Dating & Relationships: 10 Signs He's a Keeper

Sometimes we would just love to have a few signs from the get-go, on whether a guy may be a keeper or not. After all who wants to spend precious time on someone who is in, well plain English, a jerk. Here are 10 signs that may give you a pretty good idea on whether you should pursue a more meaningful relationship with this guy or not. Now of course these 10 signs are not a guarantee, but they can be helpful for you in deciding whether he may be worth keeping, or not.

He Shows You Respect At ALL Times-

Boy is this one important. However, you would be surprised at how many women let a few small instances of disrespect just go right over their head in order to keep dating a guy. A man who consistently shows you respect has a great head start in being a keeper. Please always remember, if he doesn't ALWAYS act with respect toward you, it's an automatic "Next Please".

Loves Kids, Dogs, and Old Folks-

Some may disagree with this, saying well maybe he doesn't want kids, or doesn't like animals. Well guess what, I think this is important. Being able to love ALL others, including God's creatures, says this man has a good heart, and is able to give and receive love.

Enjoys His Work-

A Man who truly enjoys his work is already a winner. People who love their jobs tend to do well at them, and progress nicely in the financial end of it. A happy worker makes for a happy man, which in turn would make him a lot easier to live with. There's nothing worse than a man who hates his job, and comes home and takes it out on his loved ones.

Self-Sufficient-

If he believes it's his job to do his laundry, and make his own sandwiches, and fetches his own beer, chances are your looking at a man who is self-sufficient. What that means for you is that he isn't in love with you being his maid or waitress. He knows he can and should do it for himself. I was told in my master's program. That we should "Care For" NOT 'Take Care Of" any adult that is physically, and mentally able to take care of themselves.

Is Nurturing-

This is a very important quality if you care to move forward with this man with the possibilities of marriage and kids. A nurturing personality is very important for the father of any kids. Yes, if you ever plan on having kids this one should be of utmost importance. Many woman have fallen in love with Mr. Wonderful, only later to have kids and find out this man they love, has no idea how to nurture, love, and be affectionate with kids. You might as well be a single parent if they don't have this quality.

Mentally Stimulating-

I'm not talking rocket scientist here, I'm talking about enjoyable conversations between the two of you. I was almost engaged to a man who was extremely intelligent, however, I have never been so bored in my life. His whole repertoire was basically, Yup and Nope. Always remember after the looks go, and the body sags, all that's left is the brain. No one wants to be bored the rest of their life.

A Good Sense Of Humor-

Sorry, but if he has all the other 9 signs but lacks a good sense of humor, he is not a keeper. Life is very hard, and if you don't have someone that can make you laugh, and smile, life will be one long funeral. Most of us in our heart of hearts know life wouldn't be the same without the laughter. Truthfully, I have never met a woman that wanted a man without a sense of humor. As a matter of fact, all women I have known said this is a very important quality for a man to have.

Spirituality-

This does not mean any particular religion. People that are truly spiritual look at people and life differently from those who aren't. Being with a spiritual person is so very important. In the darkest days together you will know how to share the hope, the joy, and the faith for better days yet to come. I truly can't imagine a relationship without it.

A Family Man-

He is close and loving with his family. This is a bigee. How he is with his family tells a lot about the family you two may have some day. Whether we want to admit it or not our first family, the one we are born into, is practice for the families we may have someday. I do realize that some people come from dysfunctional families, and this is hard. However, even with a dysfunctional family, you can have caring, and love. In other words if he comes form a dysfunctional family, make sure he's the type that still loves and cares about them, even though he may not be able to be involved with them. This shows he is compassionate, understanding, and tolerant of others.

He Says What He Means, and Means What He Says-

Just in case no one noticed this is the motto I have on my profile. A man with this quality is someone you can depend on, not worry he is going to lie, and is open with his feelings and thoughts. Do I really need to explain why all those qualities are important? Of course not. We all want someone whose word we can count on.

There you have it 10 signs that I believe are important to look for before moving forward into a serious relationship with a man. Did you notice I didn't mention that he's good in bed? I truly believe, when a person has all the wonderful qualities that we are looking for, everything falls in to place. Sex is in your heart and mind, not in your pants and a how-to book. Of course this is my list, your list may be a little different. What's important is you know what your list is, and what are truly important qualities that you want in a man. Always make sure you respect yourself, and judgment enough never to settle for less. Funny thing about settling, it ALWAYS has a way of turning around and biting us in the butt!

*Please make sure you check out all my articles on Relationships, you never know, it may save you a little grief in the long run!