Sometimes we’ve been burned so much in the past that we can’t even recognize a good, healthy relationship anymore. Even if you’re trapped in a mountain of paranoia and doubt, there’s a good chance that you honestly have an amazing boyfriend. If your guy has these following traits, relax and enjoy the fact that you’re actually, finally, with someone who treats you right:
- He continues to take you out on dates. Once you agreed to be official, he didn’t stop being charming and gentlemanly. Even if you’ve been dating a few months, he makes a point to plan special days where the two of you go out on the town and enjoy some Netflix-free time together.
- He’s not afraid for you to meet his friends. He had no problem introducing you, and even if they’re not guys you’d normally choose to hang out with, they treat you like part of the pack. A guy can be his real self around his friends, so he’s openly telling you that he has nothing to hide.
- …Or his mother. Meeting Mom and Dad is a big deal. If they fall in love with you, he’ll be feeling the “when will you propose?” pressure, especially if you’re in your 20’s or 30’s. While everyone gets nervous about introducing their girlfriend to their family, him taking this big step proves that he sees you in his life for the foreseeable future.
- He has never called you names, even when angry. Having a fight isn’t a bad thing, but if he resorts to name-calling, he’s lacking respect for you. Being with a guy who doesn’t try to belittle you during a disagreement is the ultimate goal. You’re with a good guy if he doesn’t go all-out and make you feel like garbage.
- He makes a point to compliment you often. Even if he’s seen you wearing a certain dress a billion times before, he always makes a positive comment about it. As women, we shouldn’t expect compliments 24/7 (since that’s just a little try-hard and ridiculous) but when we get a good one from the heart, it can truly improve our day.
- He understands that all relationships require work. Raise your hand if you’ve dated a guy who dumped you immediately after the honeymoon period. Yes, it happens to everyone. Every relationship will have its tough moments, but the amazing boyfriend will realize that dating isn’t a constant stream of sunshine and roses. He sticks with it, even when you’re both dealing with a ton of pressure.
- He’s honest about the future. The worst kind of guy will lead you on for years. Even if your boyfriend isn’t certain about marriage, or is unsure if it’s the right time to move in together, he’s upfront and honest about it. You’ll always know whether or not you’re on the same page.
- He helps out around the house. Even if you don’t live together, he’ll still offer to help clean the dishes when he’s over. If you do live together, he understands that chores aren’t “women’s work”, and splits the workload equally. At the very least, he doesn’t sit on the couch while you vacuum up his fallen chip crumbs.
- Violence isn’t in his vocabulary. This should be a given, but it still needs to be stated. An amazing boyfriend doesn’t use threats when they’re angry. Even acts like punching a wall to let out his emotions is a massive red flag, and proof that he might fly off the handle someday. A guy who makes you feel safe, all the time, is a keeper.
- You feel comfortable talking to him about absolutely anything. You want to share your entire day with him, even the rough parts. By being your go-to for both solid advice and fun gossip, you and your incredible man are forming an even stronger connection.
