I'm in complete shock rn, I went through a breakup recently and there's another guy who likes me a lot (he's told me). He's good looking, a few years older, has a reputation for being a player and a few of my other friends know him. He comes off as really nice and friendly, said that I was a "star" because of how good a student I am, stood up for me when others bullied me etc. Like he's the most supportive guy although we are just acquaintances. I have only known him since last summer. Tbh I was thinking of going out with him till I found this out. He always claims to be a very nice guy but tbh he does come off as one.
Obv I'm not going to go out with him after hearing this btw but I just heard from mutual friends whom I trust that he was abusive to his ex gf, whom they also know, back in 2017. Apparently they used to argue a lot, he threw a plate of food in her face b/c she watches shows like the X Factor that he thinks are trashy, he made fun of her family for being working class, took away her teddy bear she'd had since childhood till her brother threatened him etc. Idc if she was horrible to him that's unacceptable and abuse.
Don't worry TSR Im not going to go out with him now! My friends say he's still got anger issues and can be very passive aggressive though that's his last relationship so they don't know how he treats women now. They are only friends b/c their parents are friends and his parents are rich and have connections. I haven't noticed this much myself but he did sulk and not talk to me for weeks because I didn't wish him a happy Valentines day, but then he didn't do it to me either??
But it's scary, have I been overlooking some massive red flags? I would have gone out with him, if my friends hadn't told him! Are abusive guys really that hard to spot?