Dating in your 20’s can be really difficult. It’s the time in your life where you are in the, what I like to call, “gray area” when it comes to relationships. You’re still young enough where you can have a good time and date around, but in time, you reach the point where you worry about who you’re going to spend the rest of your life with.

When this happens, you take a look around yourself and the men who you have let into your world and realize—some of them have been complete tool-bags. You’ve let in players, f*ckboys, a**holes and liars. You’ve dated the manipulator, the charming but douchey guy and—you’ve even slept with a few of them too.

But, there comes a point in time where you finally find someone who doesn’t fall into the above categories, and, you realize—you’ve finally found a good guy.

1. He’s honest with you from the very beginning about his intentions and what he’s looking for.

2. He treats you like a person and not just a piece of meat.

3. He wants you to be around him all the time, not just on Friday nights.

4. He communicates with you efficiently and doesn’t leave you on “read’ for days.

5. He doesn’t play the whole “jealousy” game, making you chase after him.

6. He makes you feel reassured and comfortable in where you’re headed.

7. He wants to have you meet the important people in his life.

8. He cares about your hobbies and interests.

9. He plans dates and trips, instead of just taking you to his apartment all the time.

10. He isn’t ashamed to show you his insecurities or flaws.

11. He isn’t afraid to be sentimental or romantic.

12. He doesn’t talk badly about you amongst his friends.

13. He talks about a future with you.

14. He takes time out of his life to build a relationship with your friends and family.

15. He congratulates you on the big accomplishments.

16. He remembers important dates, like birthdays and anniversaries.

17. He doesn’t call you “clingy” or “needy” when you need a little TLC.

18. He always makes an effort.

19. He doesn’t push you away when he’s having a rough day.

20. He talks to you about his dreams and aspirations.

21. He doesn’t judge your taste in music or TV shows.

22. He doesn’t judge your past or who you’ve dated before him.

23. He treats his family with respect and love.

24. He doesn’t mind carrying your baggage from time to time (physically and emotionally).

25. He doesn’t expect you to do all of the cooking.

26. He respects your boundaries and when you say “no.”

27. He compliments your quirks and enjoys them.

28. He doesn’t hate your granny panties you wear during “that time of the month.”

29. He doesn’t make you feel guilty about working overtime.

30. He wants to build an empire with you, not just for himself.

31. He doesn’t check out every girl that walks by him in the bar.

32. He makes it known you are his girl.

33. He makes you feel like the best version of yourself.

34. He doesn’t ignore you during arguments but instead wants to talk things out.

35. He holds the term “relationship” to a high standard and doesn’t make you feel like you can’t trust him.

36. He ensures that you’re always comfortable when you go to his friends’ parties or a business dinner.

37. He asks for your thoughts and advice on the big things.

38. He isn’t afraid to use the term “love.”

39. He makes the little stuff just as important as the big stuff.

40. He never lets you forget how much you mean to him.