It's not uncommon for people to find others attractive, even when they are in a committed relationship. However, openly expressing such thoughts can be hurtful and disrespectful to their partner. There could be various reasons why your boyfriend is saying this, and it's essential to communicate with him to understand his intentions better. Here are some possible reasons:
Lack of awareness: He might not realize that his comments are hurtful or inappropriate. Some individuals have a habit of making casual observations without considering the impact of their words.
Seeking validation: By complimenting other girls in front of you, he may be seeking validation or trying to make you jealous to gauge your reaction.
Communication style: Some people have a more straightforward and unfiltered communication style. They may not understand how their words affect others emotionally.
Insecurity: In some cases, expressing attraction to others can be a sign of insecurity. He might be trying to boost his own self-esteem by making such comments.
Testing boundaries: It's possible that he's testing how you respond to his comments or trying to gauge your level of possessiveness.
Regardless of his reasons, it's essential to communicate your feelings and set boundaries. Let him know how his comments make you feel and why it's hurtful to you. A healthy relationship requires open and respectful communication, and both partners should be considerate of each other's feelings.
If his behavior continues despite your communication, it might be a sign of deeper issues in the relationship that need to be addressed. In such cases, seeking the help of a counselor or therapist can be beneficial in navigating the situation and improving communication and understanding between both of you.