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In the modern world of relationships it’s easy to focus more on the negatives instead of the positives. Sure, there are plenty of men out there who are so full of it that you would rather continue being single than to put up with their mess.

However, for every trifling man out there, there are a lot of good ones and they deserve to be acknowledged. Good men — the real good men — may not get as much shine as they should, but we thought that it was time that all the good dudes get some praise.

If you’re currently dating or in a new relationship and still aren’t quite sure if your man is in fact, a good guy, then check out our list of things to look for to determine if you’re with the right one. There are no superficial or material traits on the list, instead it highlights the character and personality traits that make him a keeper.

He’s Attentive To Your Needs

When you’re in a relationship you become in tune with each other without really having to say a word about what you want or need. When your man is attentive to your needs, he understands what you require without you verbalizing it because it is second nature.

Whether it be a foot massage, spending more quality time or giving you personal space when you need, a man that is attentive proves that he can give you what you need even when you don’t realize it.

He’s Supportive Of Your Dreams

We all have dreams and there is nothing worse than when the special people in your life don’t support yours. This is especially important in a relationship because your partner should support you before anyone else.

A good guy is listening to your business proposal, sitting front row at your performances, promoting your side hustle on social media and most importantly, believing in you when you don’t believe in yourself.

He Understands Love Is An Action

This is a big one. Anyone can say they love you, but the action behind it is what matters more than anything. Love is not just a word, it’s an action that requires effort and determination.

Good guys understand this and make sure that you can see and feel that they love you, not just hear it. If he goes out of his way to express his love beyond material things or routine words, then he’s a keeper.

He Remembers The Little Things

Little things mean a lot. Grand gestures of love are great and can often get the most pessimistic person to swoon, but it’s those little things that mean the most because they require the most heart.

Serenading you with a pitchy rendition of your favorite love song, remembering what you wore on your first date, taking your car to get serviced without being asked and preparing your favorite meal are just a few ways that display how the smaller sentiments of love can mean so much.

He Inspires You To Be Better

We all love a hard-working man, a man whose work ethic is so impressive that it inspires you to step your game up. Seeing your man get out and ambitiously go after his dreams is enough to send your pulse racing.

A good dude works those long hours putting his best foot forward, but never neglects you or forgets those special moments. His inspiration really works if you know you’ve been slacking off and need to get back in gear. This could include work, diet, attitude or other lifestyle changes.

He Makes You Feel Beautiful

This is a no-brainer. Every woman wants to feel beautiful, especially from the actions and sentiments of the man she loves. It’s not so much about saying how fine you are (although we love that, so don’t stop,) but instead making her feel it.

As passionate glance, a soft caress of your face, detailing how pretty you are first thing in the morning, are a few examples of how a good guy makes a woman feel beautiful and who could ever get tired of that.

He Protects You

A man is naturally a protector, so if he truly loves and cares about you he is going to want to protect you at all costs. Obviously this protection is physical, but it also includes a silent protection.

Protecting your heart from hurt or shielding you from self-doubt and/or the negativity of others is also how a man protects you, like your personal security blanket.

He’s Open With His Feelings

In this day and age when emotions are frequently expressed through emojis instead of actually saying the words, a man actually being open with his feelings is becoming more and more rare.

You know you have a good guy when he is completely open with how he feels about you at all times. He doesn’t just express his feelings when you two are alone, but also when he’s around his friends and family. When he’s unafraid to let the world know what you mean to him…he’s the one.

He’s Honest About Who He Is

Lies and deceit are two of the most common reasons that relationships end. Being lucky enough to find a man who is completely honest about who he is and his past is something you shouldn’t take for granted.

With this honesty, you must understand what it took for him to be so transparent with you and appreciate it. No one is perfect, so it’s also important to know that even good dudes aren’t perfect.

He’s Always Respectful

A woman should always be respected and never settle for anything less. Finding a man that understands this is like hitting the jackpot. Respect means many things to many people, but it’s something that should always be present in your relationship.

A good guy is respectful to you even during tough times, like when you’re arguing, despite being upset he never calls you out your name or crosses the line. Additionally, he’s respectful to those around you, including your family, friends and co-workers.

He Accepts You

No one is perfect and a man who understands that is a winner. Good dudes accepts your flaws and recognizes that is what makes you the unique woman he so hard for in the first place.

All your weird little quirks, sometimes annoying behavior and physical imperfections don’t make a good dude run away, but instead appreciate you for everything you are not what you he wishes you could be.