If He’s Serious About You, This Is How You’ll Know

Dating is confusing sometimes, and it can be hard to tell when a guy is playing games versus being upfront and honest. It’s frustrating when you think you’ve found a great guy and then realize he’s not actually that into you. If you want to know for sure, here are the signs that prove he wants you around for the long haul:

1. He picks up the phone and calls. It sounds simple but no one does it anymore. It’s text, text, text all day long. You might never know what his voice sounds like until you meet him in person for the first time. When a man makes the effort to actually pick up the phone and pay attention to you in real time, it’s a good sign.
2. He makes an effort. He’s a gentleman from the beginning. He doesn’t let you do all the work — he shows his interest and consistently treats you well. Not only does he do the heavy lifting, he makes it clear that he feels it is his responsibility because he’s so lucky to have your interest at all.
3. He’s proactive. You’ve made it clear that you’re sick of passive men, so he purposefully shows you that he’s not one. He takes charge, planning dates and making it clear that he intends on staying a part of your life. If you ask him to do something, he actually does it! This is a rare quality in today’s world.
4. He pays attention. If he remembers the little things without you banging them into his head over and over again, he actually cares. Men can be very ADD, so the fact that he listens is a great sign. Most guys forget what you tell them more often than not. The man who doesn’t have to be told twice is truly invested.
5. He looks at you that way. You know exactly what this means, and you also know when a man doesn’t do it. It’s that special, indescribable gaze that makes you tingle from head to toe. It’s how you know he really does love you through and through. Don’t settle for any man who doesn’t look at you like you’re the most precious person alive.
6. He includes you in his life. Not only does he involve you in every facet, he doesn’t make it a big deal. Of course you’re included — you’re important. You meet everyone and he invites you to every social event. He cares about you and he wants the other essential people in his life to know and love you like he does.
7. He’s not afraid to talk about the future. A mature man who is serious about you has no qualms discussing long-term plans for your relationship. He’s actually excited for the future and he shows it. There’s no weirdness or awkwardness or insecurity. He wants you and he’s going to keep you in his life no matter what it takes.
8. He wants to protect you. Don’t interpret this the wrong way — there’s a difference between protection and possession. Learn to recognize it. He’s not jealous but he does want to shield you from the world. He knows that he can’t, but he wishes he could because he’s serious about you. He always stands up for you and you know he’s got your back.
9. He admires you. He genuinely thinks you’re the bomb. A man who wants a real relationship, not just a fling, will make an effort to show you every day that he believes you are amazing. He brags about you to everyone he knows and he respects you as an intelligent, strong, complex being.
10. He truly supports you. He encourages you to reach for the stars and is there for you no matter how tough it gets. He knows that you are perfectly capable, but he also knows it never hurts to have the support and love of others. He’s there to lift you up because he honestly cares about your well-being and happiness.
11. He believes in you. He’s not about false flattery just so he can get in your pants and then take off. He genuinely understands that you are a person who is capable of amazing achievements. He believes you can do anything you choose. He encourages you to trust your own instincts and go for your goals, no matter how lofty.
12. He always treats you as an equal. He’s a good man and it would never occur to him to do otherwise. After all, the two of you are equals. He would never hold you down or suppress your shine because of his own insecurities. He has been waiting for a strong, independent partner and he’s beyond excited to have you in his life.
13. He makes you a priority. It’s not even a question to him. He’s not those guys who acted like everything else in their lives came first. He truly wants to build a relationship with you and he treats you like his most important priority. If you ask for something, it happens. He is always there when you need him because he’s in it for the long haul.
14. He openly expresses his feelings to you. He’s an emotionally mature man who wants the two of you to know each other inside and out. He has no problem explaining how he feels and what he wants. Enjoy, girl – you finally have a real relationship! It’s not all roses and sunshine but it is wonderful. You can be yourself.
15. He never tries to hide you. You’ve been with some shady guys in the past. You knew something was up because your instincts don’t lie. This guy is an open book — he’s proud to be with you and wants everyone to know it. You don’t have to worry that he’s messing around or lying about the status of your relationship. You can feel comfortable and secure.