I've been lucky enough to have an amazing boyfriend for the past almost four years. We met in sixth grade at our first band concert and have been inseparable ever since. We started dating at the end of our freshman year of high school and are still together, and I honestly could not think of a better person to share so many memories with. However, a lot of people aren't so fortunate and endure many bad relationships and break ups before they find their "perfect" match (because, let's face it, no one is perfect). So, in preparation for Valentine's Day, I'm here to share with you ten of the signs you'll see when you've found someone that's right for you.
(A quick shoutout to my boyfriend, who I see all of these signs and more in every day. Thank you for being you and for always loving me for me. Happy Valentine's Day, and thanks for every memory since May 6, 2013. I love you!!)
1. He genuinely seems interested in everything you have to say.
This one is huge. Most girls have had experiences with guys who are awful listeners that pretend to hear you but actually have no interest in what you're talking about. So, when you find a guy that looks you in the eyes when you talk (but not creepily...ew), listens to everything you're saying, responds to what you're saying, and remembers what you said days or weeks afterwards, don't take him for granted. A guy that's really into you will want to listen to anything and everything that you say, even if he can't relate to it, so he can get to know you better.
2. You have things in common.
This doesn't have to be with everything. You're never going to find a person with exactly all of the same likes and dislikes that you have. However, finding someone who you share common interests and values with is extremely important in a relationship. Commonalities help to build a conversation and a connection between two people. The better you get to know each other, the more you'll realize you have in common. And who knows, maybe that guy hates all of the same foods that you do (for me: eggs, tomatoes, olives, and cilantro). While this seems kind of unimportant, you'll be surprised how much the things you both don't like can draw you closer together.
3. He wants to hang out with you at places that aren't a party.
If he only wants to go out with you to parties or places where his friends will be, chances are he's not interested in you for the right reasons. The right guy will go with you anywhere, whether it's to the beach, the mall, Sonic, or just staying at home watching movies. Most importantly, he will cherish every moment he gets to spend with you, no matter where you are or who you're with. He'll try to spend as much time as he can with you, and you'll honestly be able to tell that he's enjoying himself when he's with you.
4. He texts you back relatively quickly.
A guy that's into you will want to stay in touch with you and will make an effort to do so. Even when he's not able to talk, he'll let you know so that he doesn't leave you hanging. A guy that really likes you will try to talk to you as much as he can and will apologize when he doesn't get back to you. This all shows that he genuinely cares about having conversations with you, which is key in any relationship and emphasizes the listening part I mentioned earlier.
5. He doesn't mind all of your quirks, and you don't mind his either.
No one person is going to like everything about you. Whether you can't make decisions (like me), never asks for help (like me), or constantly lack confidence (also, like), the right guy will be able to look past all of the insecurities you may have and will love you for you. Similarly, if you really like someone, you'll be able to look past the little things that bug you because, in the end, they're all insignificant to how much you really love and care for that person.
6. He's into you on more than just a physical level.
While constantly being told how hot you are is really nice, it can also get really old after a while. Someone that is really into you will like you more than just physically; he'll also connect with you mentally. While it's sometimes underrated, having an intelligent conversation with your significant other is one of the coolest things ever. When you find the right guy, your personality will just click and will compliment one another. While physical attraction is important, emotional and mental attraction is 100,000 times more fulfilling.
7. You can't imagine your life, present or future, without him.
I can honestly say that I can't picture the past eight years without my boyfriend (wow, have I really known you that long?). We've been best friends for so long that he's shaped the person I've become in the best way possible. He makes me more comfortable with being myself and encourages me to be who I really am. We have so many incredible memories, but I'm still so excited for the future. When you find the right person, you realize how much that person impacts you. You're thankful for all the memories you have together and are hopeful for even more in the days, weeks, and (fingers crossed) years to come. You can't picture life without him, and you never want to have to.
8. He makes you feel special.
No matter where you are, what you're doing, what you're wearing, or who else you're with, you perfect guy will always make you feel important. He'll pay attention to you, compliment you, listen to you, and be there for you no matter what. Those butterflies you feel in your stomach will never go away, and that's the way it should be. That person will love all of you, the good and the not so good, and will help you in any way possible. You'll know when you're valued, and once you feel that, you'll never let it go.
9. You trust each other with everything.
I'll just go ahead and tell everyone now that when I say I won't tell anyone a secret, that doesn't include my boyfriend. I tell him everything know that he won't tell anyone else. There's a trust in a good relationship that really goes unmatched; you can tell that person anything, trust them when they go out, and not worry about what he's doing when you're not there. He'll be the first person to tell you that you have nothing to worry about, and (get this) you won't worry. Trust is an essential prat of a relationship, and it's not something that should be thrown around. It's earned, and the right guy will respect and never break your trust.
10. He loves you unconditionally and isn't afraid to tell you that.
While many guys aren't quick to put their emotions out there, the right guy will always show you how much he loves you and will remind you of it often. No matter what you do, he will always love and support you, and his love will be strong enough to get you through just about anything. Those "Did you get home safe?" texts, those random blurts of "I love you," those surprise visits and spontaneous plans he pulls, are all signs that you've found the right guy for you. He shows how much he loves you in every little thing that he does, even if he isn't outright telling it to you.
Of course, not all guys are the same, and your perfect guy may be different than mine. However, I feel like these signs are pretty good indicators of a happy and healthy relationship for everyone. So, if you're alone this Valentine's Day, don't be sad; your right guy is out there, and all the other ones have shown you what you really deserve. To all of the girls in relationships this February 14, remember to appreciate everything about your relationship. Time flies, so enjoy the time you have with each other , and never, ever let go.
