14 Things That Make Him Seem Like A Better Catch Than He Is

It’s easy to think that just because a man is charming or kind, he’s a good catch—but this doesn’t always create a happy long-term relationship. Here are 14 things you might be impressed by that actually don’t mean he’ll be great boyfriend material:

1. He’s great on paper. He meets all your requirements, your family loves him and he’s a decent guy. The only problem? You feel no sparks with him. You could go ahead and date him seeing as though he seems to be such a great catch in theory, but you’re bound to be disappointed in real life.
2. He’s nice. The nice guy can be so refreshing to meet, especially after you’ve dated a few toxic bad boys. It’s only natural that you feel guilty when telling him you’re not interested. The problem with nice guys is that they sometimes use this to get dates but then it becomes a crutch. They think being nice is enough. It really isn’t.
3. He’s pretty popular. Okay, he might not be stage-diving into a crowd of thousands, but he’s really popular and loved by many. Why does this guy seem like such a catch? Well, if he’s liked by so many people, he has social status and you might think that all those people can’t be wrong for backing this guy, right? Wrong! They can because he could be faking it.
4. He’s got a girlfriend. When a guy’s taken, it makes him seem like a more attractive prospect. Why? It boils down to how being in a relationship means that he’s got to have some great traits otherwise his girlfriend would’ve left him. If he can make her happy, he could make you happy, the logic goes. But it’s faulty. You actually have no idea what he’s really like as a boyfriend!
5. He’s musical. Musicians always seem so damn sexy and creative. It’s not just you—a French survey found that when a handsome man complimented women and asked for their phone numbers, he was more successful when he carried a guitar case. But let’s be real—just because a man can sing or play the drums, it doesn’t mean he’s worthy of your time.
6. He makes you laugh. Being around a guy who makes you laugh is awesome, especially if you find the same things funny. In fact, research shows that 77 percent of women want a man who tickles their funny bone. But make sure that his jokes are balanced with the ability to be serious when need be, otherwise, you’re just dating a clown.
7. He’s super hot. Ah, those hot guys you crave dating without even knowing what they’re about. What gives? You might associate good looks with other good boyfriend qualities. For example, you think if he’s hot, he might be kind, sweet or romantic—yup, just like in the romcoms. Sadly, this isn’t so. Often, the hot guy is an asshole because he knows his good looks get him far.
8. His loved ones like you. You’re dating a guy with kids who simply adore you. Next thing you know, you’re seeing your boyfriend as much more of a catch than he might actually be. Same goes for his friends who you always have a blast with or his mother who you feel you can really talk to. Your boyfriend’s loved ones shouldn’t distract you from who he is when he stands alone, otherwise, you’re with him for the wrong reasons.
9. He’s a serial monogamist. When you find out that the guy you’re dating has been in many long-term relationships before you, you might think this makes him a catch. He appears to be serious about relationships and a committed guy, and that might be true, but who knows why those relationships ended or even what they were really like?
10. He wears glasses. Nerds are hot! Just thinking of mental stimulation with a hot guy is such a turn-on. But wait a second—is the cute guy wearing the hipster glasses really intelligent or just a cute guy wearing glasses? Maybe it’s time to stop watching “The Big Bang Theory.”
11. He’s going gray. Older guys seem to have their shit together. They’ve grown up and know themselves. A 2010 study found that women prefer older men, especially when the women are financially independent. Why? It gives the women more confidence in choosing more powerful men. But hold on—just because a man’s older and financially stable, it doesn’t mean he’s powerful or emotionally mature. Seriously, there are older men out there who are still acting like they’re in their early 20s.
12. He’s nuts about you. You might start out feeling lukewarm about the guy you’re dating. Meanwhile, he’s totally crazy about you and shows it. After a bit of time, this might actually sway you, making you warm to him. Who could blame you after all those other guys gave you mixed messages or strung you along? But just because he’s so into you, it doesn’t mean he deserves you. Besides, you should never be with someone just because they make you feel good about yourself.
13. He’s charming. A guy who gives you attention, sweeps you off your feet and makes you feel like a million bucks can charm you ’til the cows come home. You might associate his charm with real interest in you, but it’s not always the case. Just think—bad boys tend to be charming and we all know what assholes they turn out to be.
14. He walks tall. When a guy’s confident, it’s attractive because he’s not focused on what other people think of him, he can take control and he’s got an alpha male attitude. Grrr, sexy! But just be careful: there’s a thin line between being confident and being an arrogant jerk.