If a man avoids these 8 behaviors, he’s probably ready for real commitment

Navigating the realm of relationships can be a tricky business, whether you’re just starting out or deep in the throes of love.

We’ve all been there, trying to decipher the enigmatic male species, wondering if he’s ready for the real deal or just playing around. It’s not always easy, and more often than not, it’s downright confusing.

It doesn’t have to be all guesswork and crossed fingers though.

There are certain behaviours, eight in fact, that if a man is avoiding, they can be a pretty good indicator that he’s probably ready for real commitment.

Let’s dive in and see how we can spot these signs, shall we?

I promise you, it won’t be as hard as deciphering a cryptic crossword or polishing a rough draft of a manuscript (and trust me, I’ve had my fair share of both).

Understanding these behaviours might just save you some sleepless nights wondering where your relationship is heading.

Let’s get into it: Here’s what to look out for when you are trying to figure out if a man is ready to take the next big step.

1) He’s not playing games

We’ve all been there: the guy who says one thing and does another, who’s hot one minute and cold the next, who leaves you guessing and second-guessing.

It’s like a bad game of chess where you don’t know the rules, and let’s face it, it’s exhausting.

But when a man is ready for real commitment, this kind of behaviour is off the table.

He won’t string you along or keep you in the dark about his intentions. His actions will match his words, he’ll be consistent in his behaviour and transparent about his feelings.

It’s a clear sign he’s not just ‘playing around’. He’s serious about you and the relationship. This isn’t about winning a game; it’s about building a partnership.

And that, my dear reader, is the first sign that he’s probably ready for real commitment. If he’s avoiding mind games, it’s a pretty good indicator that he’s in it for the long haul.

2) He’s open about his past

The second sign of a man ready for real commitment is his openness about his past.

It’s no secret that our past experiences shape us in profound ways, and being honest about them is a significant part of building intimacy.

When he’s ready to commit, he won’t shy away from discussing past relationships, mistakes, or life lessons.

He’s not afraid to show you his scars because he trusts you won’t judge him for them.

I remember the moment I realized my partner was ready for a real commitment. One evening, we were just chilling on the couch, and out of the blue, he started talking about his past relationships.

He didn’t sugarcoat anything; he just told it like it was – the good, the bad, and the ugly.

I was taken aback initially. But then I realized that this was him showing me that he trusted me enough to let me into his world, warts and all.

His honesty not only brought us closer but also showed me that he was ready for a serious commitment.

If a man is avoiding hiding his past and instead shares it with you openly, it’s a strong sign that he’s ready for a real commitment.

3) He’s present in the moment

The famous American author, Bill Keane, once said, “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift of God, which is why we call it the present.”

This quote rings true in the realm of relationships, too. A man ready for commitment doesn’t spend his time dwelling on the past or obsessing over the future.

He lives in the present. He cherishes and appreciates every moment spent with you.

This doesn’t mean he’s reckless or doesn’t plan for the future, far from it. It means he’s fully engaged in the relationship now.

He savours your conversations, laughs at your jokes, listens to your stories, and shares his thoughts and feelings.

When a man is avoiding being distracted, when he’s fully present with you, when he’s not checking his phone every five minutes or letting his mind wander off somewhere else, that’s a good indicator that he values what you have right now.

And valuing the present moment is a clear sign that he’s ready for real commitment.

4) He’s not afraid of difficult conversations

In a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, researchers found that couples who engage in deep, meaningful conversations are generally happier than those who keep discussions on the surface level.

A man ready for real commitment understands this. He’s not afraid to delve into difficult conversations and discuss things that matter.

He doesn’t avoid talking about feelings, fears, dreams, or even conflicts. Instead, he embraces these conversations because he knows they bring you two closer.

He might not always have the right words or know the best way to handle a tough topic, but he makes the effort. He listens, he empathizes, and he tries to understand your perspective.

A man avoiding surface-level conversations and pushing for depth and understanding is another sign that he’s probably ready for real commitment.

5) He’s supportive of your individuality

In the midst of all the conversations, the moments shared, and the depth of understanding, one crucial aspect often overlooked is the respect for individuality.

A man truly ready for commitment understands that a relationship is not about losing oneself but about supporting each other’s individuality.

He doesn’t expect you to give up on your dreams, hobbies, or friends for the sake of the relationship.

Instead, he encourages you to pursue your passions because he knows that your individual happiness contributes to the happiness of the relationship.

He doesn’t see your individuality as a threat to the relationship.

Rather, he sees it as something that enhances it. He enjoys that you have interests separate from his and encourages you to pursue them.

When a man avoids stifling your individuality and instead supports and encourages it, it’s a strong sign that he’s probably ready for real commitment.

6) He’s reliable

Being reliable might not be the most glamorous trait, but it’s one of the most important in a potential life partner.

A man ready for real commitment understands the importance of being someone you can count on. He keeps his promises and follows through on his commitments.

Whether it’s showing up for a date on time, meeting your friends, or helping you with something important, you know you can depend on him.

He doesn’t make grandiose promises he can’t keep. Instead, he does what he says he will, even when it’s not convenient or easy. His actions demonstrate his reliability time and again.

When a man avoids breaking promises or being flaky and instead proves to be reliable, it’s a tremendous sign that he’s probably ready for real commitment.

7) He’s respectful towards you

Respect is the cornerstone of any healthy relationship. It’s more than just treating you well; it’s about valuing your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

A man ready for commitment doesn’t belittle you or make you feel insignificant.

He doesn’t dismiss your opinions or ignore your emotions. Instead, he listens attentively and values what you have to say. He treats you with the same level of respect he’d want in return.

Respect also extends to boundaries.

He understands that no means no, and he respects your personal space and time. He never forces you to do something you’re uncomfortable with or pressures you into making decisions.

When a man avoids disrespecting you in any form and instead treats you with the respect you deserve, it’s a clear sign that he’s ready for real commitment.

8) He talks about the future with you in it

Last, but certainly not least, a man ready for commitment isn’t afraid to talk about the future – and more importantly, a future with you in it.

He’s not just planning for the weekend or the next holiday. He’s making plans for the years to come, and those plans include you.

Whether it’s discussing where you might live, potential career moves, or even starting a family, he’s open about his vision for the future.

This doesn’t mean he’s rushing things or trying to lock you down. It simply means he sees a potential future with you and is not afraid to express it.

When a man avoids keeping the relationship stuck in the present and is willing to discuss future plans with you in it, it’s perhaps the strongest sign yet that he’s ready for real commitment.

The final takeaway

If you’ve been nodding along to these signs, you’re likely with a man who’s avoiding the pitfalls that can hold him back from real commitment.

That’s good news. It means you’re not just in a relationship, but in a partnership. And that’s a beautiful thing.

But it’s important to note that even the man who ticks off all these boxes isn’t perfect. He’s human, just like you, and humans are ever-evolving creatures.

The most important thing is that he tries, he grows, and he remains committed to doing better.

So, look out for these signs, but remember to listen to your gut too. After all, nobody knows your relationship better than you do.

In the wise words of Maya Angelou, “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.”

Trust his actions more than his words and let his consistency prove his readiness for commitment.

And lastly, don’t forget to appreciate him. Cherish the love you share and know that by avoiding these behaviors, he’s showing up for you and for the relationship.

Here’s to love and commitment!