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Find out what qualities you should be on the lookout for on your next date
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When you’re deep in the dating game, knowing what qualities to look for in a guy can help you recognize who’s long-term partner material. If you’re wondering whether your new love interest is a keeper, try looking at some of the qualities below and seeing if you can check off most of the boxes. We interviewed Licensed Clinical Psychologist Dr. Chloe Charmichael to find out the best traits to look for in a potential partner. Keep reading to learn more!

  1. Life can be a rollercoaster full of ups and downs, but a guy with a good sense of humor can always pick you up when you’re feeling down.

    Laughter can relieve stress, elevate your mood, and make you more resilient to change—which are all incredibly valuable for creating intimacy and maintaining a solid, successful relationship.[4]

    How to know if he has a sense of humor: See if he always tries to make you laugh and never takes life too seriously.
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8

Emotional intelligence

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  1. Masculinity can be incredibly attractive, but you know what can be even more attractive? Being in touch with your emotions.

    Guys with high emotional awareness tend to be more self-aware and empathetic and address their needs and feelings in a calm, straightforward way.[10]

    How to know if he’s emotionally intelligent: He expresses his feelings, actively looks for ways to improve your relationship, and views challenges as new opportunities to grow.[11]
  1. Being in a relationship with a guy with a healthy level of ambition can make you excited about the world around you and inspire you to grow.[12]

    According to psychologist Dr. Chloe Carmichael, “Somebody who has ambition is somebody that is ready and willing to engage with life… You naturally would rather be with a partner who has a zeal and an excitement about the world around them [because] you could potentially also benefit from their ambition.”[13]

    How to know if he’s ambitious: He sets realistic goals, takes calculated risks in his career, and actively exposes himself to new ways of thinking.[14]
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  1. When a guy is passionate about something, whether it’s his work, his hobbies, or a new TV show, it can allow you to see a new side of him and keep the romance alive.

    Engaging in shared activities and finding new ways to grow can change how you interact with your partner and spark feelings of desire and passion when the honeymoon phase starts to fade.[22]

    How to know if he’s passionate: He might excitedly tell you about something new he’s been working on or work to find new activities for you to do together.[23]
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18

Shared values

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  1. One of the most important things to look for in a man is your shared values. Your core values direct your words and actions—they’re the foundation of how you live your life.

    Having a partner who shares your values is important because even when shared interests and attraction fade, your core values will always be there.[26]

    How to know if you share the same values: Ask him about his political opinions, religious beliefs, and what he imagines your future together to look like.
    EXPERT TIP
    John Keegan

    John Keegan

    Dating Coach
    John Keegan is a Dating Coach and motivational speaker based in New York City. With over 10 years of professional experience, he runs The Awakened Lifestyle, where he uses his expertise in dating, attraction, and social dynamics to help people find love. He teaches and holds dating workshops internationally, from Los Angeles to London and from Rio de Janeiro to Prague. His work has been featured in the New York Times, Humans of New York, and Men's Health.
    John Keegan
    John Keegan
    Dating Coach

    Remember, attraction goes beyond physical appearance. Look for a guy that's intelligent, confident, and kind. Someone who shares your values and uplifts you matters most in a fulfilling relationship.

Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What should I avoid or some common mistakes when finding a partner?
    John Keegan
    John Keegan
    Dating Coach
    John Keegan is a Dating Coach and motivational speaker based in New York City. With over 10 years of professional experience, he runs The Awakened Lifestyle, where he uses his expertise in dating, attraction, and social dynamics to help people find love. He teaches and holds dating workshops internationally, from Los Angeles to London and from Rio de Janeiro to Prague. His work has been featured in the New York Times, Humans of New York, and Men's Health.
    John Keegan
    Dating Coach
    Expert Answer
    One of the prevalent errors individuals make in their quest for a partner is succumbing to desperation or the belief that finding someone else will complete them. Attempting to fill an internal void or address personal shortcomings through a relationship often leads to complications. Even when a connection is established, issues arise because the individuals involved haven't undertaken personal growth. The misconception that a partner will serve as a panacea for all one's problems becomes a significant stumbling block. Another common mistake involves assessing potential partners solely based on external attractiveness without considering your own self-improvement. For instance, if someone is exclusively drawn to fit individuals physically but neglects their well-being through poor dietary habits and a lack of exercise, the likelihood of attracting such partners diminishes. Conversely, undervaluing oneself is equally detrimental. Constant self-deprecation and failing to build one's self-esteem create a self-fulfilling prophecy wherein individuals attract partners who align with their negative self-perception. Therefore, it is crucial to cultivate self-awareness and work on personal growth before seeking a partner. Focusing on building a positive self-image, both physically and emotionally, increases the likelihood of forming healthy connections with individuals who appreciate and complement the best version of oneself.
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Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about relationships, check out our in-depth interview with Chloe Carmichael, PhD.

  1. https://www.insider.com/signs-of-emotional-intelligence-2018-5
  2. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/emotional-intelligence-love-relationships.htm
  3. John Keegan. Dating Coach. Expert Interview
  4. Chloe Carmichael, PhD. Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Expert Interview
  5. https://www.fastcompany.com/3048722/six-habits-of-ambitious-people
  6. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/stronger-the-broken-places/201609/why-you-and-your-partner-need-celebrate-each-other
  7. https://www.usafvshelter.org/blog/green-flags-signs-of-a-loving-and-supportive-partner
  8. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/in-practice/202303/11-ways-couples-can-benefit-from-time-apart
  9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3356784/
  10. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/living-intimately/201105/attention-is-the-most-basic-form-love-2
  11. John Keegan. Dating Coach. Expert Interview
  12. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/relationships-and-communication
  13. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-positive-side-relationships/202203/how-add-passion-your-relationship
  14. John Keegan. Dating Coach. Expert Interview
  15. https://www.joinonelove.org/learn/stop-playing-the-blame-game-take-responsibility-in-your-relationship/
  16. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/compassion-matters/202207/why-is-honesty-so-important-in-relationship
  17. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/happiness-is-state-mind/202108/why-its-so-important-couples-talk-about-their-values

About This Article

Chloe Carmichael, PhD
Co-authored by:
Clinical Psychologist, Author of Dr. Chloe's 10 Commandments of Dating
This article was co-authored by Chloe Carmichael, PhD and by wikiHow staff writer, Cheyenne Main. Chloe Carmichael, PhD is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who runs a private practice in New York City. With over 12 years of psychological consulting experience, Dr. Chloe specializes in relationship issues, stress management, self-esteem, and career coaching. She has also instructed undergraduate courses at Long Island University and has served as adjunct faculty at the City University of New York. Dr. Chloe completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology at Long Island University in Brooklyn, New York, and her clinical training at Lenox Hill Hospital and Kings County Hospital. She is accredited by the American Psychological Association and is the author of “Nervous Energy: Harness the Power of Your Anxiety” and “Dr. Chloe's 10 Commandments of Dating.” This article has been viewed 19,162 times.
2 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 5
Updated: June 24, 2025
Views: 19,162
Categories: Getting a Boyfriend
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 19,162 times.

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