10 Signs He’s Husband Material post image

10 Signs He’s Husband Material


A lot of women write to us begging to understand why their relationships always fail… why guys treat them badly…why they always get hurt…why they can’t get a guy to commit. The common thread in most of these cases is these women are choosing men who clearly are not husband–or even relationship– material and hoping by some chance he’ll suddenly transform and be the knight in shining armor she wants. This type of situation doesn’t exist anywhere aside from cheesy romantic comedies. If you choose to pursue a relationship with a guy who clearly isn’t relationship material, then you’re setting yourself up to fail before you even begin.

Trust me, I know all too well how enticing those damage cases can be. Sure, he’s has emotional issues, he’s jaded, he’s struggling at work, he has no direction, he still acts like a frat boy even though his acting like a drunk idiot and getting away with it days expired years ago, but there’s a really great guy underneath all that and as soon as we deal with all this other stuff, then we’ll have an amazing relationship. I’m sorry but no.

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The problem with these damage cases is that they often have a lot of the qualities we want, but not the ones we actually need. There is a big difference between wants and needs when it comes to relationships, but it’s not always easy to make the distinction. You might think you need a guy who is tall and strapping and charismatic and a CEO of a major company, but a guy with those credentials might have a host of other qualities that wouldn’t be good for you, that wouldn’t fulfill your fundamental emotional needs. My husband is the opposite of the “ideal man” I had envisioned for myself and even though he doesn’t have certain qualities that I used to consider requirements, he is exactly what I need and that was clear to me, and everyone around me, very early into our relationship.

When I hit that stage in life where I realized I was done dating for the sake of dating and wanted to settle down and find “the one,” I realized that the kinds of guys I liked to date weren’t necessarily husband material and I had to really examine my list of wants and needs, and figure out the differences between the two. Doing so made all the difference and suddenly, the damage cases what were once oh so appealing did nothing for me.

Whether you’re single, dating, or in a serious relationships, these are the 10 qualities you need to look for in a man, the ones that tell you beyond a shadow of a doubt that he’s the one and this is it.

1. He loves your good qualities and accepts and embraces the bad without making you feel guilty for having flaws

You don’t need to hide your true self from him and put on a front in order to be what you think he wants. You can share your true self and be vulnerable and feel safe doing so, knowing that if anything it will make him feel even closer to you.

2. He is there for you when you need him, even if it’s inconvenient for him

A partnership will sometimes require sacrifice and compromise. Life is unpredictable and unexpected. You can’t predict what will happen and nothing can possibly go as planned 100% of the time. A guy who is husband-material will be there for you when you need him, he will be in it with you, he will be your partner in whatever happens and will weather the storm with you, even though he might prefer to stay in the sunshine.

3. Considers you when making decisions, both big and small

A relationship is a partnership, not a dictatorship. Factoring you in shows that he respects you, that he wants to create a life with you, not simply envelope you in his world. Our worlds can be comfortable, it’s not always easy taking someone else into account, factoring in their wants and needs and preferences, but that’s what a relationship is.

4. He is growth-oriented 

No one is perfect, we all have flaws. And these flaws aren’t black and white- usually, a person’s greatest strength is a hint to their greatest weakness. In a relationship, his behavior affects you (and vice versa) and sometimes his less developed traits will have a negative impact on you. A growth-oriented guy will want to strengthen his character and work on it. A guy who isn’t growth-oriented will say your problem and this is the way he is and you need to deal with it.

For example, let’s say you’re dating a guy who can be insensitive at times. Maybe he doesn’t give you emotional support when you’ve had a rough day and instead just gives you matter of fact advice in a direct way. His no-nonsense approach to solving problems might be useful to him in the workplace, but it might be hurtful to you sometimes when he doesn’t empathize with what you’re going through and instead just tells you what to do about it, or gets impatient by the fact that you’re upset over something he doesn’t consider to be that big of a deal.

You want a guy who will accept that his tone can be harsh and hurtful and who actually tries to work on it, not one who says it’s your problem and you need to deal with it. He probably won’t get it right every time, but if he’s growth-oriented he will at least try.

5. Common beliefs and values

This one seems so obvious yet it’s so often overlooked. If he is going to be your life partner, you have to make sure you both are on the same page when it comes to issues that matter. And if you aren’t on the same page, then make sure he respects where you stand (and vice versa) and that you both are willing to work together to reach a mutually fulfilling middle ground. This can refer to religion, core values, lifestyle preferences, where you want to live, whether you want to have children.
MORE: 5 Signs He’s Not the One

6. He views you as his partner

The relationship is something more than just you and him… together, you and him are a team. And as that team, you are both individually stronger than you could be on your own. He sees you as his equal, as someone of great value who he can grow with, not someone who is there to feed his ego, give him validation, be his emotional crutch, be there to satisfy his needs.

