than it seems to be. There's an hormone that's called oxytocin which is secreted (gave to the brain) when it meets someone it loves, it can be a girlfriend or a family member or something similar, there's necessary a very strong bond. Well, this "drug" makes the brain think that it's important to keep this other safe and alive... Normally these types of hormones and reactions are related to man, because of their vestigial masculinity and strong, and that stuff... I hope I've helped you, and you understood everything.

missballantyne · Answer

natural instinct, he protected so you didn't need to worry. pat on the back for him and tbh probably deserves a treat too.. wink wink

hellionthesagereborn · Answer

Because biology. Males are built to protect (that's why we are bigger, stronger, and hardier then women), he just did what his instincts told him to do, protect, he didn't know whether or not the man was a threat but he wasn't going to take any chances.

DestinyElizabeth04 · Answer

Because he loves you. Men protect what they love; even when a threat has not surfaced. Women are vulnerable (or more so) than men are. So a lot of men still see us as someone who needs protecting, even when sometimes we don't. Take it as a kind and caring gesture. He felt as though he was protecting you from any possible harm and that's extremely attractive.

4pple · Answer

I can understand him, I also wouldn't want to take any risk whatsoever, even if there's no apparent threat it can't harm to be on the safe side.
Especially if in the past a seemingly safe situation turned bad on him it's pretty normal he'd be very cautious even when things seem safe.

ManFrom1982 · Answer

... I mean it's instinct. If he didn't do that, it would be a sign he doesn't value you, or he's thoroughly unaware of his surroundings.

As to the deeper why of the instinct? Men see other men as potential threats, it's even part of our socialization with each other, and we especially see other men as a threat to women we have some sort of tie to or "claim" on, because we know how other men generally think. It's very primal. See also "My Best Friend isn't allowed to date my sister" 😀

ShellyB · Answer

Better safe than sorry! There are a lot of situations that are probably going to be OK but there is some risk, it still makes sense to try to reduce the risk, for example when you drive to the store you probably won't crash, but it is still a good idea to have airbags and wear a seatbelt just in case you do. To me this is like that. JMO!

vishna · Answer

He could have been a bit more smooth, but I don't think he did anything wrong-he was being proactive and thinking about your well being.

I've had crazy insecure "protective" boyfriends, and that wasn't bad in my opinion. But you were there, so was his vibe awkward and caring or aggressive?

snowangle · Answer

Lol when I was with my ex (who lived in a shifty part of town) he would ask me to walk him to his door at night. One time I walked him to his door - a block away from my car - and while we were waiting for his roommate to buzz us in, a man started walking in our direction. As the guy got closer, I saw my boyfriend get more and more nervous. Then his roommate opened the door and he JUMPED inside and went "see you!" Totally left me to fend for myself 😂

ImSoSquishy · Answer

because some homeless people are crazy. i don't know where you're from but here at NYC i've seen pretty crazy homeless people inside the subways. some of them are looking at themselves from the door's reflection and yelling/screaming at themselves and some of them even gets aggressive and shouts at other passengers for no reason, too.

tysthename · Answer

We are naturally protective when we love someone sometimes a guy might feel a threat even if the girl does not or vice a versa just something to consider the other thing that he might have been trying to avoid also is any sort of conflict even if there was the slightest potential that this homeless man would have approached you guys it may have seemed like a better idea to just try to avoid it altogether to him

swagmasterson · Answer

Most guys are traditional and traditionally women were property. Guys who do that today are insecure and or are desperate. Stay away from people who mark you as territory because in the end, men who you might gain something from aren't going to want you. Its like homeless people sleeping near a house. Ruins property value

God_of_Thunder · Answer

It's just our natural instinct.

We protect those we care about, particularly our girlfriend/family. I do the same with my girlfriend, and her kids. Most of the time, we don't even think about it; it's automatic.

Celq532 · Answer

Sexual harassment is everywhere. Homeless man will grab your ads or something before you know it. And what you going to do against such a guy? Beat him up? He's got nothing to lose anyway. I once saw a homeless guy on a busy street and just masturbation in front kg everyone while he gawks at the hot girls on the street. If a guy cares about you he will look out for anything and protect you as much as he can. It's what we do.

Sociopathvictim · Answer

I like the fact that I can move a girl 😂 it’s so funny and I like making her feel like I care even tho I’m just doing stuff for jokes. Once I held a girls hood when she was walking home with me I was behind her and she got angry because it was like I was walking a dog 😂🙄🙄 I let go and my friends were like wtf. I know but idc

TadCurious · Answer

It's just what a decent guy would do in that situation, whether the woman he was with was his girlfriend or not. If for some reason this homeless person was mentally ill (and many of them are), your boyfriend wanted to be between him and you to protect you from any strange, creepy or threatening behavior. You may have had the vibe that this person was harmless, and likely he was, but your boyfriend didn't want to take that chance.

JellyDonutguy96 · Answer

because she's the person we care about and when we care about someone we become protective about that someone,

it's a normal thing for a guy to want to protect his girlfriend

it goes all the way back to the middle ages,

where thou shall not make eyes at a wedded maiden, was considered law in those times

when we love someone, we are going to hold that person close to us, and act as their shield, there's no better way to show devotion than to protect someone

msg812 · Answer

Because God created men like that it is men's nature. We feel better when we protect someone but of course this is not true for all men. this is true for real men.

hindril · Answer

It's actually the old gentleman way that no one does anymore. The man goes between the woman and any sort of danger. When walking along a road, the man stays between the cars and the lady. If anything happened, he will get hurt and not her. Opening the door for her is another one.

