Are you wondering if the man you’re dating is “The One”? It can be challenging to know if you’ve found the right person to spend the rest of your life with. From his emotional intelligence to his ambitions, there are a number of things to consider when determining if he’s the right partner for life. To help make this important decision easier, I’ve compiled seven tell-tale signs that your man could be “The One”. Read on to learn more about what these signs could mean for your future together!
How to Tell if He’s Potential Husband Material
1. He regularly shows you genuine affection
Whether it’s a kiss on the cheek, a hug when he gets home from work, or putting his arm around you while watching a movie, physical affection is essential to a healthy relationship, especially if that’s one of your love languages. Often, men make the mistake of only initiating affection when they think it will lead to something more — they probably don’t even realize it, but if your man initiates cuddles just because, without expecting anything sexual, he’s a keeper!
However, if you feel uncomfortable or don’t want the affection, it’s also important to express that in a kind manner. Talk to him about why and work on making it better for both of you.
Physical affection is an expression of love that everyone needs and deserves — show your partner how much they mean to you with some cuddles and hugs. It’s also important to remember that physical closeness doesn’t need to always lead to sex — sometimes, it can just be a way of saying, “I love you.”
2. He supports your dreams and aspirations and believes that you’ll succeed (maybe even more than you do!)
When my boyfriend and I moved to New Jersey together, I left my job (all three of them) teaching English at the university and community colleges I worked for with no job lined up. Although I love teaching, it’s not easy finding work in higher education.
In a new state, with no connections, I felt overwhelmed; not to mention, I wasn’t even sure that was what I wanted to do with my life. My boyfriend and I had discussed this before moving and agreed that I would use this transition as an opportunity to discover my true calling. As long as we were financially stable, I’d only apply for jobs I felt intensely passionate about.
Then, I stumbled onto the idea of blogging. This wasn’t new; I’d toyed with the idea years ago (classic INFP), but that was way before we met. In the time he’d known me, I’d only ever been interested in teaching, tutoring, or working as a student advisor. I was terrified of failure, and questioned myself constantly, wondering if I could really make this work. But he never showed any signs of doubt, never pressured me, and continues to support me throughout this process.
If you’ve found someone who truly believes in you, don’t let him go!
3. He’s not afraid to be vulnerable with you
Showing vulnerability is difficult for any of us, and due to societal expectations, it can be especially hard for men to open themselves up, which is why it’s important to show him that it’s alright for him to be vulnerable with you. I’ve found that when I let other people witness my vulnerability, it helps them feel safe to open up and share their own stories. This creates a sense of connection between the two of you that can be incredibly powerful. If he feels safe sharing his vulnerabilities with you, it means you’ve earned his trust, and that’s HUGE!
If he opens up about his inner thoughts and feelings without feeling scared or embarrassed, or despite those feelings, he trusts that you won’t judge him or make him feel bad. He might not tell you everything, but if he’s willing to share more than his surface emotions and surface thoughts with you, that’s a healthy start.
Showing vulnerability is also valuable in terms of learning more about yourself and growing as a person. Having the courage to be vulnerable is an incredibly important part of creating meaningful relationships. If you found a man who’s not afraid to be himself, he’s someone you can create a lasting relationship with.
4. He Keeps His Cool
He doesn’t anger easily. Everyone gets angry. And guess what? It’s OK. It’s normal. But it’s how you fight that matters. How does he handle conflict? Does he know how to stay calm and try to see your point of view? Can he talk things through without resorting to personal attacks or raising his voice? These are all important questions to ask yourself when considering if he’s the one for you.
It’s also important to think about how he reacts when he’s not in the right. Does he take responsibility for his actions and apologize if necessary? Is he willing to try different approaches or strategies if things don’t go as planned? A good partner will accept mistakes, learn from them, and grow as a result.
It’s also important to know how he treats others in his life. Does he show respect to his family, friends, coworkers, and strangers? Is he kind even when it isn’t easy? Does he take time to help those in need even when it’s not convenient? His attitude and behavior toward people outside of your relationship can be telling of how he will act within it.