He respects everything about you- your thoughts, ambitions, opinions, the things you say, the company you keep, your job. He doesn’t make you feel bad about your life circumstances and he appreciates the person you are and the choices you have made.

7. He is willing to put effort into the relationship

If there is a problem, he wants to find a way to solve it, he wants to work harder, to be better, to be his best self. The important thing to keep in mind is that people have different ideas of what it means to put effort into a relationship. He might believe that working hard and being good at his job is putting in effort because he wants to provide for you and give you nice things and a comfortable lifestyle (I use this as an example because it’s a classic point of contention between men and women because she will often view him working too much as him putting no effort into the relationship and being married to his work).

8. You’re able to communicate with each other, even about tough issues and even if one person is upset with the other.

With the right guy, you won’t be afraid of bringing up certain things for fear of rocking the boat. You know he respects you and will see what you have to say as valid and important. Every relationship will face its share of obstacles. There will be fights, miscommunications, arguments, and also times when one partner isn’t feeling loved. The only way to emerge from the tough times better and stronger is to work through them together and this starts with open communication.

MORE: What No One Tells You About Good Relationships

9. He’s trustworthy

You feel safe being open and honest with him and are not afraid of him violating that trust or using anything against you. You trust that he won’t leave you unexpectedly, that he is genuine, that he does mean what he says. You don’t feel an underlying sense of suspicion, like he has some ulterior motives. You trust that he cares about you deeply and would never intentionally hurt you.

10. He wants to marry you

Ahh, it seems so obvious but yet, it’s not. A guy can have all the qualities on this list but if he doesn’t want to marry you, or maybe doesn’t want to get married in general, then he is not your husband. When a guy is ready to get married and meet a girl he thinks he can spend his life with, he knows pretty early on.

That’s not to say they get engaged right away, but he knows this is it and she knows it too, maybe he tells her or maybe it’s just so obvious and he doesn’t even need to. It might be the wrong time, maybe he wants to wait until he’s more established in his career, more financially stable, but he will still convey his level of commitment, she won’t be left hanging and guessing and wondering.

If he still feels like he has wild oats to sow and is still drawn to the single, bachelor, party boy lifestyle, he is not marriage-minded and you are setting yourself up for disappointment. If what you want is a serious, lasting commitment, make sure he is on the same page before you do anything. When a guy is ready for a serious commitment, it’s usually pretty obvious. And if it isn’t, then bring it up and discuss it with him. If he’s husband material, he’ll understand. If he isn’t… then at least now you know before it’s too late!

MORE: 5 Signs He’ll Never Commit 

Got another husband quality to share? Tell us in comments!

I hope the article gave you clarity on the qualities that really matter in a man. But what about the qualities that matter to a man? Do you know how a man decided that a woman is “the one”? Do you know what inspired a man to commit himself fully? If not, then read this next: The #1 Things Men Desire in a Woman

These Are the Qualities That Make Him A Keeper:

  1. He loves your good qualities and accepts and embraces the bad without making you feel guilty for having flaws
  2. He is there for you when you need him, even if it’s inconvenient for him
  3. Considers you when making decisions, both big and small
  4. He is growth-oriented
  5. Common beliefs and values
  6. He views you as his partner
  7. He is willing to put effort into the relationship
  8. You’re able to communicate with each other, even about tough issues and even if one person is upset with the other.
  9. He’s trustworthy
  10. He wants to marry you

Written by Sabrina Alexis

I’m Sabrina Alexis, the co-founder, and co-editor of A New Mode. I love writing relatable, insightful articles that help people understand relationship dynamics and how to get the love they want. I have a degree in psychology and have spent the last 10 years interviewing countless men and reading and studying as much as I can to better understand human psychology and how men operate. If you want to get in touch with me, hit me up on Facebook or Instagram.

11 comments… add one

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Muhammed Ahmed Aliyu

with this article am happy….it stimulated me to go on with my relationship.Thank you.

Reply July 25, 2020, 4:02 pm

Tee

I’m (a guy) reading all of this and thinking WHERE DOES ONE FIND WOMEN LIKE YOU (wife material). I’ve been through a streak of bad relationships and as I look to settle down, I’m looking for someone with substance. N I’m reading all of this Im thinking if SHE gets it, there must be others or there who do! This is a really great article – I 100% agree.

