You’re both at home, comfortable, and just enjoying being together, like any other day. Then, as you try to pick a movie, you notice he keeps looking over at you with a smile. It makes you think, right?
What if those little smiles are his way of showing a bigger feeling?
In this article, I’ll walk you through some signs he wants to marry you. By the end, you might see hints you didn’t even realize were there. Stay with me and find out what those loving looks might really mean!
Table of Contents
- He Openly Discusses Your Future Together
- He Tells You Directly That He Wants to Marry You
- He Includes You in Important Life Decisions
- He Introduces You to His Family and Close Friends
- He Talks About Starting a Family With You
- He Prioritizes Spending Quality Time With You
- He Trusts You Completely and Is Vulnerable With You
- He Is Open and Honest About His Feelings for You
- He Makes You Feel Loved and Appreciated
- He Shows Genuine Interest in Your Life and Well-Being
- He Supports Your Goals and Dreams
- He Treats You With Respect and Kindness
- He Talks About Growing Old Together
- He Values Your Opinions and Seeks Your Advice
- He Strives to Get Along With Your Loved Ones
- He Is Willing to Compromise
- He Goes Out of His Way to Make You Happy
- He Is Financially Responsible and Plans for the Future
- He Makes Effort to Maintain a Healthy Relationship
- He Is Devoted to Personal Growth and Self-Progress
- He Is Proud to Have You by His Side in Public
- He Is Attentive to Your Needs and Feelings
- He Makes You Feel Like a Priority
- He Recalls Important Dates and Events in Your Life
- He Makes Sacrifices for You
- He Uses “We” Instead of “I”
- He Makes an Effort to Resolve Conflicts
- He Sees You as His Partner and Equal
- He Is Patient and Understanding During Tough Times
- He Compliments You Genuinely
- Excerpts From the Experts
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
He Openly Discusses Your Future Together
When your partner talks about your future together, it’s a strong sign he wants something long-term. He might bring up:
- Future vacations
- Living arrangements
- Career goals
This shows he’s thinking of you as part of his life for years to come. It’s not just daydreaming; he’s serious about you. Including you in his plans means he wants to grow together.
"He drops regular comments about your life together. You two have had serious conversations about homes, finances, and core values."
— Nicole Arzt | Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist | Professional Content Contributor for InvigorMedical
He Tells You Directly That He Wants to Marry You
When your man tells you straight up that he wants to marry you, it’s a green light. It’s very clear he sees a future with you. This statement shows he’s thought a lot about your relationship.
It takes courage to say something so serious. Saying this directly also allows for an open discussion about each other’s feelings and future plans.
Here’s something to consider: When he tells you he wants to marry, it’s his way of showing you’re the one for him. Pay attention to actions that back up his words.
He Includes You in Important Life Decisions
If your boyfriend is asking for your opinion on big choices, like his career moves or where to live, it means he values what you think. He’s not making decisions on his own anymore; you’re a team.
When you’re involved in the big stuff, it shows he’s serious about a future with you. It’s not always about big things, though. Sometimes it’s about small choices, like what to have for dinner or what color to paint the living room.
For instance, he might say, “What do you think about this job offer in another city?” He might also ask, “Should we invest in buying a house this year?”
He Introduces You to His Family and Close Friends
Meeting his family can be nerve-wracking, but it shows he’s serious about you. This step often means he is including you in his private life and seeing how you fit into his social circle.
This move also shows he’s proud to have you as his partner, and he’s ready for you to be part of his world. And if the people and friends treat you like you’ve been around forever, it’s a good bet he’s been chatting you up big time.
For example, he might take you to a family barbecue and say, “This is my girlfriend, and she’s really special to me.”
"If he’s ready for you to meet his parents, that’s one thing. But if he’s taking you to weddings and barbecue parties and bar mitzvahs and introducing you to everyone in the family, it’s a sign he’s getting ready to commit."
— Nicole Arzt | Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist | Professional Content Contributor for InvigorMedical
He Talks About Starting a Family With You
This is a big indicator that he sees a lasting future with you. This talk is about more than just the idea of children; it’s about planning a life together that includes creating a new family. It shows he is committed enough to envision raising children together.
This step in a relationship is very personal and significant because it involves long-term commitment and mutual dreams for the future.
This looks like the following:
- You’re both naming your unborn kids or future pets during date night.
- He’s curious about how you want to raise your kids.
- He takes note of your values and parenting style.
