The Good Boyfriend Checklist

Let’s just admit it: Sometimes guys are completely clueless. They say exactly the wrong thing at the wrong time and you just end up getting mad at them. Then there are times when they do things that surprise you and make you smile. They make you feel pretty and special and they brighten your day. They may not always get it right, but when they do, you appreciate them for showing you that they really do care. Here are 17 things guys do that make them good boyfriends — consider it your ultimate checklist. Maybe they’re not all necessary 100% of the time, but they certainly help.

  1. He holds your hand in public. Not all guys are so keen on PDA, even with something as small as holding your hand. But when they do, it gives you that warm, fuzzy feeling inside. It’s nice to show a little affection sometimes, and it’s also nice to know that he’s not afraid to show people you’re together.
  2. He buys you flowers. Maybe not every woman loves flowers, but they do love the sentiment in the gesture. Even if it’s on an occasion like Valentine’s Day or your birthday where it’s actually common to receive flowers, you do appreciate it.
  3. He cooks for you. The way to a woman’s heart is through her stomach. There’s nothing more attractive than a man who can cook, and better yet, a man that surprises you with a home-cooked meal after a long day at work.
  4. He shares his food with you. You may be a lady, but you still want to try some of his food (even just a tiny little bite). A guy that cares is a guy that shares… whatever he’s eating because it looks delicious.
  5. He shows up and supports you during a difficult situation. There’s nothing worse than facing a difficult situation all on your own. And when a guy shows up for you during those difficult times, it’s one of the best feelings in the world.
  6. He tells you you’re beautiful. All women want to hear that they’re beautiful, on the inside and out.  It’s a compliment even more powerful than a guy saying that you’re “hot” or “sexy” (but you want to be those things, too).
  7. He sends you a “good morning”/”good night” text. It’s a bit corny, but it does put a smile on your face. You don’t need one of these texts every single night of the week, because you know that mornings can be busy, and at night, sometimes you can just doze off. But the littlest sign that he’s thinking of you definitely makes you happy.
  8. He checks on you when either of you are traveling. Out of sight should not mean out of mind. If he’s traveling or you are, you don’t want to imagine his initial thoughts being, “Yeaaaa, freedom!” You want to know that you’re still on his mind and that he’s thinking of you even when we’re away.
  9. He plans a date night. It’s important to keep the romance alive. Watching an HBO series on a Sunday night does NOT count for date night. He should take you out, wine and dine you, and let you dress up once in a while.
  10. He goes to important family events (or any family events) with you. A guy that shows that he cares about your family is a guy that truly cares about you. Family comes first and you want to know that he feels the same way.
  11. He’s happy to hang out with your friends. Any guy that’s willing to hang out with your friends is definitely a keeper. Your friends are important and you should be able to integrate friend hangouts so that your guy is included.
  12. He includes you when he’s hanging out with his friends. One of the biggest tests to pass is whether or not his friends like you. You want to feel included and accepted by his friends the same way that you want your friends to include and accept him. No one wants to to be that girl who their boyfriend’s friends refer to as his “ball and chain”.  
  13. He chooses a movie that he knows you’ll both actually enjoy. If you’ve already told him that you hate scary movies and he puts on a slasher film that makes you cover your eyes the entire time, then he a) clearly doesn’t listen to you and b)doesn’t take your opinion into consideration. You want to watch a movie that you’ll both enjoy.
  14. He lets you know when he’s on his way home. One of the most annoying things that probably drives most women nuts is when you know your guy is out with his friends or co-workers, and you have no idea when he’s leaving. A simple text that says, “On my way home” is all you really need.
  15. He actually tells you when he’s made it home safely. And then a text to let us know that he’s actually made it home instead of taking a detour to another bar is also nice. Otherwise, your imagination will most likely run wild and you’ll assume he’s gotten into a car accident or are in bed with another woman.
  16. He talks to you on the phone. You’re not asking for 3-hour long phone conversations every single night, but it’s nice to hear his voice on the phone once in a while. He should pick up the phone and call you sometimes.
  17. He says “I love you”. Hearing those three words is one of the most important things that you want and need to hear. Women need the reassurance of knowing that he loves you. It’s as simple as that.
Lindsey is a Digital Advertising Professional and Freelance Writer based in New York City. In her spare time, she enjoys running, traveling, and drinking ridiculous amounts of coffee. Follow her on Twitter @lindseyruns
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