Reply November 26, 2019, 1:23 am

James

I think I would change #10 to “He wants to commit to you” I’ve seen people get married but lack commitment. Some people get married for reasons other than love, some want control, or power over others, some want a trophy or resources, such as money or healthcare and some may even just want to be dependent on another.
Married should not be the ultimate goal but commitment in my opinion.

Reply April 24, 2018, 4:58 pm

Mary

You know, those are great traits, and I totally agree. There’s a caveat that needs to be mentioned. My “bad boy” had all those traits WHILE WE WERE DATING. Unfotunately, he was love bombing me, as Narcissists do. I did not see the real person behind his False Self until I had made my commitment to him, and moved 2000 miles away from my family, my friends, my home, and my career. It scares me to even consider dating, much less marry, again.

Reply March 21, 2016, 6:38 pm

Seren

Great article. TY! :) I feel like I’m going right direction with this man I’m seeing atm. At the start of our dating I was way too demanding and I’m sure I scared the crap out of him :D but he didn’t run for the hills and I’m grateful for that. We aren’t committed, well yet at least (and maybe we won’t be, who knows), but lately I have just enjoyed his company (not stressing about commitment) and things have gone so much smoother than before. I truly feel at ease with him and he seems happier as well :) I appreciate him very very much and although he isn’t verbal about feelings (the way I’m) he has surprised me lately by showing his feelings other ways. And opening up about himself and his life. :) Gosh I like him and finally I trust him enough to show it to him. But no way we could know if we live together some day, not to talk about marriage! :D I understand that he needs alone time and really I need that too (which I realized after he politely asked me to give him some space & I also had to spent time alone for a change) Also realized that we can be comfortable in silence, there’s no need to talk all the time (as I did at the start of our dating) I feel like I learn so much in his company, I feel like I’m becoming more balanced person. And maybe he has changed too because of my bubbly personality, atleast it seems like he has started viewing his life in more positive light :)

Reply December 16, 2015, 3:08 am

RK

Wonderful article as always, Sabrina! Absolutely love your writing. Your advice and guidance has helped me in so many ways when it comes to guys, relationships, being my best self, etc. Keep up the fantastic work!

Reply September 17, 2015, 10:15 am

Ace

Most of the women are told that you aren’t in a relationship till the ring is on the finger. Unfortunately, even that won’t stop cheating. However I intend to do mine to not be goverment touched. We both don’t think a white church is right especially when we both have messed up dealings with the super natural. (ie my fiance’s a medium, and I have out of body experiences that are shared with a friend of mine) So instead I’d like a cute binding ceremony like how in japan the bride and groom drink from the same cup. Rick I see some of what your coming from but really what hurts kids is lack of love between parents and kids. Everyone is quick to blame technology but lets face it. A kid can’t be like a dog who you abuse or make promises to and they still will greet you happily or try to love you. A husband has to be there for all not just the wife, not just himself but for all. A husband is someone who no matter what loves his kids. After he disciplines them he isn’t cold and asks if the kid understands. He wouldn’t punish them for no reason, he wouldn’t make them feel worthless. A husband will always love his wife. A good husband will tell constructivly if somthing is wrong. If he has to cancel, make it up to her.

Reply August 9, 2015, 11:49 am

Rick

The last item “He wants to Marry you” is a very damaging thing to say. I know that the word “Husband” implies marriage – but why put an abusive government contract in the middle of your most intimate relationship? Why continue to make impressionable young women think that this is the only way to find true love? There is so much wrong with this culture and so much right about it – but perhaps the worst is advice given by people who presumably know better. We are re thinking what romantic partnership means. Perhaps we can focus on the natural husband-wife dynamic and never ever mention the word marriage again. It is harming families and children by the millions. Why do this?

Reply July 29, 2015, 12:21 am

Angela

Because they could care less about government contracts and losing money. They just want to be together. Some things are just really that simple. Sure, the reasons for getting married may change from couple to couple. It might be about money and power, etc… But those are the couples most likely headed on their way to divorce. Some couples only marry for their families. Otherwise, they are already together and committed even without a contract to bind them together. Marriage isn’t always harmful. If it’s a problem over time within the marriage, it may be difficult to solve together. However, if ever a marriage outweighs the great benefits to its harm more than it ever should and nothing is going to get better… That might mean it was inevitable that the problems you are having were going to happen. Some people don’t notice things about each other until it’s too late. What’s sabotaging the idea of marriage for you personally?

Reply October 23, 2015, 6:39 am

Sasha

This is exactly what I needed to read at exactly the right time! Been stood at the ‘crossroads’ for a while now but I now know the decision I made was the right one. Thank you xx

Reply July 28, 2015, 8:37 am

Emily

Wow, good job to me. Four out of ten!

Reply July 23, 2015, 3:26 pm

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