This post is likely to stir up some opinions! I was chatting to a male friend of mine recently about my string of bad luck in the dating game. In the past 12 months I’ve dated a few different men, 3 of them being guys I could see myself having a relationship with. For various reasons, all 3 didn’t work out and in hindsight, I can honestly say they weren’t the right guys for me anyway.

As hard as it is being single (I’ve written about this and relationships here, here, here and here!), I’ve never been and never will be a girl that needs to be in a relationship. Don’t get me wrong, I would love to be in a deeply loving and meaningful relationship, but certainly don’t date willy nilly so I don’t feel alone like I know a lot of women (and men) do. It’s got to feel right, like there could be potential there.

 

My friend emailed me a post from James Michael Sama’s blog, entitled 10 Ways To Know You’re Dating A Real Man. I’ve gotta tell ya, this is exactly the kind of man I would LOVE to have in my life…in fact, these qualities James describes are precisely what I am looking for in a partner. I have definitely met men who treat women this way, so I do know they exist, but in recent times the men I have been involved with are falling short in a couple of qualites James speaks about. They are mostly points 4 and 5 which are both to do with communication and honesty, and are very important in my book.

I contacted James and asked if he’d mind me sharing his post on my page, and he was more than happy for me to! Interesting reading a male’s point of view on this subject….

What do you think?

10 Ways To Know You’re Dating A Real Man by James M Sama

1. A real man values more than just your looks.

Is every compliment from him about a different body part? It doesn’t matter how creative he can be, if a guy’s sole focus is on how you look, or ‘talking dirty,’ see it as a red flag. A real man will value your personality, your kindness, your intelligence, and who you are as a person, in general. The things he makes you feel good about will be things that you control, not just results of getting lucky in the gene pool.

2. A real man will never be intimidated by your motivation.

A man who has goals for himself, will want to be with a woman who has goals for her own life, too. He will never feel intimidated or threatened by a woman who goes after what she wants. He will want to be part of a power couple, rather than a dictatorship. Be mindful of anyone who tries to keep you from pursuing your dreams.

3. A real man will have more interests than just you.

I don’t mean this in a negative way. You should, of course, be a priority in his life – but he needs to have a life as well. Interests, friends, hobbies, aspirations. If a man works his entire life around you, it’s another red flag – relationships should be a great part of your life, but not encompass your whole life.

4. A real man will give you answers.

No matter how awkward or uncomfortable a situation is, a real man will approach it, and you, with respect. I have always felt that a mark of a man is how he handles conflict, criticism, and less-than-ideal situations. A man will not dance around answers or make excuses. If there is something you two need to talk about, he will talk about it.

5. A real man is direct.

In addition to the last point – there will be no mind games or manipulation in your relationship. A man will be direct, to the point, and honest with you…but with kindness.

6. A real man will trust you.

As long as you haven’t betrayed his trust, a man will NOT be paranoid, or snoop around invading your privacy to make sure you’re not doing anything bad. He will have confidence in your relationship. A boy will project his own insecurities onto you, and like termites in a house, will eat away at the foundation of what you’ve built.

7. A real man is cool, calm, and collected.

It should be understood that part of what comes with the territory of having a girlfriend, is dealing with her getting hit on. If you’re at the bar together, or if she’s out with her friends, it goes without saying that your girlfriend will get hit on every once in awhile.

Instead of letting his primate instincts prevail and beating his chest like an angry gorilla to scare off competition, a confident man will calmly make his position known, and understand that you’re still going home with him at the end of the night.

8. A real man will show you respect.

Nothing signifies an empty shell of a man more than someone who disrespects women, animals, or children. A real man will treat you with the respect that you deserve, never force you to do anything you’re uncomfortable with, and never mistreat you. Be honest enough with yourself to walk away from any situation that is dangerous to you, physically or emotionally.

9. A real man will put effort into your relationship.

Boys are generally apathetic and just look for one thing from a woman. A man, will do what it takes to make you happy, both inside and outside of the bedroom. Your happiness, is his reward.

10. A real man will make you want to be the best version of yourself, without changing who you really are.

A man will empower those around him. He will strive for greatness and therefore inspire others to strive for it as well. This not only includes friends and co-workers, but also significant others.

As Mark Twain said – Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.

If you do have one of these men in your life, make sure he knows he is appreciated.

What do you think of James’ post ladies?

Think he’s hit the nail on the head on some pretty important qualities?

I think it’s important to note that pretty much all of what James has written works both ways. Women should treat their partner with equal respect, trust and honesty, bringing out the best in them as well.

Something James doesn’t mention in detail in this post, but has in other posts, is chivalry. Being a gentleman and being old-fashioned & courteous by doing simple yet meaningful gestures such as opening a car door for a woman and letting her walk into a room first. I was brought up with a very old-fashioned English father who would stand up if I woman left the table to use the restroom; and would always walk on the side closest to the curb when in the company of a female – not common gestures from Australian men. Because I grew up witnessing this chivalry and always thought how lovely it was, I very early on looked for this quality in the men I dated.

But I know some women feel uncomfortable when a man is a gentleman, particularly Gen Y women, and I believe this makes it confusing for men…I’d love to know what you think. I personally find something extremely masculine and attractive about a man who’s a gentleman…I’m sure you do too!

Feel free to leave your thoughts and opinions below in the comments. And make sure you check out James’ blog for more insightful and honest posts on relationships.

Liz xx