"The idea of having kids is not something men think about as often as women. This is because men see all the 'responsibility' aspects of having kids before they see any joy... Once he is able to accept all this responsibility, he can open himself up to the idea of having a child. If he has reached this point with you, that’s a huge sign he is ready to pop the question."
— Lana Otoya | Professional Dating Coach, Millennialships
He Prioritizes Spending Quality Time With You
When he’s ditching guys’ nights more often to just chill with you, it emphasizes that you are a priority in his life. It’s not just sitting next to each other scrolling through your phones; it’s about those:
- Long talks
- Shared laughs
- “Just us” moments
This behavior shows he values the relationship and is eager to grow closer by building shared experiences. It’s not just about hanging out; it’s about making each moment count and ensuring you both enjoy your time together.
He Trusts You Completely and Is Vulnerable With You
Trust is the backbone of any serious relationship, and when he trusts you completely, it means he’s comfortable being his true self around you. This includes sharing his fears, hopes, and dreams, even those he keeps from others.
This level of openness means he doesn’t just see you as a date; you’re his confidant. He is letting you see all sides of him, confident that you will accept him as he is. He trusts you to handle his heart carefully; that’s huge when it comes to thinking about marriage.
For instance, he could share a past experience that deeply affected him, saying, “There was a time when I felt completely lost and unsure of my path.”
He Is Open and Honest About His Feelings for You
When your guy is not holding back about how much he’s into you, that’s a solid sign he’s got long-term in mind. He’s not playing the guessing game with his feelings; he’s laying them out there because he wants you to know he’s serious.
Honesty like this is refreshing; it’s a big step toward a future together. And when he expresses how much you mean to him, it’s clear he’s not just flirting. He’s really emotionally invested in you. He might say:
- “I love you more every day.”
- “I really appreciate how you support me. It means a lot.”
He Makes You Feel Loved and Appreciated
When he makes an effort to show how much he loves and appreciates you, it’s a powerful sign that he values the relationship deeply and wants to keep you happy. This isn’t just about saying “I love you”—it’s shown through actions that make you feel special and cared for.
It’s in the way he thanks you for the little things, how he remembers stuff that’s important to you, and how he’s there when you need a pick-me-up.
This kind of care doesn’t come from just anywhere; it’s special. When you’re feeling down, and he’s the first one trying to make you smile, it’s more than just a good day; it’s a sign he’s keeper material.
He Shows Genuine Interest in Your Life and Well-Being
When he’s not just nodding along but really tuning in to what you’re saying about your day, that’s special. He doesn’t just ask how your day was; he listens attentively to your stories, remembers the small details, and follows up on previous conversations.
It’s because he cares. Big time.
His concern for your well-being is apparent in both his words and actions. This kind of care and attention is a clear sign that he values your happiness and wants to be a supportive partner. It’s about making sure you feel seen and heard in the relationship.
He Supports Your Goals and Dreams
This guy is your cheerleader, your support system, and your biggest fan, all rolled into one.
Whether it’s cheering you on during your 5k run or supporting your late-night study sessions, he’s there. He doesn’t just talk about supporting your ambitions; he shows up.
It can be as simple as making sure you’ve got a quiet space to work or as big as encouraging you to take that dream job opportunity — even if it means less time together. His support is a telltale sign he’s looking at a future where both of you succeed.
He Treats You With Respect and Kindness
If he’s treating you with respect and kindness, you’ve got a man who’s not just playing nice — he’s genuinely good. No matter what the situation is, he always treats you right.
- He listens to you without interrupting.
- He’s careful with your feelings.
- He respects your boundaries and preferences, always considering what you’re comfortable with.
It’s not just about opening doors or saying the right things; it’s about making sure you feel respected in every aspect. When he’s consistent with this kind of behavior, it’s a strong sign he sees you as his future partner.
He Talks About Growing Old Together
Chatting about the days when you both might have gray hair and still hold hands is super telling. He might:
- Make jokes about who will be the first to need reading glasses.
- Mention growing old in a dream home.
- Talk seriously about saving for retirement together.
This isn’t about fears of getting old; it’s about looking forward to all those years with you, seeing each other through all the phases of life. It’s his way of saying, “I’m in this for life, wrinkles and all.”
He Values Your Opinions and Seeks Your Advice
If he’s coming to you for your take on something, it’s a clear sign he respects you big time. He’s not just asking to be polite; he really wants to know what you think. And when you speak, he listens — really listens — because what you say matters to him.
This shows he doesn’t just see you as a partner but also as a confidant and advisor. This is about more than just making good choices; it’s about making them together.
