Before you start running around town shouting from the rooftops “So-and-so is my beau!!!” first figure out if he’s boyfriend material. As far as most women are concerned, boyfriends are really just future husbands. Here are four signs that the guy you’re into is boyfriend (ahem, possible love of your life) material.
1. He has personal relationships with depth.
One way to see if this new guy is boyfriend material is to look at the kind of people he surrounds himself with. If he respects his mom, chances are he’ll respect you. If he has a close relationship with his siblings and they consider him super uncle to his nieces and nephews, he’ll most likely make a great father.
2. He can support a family.
When you’re looking for boyfriend material, finding a guy who is capable of supporting himself is key. This doesn’t mean that you’re looking for a sugar daddy. It means that you want a guy who can contribute to a two-income household if need be. Life can throw us curveballs — medical expenses, company downsizing, etc. — and being a team player in the financial game is essential.
3. He’s a grown-up.
A guy who spends his day reading comic books, playing video games and eating Hungry Man entrees hasn’t quite learned the art of being a grown-up. Maybe he’s looking for that future wife to whip him into shape, but do you want to take on that responsibility? Take a look at the little things. Does he have a pet and/or plant that he’s able to keep alive? Does he do his own laundry? Does he drink something other than beer in a can?
4. He’s just a nice guy.
The Dalai Lama once said, “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” Being an all-around, genuinely nice guy is a key element to determining boyfriend material. Is your future beau even-keeled and even-tempered? Does he treat people with respect and non-judgment? Does he volunteer his time or funds in some capacity?
Looking for Mr. Right takes a bit of hard work, some luck and the ability to trust your gut instinct. Before jumping head first into a new relationship with a guy you just met, take a moment to stand back and look at the quality of this man. Is he boyfriend (future husband) material?
