So, you’ve been on a few dates with this guy. He’s charming, funny, and doesn’t seem to have any visible tattoos of his ex-girlfriend's name (always a plus). But how do you know if he’s genuinely good boyfriend material or just another handsome face with a questionable collection of bad habits? Let’s dig into the delightful world of dating and figure out how to spot those telltale signs that he might just be “the one” after all.
Observing His Behavior Towards Others
First things first, pay attention to how he treats other people. You can learn a lot about someone by watching them in action. If your date is polite to waitstaff and friendly toward strangers, it shows character. I once went out with a guy who made it clear he thought he was royalty—he snapped at the waiter for forgetting his extra lemon slice as if the poor guy had committed treason. Honestly, if someone can’t show basic kindness to those serving him food, what are the odds they’ll treat you well when the going gets tough?
Then again, we’ve all seen those charming guys who turn on the sweetness like it’s their job—until they don’t. It’s like ordering a gourmet meal only to find out you got fast food instead. If he's nice only when it suits him or when you're around but rude behind closed doors, that's not exactly what I’d call good boyfriend material.
His Listening Skills Matter Much
Interestingly enough, listening is an art form that many men seem to overlook completely. You might think this is common sense; however, some guys still believe that talking about themselves for hours counts as communication! On my last date with Mr. Self-Centered (who I suspect moonlights as a motivational speaker), I barely managed to get two sentences in before he launched into yet another story about his impressive high school soccer career.
A good guy should be interested in what you have to say too! Does he ask questions about your life? Does he remember little details from past conversations? If so, congratulations! You may have found yourself someone who knows that relationships are about give-and-take—not just take-take-take like some bottomless pit of neediness.
Checking for His Consistency Over Time
As time goes on and you've gone out more than twice without wondering if you're both trapped in an episode of “Survivor,” look for consistency in his actions and words. Is he reliable? Does he follow through on plans or bail at the last minute because "something came up"? Trust me; there’s nothing worse than getting excited for a date only to find out he's suddenly “busy” washing his hair or reorganizing his sock drawer.
I once dated someone who would cancel our plans so often I started thinking maybe we were actually just pen pals living in different states! So, keep an eye out: If he's consistently showing up and keeping promises—even small ones—that's definitely worth noting.
Understanding His Core Values
All things considered, understanding shared values is crucial in determining whether your budding romance has potential legs—or is destined for the recycling bin faster than yesterday's leftovers. Do you both agree on major life goals? Whether it's family aspirations or career ambitions, having aligned values makes navigating life together much smoother.
For example, if one of you wants five kids while the other sees children as optional accessories (like throw pillows), then Houston—we have a problem! Take time during your dates to discuss these topics naturally; it'll help reveal whether you're headed toward coupledom or separate paths leading straight back into singlehood.
Feeling Comfortable Just Being Yourself
Finally—and perhaps most importantly—how comfortable do you feel being yourself around him? Relationships thrive when both partners can express their true selves without fear of judgment or ridicule. Can you laugh uncontrollably over silly jokes? Or do you feel like you're walking on eggshells every time you crack open your mouth?
I remember feeling utterly free around one particular guy; we could share embarrassing stories without worrying about losing cool points! That ease between two people is essential; if you're constantly pretending or holding back parts of yourself because you're afraid he'll run away screaming—it might be time for some serious reevaluation!
In conclusion, figuring out whether this guy has long-term potential isn’t rocket science—it just requires paying attention and using that wonderful intuition we all possess (and sometimes ignore). So next time you're pondering where this relationship could lead after several dates—look closely at how he treats others, listens actively, remains consistent over time while sharing similar values…and most importantly—if being yourself feels natural around him!
Suggested Resources:
The Relationship Cure
https://www.gottman.com/product/the-relationship-cure/
How To Tell If a Guy Likes You
https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-if-a-Guy-Likes-You
Signs He’s Not into You
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/understanding-women/201905/signs-he-s-not-you