He Strives to Get Along With Your Loved Ones
Seeing him make the effort to connect with your family and pals? Yep, that’s a guy who’s stepping up. He understands that your family and friends are important to you and wants to be part of that circle.
Maybe he’s still learning names at family gatherings, but he’s really trying. It shows he wants in on your whole world, not just the parts with you in them.
For instance, he might say, “Let’s visit your parents this weekend; I miss them.” He could also make plans to hang out with your friends, saying, “I’ll join you and your friends for dinner.”
"Men who are in love with you will easily do favors for you, that’s not saying much. But men who are ready to marry you will go out of their way to help those who you love, like friends or family. This is a huge sign that he sees himself as part of your inner circle and even part of your family."
— Lana Otoya | Professional Dating Coach, Millennialships
He Is Willing to Compromise
Dealing with tough stuff isn’t fun, but if he shows willingness to meet you halfway and work through disagreements, he’s a keeper. Compromise is his middle name when you hit a snag. It’s about finding solutions that work for both of you, not just one.
This is about give and take, not just his way or the highway. He values the relationship more than his own convenience or being right. This might look like the following:
- He’s cool with going to that chicken wing place you love, even if he’s more into ramen.
- When you disagree, he’s all about finding a solution that makes you both happy.
- He’s quick to suggest a fair middle ground instead of just calling the shots.
He Goes Out of His Way to Make You Happy
When he’s doing the little things just to see you smile, that’s some real love right there. Maybe it’s bringing home your favorite treat after a bad day, or surprising you with flowers just because.
This isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about consistently showing he cares. This consistent effort to please you highlights how important your happiness is to him.
He might pick up an extra shift so he can save up for that trip you’ve been dreaming about. Or he’s always listening for hints on how to brighten your day, even in the smallest ways.
He Is Financially Responsible and Plans for the Future
If he’s talking budgets and savings plans, he’s not just thinking about next week’s groceries. He shows you his savings goals, maybe for a house or an emergency fund. He’s all about that stable future, and he wants to build it with you.
This isn’t just being good with money; it’s being smart for your future together. Being prudent with finances shows his maturity and readiness for lifelong commitments.
Example: He might say, “I’m saving for a downpayment on a house for us.” Or he might budget carefully and avoid unnecessary debt.
He Makes Effort to Maintain a Healthy Relationship
This guy isn’t just coasting along; he’s putting in the work to keep things going strong. Whether it’s regular date nights, or simply checking in to see how you’re doing, he’s on it. It’s about more than just fun; it’s about keeping your connection solid.
He listens, he talks, and he’s there for you because he knows that’s what makes a relationship last. He’s not waiting around for problems to fix themselves; he’s proactive about keeping things healthy between you two.
It would be nice to engage in these efforts and show appreciation for his commitment. Work together to build a stronger bond.
"He shows up when he says he will. If he blows you off, changes plans, or doesn't call, he's not ready for a serious, grownup relationship. If he is dependable, he's showing that he values you."
— Tina B. Tessina, PhD, LMFT | Licensed Psychotherapist | Author, "Dr. Romance's Guide to Finding Love Today"
He Is Devoted to Personal Growth and Self-Progress
He knows he’s not perfect, but he’s trying to be better every day, not just for himself, but for you, too:
- He takes on new challenges.
- He reads up on how to enhance his skills.
- He is always looking to learn something new.
It’s not about showing off; it’s about growing as a person. He’s taking courses, setting goals, and maybe even hitting the gym more. The fact that he’s investing in himself means he’s also investing in a future with you.
He Is Proud to Have You by His Side in Public
When you’re out together, he’s not shying away; he’s beaming with pride. He holds your hand, introduces you with a smile, and isn’t afraid to show he’s with you. It’s not about a show but genuine pride.
He’s saying without words, “Look at this amazing person I’m with.” From the smallest gatherings to the biggest events, having you by his side makes him happiest.
What it looks like:
- At parties, he’s always within reach and often bringing you into conversations.
- He shows affection in public with a hand on your back or a peck on the cheek without hesitation.
- Social media? He’s not shy about posting pictures with you and sharing your accomplishments.
He Is Attentive to Your Needs and Feelings
He’s got this knack for picking up on your moods and stepping in to help out before you even say a word. He notices when you’re happy, sad, or stressed and responds in a supportive way.
It could be as simple as grabbing a blanket when you’re chilly without you having to ask or noticing when you’re not quite yourself and asking what’s up.
