The Difference Between “The One” And Every Other Guy You’ll Date

You’re happy in your relationship and are ready to settle down. Still, there’s that nagging feeling in the back of your mind—what if this guy isn’t “The One”? Will you regret your decision one, five or 10 years down the line? It’s natural to have doubts about your relationship from time to time, but there are some things you can expect if you really have found the right guy.

1. He makes you truly happy. This may sound like a no-brainer, but it’s amazing how many women put up with being unhappy for a significant amount of time in their relationships out of fear of being alone. If your boyfriend doesn’t make an effort to make you happy, or if you find yourself upset or arguing more often than not, this guy isn’t The One.
2. He’s met your friends and they like each other. It’s important for you to be part of your significant other’s life and vice versa. If he’s got the seal of approval from your friends, that’s a surefire sign you’re onto a winner. Similarly, make sure you’ve met his friends too. You don’t have to be best buddies with them, but you need to know that you’re part of the wider picture of your guy’s life, friends included.
3. You both do (or don’t) want kids. If you don’t get this one sorted, it’s going to cause you endless heartbreak further down the line. That’s not to say veto dating any guy that doesn’t want kids (unless he’s really upfront about it), but when you’re considering settling down with someone, this has to be on the agenda. If having a baby is important to you, it will be important to your One too.
4. You look good together. It may sound shallow, but studies have shown that individuals are attracted to people who look similar to them. If people have commented that the two of you look good together, this could be your secret weapon to lasting a lifetime.
5. He gets along with your family. Whether or not you’re close to your family, chances are you and your BF are going to be spending time with them at least now and again. Having a partner that not only tolerates but actively gets on with your family is a massive plus. If he’s willing to go the extra mile to support you, he could just be The One. Plus, being a family man bodes well if you plan on having your own family together.
6. Your eyes don’t wander. When one of your friends hooks up with an amazing guy, how does it make you feel? If you couldn’t be happier for them, you may well be with The One. On the other hand, if you feel a twinge of jealousy pinch when your pal gushes about her new BF, you may not be ready to leave the dating game just yet. Feeling jealous of others’ relationships or catching yourself checking out other guys regularly is a warning sign that you’re not satisfied where you are.
7. He makes you laugh until you pee yourself. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but even the hunkiest guy is unlikely to stay that way forever. In a lasting relationship, looks are only a tiny part of what brings you together. If your man can make you laugh every day, you stand a good chance of being happy in the long run.
8. You don’t worry about what he’s doing with whom when he’s not with you. One way of knowing if you’re with The One is how he makes you feel when he’s not there. If you’re stressed, anxious or on edge about what he might be up to, this guy is not for you. The right guy will never leave you feeling insecure. If you can let him go on a night out with complete peace of mind, you’re onto a winner.
9. He has his own life outside of your relationship. Sharing interests with your partner is one of the best things about relationships, but even the closest couples should still have their own separate lives. If your BF only takes an interest in things you like, ask yourself: is that going to get dull five years down the line? A guy who’s confident enough to think for himself and speak his mind respectfully will make a much better match.
10. You’re totally yourself around him. The One is not going to care if one day you haven’t shaved your legs or if you need to talk through that work worry for the tenth time this evening. While we want to put our best foot forward in a relationship, you should feel comfortable being completely yourself in front of your other half, even on a bad day. If you feel you’re having to conceal any part of who you are to make your relationship work, he’s not for you.
11. He boosts you up. Your guy shouldn’t just make you happy in a make you laugh, text back right away kind of way. He should be actively encouraging you to be your best self and singing your praises to everyone around. If you’re facing a challenge, does he tell you to go for it or imply you’re not good enough? The One will always want you to go after what you want, and be your number one fan all the way.