The Man Who Knows You're Enough Will Treat You The Way You Deserve To Be Treated

Dec 07, 2018

Relationships aren't easy, especially when they're new. How can you be sure that you've found a good boyfriend? What traits and habits will distinguish him from the rest? Here are just nine ways to tell when your boyfriend is Mr. Right.

1. He introduces you to his friends.

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If your man truly loves you, he won't have any problem introducing you to his crew. He won't be ashamed or embarrassed about your relationship. He won't try to keep his "friend life" and "boyfriend life" in two separate spheres.

In fact, if your man is devoted to you, one of the biggest signs of his feelings is when he's proud of snagging a prize like you. When he can't wait to show you off, you'll know that you have someone who really sees your worth as a person and your potential as a long-term partner.

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2. He isn't afraid to talk about the future.

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Speaking of long-term partnerships, you'll want a man who doesn't get nervous or dismissive when you bring up the future.

It's a tired, outdated cliche that all men are afraid of commitment. While it might be true that they're less inclined than their partners to jump right into fantasies of weddings and babies, they should have the emotional maturity to grasp the concept of being in a stable, long-term relationship.

Don't settle for a man who gets shifty whenever you bring up the possibility of meeting his parents or being together for the next big holiday. Find a beau who looks forward to sharing these experiences with you.

3. He's proud of your accomplishments.

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Your man shouldn't be angry or uneasy when you accomplish something. He shouldn't feel like it diminishes his own worth as a person. He should be thrilled that you're achieving good things in your life, and he should be your #1 fan as you pursue your dreams and goals.

4. He doesn't shy away from emotional displays.

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A caring and compassionate boyfriend will be there for you when you're upset. He'll dry your tears, rub your shoulders and listen to your complaints about your bad boss. He won't act like female tears give him cooties.

If you're really lucky, you'll find a man who isn't afraid to share his own emotional side with you. He'll cry at sad movies and viral videos of soldiers being reunited with their dogs; he'll spin you around in circles when you buy your first apartment together. He'll let his voice shake when he slips a ring on your finger and tells you how much he loves you.

5. He makes time for you.

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People get busy. People get distracted. You've probably had days of your own when you weren't able to be a good girlfriend because you had other things on your mind.

However, a worthwhile partner won't let these days stretch for too long. Your man will recognize when he's been distant from you, and he'll take the time to call, text, email and visit whenever he's able. He won't leave you feeling neglected even when you're supposed to be in a relationship. He'll make you a priority.

6. He texts you first.

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It's okay if he doesn't text you incessantly. We aren't saying that he needs to reach out to you every day or every hour; some people just aren't that communicative, and it has nothing to do with your worth as a person or the strength of your relationship.

On the other hand, your man shouldn't be ignoring you until you prompt him. He shouldn't make you feel clingy or needy just because you want to talk. Most importantly, he shouldn't be afraid to text first.

7. He doesn't insult you.

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Arguments are inevitable. Everyone fights. However, the nature of these fights will tell you if you're in a truly healthy relationship or not.

Does he call you names? Does he insult your intelligence? Does he set out to deliberately hurt your feelings with his words and actions?

If the answer to any of these questions is "yes," it's time to pack a bag and hit the road. You deserve a man who will treat you right even when you're in the middle of an interpersonal conflict. He doesn't have to agree with your opinion, but he should respect your right to express it.

8. He surprises you with little gifts and treats.

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This is a sign that you're always on his mind. When he comes home with your favorite takeout, he was thinking of you while shopping for his own dinner. When he sends you a goofy selfie, he was thinking of your smile and hoping to bring it out.

Keep in mind that his gifts don't have to be physical, tangible objects. They can also be acts of love and affirmation like fixing your sink so that you don't have to spend money on a plumber. If he's doing something just to make you happy, you have a winner in terms of boyfriend material.

9. He doesn't dismiss your opinion.

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You've probably heard of "mansplaining," that annoying thing that happens when a man thinks that he knows something better than you. Even good guys can fall into the habit, but if your sweetheart is doing it on a regular basis, you might have to re-think his sweetness.

You don't want to be with a man who dismisses your thoughts and feelings. You want to find someone who values your opinions even if you disagree on the topic at hand, and you want someone who will never make you feel dumb or dismissed just because you're having a disagreement.

This also ties into the idea that you shouldn't be with a man who insults you. Respect is crucial.

These are just a few signs of a worthy boyfriend. What do you think? Did we miss anything? How does your man make you feel like a queen? Let us know in the comments and pass this along to your friends and family who deserve to be treated like queens!