It’s about more than just being considerate; it’s about him being connected to you on a deeper level. When someone pays this much attention to your needs and feelings, it’s because they care. A lot.
He Makes You Feel Like a Priority
Making you a priority means that no matter how busy life gets, he always finds ways to include you and make sure you feel important in his life. It’s one thing to say you’re important, but it’s another to show it consistently through actions.
You’re not just another person on his to-do list; you’re at the top. He’s making it obvious that you come first, and that’s pretty awesome.
You can tell by how he treats you that you’re significant, and he’s always making sure you know it. When someone is serious about you, they make sure you never have to wonder where you stand in their life.
He Recalls Important Dates and Events in Your Life
Whether it’s your birthday, the anniversary of the first time you met, or a big job interview you’ve got lined up, he’s got it all remembered.
You don’t have to drop hints or remind him about what matters to you. He’s the one reminding you and even celebrating these milestones with you.
Sure, he might set a reminder on his phone, but the fact that he makes the effort means you’re on his mind. When he’s keeping track of the dates important to you, it means he’s really invested in your life.
He Makes Sacrifices for You
It’s not all about him; he’s all about giving things up for you when it counts. When he makes sacrifices for your happiness or well-being, it shows that he values your needs highly, sometimes even above his own.
These sacrifices are his way of saying you’re worth it. He’s thinking about what’s best for the team, not just himself. Making sacrifices is a true indicator that he’s ready to share a life with you where both of you work together to overcome challenges.
This usually looks like the following:
- He’s booking a day off work to be with you for an important appointment.
- He compromises on things that matter to him for your sake.
- You’ll catch him up early making breakfast, even though he’s a love-to-sleep-in kind of guy.
He Uses “We” Instead of “I”
When he talks about the future, his plans, or his dreams, it’s never just “I” anymore; it’s always “we”. It’s not just a change in pronouns; it’s a shift in perspective. It’s like he’s reprogramming his whole vocabulary to include you in everything.
This linguistic shift is a subtle yet powerful sign that he sees you both as a team and your lives as interconnected. He views decisions and experiences as something you share together, not just alongside each other.
"He refers to 'we,' 'us,' and 'our.' 'We had fun,' 'Our friends are doing this,' 'I think this would be good for us.' Using this language indicates that he's becoming bonded—he views the two of you as a partnership."
— Tina B. Tessina, PhD, LMFT | Licensed Psychotherapist | Author, "Dr. Romance's Guide to Finding Love Today"
He Makes an Effort to Resolve Conflicts
Every couple argues. But with him, it’s not about winning; it’s about understanding each other and finding a solution. He doesn’t let things fester; he values the relationship enough to talk it out and move forward.
Making up and moving on — that’s his style. He knows that a lasting, soon-to-be-married type of love means facing problems head-on together, like, for instance:
- After a disagreement, he’s the first to say, “Let’s talk about what happened and find a way to fix it.”
- You notice he’s all ears and open to seeing things from your perspective, even when it’s tough.
- He’s not above apologizing first if it means mending fences and getting back to the good stuff.
"When the going gets tough, as it always does eventually in relationships, does he pull away, become distant, respond less? Or does he rise to the challenge, tells you he wants to make things work, and actively pursues constructive change in your communication with each other?"
— Dr. Patricia Celan | Psychiatry Resident, Dalhousie University
He Sees You as His Partner and Equal
When he talks to you, it’s not like he’s the boss — it’s clear he treats you with the same respect and importance as himself. He wants to share responsibilities and joys equally.
He values your thoughts and listens to your opinions because they matter just as much as his. It shows he respects you, not just as his love but as his equal partner. This partnership mentality shows he’s looking for a grown-up, balanced relationship.
He Is Patient and Understanding During Tough Times
His patience and understanding during challenges show his commitment. Life isn’t always easy, and his patience helps you get through tough periods together. He’s not rushing you through your feelings; he’s giving you the space and time you need to get through them.
This understanding nature is a key sign of his readiness for a long-term relationship. It means he’s there for you, no matter what.
For instance, he might say, “Take your time to talk; I’m here for you.” He could also be reassuring, “We’ll get through this together, one step at a time.”
He Compliments You Genuinely
The way he compliments you isn’t just flattery; it’s real talk. He notices the things you do, the effort you put in, and he lets you know he appreciates it.
It could be about how you handled a tough situation or just how great you look today. And these aren’t just throwaway lines; he means every word. His genuine compliments are like little signs that say, “I love who you are.”
What you can do: Accept his compliments and reciprocate with genuine praise. Let him know his kind words mean a lot to you.
