The dating world is hard, and high-flying intense emotions don’t make it any easier!
That’s why it can be tough to work out whether you’re dating a guy who’s worth it, or someone who’s going to waste your time (and no one likes a time waster).
But don’t worry, in this article I’m going to share 15 signs you’re dating a great guy (who’s worth keeping!). By the end, you’ll know exactly whether he’s good for you or not.
First up:
1) He brings out the best in you
When you’re in the dating stage, it’s important to think about how he makes you feel.
Does he make you feel like the world is a better place? Does he encourage you to be the best you can be?
If so – girl, don’t let him go! The truth is, the dating stage is an indicator of how the rest of the relationship will go.
So, if he has a positive impact on your life and makes you feel like sunshine and roses, it’s a good sign you’re dating a great guy!
2) He respects your boundaries
Another sign you’re dating a great guy is that he respects your boundaries.
As I said above, the dating stage is a preview of what’s going to come when you’re actually in a relationship. So, if he’s pushy, invasive, and consistently crosses the limit, it’s only going to get worse.
On the other hand, if he’s respectful and gives you the space you need to feel comfortable, he’s a keeper!
The truth is, it takes a mature, emotionally intelligent man to know the importance of respecting boundaries. And it’s likely he has his own (which is also super important and a good indicator of a great guy!).
3) He’s kind to your friends
Does your man get along well with your friends?
If so, this could be another telling sign you’re dating a great guy!
He knows just how important your friends are and he has no intention of coming in between you and your loved ones.
This shows that not only does he respect you and your individuality, but he wants to see you happy and with those who truly care about you!
But as important as friends are, they’re not the only ones he’s making an effort with…
4) He makes an effort with your family
That’s right – if you’re dating a guy who makes an effort to get along with your family, you’re off to a great start!
The reality is, dating someone your family doesn’t like can get complicated. Family get-togethers, weddings, and birthdays are awkward, and you’ll constantly be stuck in the middle.
But if he tries his best to get to know your family and get involved with family events, it shows a real commitment to you and the relationship!
And if you’re family does like him, it’s probably for the reason next up on the list:
5) He’s authentic
One of the scariest parts of dating is not knowing if the person you’re falling in love with is being their true self, or putting on an act simply to lure you in.
We’ve all watched enough Netflix docuseries to know about this!
That’s why if you’re dating a guy who is authentic and 100% himself – you’re dating a great guy.
Don’t get me wrong, this doesn’t mean he’s perfect. He’ll have flaws just like the rest of us.
But the important thing here is that he knows who he is. He’s honest about his strengths and limitations. And most of all – he’s not out to deceive anyone, especially not you!
6) He’s protective (in a good way)
Next up on our signs you’re dating a great guy is protectiveness.
Let’s just make one thing clear though:
Protective, not jealous.
Being overly jealous and controlling is a major red flag. But looking out for you, making sure you get home okay, and that you’re always safe is a welcome quality in a man!
And, even if you’re an empowered, independent woman who doesn’t need a man to look out for you, it’s still nice to know that he cares about your well-being!
7) He’s your number-one fan
Does the guy you’re dating have your back no matter what?
Does he support you and celebrate your successes?
If so, you’ve found yourself a great guy!
We all need someone in our corner – someone who encourages us to never give up on our dreams, someone who believes in us.
But words of encouragement aren’t always enough, that’s why you need someone who does the following:
8) He goes out of his way to support you
When my partner and I first started dating, I was in my first year of being a teacher. Long hours meant I’d come home exhausted, but he always made sure to have dinner ready.
While marking homework or exams, he’d always be around to make a cup of coffee or run errands for me. He even used to make my lunches the night before for me to take to work.
Remember the saying actions speak louder than words?
If you’re guy actively goes out of his way to show his support, there’s no doubt you’re dating a great guy!
This is someone who’ll support you when life gets hard, and let’s face it, we all need that in a partner!
9) He admits when he’s wrong
Another sign you’re dating a great guy is when he’s capable of admitting when he’s wrong.
It shows real maturity if he’s able to reflect on his behavior and take accountability when he messes up.
Rather than blame others or get defensive, he’s able to apologize and rectify a situation before it blows out of hand.
A guy like this is a keeper for sure!
10) He’s open-minded
Why is being open-minded a sign you’re dating a great guy?
There are a few reasons:
- He’s less judgemental
- He’s more accepting of you and your lifestyle
- He’s more open to taking risks and going on adventures
And most importantly, an open-minded guy doesn’t think he knows it all!
He’s got a flexible mindset; rather than being rigid and stuck in his ways, he’s more likely to try new things and ultimately, keep learning!
This is incredibly important in a partner, so if you’ve seen the open-minded trait in him, it’s a promising start!
11) He takes an interest in your interests
And talking of being open-minded, if he takes an interest in your passions and hobbies, it’s another sign you’re dating a great guy.
Here’s the thing…he doesn’t necessarily have to like the same things as you. But if he’s serious about you, he’ll at least make the effort.
It shows that he wants to get to know you and everything that makes you tick; your likes, dislikes, hobbies, habits, and so on.
Not to mention:
It shows respect for you and your interests!
12) He acts with integrity
Does your man act with integrity?
That means:
- He’s honest
- He’s got a strong moral compass
- He stands up for what’s right
- He’s fair and just
If so, there’s no doubt you’re dating a great guy.
Let’s be real, in today’s world it’s rare to find someone who has values and morals. Someone who thinks long and hard about their character and the impact they have on the world.
So if you’ve found a guy who does the right thing even when no one is looking, who’s kind to the waiter and not just to you, know how lucky you are!
13) He has a positive outlook on life
As well as having an open mind, it’s also important that the guy you’re dating has a positive outlook on life.
Why?
Well, this is the person who’s going to be there when you’re down. It’s the person who potentially will live with you, maybe even one day be the father of your kids.
Do you want to spend the rest of your life with a doomy, gloomy person? Or someone who stays optimistic and level-headed even during times of crisis?
I know which one I’d go for!
So, if the guy you’re dating tries to stay on the positive side of life, it sounds to me like he’s a great guy!
14) He’s responsible
Another sign you’re dating a great guy is that he’s responsible.
This means that he does what he says he will.
He shows up and follows through on his commitments. He isn’t the type of guy who’ll leave you hanging or who calls full of excuses as to why he’s letting you down.
And isn’t this what we all want in a man?
If you’ve already found it, girl, hold onto him for dear life!
15) He knows what he wants from life
And finally, you know you’re dating a great guy when he knows exactly what he wants from life (and from a relationship).
You see, too many people are floating through life without truly thinking about their future. They get into relationships and change their mind about commitment at the last minute.
But if you’ve found a man who is certain of what he wants, there leaves no room for confusion later on down the line.
You know where you stand with him and this makes a world of difference when you’re dating!
So, here we have it, 15 signs you’re dating a great guy. If he managed to tick at least half of the points I raised, I’d say you’ve found yourself a man worth keeping around!