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Love can often feel like a guessing game. But what if I told you there are signs that can help you decode if he’s in it for the long haul?
Hi, I’m Tina Fey, founder of the Love Connection blog and your go-to gal for all things relationships.
Men can sometimes be an enigma, their actions leaving us perplexed. But don’t worry, I got you covered! There are certain behaviors that hint towards a man’s intention of sticking around.
In this piece, I’ll be sharing 8 behaviors that signify he wants to spend the rest of his life with you. So buckle up and let’s dive into these love clues together!
1) He includes you in his future plans
When a man is serious about you, he won’t just think about the present. Instead, he’ll start to visualize a future with you in it.
This doesn’t mean he’ll start discussing wedding venues or how many kids you’ll have on your first date, but he will subtly start to include you in his long-term plans. This could be as simple as inviting you to join him for a concert of your favorite band that’s happening months from now, or talking about a vacation he would love to take with you next summer.
This behavior shows a clear intention of wanting to share his life with you. If he’s talking about the future and you’re in it, then it’s a pretty good sign that he sees a long-term potential in your relationship.
2) He values your input
One of the key indicators of a man’s long-term intentions is his desire to include you in important decisions.
In my own experience, when my husband started asking for my opinion on meaningful aspects of his life, I knew he wasn’t just passing time. He was planning to stick around.
A man who values your thoughts and feelings, and believes that your input can enhance his life, is undoubtedly thinking about a future with you.
As the brilliant Albert Einstein once said, “When you sit with a nice girl for two hours, it seems like two minutes. When you sit on a hot stove for two minutes, it seems like two hours. That’s relativity.”
So, if he’s spending his time with you and seeking your advice, it’s because he finds value in your presence and considers you a significant part of his life. That’s love in Einstein’s relativity!
Always remember to gauge his actions alongside his words. If he says he values your input but doesn’t show it, then that’s a red flag. But if he’s consistent with both, then you’ve got yourself a keeper.
3) He respects your boundaries
A man who is genuinely invested in spending his life with you will respect your boundaries. Whether it’s about your personal space, time with friends, or even career choices – he’ll understand and respect your needs.
In my book, Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship, I discuss the importance of maintaining healthy boundaries in a relationship. When a man respects these boundaries, it shows that he values your individuality and independence. This, in my opinion, is a telltale sign of a lasting relationship.
4) He’s not afraid to disagree with you
Now, this one might surprise you. We often associate harmonious relationships with always being on the same page. But that’s not always the case.
A man who’s willing to spend his life with you won’t shy away from disagreements. He understands that it’s okay to have different opinions and that these differences can lead to healthy discussions and growth.
In fact, if your man agrees with everything you say, it might be a sign he’s trying too hard to please you rather than being authentic. But if he respectfully disagrees and communicates his perspective, it shows honesty and a level of comfort in the relationship that speaks volumes about his long-term intentions.
5) He genuinely cares about your happiness
When a man is truly in love, your happiness becomes his happiness. He’ll go out of his way to ensure that you’re content and fulfilled.
I remember my husband once drove for hours in the middle of the night just to pick up my favorite ice cream when I was feeling down. It was at that moment I realized this man truly cared about my happiness, and that was when I knew he was a keeper.
If your man makes an effort to understand what brings you joy and works towards contributing to it, it’s a powerful sign he wants to spend his life with you. Whether it’s through small gestures or grand declarations, his investment in your happiness is a clear indication of his long-term intentions.
A man who loves you will always strive to make you happy because seeing your smile would be one of his greatest rewards.
6) He’s there for you during the tough times
Life isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. It can be messy, challenging, and at times, downright heartbreaking. But how a man reacts during these tough times speaks volumes about his commitment to you.
If he stands by you when you’re going through a rough patch, provides comfort, and helps you navigate through the storm, it’s a raw and honest sign of his long-term intentions.
Love isn’t just about being there during the good times but also about weathering the storms together. If he’s your shelter in the rain and your rock when the ground beneath seems shaky, it’s a clear indication he wants to spend his life with you.
Remember, a man committed to a future with you won’t just stick around for the sunny days. He’ll be there, holding an umbrella over your head when it rains.
7) He’s your biggest cheerleader
A man who sees a future with you won’t just be by your side during the tough times, but he’ll also be your biggest cheerleader during your successes.
When I landed my first book deal, my husband was the first one to pop open a bottle of champagne. His pride and excitement were palpable, and it told me he was as invested in my dreams as I was.
If your man celebrates your victories, pushes you towards your goals, and is genuinely thrilled about your accomplishments, then he’s definitely looking at a future with you.
The legendary author Mark Twain once said, “Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great ones make you feel that you too can become great.”
8) He’s not afraid to show his vulnerability
Men are often conditioned to hide their vulnerabilities, to always appear strong. But a man who truly wants to spend his life with you will let down these guards.
He’ll be honest about his fears, doubts, and insecurities. He’ll trust you with his raw emotions and deepest thoughts. This level of openness is a testament to his commitment and love for you.
Vulnerability is the ultimate sign of trust in a relationship. If he’s willing to expose his bare soul to you, it’s because he sees you as his partner in life.
True strength isn’t about concealing vulnerabilities but about having the courage to reveal them. If your man is open and honest with you about his fears and insecurities, know that it’s a sign of his deep love and commitment to you.
Conclusion
As we wrap up, remember that love isn’t just about grand gestures and sweet words. It’s about respect, honesty, and a shared vision of the future. If your man is displaying these 8 behaviors, he’s likely thinking about spending his life with you.
Every relationship is unique and it’s vital to communicate openly with your partner about your expectations and goals.
For more insights on maintaining healthy relationships and overcoming codependency, be sure to check out my book, Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship.
Love is a journey, not a destination. So enjoy the ride, cherish the moments, and embrace the love that comes your way.
