When I was younger, I was told that a boy would never like someone like me.

This carried into middle school, and even though I was a little boy-obsessed, there was never any mutual feelings. The first time I really had any boy “like like” me was going into senior year of high school. But things ended when he started talking to a new girl who intrigued him more than I ever did.

Most of the boys I have met have all been the same. Liars, cheaters, and users.

They made me feel terrible about myself when I looked in the mirror. It’s sad some boys will say just about anything to get to you. I know not everyone wants something serious in college, but every loss I took, I took hard.

Some things that happened to me, I wondered, how could someone knowingly hurt someone like that? I just wanted to be cared for like I did for so many other people.

That was until I met someone. So unexpectedly.

He had quickly changed my life and my perspective on relationships. I never thought I would, or could be loved by someone. He proves every day that those that had failed in the past, those were just boys. He is a man, and he wants to be there for me through every up and down.

One day, if you haven’t already, you’ll meet someone that will be different from the previous boys in your life. He won't be someone who is going to play around with your heart, but rather, he'll be someone who is going to do everything in their power to make you the happiest person in the world.

Here are 13 ways you know you found a man instead of a boy:

1. He makes it known you are on his mind without texting you 24/7.

We don't need to be glued to our phones all the time. A simple text in the morning can go a long way, and he wants you to know that you're not forgotten about.

2. Listening to your problems and your day will never be a burden to him.

He will never, EVER get tired of listening to how your day went. Even if its the same routine day in and day out of school, eat and sleep.

3. He will be there/call instantly when you’re upset about any little thing.

Failed test? Grandma passed away? You burnt your pizza you were making? Doesn't matter. He'll want to cheer you up cause if you're sad, he's sad.

4. He will want to try the things that you like.

A man won't think you're weird for wanting to binge-watch Star Wars on a rainy day or get annoyed when you want to go rollerblading on a local trail. He will want to try it because it makes you happy, and you'd do the same for him.

5. He will make you fall in love with your biggest insecurities.

Because even to him, they are beautiful. Stretch marks, cellulite, odd birthmarks, it doesn't matter to him. They're beautiful because they are part of you.

6. He will wait.

Sex isn’t important to him. He wants you to be comfortable and happy with him before you take any steps further in your relationship

7. He’ll find your sweats just as hot as a dress.

Yeah, a skin-tight dress might get his heart beating a little faster than normal, but your XL sweatpants with holes in them will bring a smile to his face as well.

8. He will tell you how much he cares, not over the phone but in person.

Telling someone your feelings is hard. Boys will do it over the phone. It's easier and they don't need to confront you face to face. Men want to look you in the eye so you know how special you are to them.

9. He won’t care if you have a full face of makeup on or are going all natural.

Maybe he does like that dark red lipstick you wear on nights out, but when you don't feel like breaking out the beauty blender, he'll find you just as attractive without makeup

10. You won’t get in petty fights.

I remember getting in the dumbest arguments over the smallest things. You didn't text me back? Fight. You didn't talk to me in the halls at school? Fight. No. The smallest things don't get to him. If there's ever an issue, he confronts you because communication is important.

11. He will know how to joke around in the right ways.

Probably calling a girl fat is the wrong way to joke around. But he will mess with you and make you laugh in ways you never thought you could. He may still make fun of you a little, but he knows what's fair game and knows what's too far.

12. He will support you in everything you do.

In school, work, and life decisions: he will be there through every high and low you face. He won't give up on you when times are hard.

13. He wants to make you fall in love with yourself.

Confidence is so important in an individual, and a man will hate to see you judge yourself for every little thing you see in the mirror. No matter how long it takes, and how many compliments he needs to give you, and how much love he needs to show you, he will make you love yourself again.