Why does my friend's boyfriend always put me down?

[Anonymous]

It’s worth saying that me and my friend’s boyfriend used to “get with each other” before him and my friend got together, but it wasn’t that deep. We were all friends. But I don’t get why he can’t just be civil.

Every time someone compliments me, my friend’s boyfriend has to interject VERY LOUDLY that I’m “not all that”. He openly criticises my sense of style, saying it’s weird. I have a feeling he and my friend say these things behind my back as well since he’s so open with his criticisms.

He says I’m “slow” and “dumb” right in front of his girlfriend. I was looking for my phone and he goes "Typical [my name] always confused." Another girl said to him and his girlfriend that I’m stunning the other day, while I was in the room. She was just being nice I guess and wanted to give me a compliment. And he goes “she’s not even pretty, me and my girlfriend are better looking.” Right in front of me.

He has no reason to be such an asshole towards me. It makes me feel so awkward. Why is he being so rude and critical when I haven’t done anything to him and should I confront him/them?

[California_Poppy]

It sounds like he is overcompensating because of his history with you.

I've been with a guy who did this. Unprovoked, he would be overly critical of girls that he had a past with. I guess to reassure me, though I never really felt like I needed it.

This guys girlfriend might be insecure about you (or he worries about that) and he wants to try to help her feel more secure at your expense.

[OlderAndWiser]

Nothing more for me to add. This is it.

[AviatorTom]

Deep down. he's probably thinking that he would rather be with you instead of his girlfriend, and putting you down is his way of justifying his choice of being with is girlfriend rather than you.

Putting someone down is a defensive reaction where the mind tries to justify an alternate action.

[karekaaaa]

Sure they do and he iss a fuck boy
Its not right