Cat Harper
Meeting someone new is exciting but let’s be honest, it’s also scary, right? After all, nobody wants to end up with a broken heart.
Here’s the thing: when you’re looking for love or starting to date someone new, it’s totally normal to hope they’re as loyal and committed as you are, but it’s pretty hard to tell early on.
The good news is while there’s no magic way to know for sure if someone is going to be loyal, there are some clues that can give you a pretty good idea.
These aren’t just random guesses; they’re based on what research and experts have found to be true about loyal partners. And today, we’re sharing what some of those signs are.
So, whether you’re seeing someone new or just keeping an eye out for the right person, these signs can be a good checklist to keep in mind.
Let’s see if you recognize any of them in your current guy or someone you’ve got your eye on.
1) He’s got a strong sense of self-worth
Did you know that having high self-esteem really matters in relationships?
Studies show that the better someone feel about themselves, the happier they tend to be with their partner. Basically, high self-esteem means more relationship satisfaction.
On the flip side: if someone has low self-esteem, they might struggle to keep their emotions steady or deal with tough times in the relationship.
Health and wellness writer Sarah Vanbuskirk notes that for these folks, “small things become blown up into bigger issues that can feel insurmountable”.
This can lead them to sabotage their own relationship to match their low self-view.
If your guy feels good about himself, he’s more likely to be secure and happy in the relationship, which means he’s less likely to stray away from you and your relationship.
You can spot high self-esteem if they take criticism well, stick to their boundaries, and speak their mind clearly. These are all signs they’ll be a loyal and faithful partner.
2) He’s reliable
One of the simplest ways to know if a guy will be loyal and faithful is by how reliable he is.
This one hits home for me big time because it was one of the biggest things that attracted me to my partner; he always did what he said he was going to do.
How about your guy? Does he always show up on time for dates? Can you count on him to follow through, whether it’s calling when he promised or showing up where you agreed to meet?
If so, it strongly suggests he’s going to be a loyal and faithful partner. All of these behaviors indicate that he’s a highly conscientious person.
Turns out: highly conscientious people are much less likely to cheat in romantic relationships.
This isn’t just my opinion, researchers in a 2019 study on the reasons why people don’t cheat noted “We also found that the higher participants scored in conscientiousness the lower their propensity to cheat was.”
If a guy is reliable in everything else, it’s a good bet he’ll be loyal and faithful in a relationship too.
3) He’s emotionally intelligent
Emotional intelligence might not be the first thing you look for in a guy, but it’s super important if you want a loyal and faithful partner.
It’s all about being able to handle his own emotions and understanding yours too. This really helps with communication and gets you both on the same page.
A guy with high emotional intelligence is pretty clued in about how his actions could impact you, and that kind of awareness can actually keep him from straying.
Plus, studies have found that emotionally intelligent folks don’t just regulate their emotions and handle conflicts better; they’re generally happier in their relationships.
That means they’re less likely to go looking for something else.
When your man really gets your feelings, stays cool during arguments, and can talk about his own emotions openly, there’s a good chance he’s got what it takes to stick around and stay true.
4) He hasn’t cheated in past relationships
Have you ever heard the saying, “Once a cheater, always a cheater”?
Well, there might be some truth to it. I’m not saying that everyone who has cheated before is doomed to repeat their mistakes, but it definitely ups the chances.
Don’t just take my word for it: research shows that someone who has cheated in the past is three times more likely to cheat in their next relationship.
I’ve seen this in action. When my best friend Hannah started dating a guy in college, he told her he’d never been faithful in a relationship.
I told her it was a warning sign but she assured me ‘he’d changed’. Unfortunately, he hadn’t. He cheated on her with a girl in our class after only 6 months.
So, what’s the scoop with your guy? Has he been loyal through all his previous relationships? It just might be something to consider.
When a man has a track record of being faithful and hasn’t cheated in the past, it’s a pretty good sign that he’ll keep that streak going and stay true to you too.
5) You guys laugh together a lot
Did you know that laughter is actually a secret ingredient to a happy and successful relationship?
It’s true! Studies have shown that couples who laugh together often are likely to have stronger and more satisfying relationships.
When you and your partner share a sense of humor, it not only lightens up your day-to-day interactions but also helps you both bond over shared moments of joy.
American psychologist Mark Travers Ph.D, confirms this pointing out that “humor plays an important role in every stage of a romantic relationship from its inception to its continued successful maintenance.”
The connection here is pretty clear: when both partners are truly happy in their relationship, they’re less likely to be unfaithful.
Happiness in a relationship creates a sense of contentment and fulfillment, making the idea of straying less appealing.
You and your man cracking up together is a great sign! It means you’re not just connected but also genuinely enjoying each other’s company; a solid foundation for loyalty and faithfulness.
6) He shows respect for you and the relationship
Everyone is searching for love, but the cornerstone of any truly healthy relationship is respect.
This isn’t just about the big gestures; it’s the everyday behaviors and interactions that really show how much your partner values you and your relationship.
It’s all about respecting your boundaries, listening actively when you speak, and valuing your opinions, especially when they differ from his own.
These are signs that he cares about you as a person and also values what you bring to the relationship. When there’s mutual respect, loyalty is a natural outcome, not just an expectation.
“Respect is absolutely essential for the relationship to work.” explains research professor Peter Gray Ph.D, “Your task is to understand the other person as a unique individual and learn how to mesh your needs with his or hers and help them achieve what he or she wants to achieve”.
If your partner genuinely respects you and the relationship, it means he’s truly invested in your well-being and happiness.
And it’s pretty obvious: no one who genuinely wants the best for their partner would put them through the pain of infidelity.
Final thoughts
So, we’ve gone through some solid signs backed by research and experts that can help you spot if a man is likely to be loyal and faithful.
But let’s be real: the only way to truly know is as time unfolds. There’s no surefire way to predict someone will always be faithful, and honestly, that’s just part of the adventure of falling in love.
Trusting someone with your heart is a big leap of faith, but it’s also what makes love really exciting and worthwhile. Use these signs as helpful hints, not absolute promises.
