There’s a huge difference between being in a relationship and being truly committed to it. Trust me, as the founder of Love Connection blog and a relationship expert, I’ve seen enough relationships to know the difference.
A man who is truly committed to his partner isn’t just going through the motions. His behavior reflects his commitment, even when no one is watching.
These are men who make a conscious choice every day to love, support, and respect their partners. They don’t just say it, they show it. And there are certain behaviors that are telltale signs of their commitment.
Want to know what they are? Let’s dive into the 7 signs – and hopefully you’ll be able to recognize them in your man as well.
1) They prioritize their partner’s needs
Most people in a relationship believe they respect their partner’s needs. But there’s a stark difference between saying this and truly doing it.
Men who are genuinely committed to their partners don’t just consider their needs; they make them a priority. If you say you need quiet time in order to study, he will think ahead and grab all the things out of the room before you start, and then leave you to it without interrupting. It’s about treating these needs as if they were his own, and making sure his partner feels valued and cherished.
Of course, this doesn’t mean these men neglect or sacrifice their own needs or desires. Instead, they strike a balance, ensuring that both parties in the relationship feel heard and valued.
2) They don’t shy away from disagreements
Now, this might come as a surprise.
Most people assume that a peaceful relationship is a sign of commitment, but from my years of experience, I’ve found that it’s not always the case.
Men who are truly committed to their partner don’t shy away from disagreements. Yes, you read that right. They understand that disagreements are part and parcel of any relationship, and they don’t avoid them.
Instead, they use disagreements as an opportunity to understand their partner better. They listen, they discuss, and they strive to find a solution together. They don’t just sweep issues under the rug or ignore them hoping they’ll fade away.
Now, this doesn’t mean they pick fights or enjoy arguing. Far from it! It simply means they are willing to face and address issues head-on rather than avoiding them.
3) They maintain their individuality
This one’s pretty close to my heart, and something I delve into deeply in my book, Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship. It’s the importance of individuality in a healthy relationship.
Men who are truly committed to their partner have a clear understanding of this. They value their individuality and respect their partner’s too. They don’t see their relationship as two halves making a whole; instead, they see it as two wholes coming together.
What does this look like in practice? They maintain their passions, hobbies, and friendships outside of the relationship – and encourage their partner to do the same. They promote personal growth for both of them, fostering a partnership that is both supportive and liberating.
In short, they understand that they are not just a partner, but an individual too. They don’t lose themselves in the relationship; they grow with it.
4) They communicate effectively
Ah, communication. It’s something we so often talk about, yet struggle to practice effectively.
Truly committed men understand the importance of good communication in a relationship. They don’t just hear; they really listen. They don’t just talk; they share.
They know that communication isn’t just about the words spoken; it’s also about understanding the unspoken. It’s about being open, honest, and transparent with their partners.
And so they don’t hide their feelings or thoughts, but instead, they express them openly and respectfully. They understand that keeping things bottled up only leads to misunderstandings and resentment in the long run.
As George Bernard Shaw once said, “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” Truly committed men ensure that this illusion doesn’t take root in their relationships.
5) They respect their partner’s boundaries
Boundaries are critical in any relationship, and men who are truly committed understand this to the core.
They respect their partner’s personal space, their time, and their choices. They don’t impose their decisions or will on them. Instead, they understand that respecting boundaries is a crucial part of maintaining a healthy relationship.
They also don’t take it personally when their partner sets a boundary; they respect it. They understand that everyone has different comfort levels and that it’s okay.
I’ve seen many relationships where boundaries were blurred or outright ignored, and sadly, it never ends well. A truly committed man knows that respecting boundaries is a necessity if he wants the relationship to happily last.
6) They show appreciation
In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we often forget to appreciate the people around us, don’t we?
But men who are truly committed to their partner don’t let this happen. They acknowledge and appreciate their partner’s efforts, big or small. They express gratitude and never take their partner for granted.
They understand, as author and motivational speaker William Arthur Ward once said, “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” And what a waste that would be! That’s why these men make sure their partners know they are cherished and valued.
Showing appreciation isn’t about grand gestures or fancy gifts. It’s about expressing heartfelt gratitude for the love, support, and companionship their partners provide.
By the way, if you’re enjoying these insights, I’d love for you to join me on my journey. You can follow me on Facebook at Tina Fey’s Love Connection where I share my latest articles and thoughts on relationships.
7) They make sacrifices
Let me be brutally honest here. Relationships aren’t always rainbows and butterflies. They require compromise, and at times, sacrifice.
And there’s no better example of this than men who are truly committed to their partner. They are willing to make sacrifices for the sake of their relationship and for their partner’s happiness.
Now, this doesn’t mean they lose themselves or compromise on their core values. But it does mean they are willing to give up something they want for something their partner needs.
Whether it’s as simple as watching a movie they’re not particularly interested in, or as significant as moving cities for a partner’s career opportunity, these men show that they value their relationship above personal comfort.
It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s not always easy.
But that’s what commitment sometimes looks like – making sacrifices because the relationship and the person you’re with is worth it.
A deeper dive into commitment
The complexity of human behavior, especially when it comes to relationships and commitment, is a fascinating journey of exploration.
The behaviors we’ve discussed here are just the tip of the iceberg. There’s so much more to uncover, learn, and understand when it comes to commitment, relationships, and the dynamics that come with them.
In my experience as a relationship expert, I’ve found that the most rewarding relationships are those where both parties are truly committed, not just to each other, but also to their own growth and development.
If you’d like to make this step and delve deeper so you can take your relationship to the next level, I’d recommend watching this insightful video by Justin Brown. Here he explores the complexities of finding a life partner, reflecting on his personal experience after a failed date and the lessons he learned. He shares his top insights on understanding shared values and the significance of growth in a relationship.
Remember, commitment is not just about being with someone; it’s about being there for someone. It’s about growing together, learning together, and most importantly, choosing each other – every single day.
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