To mark the pop hit making it to number one, Condoms.UK’s Sex & Relationship Coach Gemma Nice has revealed the real-life signs you’re not dating a grown man… you’re raising one.

A Relationship Expert Reveals 10 Red Flags of Dating a Manchild

According to Gemma Nice, these behaviours are more than just icks, they’re classic signs of emotional immaturity. Below, she breaks down the 10 most telling traits to look out for.

🚩 1. He can’t hold down a job

“If he’s constantly jumping from one job to the next, or just doesn’t seem motivated to work, it may be because he hasn’t developed the life skills or confidence to build a career. He might also have unrealistic expectations of what work should feel like, and when it doesn’t match up, he gives up.”

🚩 2. He’s unreliable with money

“A manchild often hasn’t been taught how to handle money. He’ll blow through his wages, rack up debt, and expect you to cover dates or bills without thinking twice. It’s not just financial immaturity, it’s emotional immaturity, too.”

🚩 3. He sulks when things don’t go his way

“Instead of having a conversation when he’s upset or frustrated, he might withdraw, moan, or even throw a tantrum. Sulking is a control tactic; it pulls focus onto him and away from the actual issue.”

🚩 4. He avoids serious conversations

“If the second you bring up your future – whether it’s kids, moving in, marriage – he jokes, changes the subject, or shuts down completely, take note. He likely hasn’t dealt with his own emotional blocks, and can’t communicate like an adult.”

🚩 5. He expects you (or his mum) to do everything

“If he still relies on his mum for cooking, cleaning and laundry, or he’s slowly pushed those jobs onto you, it’s a huge sign of arrested development. Sometimes it stems from how he was raised, but that’s not an excuse.”

🚩 6. He’s emotionally unavailable

“When you need him to step up emotionally, after a bad day or during an argument, he’s not there. Not because he doesn’t care, but because he doesn’t have the tools. He finds emotional conversations uncomfortable, and instead of listening, he might shut down, lash out, or make it about him.”

🚩 7. He can’t take responsibility

“If he never owns up to his mistakes in past relationships, work, or even petty rows, it’s likely he doesn’t know how to sit with guilt or shame. Blaming others is easier than doing the work, but it’ll hold both of you back.”

🚩 8. He gets weirdly jealous

“Manchildren can be incredibly insecure, especially if they’ve been cheated on or rejected in the past. If he’s constantly suspicious or controlling about other men in your life, it’s not about love — it’s about his lack of self-worth.”

🚩 9. He mocks your success

“Rather than supporting you, a manchild might belittle or downplay your achievements, especially if he feels like he’s falling behind. That insecurity can come out as digs or ‘jokes’ that don’t feel very funny.”

🚩 10. He has no hobbies or passions

“If he doesn’t have anything in his life that brings him joy or challenge, apart from his phone or games console, he may not have developed a sense of purpose. It’s not about having a creative hobby, it’s about showing a willingness to grow.”

So what should you do if you recognize some of these signs?

Gemma says: “Dating a manchild can be draining, especially if you’re doing all the emotional and practical heavy lifting. He doesn’t need a second mum, and you deserve an equal partner, not a project. If he’s open to change, great. But if not? It might be time to walk away.”