There’s a world of difference between a man who’s just passing through your life and one who’s committed for the long haul.

The key difference? His actions. A man who envisions a future with you doesn’t just talk the talk—he walks the walk, consistently, without you having to beg or plead.

When it comes to lasting love, behaviors are everything. And there are seven key behaviors that a man will exhibit if he’s genuinely in it for the long run.

Now, I’m not referring to grand gestures or dramatic love proclamations. I’m talking about the subtle, everyday actions that reveal his true intentions.

So, let’s dive in and decode these seven behaviors—they might just help you understand the man in your life a whole lot better.

1) He prioritizes communication

We’ve all been there—the guy who’s only around when it’s convenient, or who leaves your messages hanging for days.

But when a man is truly serious about a long-term relationship, his communication tells a different story.

This is a man who values staying connected with you, even when life gets hectic. He doesn’t let days go by without reaching out. He’s responsive, engaging, and never leaves you guessing about where you stand.

He knows that communication is the bedrock of a strong relationship and puts in the time and effort to keep it solid. His messages go beyond making plans or coordinating schedules—they’re about understanding you, delving into your world, and inviting you into his.

2) He enjoys your non-romantic moments just as much

Romantic dinners, surprise gifts, and passionate moments are fantastic, but they’re not the cornerstone of a lasting relationship.

A man who’s serious about you? He finds as much joy in the everyday moments as he does in the grand gestures.

This is a man who loves grocery shopping with you, binge-watching your favorite shows, or even doing chores together. He treasures these ordinary moments simply because they’re spent with you.

He knows that true love isn’t just about the highlight reel—it’s about finding joy in the everyday. Ironically, it’s often these quiet, shared experiences that lay the strongest foundation for a lasting relationship.

3) He respects your independence

A man who’s in it for the long haul understands that a healthy relationship isn’t about losing yourself in each other. It’s about preserving your individuality while growing together.

He champions your personal growth, cheers on your ambitions, and honors your boundaries. Your independence isn’t a threat to him; it’s something he admires and celebrates.

He knows that true love isn’t about merging into one, but about being two complete individuals who choose to share their lives. It’s a topic I delve deeper into in my book Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship.

So if the man in your life encourages your independence and supports your personal journey, it’s a good sign he’s looking at the long game with you.

4) He’s there for you in tough times

Life isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. We all face challenges and setbacks. A man who’s in for the long haul won’t just be around during the good times. He’ll also be there when things get tough.

He doesn’t shy away from your tears, fears, or frustrations. He’s the one holding your hand, offering a shoulder to lean on, and reassuring you that you’re not alone.

As the renowned poet Maya Angelou once said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” The man who sticks by your side during hardships is the one who truly values your relationship and sees a future with you.

If he’s there beside you through thick and thin, it’s a clear sign he wants to be with you long-term.

5) He takes your feelings into account

One key behavior of a man who wants a long-term relationship is genuine consideration for your feelings. This isn’t about indulging your every whim but about truly factoring your emotions into his decisions.

He listens attentively when you express your feelings, never dismissing or invalidating them. Instead, he strives to understand your perspective and ensures you feel heard, respected, and valued.

From my own experience, the times I’ve felt most cherished were when my feelings were thoughtfully considered in both small and significant decisions. It’s a powerful sign of respect and genuine love.

6) He invests in your relationship

Saying “I love you” is easy, but actions speak louder than words.

A man who envisions a long-term future with you will tirelessly work to fortify your relationship. He’ll pour his time, energy, and emotions into it because he genuinely treasures what you share.

He’s not afraid to tackle disagreements head-on, make compromises, or venture out of his comfort zone to strengthen your bond. His commitment to making your relationship better is unwavering.

As the famed playwright George Bernard Shaw once said, “Progress is impossible without change.”

I’ve found that the strongest relationships in my life are those where both parties are willing to invest in their growth together. It’s a clear sign of commitment and a desire to build a lasting relationship.

If you’re finding this article helpful and want to hear more from me, do give my Facebook page a follow at Tina Fey’s Love Connection. I share my latest articles there and would love to continue this conversation with you.

7) He’s not afraid to be vulnerable with you

Let’s cut to the chase. Vulnerability is terrifying for everyone. But a man who truly wants to be with you for the long haul will drop his defenses and reveal his authentic self, imperfections and all.

He’ll share his deepest fears, biggest dreams, past mistakes, and personal history. No masks, no pretenses—just raw, unfiltered honesty.

This level of openness goes beyond mere honesty; it signifies profound trust. He trusts you enough to bare his soul, which is a clear and powerful sign that he’s in it for the long run.

When a man is willing to embrace vulnerability with you, it’s a blazing signal that he envisions a future together.

Finding Mr. Right

Navigating the world of dating can feel like a maze, but understanding these seven key behaviors can guide you toward a man who genuinely wants a long-term relationship.

It’s not about finding the perfect guy, but about spotting someone who’s willing to put in the effort to make things work.

As Antoine de Saint-Exupéry once said, “Love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction.”

Now that we’ve explored these behaviors, I recommend watching a video by Justin Brown. He provides great insights on finding a life partner and shares personal experiences that highlight the points we’ve discussed. It’s definitely worth a watch.

Remember, love is a journey, not a destination. And every journey begins with understanding. So here’s to understanding, growth, and love.