Romance

If He Won't Do These Things, He's Not Your Boyfriend

Determining if you are in a relationship can sometimes be unclear, especially in situations where an "almost relationship" is involved. To clarify if he is your boyfriend, consider if he is willing to do the following things:

1. Introduce you to his family

If you are familiar with all aspects of his life, such as his birthday and family events, but he does not make an effort to introduce you to his own family or friends, it's likely that he is not your boyfriend. Instead, he might be a friend with benefits or a casual hookup partner.

2. Kiss you goodbye

A common understanding is that kissing is a more intimate act than sexual intercourse. If a person avoids kissing you or appears uncomfortable when you try to initiate a kiss, it may be an indication that they do not see you as their boyfriend. As they do not want to give the wrong impression or mislead you by showing affection if they are not committed to you.

3. Be affectionate with you in public

If a person is affectionate and attentive in private, but does not display the same behavior in public, it is likely that they do not see themselves as your boyfriend. If they are not publicly claiming you, it is possible that they do not consider the relationship to be official. It's important to note that this could also be a sign of embarrassment about the relationship.

4. Invite you out with his friends

Not being introduced to a person's friends is a significant indication that the person does not see themselves as your boyfriend. In a dating relationship, a person would want their friends to meet and approve of you, and for you to become a part of their social circle. If you have never met their friends or have only been briefly introduced, it is likely that you are not in a committed relationship.

5. Buy you tampons

A person who cares about their significant other may be willing to purchase necessary items, such as menstrual products, for them during their period. This can be seen as a small but meaningful gesture of care and support. However, it's important to note that some people may have different comfort levels or cultural norms surrounding buying these items, so it's not a hard and fast rule.

6. Say "I love you" in front of his friends

Hearing someone express love for you when they are drunk is not the same as them confidently professing it in front of their friends. It may be a nice sentiment, but if the person is not willing to openly acknowledge their feelings for you when they are sober, it's likely that they do not see themselves as your boyfriend.

7. Hold your hair back

Having friends to support you during difficult times is important, but a boyfriend should also be there to care for you and ensure your well-being. If he leaves you alone while you are feeling sick and does not show concern or make an effort to take care of you, it is likely that he does not have genuine feelings for you. In this case, it would be better to consider him an unkind person rather than a boyfriend.

8. Pay for your meal once in a while

Picking up the check is not always a requirement in a relationship, but a boyfriend should generally be willing to do so. If a person never offers to pay, it could be an indication that you are not in an official romantic relationship.

9. Listen to what you have to say

Being able to listen and show interest in your stories and experiences is an important aspect of any relationship. If a person does not pay attention or remember the details of your personal anecdotes, it could be a sign that they do not view themselves as your boyfriend and may not have a genuine interest in getting to know you.

10. Text/call you back

Being responsive to communication in a timely manner is an important aspect of any relationship. If a person takes an excessive amount of time to respond to your messages or calls, it could be a sign that they do not view themselves as your boyfriend and may not prioritize your communication. It's important to consider if the lack of responsiveness is something you are comfortable with in a relationship.