The Differences Between Dating a Boy and Marrying a Man: What to Look for in a Partner

When it comes to relationships, it can be easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new love interest. But it’s important to take a step back and evaluate whether the person you’re with is a good fit for a long-term commitment or just a temporary fling. There are definite differences between the boy you date and the man you marry, and knowing what to look for can save you from heartache down the road. Here are some key characteristics to consider:

The Boy You Date vs. The Man You Marry

1. Approach to commitment:
The boy you date may want to “hang out” without much commitment. He’s just looking for a good time with no strings attached. On the other hand, the man you marry will ask you on proper dates and be clear about his intentions. He’s interested in a deeper connection with you and wants to build a future together.

2. Depth of conversation:
The boy you date may only be able to talk about shallow topics or poke fun at others to make himself feel better. He struggles to connect with others on a deeper level. In contrast, the man you marry can engage in meaningful conversations about shared interests like books, movies, and music. He values a substantial connection with you.

3. Attitude towards settling down:
The boy you date might be resistant to marriage or having kids, and nothing will change his mind. This is a warning sign that he might not be the right fit for marriage in the future. The man you marry, on the other hand, may change his mind about his stance on marriage and children after meeting you.

4. Handling conflict:
The boy you date may take your attitude personally and react with name-calling or anger. He may escalate arguments rather than calming them down. Conversely, the man you marry can handle your moodiness and work to help you feel better. He’s able to diffuse tense situations and offer support when you’re having a tough time.

5. Communication style:
The boy you date might resort to name-calling or other forms of verbal abuse as a way to handle conflict. He might use physical force to control or intimidate you. In contrast, the man you marry fights fairly. He avoids name-calling and physical abuse, even when he’s upset.

6. Attitude towards appearance:
The boy you date values appearance highly and may even make fun of you if you don’t look perfect all the time. He may be shallow and not see beyond the surface. The man you marry understands that everyone has bad hair days or fluctuations in weight and knows to love you no matter what. He doesn’t belittle you for natural changes in your appearance.

7. Expressing love and apologies:
The boy you date may say “I love you” and “I’m sorry” without truly meaning it – he does it to avoid losing you. He may make himself feel better by saying what you want to hear, even if he doesn’t feel it. The man you marry, however, will be genuine when he says, “I’m sorry” or “I love you.” He cares about your feelings and the words he uses to express himself.

8. Ability to take care of himself:
The boy you date may rely on his mom or other girls to take care of him. He may not know how to cook, clean, or do laundry himself. On the other hand, the man you marry is self-sufficient. He can take care of himself by cooking, cleaning, and paying bills. He’s already matured into a man and is capable of taking care of himself.

9. Interaction with your friends:
The boy you date may not be interested in meeting your friends. He may want to spend all his time alone with you. The man you marry wants to get to know your friends and learn more about your life. He’s keen to meet people who are important to you.

10. Meeting the parents:
The boy you date may be too immature to meet your parents properly, or he may not care about impressing them. However, the man you marry wants to make a good impression on your family and treat them with respect.

11. Security in the relationship:
The boy you date might be inconsistent or secretive, which can create anxiety about the status of your relationship. He might make you feel uncertain or insecure. In contrast, the man you marry provides a sense of security. He demonstrates that he loves you, he’s trustworthy, and that you can count on him through any difficulties.

Conclusion:

Knowing the difference between a boy and a man can help you make better decisions about whom to commit to and avoid heartache in the future. If you’re looking for a quality partner who can connect on a deeper level and bring security into your life, look for the qualities of a man, not a boy. While it’s okay to date around and have fun, taking a closer look can help you identify the person who is genuinely interested in long-term commitment.