AD240pCharlie · Answer

It's a natural biological instinct. Men in general are protectors, and ESPECIALLY when it comes to women and children, but it doesn't ONLY apply to them. There's even a neurological basis to explain how men (subconsciously) are a lot more alert and aware of their surroundings just IN CASE something around might be a threat. Even when they (we) feel safe and calm, our brains are always on the look-out for the slightest indication of a possible threat we might have to deal with.

soreel34 · Answer

It all depends the kind of man your with. Tbh! I would of done the same because I have seen shit I wouldn't want to see never again. You may not feel he's a threat because you been home all your life or house parties. Maybe your boyfriend has witnessed bad things. Just know it's ok dont stress ot

Mickey9999 · Answer

It’s natural to men to protect those they love. Sexy as hell

ThisDudeHere · Answer

Those are just guys' instincts at play. No need to question him.

najekim · Answer

One of many things a gentleman should do especially when they're with a lady. Shield them from prospective harm from a unknown source. Gentlemen are also suppose to be nearest to the curb when walking down the street, lead going down stairs in case the lady trips or missteps, follow going up stairs, again in case the lady trips or missteps, and, in general, place your safety and well being above his.

Dark93 · Answer

Just because you don't have a bad vibe about something doesn't mean someone else won't. I would have done the same thing since the man was clearly under the influence of alcohol or drugs he could act irrationally and I'd rather be a shield for a woman than trying to wrestle her away from a drunk.

opurba · Answer

Natural instincts. As deep as u get, the stronger u fall.

funnygeese · Answer

Because guys love their women and they want them to be and stay safe. Most women are weaker then men and on top of that it is a man's instinct to protect and keep safe people or things weaker then them.

devilman666 · Answer

If he was drunk then he was a potential threat. Drunk people can be hard to predict.

Him wanting to protect you seems pretty normal, maybe he is a little overjudgemental, but he seems to have his heart in the right place.

CT_CD · Answer

Because if something happens to her then who's he gonna have sex with?

BigDaddyDic · Answer

We don't think the homeless mad will hurt u.. what we think is ur comfort... And I can't speak for eeveryman but I would do it because just in case something was to happen.. I couldn't bare to see anything happen to the woman I love. I rather it happen to me.

Logorithim · Answer

We're hardwired for it. You wouldn't want a guy who would be afraid to protect you.

BoopBoopBeep · Answer

Statistically he may not be a threat (think of how many people walked by him today he didn't attack), but the risk is not zero, and it's easy to mitigate, so why wouldn't I?

LittleSally · Answer

It's nature, I'd say. I have a coworker who's protective of me from other male coworkers staring at me... which I don't think is the same thing, but I guess it's nice.

DreamDemonOfDetroit · Answer

It proves that he loves you if he is protective of you. Being too protective is bad but it at least shows that he cares. The way I talk just screams virgin doesn't it 😂

HughJass · Answer

Because the sole purpose of a male in life is to protect their wife and their children or in this case, their girlfriends. Men are taught to protect and If they get emasculated, they will destroy.

blackmetalelitist · Answer

That's a bit possessive! I get it if he asked, hey hun just moved to the side, close to me, so nothing happens. Heck, I live in shady city and my sisters and women does that. But not pushing me like that.

pooper89 · Answer

Because he cares about you. Why is this even a question?

Nemesis78 · Answer

Testosterone makes males feel they have to be in the lead and be in charge of protecting people they like.

Anonymous · Answer

Its instinctual for men to protect their partners. This is like asking ' why do humans smile when they're happy' like it's not even a bad thing and its natural. I dont understand the point of this question lol.

AuroraRoseat · Answer

I would protect someone/thing I love very much so I'm not surprised when they do the same. If they don't, I would actually be pretty worried.

Volleycheeseball · Answer

That means he's willing to put you before himself, that's a good thing for sure

Sarisalive · Answer

Well, he probably thought that something could happen suddenly and wanted to protect you just in case

Burgerboy21 · Answer

Okay, that's extremely ridiculous! In fact, I almost want to say he's probably even controlling. I understand if you're protective if you get some kind of vibes, but this is not the case!

D_Bone_Steak · Answer

For show? It's obvious if you want your woman to yourself... why let her get raped if you don't want that.

AmericanMuscle · Answer

Because girls act on impulse, not on logic. Girls will cheat on you because it just "feels right". They don't even think about their boyfriend at home. Guys these days know what kinda hoes girls are so they are extra careful.

Juxtapose · Answer

He doesn't need to be that protective or unsubtle if he has proper environmental awareness. And besides, who wants a weak partner they have to protect? I'd prefer to have an equal who could have my back if I *was* in trouble and vice versa.

Buckzor · Answer

Because he doesn't want someone he has feelings for getting hurt? Isn't it kinda obvious?

LegendOfGAG · Answer

He could pull out a knife or something? Who knows what. He’s just being safe in case shit goes down he will be messing with him and not you.

Anonymous · Answer

When me and my boyfriend went traveling to turkey. We rented a car and when we stopped somewhere and he had to go outside car for just a few minutes. He always locked the cars doors... saying "i am afraid local men can kidnap u" lol

Why are guys so protective of their girlfriends?

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