Finally, it’s important to examine the way he handles conflict. Does he stay calm under pressure or does he react without thinking? Is he willing to work through tough conversations with you and compromise when necessary? These are all hints as to how well a relationship will last in the long run.
5. He’s Not the Jealous Type
If you’ve ever dated a jealous guy, you know how frustrating and, in some situations, potentially dangerous, it can be. If jealousy gets out of hand, it can lead to a controlling relationship, which you definitely don’t want.
When you go out with your friends, does he happily give you your space, or does he text you every 5 mins to “check in”? Does he encourage you to spend time without him, whether it’s with friends, family, or just a relaxing self-care night at home, or does he insist on being with you, like, all the time?
If he trusts you, he’ll let you do your own thing. He won’t ask you to stop seeing your friends or discourage you from going out. It’s healthy to have some time apart, so if your man understands this, then it’s a great sign that he trusts you and won’t try to control or change you. A good relationship is a partnership, so if he really trusts you, then he’ll respect your opinions and decisions, despite any insecurities he may have.
6. He doesn’t make you question his love for you
You know when you have a crush and you can’t tell if he’s into you? It can be fun, but once you’re in a relationship, you shouldn’t have to question it anymore. Does he smile whenever he sees you? Has he introduced you to his family and friends? Does he text you good night? Do you feel like he’s always there for you, providing comfort and support in times of need? Does he listen to your problems and help you overcome them?
With him by your side, you should feel safe and secure in the knowledge that he will never abandon you no matter what life throws at you. His reassuring presence brings a sense of calm and peace into your life. Together, you feel as if you can make it through anything. You feel secure, knowing he loves you unconditionally and that will never change.
You can count on him and his unwavering devotion to you. He understands you deeply, appreciating your differences, quirks, struggles, and strengths. No matter what life throws at you, he will be there for you, standing by your side and taking on whatever comes your way. You can talk to him about anything and know that he’ll listen without judgment. He encourages you to be the best version of yourself and supports your dreams.
That’s the kind of love two hearts can share. Two hearts, beating as one. 💕
(Yeah I know, that’s cheesy AF, but c’mon guys, the opportunity was right there, I just couldn’t pass it up, could I?)
7. He actively listens, validates your feelings, and values your opinions
It takes time to build trust in any relationship, so if your guy is being patient and understanding with you, then it’s an indication that he truly cares about the bond you share. He will never pressure you for something before you’re ready. If he respects your wishes and decisions, it’s a pretty good sign he cares about you.
Another important indicator of trust is if your guy actually takes time to listen to what you have to say, rather than diverting the conversation back to him or brushing off your opinion as insignificant. When someone values our opinion and trusts us, they will take time to listen and understand our perspectives, no matter how different they may be. If he genuinely listens when you talk and is interested in what you have to say, even if it has nothing to do with him or his own world, he genuinely wants to develop a deeper connection with you.
He includes you in the decision-making. He always considers your opinion and makes sure you are both on the same page. He is not afraid to take risks with you and shows that he trusts you enough to do so.
He is always willing to put in the extra effort for you and works hard to make sure you are both creating a strong relationship. He is thoughtful and caring, always asking how your day was and making sure you feel loved. He surprises you with romantic gestures that show he really cares about you (and if gifts of love are one of your love languages like mine, this is especially important for you!).
Overall, he makes sure that each day with him is an adventure and that you never take your relationship for granted.
Every woman has different desires and needs in a man they want to marry. However, if you are looking for signs that he might be “the one,” these seven indicators can be a good place to start.
Ultimately it’s important to trust your instincts when deciding if he is the one for you. If your man is honest, kind, passionate, understanding, supportive, has faith in you, and shows loyalty — if you feel happy, secure, and content with your relationship — then chances are, he’s “the one”!
What else would you add to the list? I’d love to hear your thoughts, leave a comment below!
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