It's understandable that you want to know if your partner is committed to a long-term relationship with you. One option is to directly ask them, but you can also pay attention to certain behaviors and actions that may indicate they see a future with you. Here are 12 signs to watch for.
1. He plays the "what if?" game
If your partner frequently asks you "what if?" questions related to the future, it could be a sign that they are considering the possibility of building a future with you. These types of questions, such as "What if you got a chance to move to LA—would you go?" and "What if you decided to get married—would you elope?", allow your partner to get to know you better and explore how your future plans align with theirs. It's possible that they are trying to gauge how compatible you are for a long-term relationship.
2. He says "our" and "we"
Pay attention to the way your partner speaks about the future and present. If they frequently use "we" and "our" when discussing their plans and goals, it could be a sign that they see a future with you. For example, if they say things like "I see us living in that house" or "I see myself starting that new job overseas with you by my side," it indicates that they are envisioning a shared future with you. This is one of the more obvious signs that your partner sees a long-term future with you.
3. He invites you to meet his extended family
If your partner introduces you to extended family members, especially those who they don't have a close relationship with, it could be a sign that they see a long-term future with you. They want you to be a part of their family and for their family to get to know you. On the other hand, if your partner only introduces you to their immediate family and doesn't make an effort to include you in events with extended family, it may indicate that they see your relationship as more short-term. A person who sees a long-term future with their partner will want to involve them in all aspects of their life, including their relationships with extended family.
4. He respects your boundaries
A clear indication that he sees a future with you is when he respects and accepts your boundaries, no matter what they may be. Maintaining a healthy distance and understanding each other's limits is important for any relationship. "While it is good to have open communication with each other, setting private boundaries is also an essential part of the relationship," According to dating and relationship expert Celia Schweyer, "If you and your partner exactly know when and where to stop in terms of private matters, that is an indicator that your relationship is going to last. This is simply because you respect each other's individual lives, and as we all know, respect is one of the keys to achieving a long-lasting relationship."
5. He asks for your advice on big issues
If your partner confides in you and seeks your input on important matters related to their personal growth and goals, it may be a sign that they see you as a long-term part of their future. This demonstrates that they value your opinion and want to include you in their decision-making process, which suggests that they see a shared future with you.
6. He talks about your future self
If your partner makes comments about your potential role in their future, such as suggesting that you would make a great mother or be a beautiful bride, it may be a sign that they see a long-term future with you. These types of statements indicate that your partner is thinking about the future and envisioning you as a part of it. They may not necessarily be planning to have children or get married in the near future, but these comments show that they see the potential for those things with you in the long term.
7. He's changing himself
If your partner is willing to put in the effort to meet your relationship expectations and make you happy, it may be a sign that they see a long-term future with you. They want to maintain a healthy and fulfilling relationship with you and are willing to work towards that goal. However, it's important to remember that the healthiest relationships are built on acceptance and understanding. While it's great that your partner is motivated to be the best version of themselves, it's also important that they are genuine and true to themselves. Make sure that your partner is comfortable being themselves and not just trying to be the person they think you want them to be.
8. His behavior is consistent
If your partner consistently treats you with respect and communicates with you on a regular basis, it may be a sign that they see a long-term future with you. Licensed clinical social worker Charese L. Josie, LCSW, explains that "He provides clarity of his intentions with the relationship when he calls or sends text messages on a consistent basis. If he initiates some type of interaction with you daily, he is showing that you are a priority in his life." Consistent and clear communication is an important aspect of any healthy relationship, and if your partner is making an effort to stay in touch with you and make you feel valued, it may indicate that they see a long-term future with you.
More Signs He Sees A Future With You
1. He makes an effort with your nuts uncle
If your partner is willing to spend time with your difficult relatives and doesn't complain about it, it may be a sign that they see a long-term future with you. This demonstrates that they are willing to make an effort to be a part of your life and are committed to building a relationship with you. It's a positive sign that they are putting in the work to ensure that they remain a part of your life and are willing to be respectful and understanding, even when dealing with challenging family dynamics.
2. He tells you how much his family loves you
If your partner frequently mentions that their family members like you or get along well with you, it could be a sign that they see a long-term future with you. It shows that they envision you as being a part of their family and that you fit well with them. They may even go so far as to express the value you bring to their family. This suggests that they are thinking about the long-term and envisioning a future with you that extends beyond just the two of you as a couple. It's a strong indication that they see a future with you that includes a lifetime commitment.
3. He cares about what's important to your future
If your partner cares about your personal goals and supports you in pursuing them, it may be a sign that they see a long-term future with you. This demonstrates that they are invested in your happiness and well-being and want to be a part of your life for the long haul. It's a strong indication that they are serious about you and see a future with you beyond just your relationship goals. Only a partner who is committed to you and your future together would take an active interest in the things that matter to you.
4. He buys you a pet
If your partner brings home a pet, it could be a sign that they see a long-term future with you. A pet is a significant addition to any family, as it requires a lot of care and attention. By bringing a pet into your life, your partner is expressing a willingness to take on a shared responsibility and to make a long-term commitment to you. It's a strong indication that they see a future with you that includes building a family together. However, it's important to remember that it's presumptuous to assume that your partner sees a long-term future with you simply because they have brought home a pet. It's always a good idea to communicate openly and honestly with your partner about your expectations and desires for the future.
5. He shares his passwords
If your partner is willing to share passwords to their social media accounts and other assets with you, it may be a sign that they trust you and see a long-term future with you. This demonstrates a level of openness and vulnerability that is often reserved for close family members or significant others who are seen as long-term partners. It's a strong indication that your partner sees you as a partner for the long haul and trusts you enough to share intimate details of their life with you.
6. He's an open book
If your partner is open and transparent with you about all aspects of their life, it may be a sign that they see a long-term future with you. This includes being willing to share details about their friends, activities, hobbies, and other areas of their life, and talking openly about their feelings and thoughts. It's important to reciprocate this level of openness and honesty in the relationship in order to foster trust and build a strong connection.
7. You feature heavily on his social media accounts
If your partner is not shy about showing you off on social media, it may be a sign that they see a long-term future with you. According to Michelle Fraley, a certified life coach, relationship expert, and professional matchmaker, this is "the modern-day equivalent to yelling from the mountaintops." Fraley adds: "If your partner is sharing a lot of photos or stories highlighting your relationship, that is a clear sign that they are happy, proud of your relationship, and not leaving their window open for other relationships, which are all things that are important in creating a lasting relationship."
8. He's willing to compromise
One of the most telling signs that he sees a future with you is his willingness to make concessions for the sake of the relationship. This demonstrates his commitment and shows that he is not stubbornly set on having things only his way. "Some people, they run into one little issue in a relationship and they just give up," According to Laura Jacobs, who is a matchmaker and the founder of Modern Dating Coach, "If you've invested in that emotional connection with your partner, it's essential to compromise, negotiate, and communicate on all issues and not just throw in the towel when you have one little thing go wrong."
