A grand romantic gesture is thrilling. But meaningful connection comes from small, consistent acts of respect and care. Here are 12 ways to tell if he’s doing the things that show he’s totally in it with you for the long haul.

1. You’re a Priority

Life gets hectic, but he needs to find ways to make time for you. That shows you that you matter. A quick check-in text or rearranging plans to be with you, time with you should be essential. You’re not an afterthought.

2. He Values Your Boundaries 

Respecting boundaries is part of demonstrating genuine care. When he values your boundaries, he doesn’t push you into things you’re uncomfortable with. He listens when you say “no.” This is more than just a sign of love. This respect shows that he honors you as an individual.

3. He’s Reliable

Being fun in good times is easy. But a true partner will also stand by you in challenging times. He supports, listens, and sometimes is just with you, even when things get tough. Unwavering loyalty shows he’s more likely your forever person.

4. Open and Honest Communication 

As your forever person, he communicates feelings, thoughts, and plans openly with you. You’re not left guessing or wondering if he’s hiding things. When problems come up, he works through it with you because he trusts you.

5. Celebrating Your Successes

Does he genuinely delight in your achievements? Support your goals? Without being jealous or competing with you? He wants you to succeed as your own person. Expect him to be your biggest cheerleader and fan.

6. Consistent, Dependable, Steady Effort

Consistent effort is more powerful in the long run than short-term grand gestures. Instead of only trying to impress you with big, showy events, he shows up when he says he will and follows through on promises. He does what he says and says what he does.

7. He Apologizes and Improves for Next Time 

He’s not afraid to admit he’s wrong. He quickly apologizes and takes steps to change and improve. When he makes a mistake that hurts you, he learns from it. He respects you enough to change his behaviors and work on the relationship.

8. Supports Your Independence 

A forever person won’t try to make you feel guilty for spending time by yourself or pursuing separate interests. He encourages your independent growth and knows that you both need to be individuals for your relationship to thrive.

9. He Works to Understand You 

Relationships require more than surface-level knowledge, and he knows it. He learns about your passions, interests, and what makes you unique, even if they have no fascination for him at all.

10. He’s a Good Listener 

He listens closely to understand your perspective, even when he doesn’t share your interests or fully agree. He listens to show he values your feelings and wants you to feel heard. You can go on about your pottery class, tomatoes in the garden, or what happened at work today, and he listens because he cares about you, not the topic.

11. He Shows Up for Little Things 

He remembers your coffee order and makes sure to ask about your day. He remembers your favorite restaurant and helps carry groceries. He shows he cares in little ways, so everyday life feels special.

12. Not Looking for Perfection 

He knows nobody is perfect, including himself. He accepts your flaws and his own. And he doesn’t try to change you into some ideal. He appreciates you as you are. That way, he chooses love and understanding over criticism and unrealistic expectations.

True love with your forever person is built on small acts of respect, kindness, and understanding. When he puts in an effort, it’s a good sign he’s committed to you and having a meaningful relationship.

Your forever person isn’t someone who makes you feel loved with grand gestures sometimes. He’s the one who shows up consistently, every day, in so many ways that matter.