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Being in a relationship with a male can be tricky, especially if you don't know what type of male he is. I know most of you are wondering, “Aren't all guys the same?” Actually, they're not.
They could be an alpha, beta, gamma, sigma, omega, or delta male. Each one of these types of male comes with pros and cons.
In this post, you'll discover 9 delta male traits and how dating one affects a relationship.
What is a Delta Male?
Basically, you can think of a delta as the average joe. It's the most common type of male. Plus, you'll find them in the middle of the pack instead of being leaders or outliers.
This is because they're hardworking guys that show up and contribute to society. Then, they sit back and take pride in their contributions. Thus, they don't want to stand out at work. Instead, they want to get the job done and go home.
As a result, they're often described as the backbone of society because they do the jobs necessary to keep society functioning efficiently. In addition, deltas strive for efficiency.
How Dating a Delta Male Can Affect a Relationship?
Being in a relationship with a delta male can have its positives and negatives. How it affects the relationship really depends on how you handle the situation.
Positives
First off, settling down with a delta male is safe. They're reliable and committed. As a result, you won't have to worry about them being unfaithful. Because delta males often feel content within themselves, they bring a sense of security into a relationship.
Negatives
While the above-mentioned things may be a positive for you, if that's what you're looking for, others may find it a tad bland. Deltas don't like to shake up the status quo if it's efficient. Therefore, they tend to stick with the more traditional ways, including dating. If you're someone that craves adventure and spontaneity, then a delta may not be the right one for you.
Also, a delta's contentment with work may be viewed by some as a lack of ambition. This could be unattractive to some.
Finally, deltas tend to be secretive, which could be averse to a healthy relationship. Healthy relationships require trust, and delta males tend to have a strong mistrust of others. This is usually due to a negative experience with trusting others earlier in life.
9 Traits and Characteristics of a Delta Male
Having seen what a delta is and how dating a delta can affect a relationship, take a look at these nine traits and characteristics.
1. Introverted
Because a delta is introverted, this may make them quiet and reserved. While they may appear uninterested, they're actually analyzing things internally. They'll speak up when they feel they have something important to say based upon their analysis.
In addition, being an introvert also means that a delta can tend to be a loner. While they may participate in larger social interactions at times, they'll need time afterwards to decompress.
More importantly, they may find it hard to make friends. This is because, as introverts, they may have difficulty expressing what's going on in their brain. In addition, they may not speak up because they don't like to draw attention to themselves.
Don't be mistaken, a delta male knows what he wants, he just doesn't let ego get in the way.
2. Mysterious or Secretive
As mentioned earlier, deltas can be secretive. This tends to be connected to being introverted. Often, deltas have been described as having a wall around them.
Actually, this could be attributed to his mistrust of others. He's not going to let his guard down until he knows you better and can trust you. Until then, he'll withhold information about himself.
Even once he knows you, a delta male may still not share
his deepest fears or insecurities. They guard their privacy.
3. Low Self-Esteem
Often, a man becomes a delta over time due to some bad prior experiences. They've been hurt or rejected, so they shut themselves off and keep their heads down.
This may lead a delta to shy away from romantic interests due to fear of rejection. As for work, a delta is not a ladder climber; therefore, he won't go after promotions for the same reason. Moreover, a delta doesn't seek praise. Instead, he takes pride in having accomplished the task.
4. No Desire to Lead
It's not that the delta male has no leadership skills. They just don't have a desire to lead. Because they value getting the job done, they'll work as hard as others to accomplish the task.
Because they have no drive to be praised, they put their nose to the grind and do the things needed for the team to be successful. In fact, he loves having less responsibility. With decreased responsibility, he can focus more on the things he is actually responsible for.
5. Hopeless Romantic
Even though a delta male may not aggressively pursue romantic interests, he still believes that he will find true love. He believes all that hard work will pay off, and he'll be seen as a great provider, and somebody deeply committed.
Just don't expect overly romantic gestures. Being introverted works against that. Instead, he'll be loyal and reliable.
Because he doesn't feel the need to assert himself, he will put his partner first. That's how he will show his romantic side by being faithful and putting his partner first. Therefore, while they are romantic, it's a quieter display of romance, just like the delta is a quieter type of male.
6. Doesn't Have to Please Alphas
Unlike betas, a delta doesn't feel the need to please an alpha. Along the same lines, he doesn't feel the need to become an alpha. He's secure in his place in the hierarchy. Whereas an alpha pays close attention to the rules of the game so that they can advance, a delta doesn't care about society's rules.
A delta doesn't live to please others. He's a lone wolf in this regard. Society's rules are beneficial to him.
as long as it helps get the job done.
7. Non-competitive
For the beta, position doesn't matter. Often, he has resigned himself to his current position. Therefore, they won't compete for a higher or better position.
Also, being introverted and having a low self-esteem will curb any aggressive, competitive nature within a delta.
Another reason for deltas being non-competitive is that they tend to be passive in relation to others. This can be seen in the lack of participation in sports activities or other competitions.
8. Desire Respect
A delta male desires to be respected for the job that they do. They take pride in their competence and want to see that competence acknowledged. Any hierarchy that doesn't respect a delta for a job well done will need to be reconsidered.
Unfortunately, because of low self-esteem, being non-competitive may cause deltas to be over-used by others in the hierarchy, which may lead to resentment.
9. Can Move Up or Down the Hierarchy
A delta's place in the social hierarchy is determined by the delta. They can move up or down in social status. For example, a delta male can become a beta male if he applies himself more.
Most often, he's content and chooses not to promote himself.
Unfortunately, because of low self-esteem, a delta can also slide downward within the hierarchy. This often happens if the delta experiences more tragedies.
What To Do If You've Discovered You're Dating a Delta and Aren't Happy About It
There you have it. While a delta has some positive traits like reliability and competence, they also have some negative traits that may be off-putting, as well.
If you discover that you're dating a delta and aren't happy about it, there are several things you can do:
Ultimately, if you are unhappy with your relationship with a delta, you have to decide whether or not you want to commit to helping them change or not. If not, then the situation may turn toxic. Ending a relationship is never easy – but staying in a toxic relationship isn't healthy for everyone involved.
Final Thoughts on the Delta Male
As you can see, delta males are often a product of how they respond to their experiences. While positive traits like commitment and competence are appreciated, the negative characteristics like no ambition are traits that need to be addressed. Unfortunately, a delta may not be interested in changing.
If that's the case, this could create tension in a relationship. In the end, you may have to decide if staying in a relationship with a delta male is the healthiest choice for them and yourself. Compatibility plays a major role in the success of a relationship, and you have to decide if you're compatible with a delta.
If you're in a relationship with a delta and want to know how to deal with someone that shuts himself off, check out our 11 Steps to Deal with an Emotionally Unavailable Man. If might give you some more insight.
Finally, if you want to identify YOUR personality type, then take one of these 11 personality tests to better understand what makes you tick.