Excerpts From the Experts
“He’s asked you ‘something’ about a ring. Whether it’s an off-handed question about your ring size or a haphazard comment about a particular design, he’s brought up engagement rings in the past. Anything having to do with a ring could indicate a proposal.
He enjoys going to weddings with you. Some men don’t have any interest in getting married. You can tell if they make snarky remarks during other weddings or engagement parties about the pointlessness of marriage. It’s a positive sign if he shows interest in wanting to go to weddings.
He’s acting strange. If your boyfriend is starting to act ‘off,’ it could cause alarm. You might feel worried that he’s cheating or struggling with something else.
However, it could be a sign that he’s getting ready to pop the question and is just feeling incredibly anxious! This strangeness can persist for several weeks or months.”
— Nicole Arzt | Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist | Professional Content Contributor for InvigorMedical
“He wants to have sex, but he wants other things, too. He spends time with you that won’t necessarily lead to sex. He makes plans in advance and suggests the two of you do things and go places just for fun.
He asks you to accompany him on family outings, work-related social events, and for drinks with the guys after his basketball game.
He probably doesn’t realize it, but he’s building a shared social life and leisure life together.”
— Tina B. Tessina, PhD, LMFT | Licensed Psychotherapist | Author, “Dr. Romance’s Guide to Finding Love Today“
“He wants to live together. This is a sign he’s getting comfortable with the idea of settling down and doesn’t need the bachelor life anymore. Moving in together is especially significant if he wants your shared home to be owned, not rented, and if he has made any mention of adopting a pet together.
Be wary, though; sometimes, a man is perfectly content to always have a live-in girlfriend and not a wife.
He is comfortable discussing marriage. When he sees a wedding on TV, in movies, or among your friends, a man who wants to marry you may ask your opinion on certain aspects of it or may subtly hint at what he would like when he marries you.
If he gets awkward, uncomfortable, and evasive, then he may not want marriage at all—or at least not with you.”
— Dr. Patricia Celan | Psychiatry Resident, Dalhousie University
“You’ve already made it clear you want to marry him. Dropping thousands of dollars on a ring, planning a big proposal, and actually popping the question are really big steps for a man, and he likely won’t go through all of this if there’s any chance you’ll say no. It’s a lot of pride and money on the line.
If you haven’t talked about it in a casual way or made it really clear that you’re ready to make this move, he likely won’t be proposing anytime soon.
He lets you do what you want. If you want to go to a chick flick, he’d normally say “No,” but today, he’s okay with it—this is a huge sign! A man who is ready to settle down with a woman understands that he will not always get his way.
He is ready to give up some control and autonomy to make you happy. He does this because he knows that being in a partnership for life will require some compromise.
He lets you be yourself. A man who is ready to commit to you forever is going to be more forgiving of your flaws. If he has reached the point of wanting to buy a ring and make a whole shebang out of your relationship, he has fully accepted who you are.
If you find that he doesn’t nag you, tell you to change, or make fun of you (in a mean way), he has fully accepted you as his life partner.”
— Lana Otoya | Professional Dating Coach, Millennialships
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I bring up the topic of marriage without scaring him away?
Start with light conversations about future plans and gradually share your thoughts about marriage. It’s important to be honest about your feelings and see how he responds to the idea.
He talks about the future, but always vaguely—what does this mean?
Vague talks about the future could be a sign that he’s not yet ready for a serious commitment. It’s important to have a direct conversation to understand where he stands and what his intentions are.
What if he’s showing all the signs but hasn’t proposed yet?
A proposal can take time, even if he’s sure he wants to marry you. Life circumstances, personal readiness, and timing all play a role. If you’re confident about his intentions, have patience and communicate your feelings about the future.
How long should I wait for a proposal if I’m seeing these signs?
There’s no set timeline for proposals as every relationship moves at its own pace. Focus on the quality of your relationship and communication about your mutual timelines for marriage.
He says he wants to marry me but isn’t taking any steps. What should I do?
Discuss your concerns with him. It’s important to understand each other’s expectations and timelines, and you might find that he has plans you weren’t aware of or that there are things you both need to work on together.
Final Thoughts
It’s not always easy to know if your partner wants to marry you. But if you agree with most of the signs on this list, it’s likely that he’s serious about a future with you.
To know for sure, talk with him. Work on your relationship, communicate openly, and share your dreams and goals.
Remember, marriage is a big decision, and it’s okay if your partner needs more time. When the time is right, you’ll both feel it!
